As the seasons change, so do the trends in manicure styles, and with autumn upon us, it’s the perfect time to refresh your nail collection. Celebrity manicurist Zrinka Vuksan Bolanca, who has worked with numerous stars, including Ella Bright and Mika Abdalla, has shared her insights on the must-have nail colours and trends for this fall.
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The palette for autumn is rich with bold colours and elegant designs. According to Bolanca, hues such as lipstick red, dark burgundy, and glossy black are essential this season. Additionally, she highlights the appeal of confetti-like glitter and striking metallic details, which can elevate any manicure. In contrast, she advises steering clear of styles marked by bright neon shades, irregular shapes, and bulky glitter, which she feels detract from the polished look of well-groomed nails.

To kick off the featured shades, Bolanca suggests replacing the often-summery neon pink with a classic, vibrant lipstick red. Recommended is OPI Nail Lacquer in Big Apple Red. This iconic shade has been a favourite since its introduction in the Fall 2000 New York City Collection and boasts an impressive number of positive reviews on Amazon. Reviewers praise its durability, noting it still looks fabulous even after engaging in everyday activities such as cleaning or baking.
For those seeking something darker, Bolanca enthuses that “dark is back” – specifically recommending glossy black or deep burgundy shades. She suggests the Essie Nail Colour in Wicked, which is perfect for well-shaped nails, even when they are shorter. The depth of these dark shades adds a stylish flair that feels fresh as we transition away from the nude glazed season, providing a perfect contrast for elegantly manicured hands.
When it comes to glitter, Bolanca offers a revised approach. Rather than opting for a solid application of glitter, which can appear flat and cumbersome, she encourages a more dynamic option – confetti-like glitter. The Glamonade Confetti Nail Polish Set is her top pick, offering six colours infused with scattered glitter pieces that create depth and visual interest as your hands move. The quick-drying formula ensures that your manicure remains chip-free for longer, allowing for a hassle-free experience.
The concept of ‘no-nails nails’ is gaining traction, with Bolanca stating that her celebrity clients are moving away from opaque and chalky nudes. Instead, she encourages the use of sheer nudes that allow the natural nail to peek through, drawing attention to a smooth and clean application. Zoya Naked Manicure in Nude Perfector exemplifies this trend, offering subtlety and sophistication with its range of soft nudes; the result is a professional-looking manicure without overtly made-up hands.
As for nail art, the emphasis is on keeping designs minimal yet impactful. Bolanca recommends using metallic accents instead of overwhelming art styles packed with gems. The Dornail Metallic Irregular Line Stickers provide an excellent option for adding some shimmer without going overboard. These stickers can easily be placed on top of dried nail polish and secured with a top coat, allowing for a touch of elegance that doesn’t dominate the overall look.
For those who enjoy a DIY approach to manicures or have regular salon appointments, Bolanca’s recommendations can easily be embraced, with products available for as little as £6 on Amazon. With her guidance, achieving the chic autumn manicure is not only accessible but also fun.
Bolanca’s insights offer a wide range of trends that cater to different preferences. From bold colour choices to efficient techniques, her curated list promises to inspire anyone looking to keep their nails on-trend this fall. Whether it’s the lips inspired shades, understated nudes or reflective metallics that catch your eye, embracing these styles could just elevate your seasonal look.
So grab your favourite colours and gear up to embrace the autumn vibe with a fresh manicure that not only looks good but helps you feel fantastic too.
