As fashion weeks unfolded in London and New York, I delved into the vibrant world of nail designs that graced the catwalks. Pastel hues, rich jewel tones, metallic shades, and animal prints stole the spotlight alongside a reinvigorated French manicure. I’ve been tracking the trends emerging on runways and consulting with industry experts to distill their predictions for this year’s hottest designs.
One trend poised to take center stage is the striking combination of white nails paired with golden accents. Based on my findings, which span both fashion weeks and the collective expertise of nail artists worldwide, I’ve curated a list of the top ten predicted nail trends for 2021. These designs are not only breathtaking but also accessible enough to be replicated at home. Here’s my countdown of the must-watch nail trends this year.
Oranges, Pinks and Yellows
Currently, nails that feature a combination of bold colors like orange, pink, and yellow are all the rage. This trend was first spotted in February 2021 when renowned nail artist Miss Pop collaborated with Oscar de la Renta to create a stunning runway look. For the show, Miss Pop opted for a striking orange and pink color scheme, which perfectly complemented the neutral tones of taupe and cream featured in the outfits.
Metallic
The current obsession with metallic nails has taken the fashion world by storm. This trend was first spotted during London Fashion Week in February, where models at the Julien Macdonald show strutted their stuff with striking metallic nail colours. The ultra-long, metallic masterpieces were also crafted by renowned nail artist Marian Newman and have since been making waves on the catwalk, further solidifying their status as a must-have beauty look for the season.
Pastels
As the 90s make a comeback, pastel nails are once again taking center stage. This retro revival is all about bold, bright hues and glossy finishes. Think candy-inspired colors like pale pink, baby blue, and sunshine yellow. And if you’re looking to add some extra edge, metallic accents like silver stripes can provide the perfect touch. The key to pulling off this look is a flawless application of top coat, allowing the colors to shine through with maximum impact.
Double Tipped French Manicure
In 2021, the classic French manicure is making a comeback, but this time it’s getting a modern twist – enter the double-tipped version! This innovative take on the timeless look first debuted at New York Fashion Week during Kith’s show in February 2021. As seen in the image below, the double-tipped French manicure has been given a fresh spin with trendy pastel hues.
Animal Prints
As the fashion world continues to evolve, it’s clear that animal prints are here to stay in 2021. This trend was most recently showcased on the runways of New York Fashion Week, where models walked for Jeremy Scott’s show donning statement-making animal print nail art, a design courtesy of renowned Nail Artist Miss Pop. The eye-catching designs not only added a pop of personality to each model’s look but also perfectly encapsulated the playful and daring spirit that defines this fashion staple.
Blue Tones
At the recent London Fashion Week event in February 2021, a striking trend emerged as electric blue varnish shades took center stage on the catwalk of renowned designer Mark Fast. The visual inspiration carried over to the beauty realm, where nails flaunted a mesmerizing spectrum of cobalt and navy hues, punctuated by strategically placed stones adorning select fingers.
Matte
Gina Edwards, a renowned celebrity nail stylist, made waves by crafting stunning matte nail designs for the prestigious Rebecca Minkoff runway show in New York this year. A glimpse into her masterpiece can be seen in the accompanying image, featuring a striking darker matte finish paired with subtle diamond accents at the cuticles.
Barely There / Minimalist
This season, catwalks in both London and New York showcased a unique nail design: well-groomed nails finished with a barely-there varnish. At Elie Saab and Emporio Armani’s runways, models walked the walk wearing only a glossy top coat to add a radiant sheen. Some designs were further enhanced by tiny diamond embellishments, adding a touch of understated elegance.
Geometric Shapes & Negative Space
At this year’s Ulla Johnson show, Mabelyn Martin, owner of New York’s renowned Paintbox salon, brought negative-space manicures to the forefront. This trend, where only a portion of the nail is painted, often incorporates geometric shapes and has remained timeless. However, 2021 promises to be an especially exciting year for this style as it gains even more popularity. The image below showcases two nails on each hand, featuring a striking combination of bare and painted surfaces.
Maximalist Accents
This spring, runways have been shining bright with over-the-top jewels and glittery nail polishes. One statement-making trend that’s gained popularity is the bold combination of gold nails with gem-encrusted accents on every other nail. The result is a dazzling display that’s sure to turn heads.
As we look ahead to 2021, another trend that’s starting to gain momentum is the pairing of crisp white nails with delicate gold embellishments.
With Amazon offering an impressive selection of white and gold nail art supplies, it’s never been easier to try out this fresh look for yourself. If you’re as excited about gold nail art, coffin nails, or other creative nail ideas as we are, be sure to subscribe to our mailing list for updates on new posts and inspiration!
Further Reading
As the seasons transition, it’s time to refresh your nail game with the latest and greatest trends. In the spring of 2020, several styles emerged that are sure to make a statement. From bold colors to creative designs, these 15 must-try nail trends will have you looking fabulous in no time.
Have You Sorted Out Your Hair?
Elevate your style by exploring our curated selection of exceptional hairstyles, carefully crafted to complement any special occasion. Whether you’re looking to make a statement or simply want to feel confident and radiant, our expertly curated list is the perfect starting point for finding the perfect coiffure.
2021 Nail Trends FAQs
What is the most popular nail colour for 2021?
Pantone’s 2021 colour of choice, Classic Blue, has set the tone for a fashion season that’s rich in hues of blue. As designers bring their creations to life on the catwalk, we’re noticing a rise in popularity of these calming tones. Meanwhile, true black continues to be a staple, while bold combinations of oranges and pinks add a pop of vibrancy to the mix.
What are the nail trends for 2021?
A symphony of subtle nuances defines the latest trend in nail art. Delicate details such as white tips, carefully crafted to resemble pearlescent sheen, add an air of sophistication. Marble-inspired designs featuring swirling patterns of contrasting hues create a mesmerizing visual effect. The animal print phenomenon extends its reach to nails, with intricate depictions of reptilian and feline motifs adding an edgy touch.
Metallic colours in shades of rose gold and chrome inject a dash of glamour, while double-tipped French manicures provide the perfect finishing flourish.
Are accent nails still in style in 2021?
The accent nail trend, which gained popularity in 2019, is expected to carry over into 2021. As the name suggests, this style involves adding a contrasting color to one nail on each hand, creating a visually striking and playful look.
Are French manicures out of style in 2021?
As the new year approaches, French manicures are poised for a comeback – but not just any variation. The latest twist is the double-tipped take on the classic style, which promises to be a game-changer in 2021. For those who found this insight intriguing, consider saving this post to your Nail board on Pinterest.
