Dark manicures consistently exude elegance—here are 9 nail designs I'll be recreating this season.
When I consider the major nail trends of this season, sheer nail polishes, milky manicure styles, and soft pink hues come to mind. However, as a beauty editor who analyzes these trends professionally, I believe nothing exudes elegance quite like a dark nail color. Whether it’s a shiny black shade, a rich burgundy, or a stylish navy, I always receive the most compliments on my manicure when I choose these typical autumn colors. I've discussed these particular nail polishes in great detail, but today I want to focus on dark nail designs. If you're looking to elevate your usual nail style or find a basic manicure a bit mundane, you'll definitely want to explore these nail art ideas. These are some of the most fashionable autumnal nails available. In fact, they are so appealing that they've inspired me to set aside my usual black polish for something different. Curious about which dark nail design I'm considering? Just keep scrolling…
**Article continues below: 9 Best Dark Nail Designs to Try in 2025**
1. **Monochrome Polka Dots**
Polka dot nails are trending this season, and I’m sold on this dark color combination.
*Get the Look:*
- A dotting tool is necessary for this style.
- **Essie Nail Polish 88 Licorice:** My preferred black nail polish.
2. **Tortoiseshell Print**
Brown nails are in fashion, but for something unique, consider a chic tortoiseshell print.
*Get the Look:*
- **Nails Inc Keep It Tonal Nail Polish Set:** All the shades you need for this nail art.
- **Mylee Artiste Nail Brush Kit:** While this design can be tricky to achieve at home, these brushes will simplify the process.
3. **Tonal Accents**
I adore the idea of mixing a matte burgundy polish with glossy burgundy French tips.
*Get the Look:*
- **Nailberry Noirberry Oxygenated Nail Lacquer:** The most elegant burgundy shade.
- Apply a matte top coat before adding your glossy French tips.
4. **Dark French Tips**
A subtle way to integrate dark polish into your manicure is through a deep French-tip design.
*Get the Look:*
- **Nails Inc Mani Marker Black:** A mani marker makes creating French tips at home easy.
- **Manucurist Nail Art Liner Brush:** Alternatively, use this fine brush with your favorite polish for your French tips.
5. **Reverse French Tips**
A reverse French tip design is also quite playful.
*Get the Look:*
- **Beauty Pie Wondercolour Nail Polish (Hi Ho Silver):** Members' price shown. This silver shade would look beautiful with a dark black base.
- **Sally Hansen Insta-Dri 1 Stroke-1 Coat-Done! Nail Varnish Clearly Quick:** Don’t forget to seal your nail art with a clear top coat.
6. **Black Hearts**
The glossy finish of this black heart design adds a chic touch.
*Get the Look:*
- **OPI Infinite Shine Nail Polish Lady in Black:** This black polish is incredibly glossy.
- **OPI Mirror Shine Top Coat:** Combine with this top coat for a salon-quality manicure.
7. **Metallic Animal Print**
This dark nail design merges two of the biggest trends of the season.
*Get the Look:*
- **Essie Winter Collection Aprés Chic.**
- **Mylee Liner Gel Polish Monochrome Canvas Duo:** These gel polishes are crafted for more detailed nail art.
8. **Matte Finishes**
A burgundy nail polish always looks fabulous, but a matte top coat instantly gives it a trendy edge.
*Get the Look:*
- **OPI Black Cherry Chutney Nail Polish:** A stunning deep purple shade.
- Complete your look with a matte top coat, such as this one from Nails Inc.
9. **Chocolate Brown Cat Eye**
Cat-eye nails were everywhere around this time last year, and I've already seen this trend on many people this fall. This dark nail design is sure to garner compliments.
*Get the Look:*
- **Mylee Cat Eye Gel Nail Polish Spell:** For those who enjoy doing gel nails at home, this polish helps achieve the look in seconds.
- **Mylee Cat Eye Gel Nail Polish Blood-Moon:** Another beautiful autumn shade.
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Dark manicures consistently exude elegance—here are 9 nail designs I'll be recreating this season.
They are pleading to be remade.