Subtle leopard spots, 'glass' manicures and chocolate shades: 30 nail trends to try this autumn

Buckle up because Burgundy is back and promising a look that pairs perfectly with your favourite glass of Merlot. That said, if you’re clinging to the last rays of summer (and those tropical cocktails), let vibrant oranges and zesty yellows light up your nails with a burst of citrus that carries those vacation vibes right through autumn.

Be it sage, olive, hunter or apple – this autumn, having a green thumb seems to be in vogue for more reasons than one. Lilac also joins the lineup of covetable colours, offering a delicate, feminine touch. For those with a penchant for the futuristic, chrome and metallic shades — think warm coppers, shimmering silvers, and iridescent pinks — are here to keep your nails looking out of this world. These shades are perfect for anyone looking to add a little intergalactic glam to their fall wardrobe.

And if you’re a fan of the “clean girl” aesthetic, don’t worry — this season, we're ordering a tall glass of chocolate milk, opting for a subtle hint of brown over the usual creamy flush of white. This soft, cinnamon-hued shade is the ultimate versatile neutral.

In 2024, the nail industry is taking a nostalgic turn as short, square manicures appear a cut above the rest. Popularised by Victoria Beckham in the early 2000s, this neatly trimmed style has returned triumphantly as the year's most sought-after shape. Whether complementing your glass skin with glossy nails or infusing a burst of colour into a classic cut, square nails offer an ideal canvas for creativity.

If you wouldn't be caught dead with short nails, another shape gaining popularity is the coffin — or ballerina — nail. Characterised by its long length, straight sides, and flat tip, this dramatic shape is a celebrity favourite.

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Hailey Bieber’s 'glazed donut' nails are still a hot ticket in 2024, keeping things sweet, sleek, and oh-so-shiny! This autumn, however, the trend is getting a fresh twist as strawberry pinks and shades of chocolate replace the classic pearlescent white, adding a modern spin to this beloved style. Bieber's doughnut-inspired nails (now in new, available fresh flavours) are the icing on our 2024 manicure trend cake – It's in the name, after all.

In 2024, nail art inspiration is thriving with a variety of fresh and exciting trends. If you're looking to stay ahead in the nail game, or want a more curated take than Pinterest can provide, scroll on to discover Vogue Scandinavia's favourite nail trends to try this autumn:

Originating in nail salons and quickly gaining viral fame on social media, 'aura' nails have captured our attention, with celebrities like Vanessa Hudgens, Lizzo, Megan Fox, and Dua Lipa embracing the trend. This nail art style features a central colour that seamlessly gradients into a different hue towards the edges. It's easy to recreate at home using regular nail varnish and an eyeshadow palette. Simply apply a base colour, dab eyeshadow in the centre of the nail, blend it outwards, and finish with a top coat.

For those who prefer a more neutral aesthetic, there's the trend's softer sibling: 'blush' nails. Using the same technique as 'aura' nails, 'blush' nails employ muted hues of nudes and pinks instead of vivid shades.

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In 2024, nail art is all about embracing 3D elements that make your manicure pop. Known as 'Jelly art', the technique sees salon-grade gel built up on the nails to create texture and structure. While metallic shades, especially luminescent silvers, are set to lead the trend, you can also achieve the effects with clear coats for a more understated look.

Have you been keen on Klein this summer? An ocean of blues has washed away the soft pinks and neutrals of yesteryear, taking over runway shows and making waves on social media. And the single most covetable shade of blue to don this autumn? Denim.

Popularised by Hailey Bieber and her 'glazed doughnut' nails, this pearlescent look was probably the most popular nail trend of 2023 – and it is going nowhere in 2024. However, this year, we're thinking outside of the (neutral) box, adopting fresh hues when asking for glazed nails at the salon. Whether a glazed espresso nude (Anyone up for chocolate glazed donuts?) or berry tones, the options are endless.

Sunset nails are the tropical cocktail of 2024's manicure trends, bringing a burst of vibrant zest to your fingertips. This juicy hue pairs beautifully with almond-shaped nails – helping us claw through the winter blues with a vacation-worthy manicure.

Move over, neon green nails—this autumn, we want an evergreen manicure fit for lush forest walks. As the fresh pick of the season, this earthy hue can carry you through autumn and into the festive celebrations ahead.

Sporting a soft lilac shade with showstopping Swarovski crystal appliques to this year's Met Gala, Brie Larson (just like her character in Lessons in Chemistry) had the recipe for success, nailing not one but two manicure trends.

It is safe to say that dainty, delicate flowers have made it into the most popular nail art designs of 2024. To really let the florals flourish, we suggest opting for a milky white or 'glass' nail base.

In pursuit of a metal manicure this year? Then silver should top your colour chart. Not only do we suggest this specific shade of precious alloy, but we implore you to oil up your finish evoking tin-man levels of mirror shine.

Dip your nails in merlot this autumn and embrace that burgundy is back. This is the perfect shade for those who want to try their hand at embracing colours but feel daunted by more daring options. After all, come autumn, burgundy is basically a neutral.

We've gone through espresso, matcha and more. The next drink we're planning to milk for all it's worth when it comes to our manicures is, well, milk. White and creamy, with a semi-translucent finish, they're best rendered short and square for a dash of sophistication.

Just like flowers, fruits have found their way into the pantheon of nail trends to try in 2024 thanks to Hailey Bieber.

Whether intentional or not, Kylie Jenner recently gave the Nordics a nod with her nails. The manicure's shimmering, shifting shades of deep purples, blues, vibrant greens and pinks were reminiscent of the northern lights. All things considered, it's a natural phenomenon in its own right that we're rushing to the nail salon for an Aurora Borealis manicure.

If you only ever wear neutral nails but are keen to get your hands on some colour, reverse French tips with a pop of colour may be just the thing for you. A word of warning, just like your roots, the regrowth phase may be awkward.

A duck grazing on your thumb or a serving of fried eggs on your fingernails? Hyper-realistic nail art with a hint of the surreal has a certain Loewe-air about it. While quirky, we've found it surprisingly wearable.

Who wouldn't want their nails to feel as precious as fresh water pearls? Iridescent and semi-transluscent, we suggest you elevate the look with a pearl appliqué or two.

To soften the blow of the cold to come, we're following Hailey Bieber's lead and leaning into the more romantic blocks of the colour wheel — think blushing nails to match your winter-weather flush.

The tortoise trend is a slow-and-steady way to embrace nail art without going overboard. Inspired by the iconic accessory pattern, these nails mix rich amber and honey tones with deep browns, creating a marbled effect that will have friends shell out compliments all throughout autumn.

Appliqués have experienced a recent renaissance after their last stint in the early 2010s. For 2024, however, we're working with sleek crystals rather than 'Kawaii' characters.

Soft, blended, and utterly ethereal, watercolour manicures are the perfect way to embrace your artistic side this autumn. Choose from a palette of mouthwatering sorbet shades and watch them melt together on your nails, creating a dreamy effect that's perfect for the season.

Originating from Japan, jelly nails are still somewhat elusive in Scandinavia. But if you find a manicurist with the right tools for the job, we implore you to try this see-through trend in an amber shade.

Are you still not over ballet core? Then pale pink half-moon nails – featuring a soft pink crescent shape at the base of the nail – is a subtly coquettish way to elevate your ballerina shaped manicure.

Hailey Bieber’s subtle spots are the purr-fect way to bring a touch of wild style to your manicure without going full jungle. This look takes the classic leopard print and gives it a minimalist makeover, featuring delicate, strategically placed spots that blend seamlessly with a nude or neutral base. It’s a spot-on choice for anyone looking to keep things low-key this autumn.

Sometimes simplicity is the most impactful choice. Never mind the fact that a nude illusion nail is arguably one of the hardest trends to get right, with every potential flaw in your manicure on full display.

French tip nails is the kind of trend that keeps puttering under the surface, coming in and out of fashion but never truly going out of style. For 2024, we envision our modern take on this trend almond shaped and dramatically long.

If you're 'latte' to include coffee in your colour crew, we have a manicure made espresso-ly for you. Working with shades of brown, add a quirky tip to your monochrome mocca nails. Simply choose a shade similar to your base and swipe it across the top of your nails. If you're feeling bold, use the edge of your brush to achieve the triangles seen here.

Again, jelly nails are hard to achieve. But if we hereto try to replicate them at home with see-through press-ons, a sheer layer of shimmer is bound to cover any unwanted mistake in our manicure.

Deciding on what appliqués to use can be a thorny choice, but we're sure Sidney Sweeney's white roses – sweetly set on a beige base – are bound to grow on you.

Rise and shine, glass skin girls: It's crystal clear that the glossy trend has made its way onto our nails for 2024. It's time to invest in a thick top coat.

Sip on this sweet trend—chocolate milk nails bring a rich vibe to your manicure, perfect as the weather cools. While traditional milk nails offer creamy white tones, this new twist adds warmth with soft browns. Whether you choose a light, latte-inspired shade or go deeper with a richer chocolate hue, this look is a stylishly sweet treat for your nails this autumn.