As we all know, the arrival of each season brings with it juicy beauty trends to fall in love with. While there’s always a smart tie-ins to the biggest trends Who What Wear beauty editors have been keeping track of all year, this fall is shaping up to be ripe with nail inspiration. So, with that in mind (and only a few months left of the 2025 calendar year to muse over) we’re taking this opportunity to take a closer look at one of the biggest nail trends of the year—french nails—with some eye-catching, seasonal twists added to the tips.
Since fall kicked-off, we’ve been noticing everything from kintsugi inspired nail art to luxe, velvet finishes that take the most “basic” french manicure from neutral and nothing new to a bold and stylish statement. For a better idea of what else we can expect to see before the year is out, we tapped nail artist, salon owner, and OPI ambassador Jessica White to give us the intel on the french manicure designs that will be everywhere this fall.
(Image credit: Courtesy of Jessica White)
The Fall 2025 French Tip
While the first half of 2025 was all about playing with beverage and food-related shades and art, the second half of the year—particularly during the fall months—will be drenched in nostalgia. You can expect to see a sudden fascination from your fellow beauty lovers in moody shades and minimalist touches for added dimension. “I’m loving the return of the ’90s-inspired deep French this season, those bold, defined smile lines in the classic white or rich autumnal tones like chocolate brown, burnt orange and deep berry,” says White. “It feels nostalgic but elevated, especially when paired with a soft, neutral base and a glossy finish.”
The award-winning nail artist also predicts a rise in french manicures with an ombré or blurred look (think chrome, fish-eye and velvet designs), to add what she describes as, “modern softness.” These trendy touches stand out to White because they successfully transition a polished, supermodel-off-duty energy touch from the ’90s into a more wearable, seasonal version that feels effortlessly modern.
If you’ve noticed a spike in the number of French nail looks that cross your Instagrams Explore Page, you’re not alone. Since fall kicked off, we’ve spotted these timeless manicures on celebrities from Kylie Jenner to Sabrina Carpenter. White tells us it all comes down to how many design options they offer. “The French manicure has become such a versatile canvas for creativity. We’re seeing clients experiment with tonal colors and shimmer finishes,” White continues. “I think that balance between polish and individuality is why it’s having another big moment this Autumn.”
Manicure Essentials
To achieve the moody, chocolate tones that are defining the French manicures for Fall 2025, make the right polish shades are being added to your fall collection. “I love using OPI’s Chocolate Moose ($12) and Purrrride ($20) for those rich brown tones, and Worth a Pretty Penne ($12) for a subtle metallic finish. A fine liner brush is essential for creating that precise smile line, and I often use one with ultra-thin bristles for maximum control,” says White. To elevate the look further, she recommends opting for a delicate chrome finish to add dimension, and never skipping a high-shine top coat finish to seal everything in.
To achieve a flawless look every time, White encourages dedicating ample time to preparation, starting with a smooth surface and clean, well-shaped nails. “I always map out the smile line using a fine liner brush rather than relying on guides, as it gives much more control,” she explains. For extra stability, she recommends resting your pinky finger on the table as you paint, and using a small clean-up brush dipped in acetone to perfect the edges. “Remember to take your time. A steady hand and a few thin layers always look better than one thick coat,” White advises.
Now that you know what French manicure with eye-catching tips are on the rise, and how to create a salon-worthy nail look at home, keep scrolling to see which designs to try next. Plus, shop the best nail polishes for your new routine. Get ready to screenshot, there’s a whole lot of inspiration ahead!
Velvet Textures
Celebrity nail artist and content creator Queenie Nguyen’s take on the this season’s rum raisin nail trend has us running to the nail salon for our next manicure. We’re obsessed with how much warmth the stunning caramel tone adds to the entire look, while the velvet shimmer added just to the tips catches the light.
Get The Look:
Londontown
Lakur Enhanced Colour in Boozy Brunch
The GelBottle Inc.
Studio Effects Iced Chrome Pigment
Abstract Touches
2025 has been a huge year for nail art, and we’ll be seeing the continuation of it with colorful french tips featuring luxe details like this minimal-yet-luxe manicure above. This time around, Nguyen opted for army green tips split in two by a thin line of gold chrome creating an abstract, structured line.
Get the Look:
Essie
Nail Polish in Win Me Over
Deborah Lippmann
Get Lab Pro. Nail Polish in Nefertiti
Chrome Edge
At this point, it shouldn’t be surprising that chrome nails will continue to make frequent appearances on the hands of fashion people from NYC to Amsterdam. Sure, Hailey Bieber’s viral glazed donut nails by nail artist Zola Ganzorigt may automatically come to to mind when we think of the trend, but so will more transitional manicures like the one above (which also happens to be Ganzorigt’s brainchild).
Get the Look:
Nails Inc.
Mirror Chrome Nail Polish in Silver Served
Essie
Nail Polish in Arctic Jelly
Deep French
(Image credit: Courtesy of Jessica White)
Evidently, nostalgia-baked beauty trends are having a moment, so why not lean into it with a ’90s inspired manicure? The deep french manicure offers the perfect opportunity to embrace the trend with a deep smile line and pigmented white tip. This manicure, by Jessica White, will 100% be shown to our nail artists the next time we’re in the chair.
Get The Look:
Essie
Nail Polish in Mademoiselle
Manucurist
Green Natural Nail Polish in Milky White
Berry Tips
White tells us that berry-toned nails are once again on the rise for this fall, and French tips are a fun and unexpected way to add a splash of color to a timeless manicure. This nail look, by international manicurist Georgia Rae, included a milk pink base with juicy, berry-toned tips using Bio Sculpture’s polish in the deep cheery brown shade Love Potion ($15).
Get the Look:
Bio Sculpture
Nourishing Nail Polish in Love Potion
OPI
Nail Polish in Bubble Bath
Business Casual
Remember when White mentioned how big ’90s nail looks will be this fall? Well, here’s another throwback manicure we’re loving by Nguyen. This one could also be described as a deep French manicure with an ultra-precise and deep smile line, however, this one offers a more toned-down, neutral shades than your traditional bright white tip and pink base.
Get the Look:
OPI
Nail Polish in Alpine Snow
Chanel
Le Vernis Nail Colour in Ballerina
Checkered Print
F1 has staked its claim in the fashion world, but we’re also seeing glimmers of it start to appear in the beauty space (particularly in the form of playful nail looks). For example, this french manicure by celebrity nail artist Iram Shelton combines OPI’s Gelevate Soft Gel Tips in Medium Round ($33) with a creamy white base and ink black accents to form the timeless print.
Get the Look:
Duri
Nail Polish in Pure White
Essie
Nail Polish in Licorice
Latte Tones
If you’re tired of wearing French manicures with crisp white tips, this fall, consider trading out your more traditional shades for a chic beige shade like the one above selected by Nguyen. It perfectly captures the transition from summer’s light linens to the knitted textures and deep tones we associate so heavily with fall. Plus, it’s the perfect option for all the neutral nail warriors out there.
Get the Look:
OPI
Nail Polish in Coconuts Over
Nailberry
L’Oxygéné Nail Polish in Honesty
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