Whether you’re starting a new semester, your kids just started a new grade, or you’re just an adult who loves a seasonal reset, back-to-school season presents the perfect time for a refreshing manicure. Think chic academia—warm shades, deep hues, and purposeful pops of colors.
“There is something about the newness of the fall season and back-to-school season that always feels like a natural reset,” says Kathleen Fuentes, founder of nail-care line Lights Lacquer. “If you’re not a student anymore, there’s something about the change in seasons, cooler weather, and return to routine that makes you want to switch things up. It’s the perfect time to refresh your look with new colors that feel cozy, polished, and put-together.”
To help you pick a manicure befitting the season, browse the five nail polish shades that Fuentes and a few celebrity manicurists recommend.
Fleury Rose is a celebrity nail artist who works in New York City and New Jersey.
Brittney Boyce is a celebrity manicurist and founder of press-on line Lost Angels Beauty.
Coca Michelle is a celebrity nail artist and OPI Global Brand Ambassador.
“For the subversive types returning to school, I think that a dark chocolate brown could be a cool, updated alternative to black nails, says celebrity manicurist Fleury Rose. She loves Fringes and Saddles from essie’s new Boho Rodeo collection. For a milkier take, try Spiced Brown from DND. And for a true brown, try Olive & June’s CN.
Celebrity manicurist Brittney Boyce loves a funky green, like Aprés Gel Couleur in Toadally Awesome. “I’m obsessed with quirky greens, and this one hits the sweet spot between spring freshness and fall moodiness,” says Boyce. “Glossy or matte, it’s totally versatile and unexpected, but still effortlessly cool.” For a brighter take that still has edge, try Manucurist Paris’s Sweet Pea or Gucci Beauty Vernis à Ongles in Melinda Green.
@avrnailswatches / Lights Lacquer
Reddish brown hues feel warm and cozy for fall. Fuentes recommends Light Lacquer’s Lady Marmalade. “For the bold bosses of the semester, this deep red means business,” she says. “It’s playful and fun, but also powerful—perfect for making an entrance, acing that presentation, or setting the tone for a confident season.” In this spirit, Rose recommends essie’s Boho Rodeo. “It’s the perfect dark brownish-red,” says Rose. For a hue that leans more brown than red, try Sienea by Dazzle Dry.
“A pretty pink jelly shade that is perfect for the clean girl returning to school,” says Rose. She loves essie’s Charm to Stable. For gel lovers, Boyce recommends Aprés’s Fairy Wings. “It’s the ultimate milky nude pink for a clean, natural mani,” says Boyce. And Fuentes recommends her brand’s Clueless. “It’s timeless, clean, and versatile—like freshly sharpened pencils and crisp notebooks,” says Fuentes.
OPI
“A fresh manicure always makes you feel more put together, so it sets the tone for the upcoming weeks,” says celebrity nail artist Coca Michelle. “For a statement look, I like to use OPI Nail Lacquer Less Is Norse.” This polish is a deep blue with strong gray undertones. For a dark take on the color, grab Manucurist Paris’s Poppy Seed, which is more of a dusty navy. For a lighter, more chambray shade, try essie’s To Me From You.