It's Official: The Most Fashionable Manicures of This Season Are Putting an End to These 6 Nail Designs.

      Last weekend, I scheduled my first gel manicure appointment of the fall and regrettably waited until the last minute to decide on a polish color and design. I found myself scrolling through nail inspiration during the 15-minute car ride to the salon. On TikTok, I came across DND, OPI, and Essie polishes, with content creators showcasing their favorite shades and nail art for the season. Despite having hundreds of inspirational images, I ultimately chose my reliable neutral pink, convincing myself it was the best option for transitioning from the vibrant citrus shades and playful designs of summer. Although I appreciated the clean nail look I settled on, I found myself wanting a fall manicure that embraced some of the season's key trends, so I revisited my choices. Since then, I consulted with two manicurists for their insights on outdated nail trends for the season and ones that are worth trying, and I booked another appointment for early October for a fresh start. Keep reading to discover the trends I will be trying and those I will be retiring.

      What nail styles will be out of fashion this fall? The start of a new season offers a plethora of opportunities to refine beauty routines and seek fresh inspiration. Freelance manicurist Erica De Los Santos shared some prominent nail trends that are fading out and those that are set to take over. "This fall, we’re bidding farewell to jelly finishes and bright colors that were prevalent earlier this year as we shift towards a more grounded and cozy aesthetic," De Los Santos explains. While there are various ways to achieve the perfect fall manicure, consider picking shades that mirror the changing environment around us during this time of year in the western hemisphere. "Muted earthy tones like chocolate browns, warm caramels, khaki greens, and rich jewel tones are replacing neon brights, while ombré and gradient styles are taking over for stark, high-contrast designs," says De Los Santos. Adding a touch of shine or texture can elevate any manicure, so don't hesitate to incorporate chrome finishes and nail toppers. If you tend to favor lighter neutrals, you’ll be pleased to know they will remain in vogue, with a stylish seasonal twist that will carry us through fall and into winter. "Rather than loud, playful colors, nails are adopting a sophisticated edge with moody hues, soft neutrals, creamy off-whites, and layered designs like chrome accents, subtle polka dots, or tortoiseshell textures," she adds. De Los Santos suggests that upcoming looks will trend away from flashy shades and textures, opting instead for "rich, dimensional elegance that pairs flawlessly with fall fashion."

      What makes this year's trends stand out? While diving into fall beauty, I enjoyed reflecting on the trends that served us well and what influenced the emergence of new ones we now see on Pinterest. The nail trends I have been saving feature the season's classic colors with stylish details. According to De Los Santos, what distinguishes this season's most popular manicure styles is their balance of richness and subtlety. "Rather than bold, vibrant colors, muted tones are taking center stage—often combined with matte finishes that provide a soft, contemporary touch," she explains. Vicki Ornellas, a manicurist and global educator at Salon Perfect, shares this perspective, noting a growing preference for clean, no-fuss manicures this fall. "I see clients wanting a sleek minimalist look, but with a touch of flair," she says. For instance, glass nails achieve this easily, available in a wide range of colors, from fun and colorful sets to classic, sophisticated finishes. "Glass nails are layered designs that create dimension and depth," Ornellas explains. To achieve this look, she combines cat-eye gel, jelly color gel, and chrome powder. De Los Santos anticipates that the transition from fall to winter will bring additional color and design trends. "I anticipate that the manicure trends will evolve from cozy muted browns, khakis, and caramels into deeper, bolder shades that feel richer and more holiday-ready," she notes. She mentions jewel-like garnet, deep navy blue, and timeless black with glossy or metallic finishes as colors to watch. "While fall is characterized by softness and balance through matte finishes and earthy tones, winter brings a touch of glamour—expect to see deeper shades paired with chrome, shimmer, and glitter accents that catch the light in festive settings," she adds.

      How can I achieve trendy nails at home? Now that you're aware of the nail trends that are fading (as well as those that will be seen on the most fashionable), why not try some yourself? These looks can be effortlessly recreated at home without a salon visit. De Los Santos stresses the importance of good preparation, ensuring clean cuticles and having a smoothing base coat and thoughtful color options ready. "Muted earthy colors, deep jewel tones, and creamy neutrals are in vogue right now, and you can enhance them with a matte topcoat or subtle accents like ombré