It's Official: The Most Stylish Manicures of This Season Are Finally Retiring These 6 Nail Designs.

      Last weekend, I scheduled my first gel manicure of the fall and regrettably waited until the last moment to decide on a polish color and design. I ended up scrolling through nail ideas during the 15-minute drive to the salon. I came across DND, OPI, and Essie polishes on TikTok, where nail enthusiasts showcased and reviewed their favorite shades and styles of the season. With countless inspiration images at my fingertips, I ultimately reverted to my reliable neutral pink, convincing myself it was the ideal way to transition from the vibrant citrus shades and playful designs of summer. While I appreciated the clean nail look I chose, part of me craved a fall manicure that embraced some of the season's biggest trends, so I decided to reassess. I’ve since consulted two manicurists about which outdated nail trends we should expect to see less of this season and which ones to adopt, and I've booked another appointment for early October to start fresh. Continue reading to discover which trends I'll be testing and which ones I'll be leaving behind.

      What nail designs will be out of style this fall? A new season brings numerous chances to refresh beauty routines and explore new inspirations. Freelance manicurist Erica De Los Santos shared insights on some of the prominent nail trends that have run their course and those expected to emerge. "This fall, we’ll be bidding farewell to jelly finishes and ultra-bright colors that prevailed earlier this year as we transition to a more grounded, cozy aesthetic," De Los Santos explains. Although there isn't a singular approach to achieving the perfect fall manicure, think about selecting shades that mirror the changing environment in the western hemisphere at this time. "Muted, earthy tones such as chocolate browns, warm caramels, khaki greens, and rich jewel shades are replacing the neon brights, while ombré and gradient styles are taking the place of bold, high-contrast designs," De Los Santos remarks. Incorporating a touch of shine or texture can elevate any manicure, so don’t hesitate to use chrome finishes and nail toppers.

      If you, like me, prefer lighter neutrals, you're in luck—they’ll still be in style, now with a chic seasonal twist perfect for fall and into winter. "Instead of loud, playful colors, nails are adopting a more sophisticated vibe with moody tones, soft neutrals, creamy off-whites, and layered effects like chrome accents, subtle polka dots, or tortoiseshell textures," she adds. According to De Los Santos, the upcoming looks are moving away from flashy colors, textures, and finishes toward "rich, dimensional elegance that pairs beautifully with fall fashion."

      What are this year's standout trends? While exploring these fall beauty trends, I enjoyed reflecting on the styles that have served us well and what inspired the new ones populating our Pinterest boards. Thus far, the nail trends I’ve been bookmarking feature traditional seasonal colors with modern details. For De Los Santos, the key aspect of this season's most fashionable manicures is their blend of richness and subtlety. "Muted tones are taking center stage—often complemented by matte finishes that lend nails a soft, contemporary edge," she explains. Manicurist and global educator at Salon Perfect, Vicki Ornellas, concurs, emphasizing the increase in clean, no-fuss manicures this fall. "Clients are looking for a sleek minimalist style but still want a bit of flair," she notes. For instance, glass nails offer an easy way to achieve this. Available in various colors, they can be styled with playful or sophisticated aesthetics. "Glass nails consist of a layered design with depth," Ornellas elaborates. To execute 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 foresee that manicure trends will shift from the cozy muted tones of browns, khakis, and caramels to deeper, more dramatic shades that feel richer and bolder for the holidays," De Los Santos forecasts. She mentions jewel-like garnet, deep navy blue, and classic black with glossy or metallic finishes as the shades to watch for. "While fall emphasizes softness and balance with matte finishes and earthy hues, winter tends to introduce a touch more glamour—expect to see deeper shades combined with chrome, shimmer, and glitter accents that sparkle in festive settings," she adds.

      How can I achieve trendy nails at home? Now that you’re aware of the nail trends that are on their way out (as well as those that will be popular among the fashion-forward), why not give them a try at home? You can easily create these looks without a salon visit. De Los Santos recommends starting with good preparation, including clean cuticles and a smoothing base coat, and ensuring you have thoughtful color options available. "Muted earthy tones, rich jewel shades, and creamy neutrals are in the spotlight currently, and you can enhance them