I’m a Nail Trend Specialist—7 Manicures for Autumn to Winter That Exude "Fashion-Forward"

      As a beauty editor focused on keeping up with the latest and greatest nail trends, I take pride in having a nail mood board prepared for any occasion. Whether it’s dazzling designs in anticipation of the party season, festive nails for Christmas, or a selection of elegant nail colors suitable for year-round wear, rest assured, I’m equipped for every event. Currently, we find ourselves in an intriguing season—not quite autumn anymore (at least referring to the outside temperatures), yet not fully into winter either. This weather has left me uncertain about which trends to follow. Therefore, I decided to gather fresh inspiration that perfectly captures this tricky transition. Think of nail colors we adored in autumn, but with a wintry twist, or nail art that will carry us from early December into the new year seamlessly. Without further delay, here are the top autumn-to-winter nail trends selected by a nail-enthusiastic beauty editor...

      **Article continues below: The Best Autumn-to-Winter Nail Trends**

      1. **Mulled Wine Nails**

      While autumn favored deep red tones, winter is about a richer shade of red. Mulled wine nails—a wine red with a touch of sparkle—invoke the Christmas spirit without being overly festive, ideal for those who prefer more subdued holiday nails.

      **Shop the Trend:**

      - **& Other Stories Nail Colour:** An excellent affordable choice.

      - **Nailberry Oxygenated Nail Lacquer in Very Merry Merlot:** This shade features lovely sparkle throughout.

      2. **Plaid Print**

      I recently penned an entire article on the rising trend of checkered nails, so I had to include them here. This design by nail artist Queenie Nguyen exemplifies checkered nails that seamlessly blend autumn and winter hues with a plaid motif that's perfect for the cooler months.

      **Shop the Trend:**

      - **Hermès Les Mains Hermès Nail Enamel in Brown:** Pair with brighter colors for an artistic contrast. Perfect for achieving clean lines.

      3. **Midnight Black**

      Winter nails aren't solely about festive styles; for those drawn to minimalist aesthetics, midnight black is the chic option. Referred to as 'winter nude' by manicurist Julia Diogo, this crisp shade exudes elegance and luxury, especially in colder weather.

      **Shop the Trend:**

      - **Dior Vernis in Bold Black:** A richly pigmented black polish.

      - **Nails Inc. 45 Second Speedy Gloss in Black:** Crafted to dry quickly for times when you’re in a rush.

      4. **Bambi Nails**

      This year has brought numerous animal print trends—leopard, zebra, and cow prints—but a new trend has emerged for this transitional season: Bambi nails. These nails beautifully embody animal print, inspired by the fawn's coat in rustic and copper tones, accented with creamy white spots.

      **Shop the Trend:**

      - **Barry M Shimmer Nail Paint in Cascading:** The sparkle season has begun.

      - **H&M Nail Polish in Whiteout:** A simple white nail polish opens the door to endless nail art possibilities.

      5. **Pearly Shimmer**

      For those who favor lighter colors year-round, this pearly shimmer collection is ideal. It captures the essence of timeless milky manicures while adding a winter-approved iridescent flair, offering just the right sparkle to carry you into the party season.

      **Shop the Trend:**

      - **Manucurist Nail Polish in Fairy:** The same polish used by nail artist Mateja.

      - **Gelcare Gel Polish in Freshwater Pearl:** A similar appearance in a gel formulation.

      6. **Velvet Tips**

      Velvet is a fabric typically associated with this season, so why not translate that to your nails? While going full velvet is an option, I adore this look by Queenie, which provides a stylish, seasonal take on the French tip. Feel free to experiment with various shades; her rich brown is perfect for this time, but you can recreate this style using trending winter hues like burgundy, plum, or navy.

      **Shop the Trend:**

      - **Mylee Cat Eye Gel Nail Polish in Spell:** Mylee's polish delivers a comparable effect to Queenie’s.

      - **Nails Inc. Get Magnetized Magnet Effect Nail Polish Duo:** Two polishes in one package.

      7. **Cool Copper**

      There's something consistently striking about high-shine metallic nails, especially with a simple block-color finish for maximum effect. Instead of opting for silver or gold, try a copper hue during these transitional months—it reflects the changing leaves while embracing our love of sparkle through winter.

      **Shop the Trend:**

      - **Chanel Le Vernis in Alchimiste:** Truly a unique shade.

      - **Beauty Pie Wondercolour Nail Polish in Bright Bronze:** A subtler tone.