The Fall Nail Trends You're About To See Everywhere, According To Pros

When you hear “September,” what’s the first thing that comes to mind? If you answered “Fashion Month,” congratulations: You’re officially a fashion girl, and you’re going to be fully obsessed with the September 2019 nail trends pros are predicting.

This month, nail artists — and the rest of the world — are pulling trend inspiration from two places: the runway and the streets of New York City. “Fashion Week is a time to up your nail game and go for the avant-garde,” Jan Arnold, the co-founder and Style Director of CND, tells The Zoe Report (by the way, she’s the woman responsible for the over-the-top nail art seen at The Blonds and Libertine every season). Arnold is loving eye-catching looks, including all-over leopard and chinoiserie patterns and bedecked acrylics. “Nails like these are an art statement of their own, telling much about the taste and creativity of the wearer,” she says.

If your vibe is more low-key than high-fashion, not to worry. A single color can still make a statement, as Deborah Lippmann, the founder of her namesake nail care line, tells TZR. “I notice such a dramatic transition in style from summer to fall where I live in NYC,” she says. She suggests swapping out orange-y red polish for deep wine. “I think people appreciate still being able to add some color to their overall look even as the weather gets colder,” she says. “What better way than on your nails?”

Ahead, eight September nail trends fit for Fashion Month — from avant-garde art to the subtlest shade upgrades.

Warm Metallics

“I have been loving copper, brass, and deep rust color polishes, especially for September,” Betina R. Goldstein, an editorial nail artist and the owner of just-launched brand Doublemoss Jewelry, tells The Zoe Report. “They go perfectly with a tan but can match a cozy sweater for those end-of-September days when the weather is in limbo.” She’s particularly into Essie What’s Gold is New (paired with a Doublemoss Vibora Nail Ring, naturally).

Deep Berry Polish

“I love a nice berry shade, like Spill The Wine from my Fall 2019 collection, since it’s a great transition from brighter summer colors to a darker hue,” Lippmann says.

All-Over Print

“We are seeing matchy-matchy patterns dominate the surface of every nail,” Arnold says. “Leopard and tiger prints are classics — but also try doodles, chinoiserie, and florals. Make your nails the must-have palette that can match or contrast the patterns in your wardrobe.”

Cinnamon Spice

The most-requested September nail look at Paintbox in New York City? “Cinnamon,” Eleanor Langston, the salon’s Chief Creative Officer, tells The Zoe Report. “Our Like Spice color is the perfect modern neutral for fall — it’s rich and caramel-y, with brick and terra cotta undertones. It should be a staple of everyone’s nail wardrobe.”

Updated French Manicure

“French manis are back,” Sarah Gibson Tuttle, the founder of Olive & June, tells TZR. Of course, a classic French is always in style, but Gibson Tuttle predicts unexpected shades will be huge for September. “We are loving a light base (CDJ is one of our favorite bases from the Olive & June line) with a thin French in a darker shade (like AW from our just-launched fall collection),” she says.

Muted Rainbow Nails

Summer’s rainbow nails aren’t going anywhere any time soon. They are, however, getting a muted makeover. “Our favorite manis right now are tonal, a different shade on every finger, and they work with any color you love,” Gibson Tuttle says. “ We are super into ranges of pinks and reds.”

Metallic Brush Strokes

“We’re also loving soft, metallic brush strokes across nails, like our new Sun Daze and Heaven + Earth designs,” Langston says. “It adds subtle luminosity to your fingertips that catches your eye.”

Crystal Clear Acrylics

“The other trend I’m loving is crystal clear sleek pointed almond nails, with liquid mercury moons that taper down the sides,” Arnold says. OK, yes, that is very specific — but you’ll still be on-trend if you stick with the “basic” crystal clear base. As Arnold says, “This nail is an exciting way to be in stride with the runway for SS20.”