I Inquired with Dua Lipa's Manicurist for Chic Nail Inspiration—It Turns Out, the Wrong-Shoe Theory Is the Key.

I Inquired with Dua Lipa's Manicurist for Chic Nail Inspiration—It Turns Out, the Wrong-Shoe Theory Is the Key.

      It’s widely acknowledged that Dua Lipa, as noted in a recent Instagram caption, is “never not having fun.” The entire internet enjoys living vicariously through her sparkling Instagram posts showcasing her glamorous tour experiences and affectionate moments with actor Callum Turner. Each scroll through her feed captivates us, often prompting us to zoom in on the chic details that highlight her effortless coolness, like her turquoise eyelashes and polka-dotted nails. Given that the latter has become a hot topic among beauty editors, I reached out to the source—celebrity manicurist Michelle Humphrey, who handles all of Lipa’s finest nail looks— to explore the upcoming fall and winter nail trends that we can embrace before they become mainstream. According to Humphrey, a set really stands out when one component is intentionally “off.” Let me elaborate.

      Whether it’s mismatched colors, starry designs, or black-and-white floral patterns, the pop star’s nails are all over our Pinterest boards. The stylish yet approachable eccentricity that draws us to Lipa's manicures reminds me of the "wrong-shoe theory," popularized by stylist Allison Bornstein. This theory suggests that when most elements of an outfit align perfectly except for one (like a formal shoe paired with a casual outfit or, in this scenario, a sheer nude polish combined with 3D embellishments), it instantly elevates the look’s interest. After discussing this concept with Humphrey, it seems that the same principle applies to nails.

      Dua Lipa's nails, crafted by Michelle Humphrey. However, when you ask the manicurist, she insists that all the credit belongs to Lipa. “She’s got the ideas! She’s reviving nail art,” Humphrey shared during our video call. “It felt like it had stagnated for a bit, but she’s bringing it back, which makes my job all the more exciting, you know?” Exciting hardly captures the trend breakdown Humphrey provided us. Below are eight nail trends the celebrity manicurist anticipates will be everywhere this fall and winter—so you should get a head start on them.

      **1. Contrast Colors**

      Humphrey highlights Iris Law’s trendy color pairing at Paris Fashion Week as one of the emerging trends. She attributes the mismatched manicure to her friend and fellow celebrity manicurist Imarni, stating that the unconventional placements are “really cool” in a wrong-shoe type of way. “It’s just a bit off,” she comments appreciatively. “Very cool, in my opinion.” To achieve this style, adopt a relaxed approach to your polish. Select two colors that aren’t typically paired together and one neutral (for instance, Law’s baby-pink polish) to tie everything together. Paint most of your fingers in different colors, ensuring that the same color isn’t next to each other, and alternate the pattern on the opposite hand. “Mixing these unexpected colors is fantastic,” Humphrey muses. “I thought it was great.”

      **2. Jewel Tones**

      Humphrey believes that sometimes the best trends are the timeless classics. Enter jewel tones: the standout color palette for fall and winter runways, makeup looks, and manicures. She complimented my burgundy nails on several occasions (thanks to Olive & June’s almond press-ons in Obsessed), calling the deep wine hue “perfect for winter.” She appreciates that these rich, vibrant shades are versatile. Whether you prefer sapphire blue, rich amethyst, or ruby red, you can wear them solo, as accents in negative-space designs, or mix them up like Law’s adventurous color combination. “What could be really cute?” she suggests. “Try that quirky three-color look with jewel tones and blend the shades together. That could be a winner.”

      **3. Autumnal Polka Dots**

      Sabrina Carpenter also embraced the Lipa-inspired polka-dot nail trend this summer, and Humphrey believes this trend will continue to flourish. Instead, she anticipates it will evolve with the seasons. Since Humphrey mentioned that this trend was inspired by runway shows (“A lot of fashion had a polka dot theme [this summer], so I thought, why not bring this to nails?”), she predicts the trend will transition into a richer autumnal color palette rather than the lighter summer tones. Referring to my burgundy nails, Humphrey proposes adding a few white dots, “and you’ve instantly transformed your polka dot design from spring/summer to autumn/winter.” Whether using lighter and deeper shades of a monochromatic palette (like a lilac base with deep purple dots, as seen in a set by celebrity nail artist Iram Shelton) or pairing autumnal hues with white or black dots, there are infinite ways to adapt this summery design for fall.

      **4. Cat-Eye Claws**

      “Velvet nails and cat-eye nails—they're incredibly

I Inquired with Dua Lipa's Manicurist for Chic Nail Inspiration—It Turns Out, the Wrong-Shoe Theory Is the Key. I Inquired with Dua Lipa's Manicurist for Chic Nail Inspiration—It Turns Out, the Wrong-Shoe Theory Is the Key. I Inquired with Dua Lipa's Manicurist for Chic Nail Inspiration—It Turns Out, the Wrong-Shoe Theory Is the Key. I Inquired with Dua Lipa's Manicurist for Chic Nail Inspiration—It Turns Out, the Wrong-Shoe Theory Is the Key. I Inquired with Dua Lipa's Manicurist for Chic Nail Inspiration—It Turns Out, the Wrong-Shoe Theory Is the Key. I Inquired with Dua Lipa's Manicurist for Chic Nail Inspiration—It Turns Out, the Wrong-Shoe Theory Is the Key. I Inquired with Dua Lipa's Manicurist for Chic Nail Inspiration—It Turns Out, the Wrong-Shoe Theory Is the Key. I Inquired with Dua Lipa's Manicurist for Chic Nail Inspiration—It Turns Out, the Wrong-Shoe Theory Is the Key. I Inquired with Dua Lipa's Manicurist for Chic Nail Inspiration—It Turns Out, the Wrong-Shoe Theory Is the Key. I Inquired with Dua Lipa's Manicurist for Chic Nail Inspiration—It Turns Out, the Wrong-Shoe Theory Is the Key. I Inquired with Dua Lipa's Manicurist for Chic Nail Inspiration—It Turns Out, the Wrong-Shoe Theory Is the Key. I Inquired with Dua Lipa's Manicurist for Chic Nail Inspiration—It Turns Out, the Wrong-Shoe Theory Is the Key. I Inquired with Dua Lipa's Manicurist for Chic Nail Inspiration—It Turns Out, the Wrong-Shoe Theory Is the Key. I Inquired with Dua Lipa's Manicurist for Chic Nail Inspiration—It Turns Out, the Wrong-Shoe Theory Is the Key. I Inquired with Dua Lipa's Manicurist for Chic Nail Inspiration—It Turns Out, the Wrong-Shoe Theory Is the Key. I Inquired with Dua Lipa's Manicurist for Chic Nail Inspiration—It Turns Out, the Wrong-Shoe Theory Is the Key. I Inquired with Dua Lipa's Manicurist for Chic Nail Inspiration—It Turns Out, the Wrong-Shoe Theory Is the Key. I Inquired with Dua Lipa's Manicurist for Chic Nail Inspiration—It Turns Out, the Wrong-Shoe Theory Is the Key. I Inquired with Dua Lipa's Manicurist for Chic Nail Inspiration—It Turns Out, the Wrong-Shoe Theory Is the Key. I Inquired with Dua Lipa's Manicurist for Chic Nail Inspiration—It Turns Out, the Wrong-Shoe Theory Is the Key. I Inquired with Dua Lipa's Manicurist for Chic Nail Inspiration—It Turns Out, the Wrong-Shoe Theory Is the Key. I Inquired with Dua Lipa's Manicurist for Chic Nail Inspiration—It Turns Out, the Wrong-Shoe Theory Is the Key. I Inquired with Dua Lipa's Manicurist for Chic Nail Inspiration—It Turns Out, the Wrong-Shoe Theory Is the Key. I Inquired with Dua Lipa's Manicurist for Chic Nail Inspiration—It Turns Out, the Wrong-Shoe Theory Is the Key. I Inquired with Dua Lipa's Manicurist for Chic Nail Inspiration—It Turns Out, the Wrong-Shoe Theory Is the Key. I Inquired with Dua Lipa's Manicurist for Chic Nail Inspiration—It Turns Out, the Wrong-Shoe Theory Is the Key. I Inquired with Dua Lipa's Manicurist for Chic Nail Inspiration—It Turns Out, the Wrong-Shoe Theory Is the Key. I Inquired with Dua Lipa's Manicurist for Chic Nail Inspiration—It Turns Out, the Wrong-Shoe Theory Is the Key. I Inquired with Dua Lipa's Manicurist for Chic Nail Inspiration—It Turns Out, the Wrong-Shoe Theory Is the Key. I Inquired with Dua Lipa's Manicurist for Chic Nail Inspiration—It Turns Out, the Wrong-Shoe Theory Is the Key. I Inquired with Dua Lipa's Manicurist for Chic Nail Inspiration—It Turns Out, the Wrong-Shoe Theory Is the Key.

Other articles

Trust Me: This Overlooked Makeup Item Makes Achieving Sculpted Cheeks Effortless Trust Me: This Overlooked Makeup Item Makes Achieving Sculpted Cheeks Effortless Greetings, cheekbones. Tired of black? All the stylish women I know are currently sporting outfits in this sophisticated color instead. Tired of black? All the stylish women I know are currently sporting outfits in this sophisticated color instead. Whether you choose indigo denim or incorporate a tailored coat into your daily outfit, these polished all-navy ensembles will make you overlook black. Tired of black? All the most stylish women I know are currently donning outfits in this sophisticated color instead. Tired of black? All the most stylish women I know are currently donning outfits in this sophisticated color instead. Whether you choose indigo denim or incorporate a tailored coat into your daily outfit, these polished all-navy ensembles will make you overlook black. Paris! London! New York! Here's How Individuals Style the Barn Jacket Variedly According to Their Location. Paris! London! New York! Here's How Individuals Style the Barn Jacket Variedly According to Their Location. From Paris to New York, the barn jacket transitioned from storage boxes to a global sensation almost instantly. Here's how to wear it. Trust Me on This: This Overlooked Makeup Item Ensures Perfectly Sculpted Cheeks Every Time Trust Me on This: This Overlooked Makeup Item Ensures Perfectly Sculpted Cheeks Every Time Hi there, cheekbones. It's a contentious topic (I understand), but frequent fashion enthusiasts highly recommend this jeans ensemble for long flights. It's a contentious topic (I understand), but frequent fashion enthusiasts highly recommend this jeans ensemble for long flights. It includes a stylish leather coat and fashionable luggage.

I Inquired with Dua Lipa's Manicurist for Chic Nail Inspiration—It Turns Out, the Wrong-Shoe Theory Is the Key.

These trends will characterize the fall and winter seasons.