Without a Doubt, These 13 Nail Colours Always Look Classy
It's safe to say that we love nothing more than getting our nails done. I know this because, every week, the stories we write about nail art and trends are consistently our most popular. This piqued my interest—what do people want when it comes to their nails? Are we more inclined to ask for short nails over long? Oval over square? Art over solid hues? When I visited my salon last week, I was curious to find out which colours were proving popular right now 1) to inform my choice and 2) to report my findings back to you. My manicurist responded, "Everyone wants timeless shades."
It's perhaps unsurprising that we're turning to more classic colours. I'm no exception, either, for the colour I chose was a rich, deep shade of burgundy, which I thought would help bridge the gap between my more colourful and neutral outfits.
Nail colours are less of a commitment than a new piece of clothing, shoes or a bag but have the same ability to give your look a new-season refresh. So I've charted the latest ones that prove insanely popular season after season. And for good trend-led measure, I've thrown in a couple of of-the-moment shades that'll give your style a swift update. Scroll on to see all 13 of them that are perfect for autumn.
1. JET BLACK
Vampy, not gothic, black nails have become chicer and chicer with each passing season.
OPI is often stocked in many salons, so you can guarantee a professional manicure at home. This deep black is as glossy as it gets and looks like gel.
2. ECRU
Although typically popular in summer, white nails are fast becoming a year-round manicure must. Look for soft, off-white shades for a flattering finish.
This sheer formula adds a milky tone to nails that looks so, so chic.
3. BARELY THERE PINK
Pink always looks pretty and taps into the clean-girl nails we've been seeing everywhere. It's all about those clean, almost translucent shades.
Look for polishes that have a semi-sheer finish to give nails just a hint of colour. OPI's Bubbe Bath is iconic for a reason.
4. UNEXPECTED GREEN
The breakout colour trend of 2024, this shade of matcha green is sticking around.
5. CLAY
Not quite as glamorous as pillar-box red but more fanciful than standard beige, this is the nail colour minimalists will zero in on.
Look for warm-toned browns to tap into this trend.
6. BURGUNDY
The colour I chose for my own nails, burgundy is timeless and will go with any and every outfit.
Look for rich, wine-inspired shades for a timeless manicure.
7. OCHRE
It might sound unexpected, but deeper, mustard tones will act as the perfect lift to more tonal clothing.
8. COOL GREY
Not as drastic-looking as black, grey provides the ideal alternative to those who want a softer monochromatic nail look.
9. CHOCOLATE
Rich and delicious, chocolate-brown tones are trending in a big way, even more so than usual.
10. FOREST GREEN
If the more vivid shades of green don't do it for you, rest assured dark, forest green is still on our nail colour radar.
11. CLASSIC RED
A perennial nail colour, red is always a good idea if you're unsure which shade to opt for. Although statement, it's so classic it'll work seamlessly with every outfit you wear while it's painted on your nails.
12. CHROME
Not just for party season, chrome nails are a year-round classic. Go for a neutral pink base or experiment with darker hues like brown which look really chic for autumn.
Apply this top coat to any nail polish to instantly turn it into a chrome finish.
Can't get to the salon for a chrome mani? This polish gives a very similar look at home.
13. DEEP NAVY
Elegant and striking, navy nails never fail to make an impact. I'm particularly taken with this French-tip situation.
It doesn't get chicer than a Chanel navy nail polish.
This story was previously published and has since been updated.
Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.
Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.
Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.
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