The Fall 2021 Nail Trends To Inspire Your Next Manicure

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 color blocked." In other words? It's time to approach your manicures like an artist. Below, the top nail color and art trends from fashion month for fall 2021.

Sweet and “Sour”

The early 2000s-inspired aesthetic is extending to nails, with flowers, hearts, and pastels taking up residence on tips. Exhibit A: Megan Thee Stallion’s intricate mani.

Sweet and “Sour”

Olivia Rodrigo’s EP, Sour, embodies the trend—which she subverts here with this vampy heart mani by Tom Bachik.

Pucci Prints

Kylie Jenner shows off the latest incarnation of the designer logo trend: abstract prints inspired by vintage Emilio Pucci.

Pucci Prints

Orange Crush

The autumnal shade is back, and bigger than ever. Saweetie even used a fiery shade as the backdrop for her recent embellished mani.

Related article: The Coolest Summer 2021 Nail Art Trends

Orange Crush

Skip the drop detail, and Kylie’s orange mani would be perfect for Halloween.

Deep & Dark

Embrace the drama by opting for black nail colors, deep purples, and inky blues.

Deep & Dark

Dark nails for fall? Groundbreaking, we know. Change it up by playing with matte and gloss finishes, courtesy of Prabal Gurung.

Deep & Dark

"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.

Metallic Texture

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.

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Metallic Texture

A metallic is your answer to what to wear with an all-sequin outfit.

Natural Nails

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.

Natural Nails

The low-key approach works with bright fall clothing, too—as proven by Proenza Schouler.

Natural Nails

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.

Classic Red

Fashion is getting back to its roots—if you consider a bold red nail a classic, like we do.

Classic Red

Long or short, round or almond, it doesn't matter. Just dust off your favorite red nail color, and you'll be golden.

This article originally appeared on Harper's BAZAAR US.

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