Nails have taken centre stage on the fall runways this season. From the neutral hues and metallics, to the creative nail art and new twists on classic favourites, this autumn having perfectly manicured tips are the perfect complement to fall’s hottest fashion trends. ELLE Canada spoke to Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, Executive VP & Artistic Director of
OPI and Leeanne Colley, owner of
Tips Nail Bar & Spa in Toronto to find out their favorite nail trends of the season.

Colours to wear now

From the neutral hues seen at shows like Isaac Mizrahi and Issa, to the metallics at Chanel, nail colors this autumn balance out the rich textures and patterns seen on the runways. “Greys and neutrals are very much still in,” says Weiss-Fischmann. “These colours complement the neutral clothing on the runways nicely.” Navy hues also made a comeback on sveral runways, from metallics versions to slick and glossy looks (
check out our favourite navy shades here). Another fail-safe nail shade to wear this fall is red, both as a solid, seen at shows like Gucci and Salvatore Ferragamo, and as an accent colour, as seen at Jason Wu. “Red nails are always elegant and very Hollywood,” says Weiss-Fischmann. “They add a pop of colour.” Metallic is also back in a big way. A new spin on the half-moon that hit the runways in the spring is using two metallic shades to create the look, which Colley is a fan of. “I love the look of a gold metallic with a charcoal metallic,” admits Colley. “Using the two metallic together gives you a feminine not-so-in your face look.”

The new French manicure

The classic French manicure is getting a makeover this fall. Seen at shows like Jason Wu, Monique Lhuillier and Tibi, a dark base colour is usually paired with a lighter tip. At Behanz Sarafpour, nails were custom-designed to match the Manolo Blahnik shoes. Elongated almond shaped nails were painted in black with nude tips or the reverse. “It was a modern twist on the classic 40s style
French manicure,” explains Colley who says there are so many colour combinations you can try, from navy and nude to greige and black.

Try out these new nail art trends on the next page …
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Nail Art

From the tuxedo nails seen at Ruffian to the textured tips at Irina Shabayeva and glittered digits at The Blondes, it’s all about making your nails make a statement. While the tuxedo look was created by CND’s Kristina Estabrooks by hand, you can play with pattern at home with nail decals, like Salon Effects from Sally Hansen. Best thing is they take no time to try and come in tons of shades and patterns. Another way to get a textured look is with Shatter by OPI. “I love the look of Silver and Gold Shatter with any outfit,” says Weiss-Fischmann. “It’s not only edgy, but glitzy and glamorous.”

Read more:

Our favourite navy nail polishes for fall 2011

Fall/Winter 2011-12 Beauty Trend Report

Hair accessories: The best jewel headbands