The least appreciated part of creating the perfect outfit is having the season's hottest nail trends and colors. This understated aspect is often what pushes the color palette and patterns of the season into the spotlight. As we reach the peak of autumn, nail trends give us insight on what is currently trending and what to look forward to for the winter months.
This year, there has been a decline in cheetah print, with doe print quickly taking its place. Merging the current polka dot craze with the earthy brown and cream tones makes for the perfect fall manicure. Doe spots are softer and less uniform than polka dots and offer a subtle take on animal print.
Another style that is pulling from current fashion trends is the tortoiseshell design. With its combination of amber, caramel and dark browns, it is a natural fit with the shades of the season. This pattern has been rising in popularity since the start of the year, but is currently at its peak, making it the perfect fall nail design.
Those are not the only animal-inspired prints that are appearing frequently this fall; zebra stripes are seeing a boost, bringing a bolder contrast to the season's otherwise muted color palette. The versatility with this print welcomes an opportunity to incorporate many different colors into the design, while still being a recognizable, iconic look. Currently, it is being worn the most in a French tip, offering an elevated look to a traditional style.
Although animal prints are taking the center stage this season, classic fall shades remain relevant as ever. Earthy tones like dark green, brown, burnt orange and burgundy are being worn by themselves just as much as they are being embraced into trending designs. Utilizing these colors is a fun way to take a popular pattern and put an autumn twist on the look. Chocolate brown, for example, has become a staple because it offers the depth of a darker polish but maintains a soft, understated appearance.
Outside of animal print and darker colors, this season's nail designs offer playful takes on traditional styles seen year round. The French tip is a popular style that is normally done on a natural-colored nail with white polish around the tip. This season, however, has seen an uptick of designs within that small amount of polish. Examples include fall staples like pumpkins, ghosts or plaid prints.
As fall transitions into winter, trends will continue to evolve and reflect the season's color palette and patterns. Eventually, nails will move from autumn earthy tones into blues, purples and pinks, often paired with magnetic cat eye, chrome powder or metallic finishes. Animal print will also carry over, but will reflect the change in the season's trending colors.
Nail designs ultimately serve as an extension of the fashion we wear, reflecting the colors, prints and aesthetics of each season.
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