Patent nails is the autumn trend that’s so wearable and we have all the inspo…

It’s beginning to look a lot like autumn, which means we’re due a wardrobe refresh – and our manicures could take a little inspo there, too. Patent nails are the ultra wearable trend that’s emerging alongside our sweaters and stompy boots.

It makes sense. Shiny patent leather shoes have become synonymous with the season, whether it’s the strappy Mary Janes serving up collegecore vibes, the vintage brogues with faded denim, hardy Doc Martens, sleek Chelsea boots or glossy heeled ankle boots. See also: slick patent midi skirts paired with cashmere, or mirror-shine totes and satchels and trench coats.

The beauty of the trend? Not only is patent hard-wearing and rain-proof, it also offers a delicious contrast against soft knits and slouchy blazers. 

The same is true on our nails. An ultra shiny, lacquered, hard-shell finish adds a little toughness, especially when paired with deeper, vampy colours like obsidian, cocoa, merlot and crocodile green, but, it still manages to feel modern and elegant, too.

We’ve spotted some of our favourite nail artists leading the trend with high-shine top coats that leave nails looking extra luxe and polished.

Luxury London-based manicurist, Julia Diogo, has been serving up plenty of inspo with glossy shades of liquorice, forest green and mulberry. Likewise, Harriet Westmoreland, Iram Shelton, Betina Goldstein and Mel from Overglow Edit are all great accounts to visit for patent nail ideas.

Here’s 11 of our favourite ways to wear patent nails…

1. Wine black

2. Oud brown

3. Evergreen

4. Black berry

5. Deep purple

6. Leather look

7. Forest green

8. Burgundy

9. Liquorice

10. Rouge Noir

11. Inky blue

Browse more autumn nail trends below…

For more from GLAMOUR’s Beauty Editor, Elle Turner, follow her on Instagram @elleturneruk