Fall 2021 Nail Inspiration You'll Want To Know For Your Next Manicure
Not sure what to colour your manis? If you're up for some bold and new nail designs, then you've come to the right place
Cheery nail art, somber neutrals, delicate pastels—2021 has turned our nails into mini canvases for self-expression. “We’re going to see a ton of juxtaposition of color à la very skillful mix and matching,” says Sigourney Nunez, OPI North American Education Manager, regarding Fall 2021 nail trends. “Everything from neutrals with bolds to darks and bolds and everything in between.
For nail art, things are going to get a little more linear and colour-blocked.” In other words? It’s time to approach your manicures like an artist. Below, the top nail colour and art trends for Fall 2021.
Olivia Rodrigo’s EP, Sour, embodies the trend—which she subverts here with this vampy heart mani by Tom Bachik.
Kylie Jenner shows off the latest incarnation of the designer logo trend: abstract prints inspired by vintage Emilio Pucci.
The autumnal shade is back, and bigger than ever. Saweetie even used a fiery shade as the backdrop for her recent embellished mani.
Skip the drop detail, and Kylie’s orange mani would be perfect for Halloween.
Embrace the drama by opting for black nail colors, deep purples, and inky blues.
Dark nails for fall? Groundbreaking, we know. Change it up by playing with matte and gloss finishes, courtesy of Prabal Gurung.
“Because things have been uncertain for the last year, people are taking on an escapist approach to color while still yearning for something familiar,” says Nunez.
Metallics have returned. At Rebecca Minkoff, it was as a barely-there tip, a trend Nunez is calling now. “In Milan, we saw an introduction to minimal metallics through gilded skirts and gowns. That trend will translate to our tips through subtle metallic and modern shades,” she says.
A metallic is your answer to what to wear with an all-sequin outfit.
Less-is-more nails fit right into Coach’s eclectic fall 2021 collection. A win, if you haven’t touched your polish collection since the beginning of lockdown.
The low-key approach works with bright fall clothing, too—as proven by Proenza Schouler.
If you’re up for it, ask your nail tech for a longer length to balance out soft pink’s subtlety. It’s certainly what Moschino would do.
Fashion is getting back to its roots—if you consider a bold red nail a classic, like we do.
Long or short, round or almond, it doesn’t matter. Just dust off your favourite red nail colour, and you’ll be golden.
Text: Madge Maril And Lindy Segal/Harper's Bazaar