Nine new elegant nail designs to elevate your autumn manicure, from sheer vanilla to tortoiseshell

While the first signs of inclement weather might be enough to send some into a spiral as the sudden fear of winter and dark evenings loom ahead, for others, the start of autumn has an altogether brighter feel: cosy nights in, cashmere and candles, and the prospect of a seasonal manicure.

Indeed, autumn is the perfect opportunity for a seasonal refresh, shedding the ebullient shades of summer for a darker colour palette. "After a summer of pastels, brights and cooler neutrals, this is the season for rich nail shades that make a statement," agrees Daisy Kalnina, founder and CEO of The GelBottle.

As for the hues expected to dominate this autumn? "Wine red, deep browns and burgundy hues have long been classic looks for autumn and will continue for 2025, with even deeper tones and impactful, high gloss finishes," she adds. "Outside of colour, we’re seeing a growing trend for experimenting with different finishes, from metallics to ombré and opaque," she notes.

Ahead, nine new autumnal manicures to take to your next salon appointment...

Merlot

It's hard to resist the pull of a wine-inspired red manicure come autumn. Opt for GelBottle's new Heist collection; the shade Classified is arguably the perfect deep, glossy red and an ultra-short square finish can look just as chic as the more traditional almond shape.

Tortoiseshell

If you're searching for ways to upgrade a classic monochrome manicure without veering towards anything too bold, a classic tortoiseshell pattern is just that; it still plays on the 'quiet luxury' aesthetic while adding intrigue to chocolate brown nails.

Striped French tips

Those tiring of their classic French manicure can go against the grain with this elevated black-and-white French tip—use a precision liner brush if you're DIY'ing your manicure.

Apple red

Harriet Westmoreland, the celebrity nail artist tending to the fingertips of some of the biggest stars, has declared this vibrant red the colour du jour. It hits the perfect sweet spot between a bold red and a burgundy—an ideal pop of colour for the sudden arrival of autumn that still feels cosy and warm.

Sheer vanilla

"Sheers work well all-year-round and are particularly popular for the ‘clean mani’ aesthetic," shares Kalnina, who recommends looking for a buildable baby pink. "Sheer tones might not be traditionally autumnal, but they're perfect for those who love a minimalist, milky base."

Midnight plum

An intense berry-toned purple might not be an obvious choice for autumn—particularly among the sea of liquorice and burgundy tones that usually dominate the colder months—but this glossy manicure makes a strong case for embracing a deeper plum tone this season.

Chrome French tips

"The metallic look is continuing into autumn, with bolder, more seasonal colours," shares Kalnina. Depending on where you sit on the minimalist vs. maximalist nail art aesthetic, try adding softer metallic French tips to your manicure rotation.

Pearlescent cat eye

Cat eye might typically call to mind a bold, attention-grabbing manicure, but it can still work for minimalists with the right colour palette – think milky pinks, nude-beige tones and chocolates.

Polka dot

Polka dots returned to great fanfare this summer, taking over the red carpet, the runway and even our nail art. This season, add an autumnal twist via mismatching dots and seasonal reds.

All Images: Getty

This article originally appeared on harpersbazaar.com

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