No Contest—Chocolate Nails Is 2024'S Most Expensive-Looking Manicure Trend

If you know me, then you'll know that I love black nail polish. I wear it in summer and winter, as I happen to think that it looks chic all year round. Sure, I enjoy experimenting with nail trends now and again, but I always go back to a simple, monochromatic black manicure. However, lately I've been seeing chocolatey brown nails all over my Instagram feed, and it feels like the perfect time to switch things up (slightly).

The hashtag #brownnailpolish has a cool 4.6 million views and counting on TikTok, and although this expensive-looking nail colour is nothing new and simply a neutral go-to for many, perhaps it's the 'latte' beauty trend that is prompting a surge in further interest. Or, it could be the fact that summer's more frivolous, fun colours feel a little out of place when the weather isn't quite there yet?

What I love about this spectrum of shades though, is that you can find one to perfectly complement your skin, or experiment and try out a lighter or darker tone depending on your mood.

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(Image credit: @selenagomez)

The warm tone and shiny finish make this nail polish look so elegant, and we all know that you simply can't go wrong with luxe neutral shades. In fact, I'm going to be asking for this exact colour next time I'm at the salon. I've already planned my new-season wardrobe, so why not get my nails ready too?

Is Brown Nail Polish in Style?

"Brown nail polish is very much in style, echoing the rich brown shades of caramel, toffee and chocolate from the popular 'latte' makeup look," says Juanita Huber-Millet, founder and creative director at Townhouse. "Much like how brown tones are trending in the makeup world, brown nail polish has made a massive comeback. It adds a touch of sophistication to any look."

If you want to give this sophisticated nail trend a go, I've rounded up my favourite brown nails for all the inspiration you need. I've also linked some of my favourite brown nail-polish shades, so you can re-create the look at home. Just keep on scrolling...

Brown Nail Inspiration:

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(Image credit: @harrietwestmoreland)

This is the perfect rich brown shade for autumn and beyond.

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(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

If, like me, you don't want to say goodbye to black completely, why not opt for this fun half-and-half design?

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(Image credit: @nailartbyqueenie)

This is one of the chicest French manicures I've ever seen.

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(Image credit: @pink_oblivion)

Sometimes, simple is best.

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(Image credit: @imarninails)

This nail art is the ideal way to add a subtle dash of brown to your mani on a paler base.

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(Image credit: @monikh)

I told you—this colour will complement any outfit.

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(Image credit: @harrietwestmoreland)

Brown French tips are unique spin on a classic idea.

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(Image credit: @themaniclub)

The glossy finish makes this brown manicure look even chicer.

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(Image credit: @iramshelton)

So, so luxe.

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(Image credit: @nailartbyqueenie)

A marble brown mani? Yes, please.

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(Image credit: @frannfyne)

This ring is just as elegant as the nail colour. 

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(Image credit: @iramshelton)

How cute are these chocolatey little hearts?

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(Image credit: @iramshelton)

I absolutely love these different brown tones together.

Give Yourself a Brown Mani at Home:

This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.

Junior Beauty Editor

Grace Lindsay is the junior beauty editor at Who What Wear UK. At the age of 18 she decided to train as a makeup artist before going on to study english and media at Goldsmiths University. It was during that time that she explored her love for journalism by interning at a small beauty start-up based in Shoreditch. Since then, she has worked at a number of publications including Marie Claire and Hello!, where her love for all things beauty continued to grow. 

As Who What Wear UK's junior beauty editor, she covers everything from the latest hair trends to the stand-out makeup products of the season.