Labor Day has come and gone, marking the unofficial end of fun in the sun. It’s time for pumpkin patches, apple picking, football, and cozy weekends spent on the couch with your favorite fall food and drinks. Put on your favorite fall outfit, grab your pumpkin-flavored drink, and run to your favorite nail salon. After all, the perfect fall aesthetic isn’t complete without a gorgeous set of nails to go with it.
This summer, we saw plenty of bright colors, sparkles, and intricate designs. It’s not to say everyone is sick of those styles, but they can get overwhelming. As we move into fall, expect more casual nails in neutral or dark colors, with more subtle designs, if any.
Starting with nail shape, shorter nails are back. Fall is all about comfort, and as cute as they are, long, intricate nails just aren’t suitable for everyday life. To maintain a more practical and relaxed style this fall, opt for a natural nail with a simple polish or design. Natural nails are easier to maintain and can still look just as nice as extensions or acrylics. For anyone looking for something a little more, expect to see a lot of softer shapes: almond, squoval, and oval. These shapes best complement the colors, patterns, and designs of the season.
Now for the colors of the season: as with every fall, neutrals are back in. A good nude, brown, or tan pairs well with any fall outfit, whether that be your favorite skirt and sweater or a comfortable lounge set. The color itself is not the focal point, instead focusing on your gorgeously well-manicured hands or perhaps the simple design you chose to add.
For anyone looking to add a little more color, there are two trends popping up. One is the darker, moodier aesthetic. This year, this aesthetic specifically embraces deep berry colors: reds, purples, blues, and sometimes even dark pink (my personal favorite). For a lighter but still downplayed look, consider a muted orange or forest green color—perfect for a day at the pumpkin patch!
You can never go wrong with a simple, nice coat of nail polish, but who can resist adding a little more? Animal print trends have come and gone in waves; this season, expect to see lots of deer print (darker nails with white specks like the spots on a baby deer) and tortoiseshell nails. These incorporate browns and other neutrals while adding a fun flair.
If animal print just isn’t your vibe, you may find yourself falling down an endless spiral of inspiration pictures filled with chrome, polka dots, French tips, and textured patterns. Some of these trends have been carried over from summer, just adapted with more suitable fall colors. Others, like textured patterns, are designed to emulate chunky sweater stitching, gingham, and plaid. Even more intricate textured designs might include a 3-D pumpkin or a spooky face like that of a ghost or a jack-o’-lantern.
With these ideas in mind, you can skip the endless hours of scrolling and searching before your next appointment. Create your own perfect set and carry a little bit of this exciting season everywhere you go.