New York Fashion Week has come to a close, but the beauty looks are still swirling in our heads. The runways didn’t disappoint when it came to delivering inspiring hair and makeup looks. However, this season proved to be all about the nails. Statement-making manicures were the star of many runway shows, varying in length, style and shape. In short, there was a look to be loved by every manicure enthusiast. Even better? The runways provided lots of inspiration for this season. Fall is usually the time to bust out deep, moody shades. While classic colors like wine and navy are still trending, NYFW proved that minimal manicures in simple shades can make a bold statement. Chrome accents, high-shine finishes and nostalgic nail shapes were just a few of the elements that lit up the runways this season. If you’re searching for your next look before heading to the salon, consider the list below a good place to start.
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Mocha Marble
Square nails made an unexpected comeback during NYFW with several runways, most notably Phoebe Philo, embracing the shape. Pairing it with natural earth tones only amplifies the cool factor. For this manicure, deep brown and shades of taupe and gray create a unique marbling effect that screams fall.
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Chrome Cutouts
At Christian Cowan’s Spring/Summer 2026 show, neutral nails with soft touches of chrome created the perfect balance between bare and bold. This manicure follows suit, using chrome accents to turn an otherwise plain look into something cool and chic.
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Foil and Florals
Silver polished short nails were seen on the runway at Sergio Hudson. This look leans into the color trend while adding a high-shine finish to mimic aluminum foil. It's a fresh way to lighten up your manicure this season. But if you want to up the ante, try adding hand-painted daisies for a fun accent.
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Moody Aura
Swapping out neon colors for moodier hues makes the aura nail design more appropriate for fall. Take a cue from this creator and pair a powdery blue polish with jet black for a cool twist on the trend.
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Pearlescent Stained Glass
Milky nail polishes ruled summer. However, this season's version puts the creamy shades on full display. This manicure features a milky pearl polish with bronze crosses and line elements. The look is as unique as it is daring.
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Diamond Nail Charms
Diamond nail charms get an edgy makeover when added to a sleek black manicure. Just look at the nails models sported at Kim Shui. The key to nailing this look is playing with different-sized gemstones, including large rocks, to create an elegant encrusted look.
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3D Floral Designs
Wine is poised to be the season's it color and is already charting for fall beauty trends. Instead of painting your nails in the shade, go for a bolder manicure with 3D elements and a blushing pink ombré.
