As the summer heat fades and the leaves begin to turn, the world of beauty shifts its focus toward deeper, more introspective hues. Nail colors for fall 2019 moved away from the bright corals and sun-kissed nudes of the previous seasons, embracing a moodier, more sophisticated palette. This year’s trends were defined by a sense of quiet luxury, rich earth tones, and the timeless elegance of deep, dark shades that resonate with the transitional weather.
Embracing Dark and Moody Moods
The dominant narrative of fall 2019 was a love affair with darkness. Deep, inky colors became the go-to choice for those looking to make a statement. These shades draw inspiration from the season itself—think of the dark bark of ancient trees, the rich soil in a winter garden, and the long, velvety evenings that arrive earlier each day. The palette moved decisively away from pastels, offering instead a collection that feels both powerful and grounding.
The Reign of Deep Burgundies and Oxbloods
Perhaps the most iconic shade of the season was the deep burgundy. This color captures the essence of fall foliage and the feeling of curling up with a glass of red wine. It’s a universally flattering hue that works on every skin tone, ranging from bright, cherry-inspired crimsons to muted, dusty merlots. Closely following in popularity was the oxblood trend, a darker, bluer take on the classic red. This shade feels more severe and editorial, perfect for creating a sharp, sophisticated look that exudes confidence.
Colors like these aren't just trendy; they are a return to classic nail polish artistry. They offer the depth and complexity that lighter shades simply cannot match during the cooler months. Whether applied as a sheer gloss for a stained-glass effect or as a matte opaque coat for a modern edge, these dark reds are a staple for the season.
The Rise of Metallics and Chrome Finishes
While matte finishes dominated, the fall 2019 runway also saw a significant rise in high-impact metallics. These were not the subtle golds of summer; instead, they were bold and futuristic. The key trend here was the use of chrome-like finishes that mimicked the reflective surface of a mirror or polished metal. Wearing these shades is akin to wearing a piece of art, as they shift and change depending on the angle of the light.
- Gunmetal Grey: A cool-toned metallic that replaced the traditional silver, offering a sleek, modern vibe.
- Bronze and Copper: Warmer metallics that brought a touch of rustic glamour, perfect for adding dimension to neutral outfits.
- Silver Chrome: An ultra-reflective finish that created a high-tech, polished look, often seen in minimalist, single-color designs.
Minimalism and the French Manicure Revival
In contrast to the dark, full-coverage styles, the season also celebrated the beauty of minimalism. The clean lines and elegant simplicity of the modern French manicure took center stage. This wasn't your grandmother's pink and white; designers elevated the classic with unconventional color pairings.
Clear gels were paired with sharp, black borders. Nude bases were contrasted with deep brown or navy tips. The negative space manicure, where polish is worn only on the tips or the center of the nail, also gained significant traction. This approach allows for maximum impact with minimal product, embodying the "less is more" aesthetic that defined the year.
Textured and Matte Formulations
The finish of the polish played a crucial role in the overall look of fall 2019. Glossy, wet-look finishes took a backseat to more tactile surfaces. Matte polishes, which dry to a soft, velvety finish that does not reflect light, were incredibly popular. They provide a modern, chic look that hides minor chips better than high-shine formulas.
Beyond matte, specific textures added an extra layer of interest. Suede finishes, which look like the surface of a luxurious leather shoe, were everywhere. Crackle polishes, which create a deliberately fractured, vintage effect, provided a unique way to wear color without resorting to a single shade. These finishes transformed nail care from a simple act of coloring into a genuine textural experience.
Color Inspiration from the Runway
To truly understand the nail trends of fall 2019, one had to look to the fashion runways. Beauty editors and designers drew direct inspiration from the clothing collections, translating fabric and dye trends onto fingertips. Pantone's color of the year, Living Coral, made a softer appearance in transitional looks, while the deeper, richer tones from the Fall/Winter fashion shows dictated the mainstream palette.
We saw a direct correlation between the dark wool coats on the catwalk and the inky black nails. The camel leather boots inspired the earth-toned neutrals, and the metallic accessories predicted the chrome nail trend. This synergy between fashion and beauty ensured that the nails were not an afterthought, but a coordinated part of the overall seasonal look.
