Bored at the nail salon guide
September 2025
We are finally in that sweet spot right between summer and fall, which means the weather is perfect, it’s still sunny when you get out of work, everyone is back from their summer vacations, and it’s time for some new clothes! And while you’re at it, perhaps a fresh set of nails? After polling on our Instagram about all your favorite nail trends this season, we came up with all the perfect manicure and outfit combinations for you to try. Leaving the house with a new outfit and just-done nails is a very specific kind of happiness, and if you know what we mean, you are gonna want to check out the rest of this guide.
Our first trend is The Almond Shape, the perfect way to get away with long nails without snagging them on everything you and the person next to you are wearing. Next, we have The Polka Dot, because patterns deserve real estate beyond your wardrobe. Then we have The Cat Eye, when you want a little dimension without committing to a four-hour salon saga. Feeling bold? The 3D is equal parts manicure and conversation piece. We can’t forget about The Classic French, always cool and never out of style. Finally, there is The Fish, the gateway to full fisherman-core aesthetic this fall.
Because a great outfit is one thing, but a great outfit paired with fresh nails? You’ll never feel more put together.
The Almond Shape
You’ve always been a big-pant, small-top girl, and balloon pants are the natural next move. Like the almond nail shape, it’s all about curves, rounded, sculptural, and just the right amount of puffy. Let the silhouette take the spotlight with a clean white top that’s simple but not boring. Then add a butter-yellow bag and kitten heels for a little polish, plus chunky gold jewelry that feels as classic as your manicure. Think: architectural but wearable, like a pastry you’d actually want to wear.
The polka dots
Obviously, you’re not afraid of a little pattern if you’re choosing a polka-dot manicure. But doubling down with polka-dot clothes? That’s too easy. The smarter move is contrast, pair these nails with a plaid midi skirt that feels intentional without being matchy-matchy. A beige zip-up tones things down while still giving shape, and slouchy knee-high boots add just the right amount of autumn without feeling too “pumpkin spice latte.” A burgundy bag and oversized sunglasses to pull out some of the deeper tones in the patterns, and gold stud earrings keep the whole look elevated. The result? Playful but luxe, the kinda look that you wouldn’t be surprised to see on Pinterest later.
The cat eye
You’re in a constant internal battle between wanting to be low-maintenance and embracing maximalism. You refuse to spend more than two hours in the nail salon, but you’ll happily spend even longer putting together an outfit. If you’re that girl, this look is for you. A good outfit doesn’t need to be uncomfortable. Start with a striped button-up and layer it with an oversized jersey for a combination so unexpected it somehow just works. Pair it with an asymmetrical skirt for a touch of femininity. Round out the look with a chunky statement necklace, silver low-top sneakers, and a nylon bowler bag. An outfit so effortless yet cool, it’s bound to become your go-to.
The 3D
If you can conquer the weird feeling of 3D nails, you are sure to take this next look in stride. A ruched asymmetrical skirt sets the tone, bold, sculptural, and not exactly low-maintenance. You might spend half your morning adjusting the ties, but perfection was never supposed to be effortless. Balance it with a fitted checkered blouse for structure, and ground the look with ballet sneakers, because at least one piece should make your life easier. Add a black east-to-west bag and a chunky gemstone ring, giving your manicure the supporting cast it deserves. The end result? Statement dressing at its most unapologetic—because if your nails are already in 3D, your outfit may as well be too.
The classic French
Just because you prefer something timeless for your manicure doesn’t mean you can’t put together an outfit that has the elaborate full set girls quaking. For a classy yet youthful look, start with a long lace camisole and low-waisted trousers. Pair them with ballet flats featuring grommet details—because you’re chic, not boring, and a brown suede bag that whispers I own (or at least aspire to own) a townhouse in the West Village. Finally, add Swarovski crystal cluster earrings and tiny brown sunglasses for the kind of quiet luxury that doesn’t fade into the background. Viola, you have a look that photographs well now and ages even better.
Tony Bianco
Aritzia
Sam Edelman
The fish
May as well go full fisherman-core now that the air is a little chillier. We’ve seen flower nails, we’ve seen fruit nails, now it’s time for fish nails. And we’d really be missing an opportunity if we didn’t bring rain boots into the mix. So starting off, we of course have some classic Hunter rain boots, because who knew keeping your toes dry could look this good? For the top, go with a simple ribbed white tee, and for the bottoms, some cozy plaid boxer shorts. Throw on a corduroy-collar work coat that practically begs you to ride a bike to the general store. Finish it off with a sleek leather tote and some gold puffy flower studs for contrast. And don’t be surprised if you catch yourself scrolling for upstate Airbnb cabins after a day in this look.
