Move Over Almond—This Is Officially the Hottest Fall Manicure Shape
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Somehow, some way, we are just around the corner from September. And while I will certainly be sad to say goodbye to warm weather and bright colors, I'm looking forward to trying a fresh crop of fall nail trends even more. There's the usual crop of buzzy shades like chocolate brown and vampy red that I have my eye on, but this season the biggest trend is actually a shape. Oval nails —and the old money vibe that comes with them—are on the up, taking the crown from almond nails (although it really is all about personal preference). "Oval nails are rounded with a barely noticeable taper, giving them an elegant, elongated look that's softer than almond but more refined than round," says celebrity nail artist Erica De Los Santos .
Ovals are also ideal if your nails are on the weaker side. "Almond nails tend to break easier since the tip is more pointed," says Jacqueline Pham , Color Street celebrity manicurist. Oval nails, on the other hand, are less prone to breaking because their smooth, rounded edges don't catch or chip as easily as sharper shapes like square or coffin, explains De Los Santos.
Ready to try oval nails for yourself? Keep reading for the 21 best oval nail ideas to try next time you visit the salon.
Moody Green
Credit: Instagram / @nailedbyvicx
Feeling green? These creative claws are the perfect length for both nail art and tapering an oval nail shape. "Oval nails look best on medium to long lengths, where there's enough free edge to create that gentle taper and rounded tip," says De Los Santos.
Nail Lacquer Cargo All Out
Barbie Pink
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I'm a Barbie girl in a Barbie world, as they say. These hot pink nails with a bit of clear 3D art are a perfect way to show off your personality.
Cherry Parfait
Bright Blue & Yellow
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Sure, it may be getting chillier by the minute, but that's all the more reason to imagine a Mediterranean escape . These nails may not come with a plane ticket, but at least you can dream, right?!
Insta-Dri Nail Polish Pale Sky Blue
Midnight Moments
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Aura nails ? You know 'em, you love 'em. The popular nail design takes an ominous turn this season with fall- and winter-friendly shades. A dark base with a light, mismatched aura shade gives all the drama.
Nail Lacquer Midnight Mantra
Flower Power
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Flowers are a year-round nail art staple in my book, and this green design gives all the fall energy with a floral, feminine touch.
Green Tuileries
Milky White
Credit: Instagram / @bombshellnailslondon
Simply put, there's nothing like a milky white manicure . I prefer the minimalist shade over the starkness of a regular white polish, and the best part is that it matches with anything year-round.
Marshmallow
Matcha French Tips
Credit: Instagram / @nailgirlnic
Matcha is one of the hottest drinks lately, so is it a coincidence that green is also one of the hottest nail colors too? I think not. These milky green French tips are pretty much my dream mani.
24pcs Green French Tip Press-On Nails
Star Power
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Black and gray make for a moody mani to match the night sky. Between stars and swirls, I don't know where to look first, but I'm obsessed.
Hard as Nails, Pumping Iron
Pretty in Pink
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If I had to choose one nail color for the rest of my life, it'd be this one. My go-to nail color nearly all year long, this baby pink polish is giving serious quiet-luxury vibes.
Cloudy Rose
Toasty Brown
Credit: Instagram / @nailedbyvicx
Typically, a medium to long length is the go-to for an oval nail, as it can create a more defined look, says Ventura. That said, short nails don't have to be automatically excluded. These shorties prove you can still achieve a nice oval shape.
Raisin Brown
Snakeskin Print
Credit: Instagram / @nailsbyzola
Kylie Jenner's snakeskin nails are a masterclass in how to create a long, oval nail. For the record, I'm still wondering how her nail artist, Zola Ganzorigt , nailed the hyper-realistic design.
Amber Print Nails Press Ons
Ballerina Chrome
Credit: Instagram / @nailgirlnic
I, for one, will never say no to glazed donut nails . These ballet slipper-pink nails topped with chrome are a dream for anyone who loves a clean girl mani .
2 Jars Chrome Nail Art Pearl Powder White and Red Iridescent
Upgraded Cat Eye
Credit: Instagram / @thatsme_erica
Cat eye manicures are the talk of the town this year. Want to add a little extra pizzazz to the already mesmerizing look? Shimmery gold nail art around the cuticle line and tips will get the job done.
3-In-1 Cat Eye Magnet
Tortoise Shell Detailing
Credit: Instagram / @nailartbyqueenie
Tortoise shell nails are a fall and winter staple, but you can also switch things up by mixing them with unexpected colors and patterns.
Insta-Dri, C-Hill Out
Simply Spotted
Credit: Instagram / @chuenails
I'm a simple nail art girl through and through, so this design speaks to me. The dot placement also accentuates the oval nail shape.
5 Pcs Pattern Tracing Stylus
Caramel Monochrome
Credit: Instagram / @nailartbyqueenie
I've always believed French manicures require different base and tip colors, but this design proves me oh-so wrong. These caramel brown monochrome Frenchies are about to be my next request at the nail salon.
Brown Gel Nail Polish
Swirled Mocha
Credit: Instagram / @enamelle
There's something so whimsical about swirled nail designs. Choose your colors wisely, and you'll end up with anything from smoky to mocha swirls depending on your style.
Base Coat and Top Coat for Nail Polish
Autumnal Aura
Credit: Instagram / @nailedbyvicx
Oxblood red is one of the season's definitive nail polish colors. Dress it up this year by using it as the base color with a lighter aura shade on top.
Plum Noir
Dainty Tulips
Credit: Instagram / @enamelle
I'm a sucker for dainty nail art like this, and these tulips will have me dreaming of warm weather for months to go. The stems bend around the tip of the nails to really highlight the oval shape. This also makes a great design if you're heading out on a last-minute vacation.
Flower Press-On Nails
Iced Out
Credit: Instagram / @lolo.nailedit
Icy blue nails are chic and unique all in one design. Pair the art with a nude base, as shown here, or get creative and choose another base color that suits you.
Extra Fine Glitter
Naked Nails
Credit: Instagram / @enamelle
Naked nails are a mani minimalist's dream and proof that you don't need an elaborate design to get a stunning result. The key? Choosing a nude shade that matches your natural nails as closely as possible to make it look like you're not even wearing any polish at all.
Bare It All
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