At this point, velvet manicures have become a year-round request—but the luxurious, textural nail trend feels especially relevant in the colder months. As the seasons have gone on, the look has gotten a glossy, shimmery spin (no doubt in alignment with the ongoing love for chrome manis) for an even more head-turning take. Now that fall is here, we can’t help but lean into the season’s moody vibes with jewel and earth tones while embracing the chic shimmer.

Ready to bring this mystical, captivating look into your rotation? Ahead, check out 21 moody velvet glass manis to try, encompassing a wide range of hues and unique accents.

Yesterday, InStyle dropped the cover for their September 2025 issue, and this month’s cover star is no other than the inimitable Kerry Washington. In the photo, the actor’s curls are styled in an updo, with a few loose strands framing the face; her skin is glowy and the natural base is paired with a deep burgundy red lip. She’s wearing a dark green cardigan with a matching stole, a bralette, and a chic fur accessory. Together, Washington is serving major fall vibes in this cover shoot — and what really pulls the look together is her choice of nail color. Her almond-shaped nails are painted a striking marigold yellow.

“Kerry is amazing with always letting me give my suggestions for her shoots and as soon as I [saw] the vibe, I felt [that] earthy tones [were] a must!” celebrity nail artist Sreynin Peng, the nail artist behind the manicure, wrote in an Instagram caption. Peng swiped on two coats on Aprés Gel Nail Color in “Forever Marigold” then topped things off with a glossy top coat.

When it comes to fall nail trends, earth tone shades are especially popular. “Fall colors will likely lean toward muted earth tones, reflecting the season’s warm and grounded atmosphere,” Evelyn Lim, chief educator at MiniLuxe’s Paintbox Studio, previously shared with TZR.

Earth tones, however, don’t just mean you’re stuck with browns and greens; the palette draws from the rich tones found in nature, including the color of the changing leaves, giving you so many shades to choose from. Marigold yellow is an unexpected fall nail color, but that makes it all the more fun. Next time you’re at the nail salon, why not take a page out of Washington’s book and opt for the bold hue?

It might feel a little rebellious to daydream about cooler weather while summer’s still in full swing, but it’s only natural. Fall just has that irresistible pull—apple orchard afternoons, a glass (or two) of mulled wine, All Too Well (10 Minute Version) on repeat—and, of course, the perfect fall manicure to match.

There’s no single “best” fall manicure—the right one is always the look that makes you happiest. Still, trends are very real. Every year, we see autumn staples like earthy neutrals and seasonal motifs (whether that shows up as tiny hand-painted leaves, easy nail stickers, or other nods to the season) make their comeback, but the most exciting styles are the ones that feel fresh and a little unexpected. According to the pros we spoke with, the biggest fall nail trends of 2025 run the gamut from updated neutrals and moody shades to playful patterns and high-shine finishes.

And in case you’re wondering: these nine predictions come from the best of the best. We spoke with celebrity nail artists Britney Tokyo, Mei Kawajiri, and Queenie Nguyen, as well as Evelyn Lim, chief nail educator at MiniLuxe’s Paintbox studio. Ahead, their take on the nine nail trends you’ll be seeing everywhere this fall.