Notice: All the fashionable New Yorkers have already embraced this luxurious-looking manicure trend.

      It is evident that the fashion world is embracing brown in a significant way, ranging from leggings to knitwear and various types of footwear. A deep, chocolatey shade is emerging as one of the standout color trends for 2025, and its impact is currently making waves in the beauty scene. For instance, brown monochromatic makeup is trending this season, and an espresso manicure is a clever choice to enhance any outfit's sophistication. "Clients are embracing chocolatey, plush tones that exude luxury while being grounded—similar to their fall wardrobes," says Jin Soon Choi, an editorial manicurist and founder of JinSoon. For those wanting to elevate the elegance further, I highly recommend chocolate suede nails, a smooth and sumptuous manicure that rivals its fashion equivalents. Below, you'll find a detailed explanation.

      What are chocolate suede nails? In essence, chocolate suede nails refer to a chocolate-brown manicure featuring a velvety matte finish. While it may not have the trademark fuzzy texture, the correct polish and topcoat combination can create a soft, suede-like appearance. "The color feels indulgent, akin to a cashmere sweater or a leather boot. There's an appealing softness and strength that's ideal for colder seasons," Choi observes, describing the trend as both refined and cozy. "When coupled with a matte finish, these hues adopt a soft, suede-like aesthetic that is visually appealing and perfect for the season." She adds, "They're fashion-forward, closely aligned with current runway trends and street style, yet they're also timeless and flattering for every skin tone." All that's needed is the right richly pigmented brown polish (recommendations to follow!) that complements your undertones.

      How to Achieve the Look Don't overlook nail preparation! According to Choi, the shape of your nails can influence the suede-like finish. Short square or squoval nails are the best choices, although longer almond and round shapes can lend a more editorial vibe, she notes. "These shapes reflect the trend's softness while maintaining a clean and chic appearance," Choi adds. "Because chocolate tones have visual heft, pairing them with balanced, elegant shapes makes the overall look more refined and wearable." Once you've shaped your nails to your liking, it's time to select a polish. Any richly pigmented chocolate brown will work well, provided it has red, cocoa, or neutral undertones. "Avoid anything too ashy or gray," Choi advises. This is also not the moment for flashy nail art. To truly replicate the look of suede, Choi suggests keeping it clean and minimal. (Though, glossy French tips like the example below will always look stylish.) After applying a couple of smooth, even coats, finish with a matte topcoat to achieve that touchable texture.

      Keep in mind that not all matte topcoats are the same. "Some matte finishes can appear chalky or excessively dry. The objective here is to create a velvety, touchable surface that still feels luxurious," Choi clarifies. Her brand's Matte Maker is a definite recommendation (and it was precisely what I envisioned before Choi suggested it), as it provides a soft, powdery effect without appearing too dusty. "The matte finish diffuses light and gives the color a velvety depth that perfectly mimics suede," she adds. Lastly, apply a bit of cuticle oil to the nail beds—just ensure you wait until the polish is completely dry to avoid dulling the matte finish. "Well-moisturized cuticles enhance the overall appearance, but it's crucial not to disturb that delicate suede texture," Choi notes. With that, explore the nail essentials below, all of which complement a brown suede coat perfectly.

      Shop the Trend

      One of the finest matte topcoats available.

      According to Choi, Fire Clay has a warm, rust-like tint that is ideal for suede-inspired nails.

      "Toff is a creamy cocoa that appears stunning in matte," assures Choi.

      This Hermès chocolate-brown nail polish is incredibly luxurious.

      Londontown Midnight Mocha This deep mocha shade is simply breathtaking.

      Elegant and slightly Western—that's chocolate suede in a nutshell.

      Manucurist polishes offer vibrant color payoff with a fast drying time.

      OPI You Don't Know Jacques! This taupe brown with cocoa undertones looks exceptionally rich.

      For a more budget-friendly matte topper, this OPI option is a reliable choice.

      While I can't pinpoint why, using a luxurious-looking cuticle oil motivates me to apply it more often. My nail beds have thanked me since I incorporated this into my routine!

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