9 Manicure Trends That Will Be Everywhere in Autumn, According to Nail Experts

It may sound premature to say that we're already starting to fine-tune our autumn shopping lists, but with the summer flip-flopping between 90-degree heat and nonstop downpours, we're frankly feeling ready to embrace the season ahead. Of course, with a new season comes a slew of new trends to take note of—both in fashion and in beauty—and while we've already pinpointed the fall trends that you're going to see everywhere, it's time to dig into the details. First stop: nails. And more specifically, the nine autumn nail trends that are going to be everywhere next season.

Sure, we can get a pretty good steer on cool micro nail trends by scrolling through Instagram, but nothing beats an expert opinion, which is why we tapped some of our favorite pros for their predictions on the nail trends that will dominate the beauty world in fall 2021. 

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(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

Below, you'll find nine autumn nail trends that will make your next manicure anything but boring.

1. Leopard Print

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(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

"Who doesn’t love a little leopard print? The colors work so well for autumn, and it’s a relatively simple look to re-create at home," says Carla Opoku, founder of Cienna Rose. "I think having just a vertical stripe of print gives it a cool vibe rather than just having the entire nail in leopard print."

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(Image credit: @imarninails)

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2. '70s Swirls

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(Image credit: @thehangedit)

"We’ll be taking inspiration from classic Pucci prints and decorating our nails in wavy designs and swirly patterns," predicts Opoku. "Go for autumnal shades in mocha, taupe, spiced pumpkin and maroon."

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(Image credit: @celmatique)

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3. Minimalist Metallics

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(Image credit: @imarninails)

"Metallics always make a bit of a return come autumn, but this season, they’ll be very pared-back and minimal," explains Opoku. "Muted bases in pinks and beige tones will just have a smattering of sparkle or foil, making nails look very chic and wearable—a minimalist mani at its finest!"

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(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

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4. Matte Textures

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(Image credit: @varnishlane)

"Matte nails are having a moment, but for those who aren't ready to brave the full nail art look, you can wear a hint of the texture as a French tip or a detail," explains Dani Bailey, award-winning nail artist, and OPI nail boss. "It will elevate a basic mani in a really cool way." 

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(Image credit: @imarninails)

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5. Neutral Tones

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(Image credit: @harrietwestmoreland)

"Nudes never go out of fashion, and natural skin tones are amazing for autumn," explains Bailey. "Shape-wise, most people came out of lockdown wanting a more low-key approach to shape and length. Obviously, there are still the more adventurous clients out there, but as a tendency, the long stilettos did give way to the shorter squovals. I do think there will be a big return of the almonds soon, though!"

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(Image credit: @buffcs)

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6. Khaki Green

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(Image credit: @buffcs)

According to the mani experts at Nailberry, there's going to be one unexpected color on everyone's nails this autumn: khaki green. "Cool, contemporary, and surprisingly neutral, khaki is the new black," they predict. 

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(Image credit: @thatsaleaf)

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7. Deep Opulence

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(Image credit: @nails_of_la)

One of Hully's favorite colors is Nailberry's Noirberry—a deep, blackish-red that looks set to take off next season. Look for ultra-opaque and totally opulent reds, greens, and navies at the darkest end of the color spectrum for a sophisticated autumn manicure. 

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(Image credit: @harrietwestmoreland)

 

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8. Mix-and-Match Hues

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(Image credit: @snail.and.hare)

London-based salon Snail & Hare predicts that this autumn's manicures will be inspired by the same color palettes as the autumn 2021 runway collections. Manicurists will be "layering in shades of green, blue and brown as well as neutrals and contrast colors." But it isn't just about the nail polish shades used, it's about the design too. "Abstract nail designs, like the ones created here, are the most popular at the moment."

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(Image credit: @paragonnails)

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9. Negative Space

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(Image credit: @celmatique)

"The autumn/winter nail colors are amazing, but people will be contrasting colors with negative space next season," explains Loretta Walker, OPI nail boss. "Geometric lines will also be super popular as we move into the next season."

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(Image credit: @thehangedit)

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Up Next: Fall Beauty Hall of Fame: The Top Products Worth Your Attention

This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK.

Mica Ricketts