We're fully aware that summer's just started, but even as we begin getting reacclimatised to all of the sunny days the season has in store for us, we can't help think ahead to a chilly autumn (with fluffy socks, pumpkin-spice candles [1], and all). On the beauty side of things, as much as we love sporting bright and poppy lipsticks and nail polish shades [2], we'd be lying if we said that our more moody, autumn nail colours [3] weren't calling our names right now — which is why we've gathered up a few autumn nail-art trends that we can't wait to give a warm welcome once the time comes.
This year's spring and summer nail-art trends [4] were all about extravagance and bold, multicoloured nails, but as the weather gets cooler, you can expect the trends to be a bit more muted, as dark, nude, and autumnal shades slowly begin to take over our inspiration boards.
Ahead, two nail experts — celebrity manicurist Elle Gerstein [5] and LeChat Nails [6] educator Hemi Park [7] — are sharing their nail-art trend predictions for autumn.
2021 Autumn Nail-Art Trend: Autumn Swirls
Swirled and wavy nail designs were super on-trend last fall, though this year, the look is getting an upgrade with darker, more fall-themed colours. "For autumn we'll be seeing this design with dusty oranges, browns, and maroons, which will look great swirled," Park said.
2021 Autumn Nail-Art Trend: Autumn Swirls
2021 Autumn Nail-Art Trend: Autumn Swirls
2021 Autumn Nail-Art Trend: Autumn Swirls
2021 Autumn Nail-Art Trend: Autumn Swirls
2021 Autumn Nail-Art Trend: Minimal Metallic Foils
According to Gerstein, matte or neutral nail colours with metallic foil accents will be a huge trend this autumn. "It gives a nice juxtaposition between the nude matte and shiny, bright metallic," she said.
2021 Autumn Nail-Art Trend: Minimal Metallic Foils
2021 Autumn Nail-Art Trend: Minimal Metallic Foils
2021 Autumn Nail-Art Trend: Minimal Metallic Foils
2021 Autumn Nail-Art Trend: French Tips With an Autumn Twist
At this point, it's safe to say that the resurfaced french manicure isn't going anywhere. As we transition into autumn, Park is predicting that the classic style will be given an even more neutral twist. "French has been recently revived with bright colours, and for autumn, the trend will continue but the multi-colour french tips trends will shift to autumn hues and nudes."
2021 Autumn Nail-Art Trend: French Tips With an Autumn Twist
2021 Autumn Nail-Art Trend: French Tips With an Autumn Twist
2021 Autumn Nail-Art Trend: French Tips With an Autumn Twist
2021 Autumn Nail-Art Trend: Leopard Print
"Leopard print is always on-trend, especially in the autumn, and this year won't be any different," Park said.
2021 Autumn Nail-Art Trend: Leopard Print
2021 Autumn Nail-Art Trend: Leopard Print
2021 Autumn Nail-Art Trend: Leopard Print
2021 Autumn Nail-Art Trend: Leopard Print
2021 Autumn Nail-Art Trend: Neutral Eggshell Nails
According to Park, we can expect the popular speckled trend to get an autumn facelift in the form of more muted and neutral bases.
2021 Autumn Nail-Art Trend: Neutral Eggshell Nails
2021 Autumn Nail-Art Trend: Neutral Eggshell Nails
2021 Autumn Nail-Art Trend: Neutral Eggshell Nails
2021 Autumn Nail-Art Trend: Flesh-Toned Nails
To really cap the overall theme of neutrality here, Gerstein predicts that nude nail art that "matches your skin" and is "done in coffee and cream tones" will be a big hit once summer's officially over.
2021 Autumn Nail-Art Trend: Flesh-Toned Nails
2021 Autumn Nail-Art Trend: Flesh-Toned Nails
2021 Autumn Nail-Art Trend: Flesh-Toned Nails
2021 Autumn Nail-Art Trend: Flesh-Toned Nails