Chocolate Brown Nails are the New Black This Fall

There’s simplicity in the mundane. This sounds more wise when in the context of a conversation about daily routines, not minimalist manicures, but still. It’s true! And this fall, the early contender for the biggest nail trend of the season is as simple as it is cool: brown nails. Chocolate-colored manicures are everywhere this fall, and are already Hailey Bieber- and Selena Gomez-approved.

The shade is easily attainable, looks luxurious, and gets even the most summer-loving folks (like myself) in the mood for fall. Ahead, we dive into the trend, and how to get the look.

The Trend

Brown has always been a fall color, but it’s been particularly popular over the past few years, thanks in part to ’90s nostalgia. The neutral hue was a popular shade during the era, as you can probably imagine the nail color on icons like Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, pairing perfectly with her streamlined uniform. “The chocolate nail trend is a ’90s revival mani meets the on-trend color of the season,” Olivia Van Iderstine, vice president of content and creative for Olive & June, previously told Byrdie. “Chocolate brown is a trendy shade, and it’s a super wearable way to wear a darker mani for fall and winter.” 

Part of the reason why the trend has become so popular is its simplicity. All it takes to re-create at home is a bottle of polish, in whatever shade of brown you choose. “Every shade of chocolate is in,” Donna Charloff, director of service operations for MiniLuxe Nails told Byrdie. “Whether it be a rusty, sienna shade, a medium-tone milk chocolate, a vampy dark chocolate, or a shimmery multi-dimensional shade, it’s a flattering trend that pairs so well with all the cozy looks for fall.”

Brown nails weren’t always cool—words like “blah,” “ugly,” and “grandma” were much more likely to be associated with them than “chic.” But that unexpectedness is what makes them feel cool now, and they’re a more interesting neutral option than classic black. Not to mention, the color just looks rich and luxurious, like an expensive piece of chocolate or a supple suede handbag.

Remember Hailey Bieber’s chocolate-glazed nails? Those are still in, but this year, she kicked off the fall season with a similar buzzy brown manicure as soon as September hit. Nail artist Zola Ganzorigt claimed she mixed five fall colors to create Bieber’s perfect shade of chocolate. Then, Selena Gomez donned “toffee” brown nails, a slightly lighter, shimmery take on the trend, shortly followed by her own chrome set. And Dakota Johnson just wore a deep brown dark chocolate shade, cementing brown nails as the manicure of the season.

How to Get the Look

Getting the brown nail trend is pretty self-explanatory, but the vast array of options can feel daunting. As always, start by prepping your nails to your favorite shape. Then, decide on the finish. Do you prefer a glossy brown, a chrome reflective finish, or a matte look? Brown also looks chic on classic nail art designs, as a French tip, or paired with abstract squiggles.

Ready for a chocolate brown manicure? Chanel’s Le Vernis in Faun looks just as aesthetic on your vanity as it will on your nails. Olive & June’s CN is a great under-$10 option that features a rich dark chocolate tone. Essie’s No-to-Do has autumnal red undertones, and the brand’s All I tweed shade is a metallic, shimmery take on a light brown color. Finally, Butter London’s Boozy Chocolate looks just like it sounds.

All you need to do is apply two coats, let dry, and you have an It Girl-approved mani to get you through fall.