The Very '90s Summer Nail Trend That's Here To Stay For Fall

Relegating beauty trends to a specific season is proving to be a thing of the past — and these fall nail color trends further serve as a reminder of that. The polishes that nail experts are anticipating will turn heads are reminiscent of a second wave of summer with continued vibrant hues and pastels rather than the warm blues and deep browns we're used to.

"I assume fall nail shades will abandon convention, to a certain extent," says Miss Pop, celebrity and editorial nail artist. "I will still want to wear wine color nails and other seasonal shades, but I can definitely see pale pinks and nudes going largely ignored." Miss Pop explains that the lack of in-office interaction will also largely influence nail selections, leading to a brighter fall about the fingertips than we've become accustomed to in years past. Ella Nguyen, founder of Leapia Nails in New York City, agrees. "There are no rules to nails. Do whatever you're feeling at that time."

But above keeping nails beautiful, Miss Pop says the biggest trend in nails during the fall isn't a polish color, it's moisture. "Especially with all this hand-washing, my hottest tip is to apply cuticle oil liberally and often," she says. "It will make your hands look like you just stepped out of a salon and keep your nails strong. Nailtopia has amazing treatment sets that include strengthening base coats and cuticle conditioners that I've been frequenting."

Ahead, the fall nail color trends you'll be seeing everywhere, according to the experts.

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Fall Nail Colors: All-Around Nudes

There's one timeless color that will always be on trend, no matter the season. "Nude is still a very strong favorite all around," Rita Pinto, founder of Vanity Projects in New York City and Miami says. "Both sheer pinks and more saturated deeper nudes will undoubtedly be spotted on nails for fall."

Fall Nail Colors: Matcha Green

Everyone's favorite drink has been the source of some major nail inspo lately. According to Pinto, "matcha green," will be replacing the traditionally more army greens that we frequently see around this time.

Fall Nail Colors: Red-Based Orange

Generally, we see red polishes with hints of orange. However, these days the hues are making a switch. "Our clients have been slowly but surely easing into orange hues that have a drop of red," Pinto says. "I think it has a lot to do with current trends in fashion. Kanye West's upcoming collection, for example, has a lot of items including the color.

Fall Nail Colors: Perky Pastels

"I’ve been wearing hues the Golden Girls would love," Miss Pop jokes. "I’ve been wearing a lot of perky pastels, particularly sky blue. It's just a happy color."

Fall Nail Colors: Deep Wines

Miss Pop says that there is one fall staple that's here to stay, and it found itself all the way down runways for the Fall/Winter 2020 season. "For fall, I am all about deep red wine nails," she says. "I sent that shade down the runway at not one New York Fashion Week show, but three. I love Zoya Alyssa from the Prabal Gurung and Oscar de la Renta shows and Essie Berry Naughty at Monse. Wine is my favorite way to unwind in two kinds of glass bottles."

Fall Nail Colors: Sunshine Yellows

While we're surely anticipating less sun, that doesn't have to apply to our nails. "I’m all about anything that celebrates the summer, even putting the color of the sun directly on my nails!" she says.

Fall Nail Colors: Black Licorice

The look, as seen on spring runways like Alice & Olivia, is putting a high-fashion, matte spin on the dark hue that's frequently seen in the fall. "Everyone loves black nails in the fall," Nguyen says.

Fall Nail Colors: Shimmer-Touched Neutrals

Nguyen is certain that nudes are here to stay. However, fall will bring an invitation to more shimmer. "Usually people tend to avoid those sparkly sheer shades, but I think next season those same people will embrace it," she says. "It's simple, yet fun."

Fall Nail Colors: Winter White

No matter your skin tone, you can't go wrong with a true, white manicure. Seen on this year's LaQuan Smith and Vera Wang runways, it's proving to be the bright hue that can be worn all-year-round.