The fall of 2017 represented a pivotal shift in nail aesthetics, moving away from the neon-brights of summer into a sophisticated palette of moody jewel tones, desaturated "ugly-chic" neutrals, and metallic finishes. This season was defined by a balance between the 1990s "grunge" revival and a high-fashion obsession with Nordic landscapes, characterized by deep teals, dusty mauves, and the emergence of holographic textures as a mainstream staple.
The Definitive Palette: Leading Color Trends of Autumn 2017
In 2017, the transition to autumn was marked by more than just the standard burgundy and gold. The industry saw a surge in "moody" colors that leaned into cooler undertones. While traditional warm tones remained, they were often modified with gray or brown bases to create a more muted, professional appearance.
The Rise of Nordic Blues and Grays
The single most influential trend of 2017 was the "Icelandic" influence. Inspired by the rugged landscapes of Northern Europe, shades of slate blue, deep navy, and misty gray dominated the market. These colors offered a sophisticated alternative to black, providing depth without the harshness. The technical appeal of these shades lay in their versatility; they complemented the heavy wools and knits popular in 2017 fashion while remaining neutral enough for workplace environments.
The "Girly Grunge" Aesthetic
2017 saw a massive resurgence of 1990s style, often referred to by major brands like Essie as "Girly Grunge." This aesthetic combined traditionally "pretty" colors—like soft pinks and purples—with muddy, gray, or metallic undertones. The result was a collection of shades that felt nostalgic yet modernized. Key colors included oil-slick metallics, dusty roses with lilac shifts, and deep forest greens that appeared almost black in low light.
Traditional Jewel Tones with a Twist
Burgundy and oxblood are autumn staples, but in 2017, the focus shifted toward "burnt" versions of these classics. Rather than a bright cherry red, the trend leaned toward blackened plums and brownish-reds. These shades were often paired with "creme" finishes—high-pigment, non-shimmer polishes that provided a dense, opaque look in just two coats.
Key Brand Collections and Hero Shades of 2017
To understand the 2017 landscape, one must look at the specific collections released by the industry’s "Big Three": OPI, Essie, and Zoya. These brands dictated the "it" colors that appeared on red carpets and social media feeds throughout the season.
OPI: The Iceland Collection
The OPI Iceland Collection for Fall/Winter 2017 was arguably the most significant release of the year. It featured 12 shades inspired by the volcanic sands and glaciers of Iceland.
- "Less is Norse": A dark, moody blue-gray that became an instant classic for its ability to look both edgy and professional.
- "Aurora Berry-alis": A dusty, pinkish-purple that captured the softer side of the autumn transition.
- "Turn On the Northern Lights": A deep purple with a subtle shimmer that mimicked the aurora borealis, reflecting the growing consumer interest in multidimensional finishes.
Essie: The 90s Revival
Essie’s Fall 2017 collection took a more editorial approach, focusing on the textures of the 1990s.
- "Girly Grunge": A soft silver with a metallic finish that avoided looking too "futuristic" by maintaining a slightly muted, wearable tone.
- "As If!": A powdery blue with a hint of gray, directly referencing the film Clueless and the decade’s obsession with pastel-meets-grunge.
- "Saved by the Belle": A light, creamy pink that served as a "transition" shade for those not yet ready for the dark depths of November.
Zoya: The Sophisticates
Zoya’s 2017 collection, titled "The Sophisticates," lived up to its name by offering highly pigmented cremes in earthy tones.
- "Yvonne": A rich bordeaux red that exemplified the "burnt" jewel tone trend.
- "Olivera": A metallic hunter green with a subtle duo-chrome shift, which became a favorite for those seeking a more adventurous autumn look.
| Brand | Collection Name | Hero Shade | Primary Finish | Vibe/Aesthetic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OPI | Iceland | Less is Norse | Creme | Moody, Nordic, Slate Blue |
| Essie | Fall 2017 | Girly Grunge | Metallic | 90s Nostalgia, Silver-Purple |
| Zoya | Sophisticates | Olivera | Duo-chrome | Earthy, High-Fashion Green |
| Butter London | Fall Trends | British Khaki | Creme | Classic Military, Olive Neutral |
| Chanel | Le Vernis | New Dawn | Creme | High-End Taupe, Minimalist |
Trendy Autumn Manicure Ideas and Art Styles
Beyond single-color applications, 2017 was a year where nail art moved away from the complex, 3D "kawaii" styles toward more minimalist, geometric, and texture-focused designs.
Negative Space Designs
Negative space remained a powerhouse trend in 2017. This technique involves leaving portions of the natural nail exposed, often separated by thin lines of dark autumn colors. A popular 2017 look involved a "half-moon" design using a deep navy or burgundy at the base, leaving the rest of the nail clear or topped with a matte finish. This style was praised for its longevity, as the "growth gap" at the cuticle was less noticeable.
Metallic and Chrome Accents
Following the "chrome powder" craze of late 2016, 2017 refined the look. Instead of a full mirror-finish on every finger, technicians used chrome as an accent. A common manicure idea involved four fingers in a matte forest green, with the ring finger featuring a rose gold or copper metallic finish. This added a touch of warmth that complemented the golden leaves and autumn atmosphere.
Minimalist Line Art
Influenced by the "clean girl" aesthetic that was beginning to take root (even before it had that specific name), minimalist line art was everywhere. This typically involved a nude or sheer base—like the famous Essie "Ballet Slippers"—with a single vertical or horizontal stripe of a dark autumn shade like charcoal or oxblood. It was a way for professionals to participate in trends without committing to a full "dark" manicure.
Velvet and Matte Textures
The contrast between high-shine and flat matte was a major theme. Matte top coats were frequently used over dark jewel tones to give them a "velvet" appearance. In 2017, it was particularly trendy to mix finishes on the same nail—for example, a matte black base with a glossy black French tip. This subtle play on light was a hallmark of the season's technical sophistication.
Technical Considerations for Fall Manicures
Achieving the perfect 2017 fall look required more than just the right color; it required attention to nail health and application techniques specific to darker, more pigmented polishes.
Preventing Staining with Dark Pigments
Deep greens, blues, and berries are notorious for staining the natural nail plate. In 2017, professional advice emphasized the use of "high-bond" base coats. A double layer of base coat was often recommended for shades like OPI’s "Less is Norse" to ensure that once the polish was removed, the nails didn't retain a yellowish or bluish tint.
Shape Trends: Coffin and Almond
While the "squoval" (square-oval) shape was still common, 2017 saw the "coffin" (or ballerina) and "almond" shapes dominate the trend cycle. These longer, tapered shapes provided more real estate for the deep, rich colors of the season to truly shine. The almond shape, in particular, was favored for its ability to elongate the fingers, making even the darkest shades look elegant rather than harsh.
Maintenance of Metallic Finishes
Metallic and "frosted" polishes, popular in the 2017 grunge revival, are technically difficult to apply because they often show brush strokes. The professional technique involved using a sponge to "dab" the final layer of metallic polish onto the nail, which broke up the linear brush marks and created a more uniform, foil-like finish.
Comparison: 2017 vs. Previous Autumn Trends
To appreciate why 2017 felt "fresh," it is helpful to compare it to the years immediately preceding it. In 2015 and 2016, the "rose gold" and "warm terracotta" trends were dominant. 2017 broke this cycle by introducing cooler, desaturated tones.
- 2015-2016: Focus on warmth, copper, burnt orange, and "pumpkin spice" palettes.
- 2017: Focus on coolness, slate, moss, "bruised" purples, and industrial metallics.
This shift was largely a reflection of the broader fashion world’s movement toward "utilitarian" and "streetwear" influences, where olive drabs and concrete grays became the new neutrals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the most popular nail color of 2017?
While subjective, many industry experts point to OPI’s "Less is Norse" as the definitive shade of the year. Its unique blend of dark blue and gray captured the "Nordic" trend perfectly. Another strong contender was Essie’s "Girly Grunge", which spearheaded the 90s revival.
Were matte nails still in style in 2017?
Yes, matte nails reached a peak of popularity in 2017. However, the trend evolved from a full matte hand to "mixed media" manicures. Combining matte bases with glossy accents (like the "velvet" look) was the preferred way to wear the trend during that autumn season.
What nail shape was most "trendy" in Fall 2017?
The Almond shape was the most sought-after for its sophisticated and feminine silhouette. For those following "baddie" or streetwear trends on Instagram, the Coffin shape was the primary choice, often paired with matte nudes or deep jewel tones.
How did the "Iceland" trend influence nail art?
The Iceland trend moved nail art toward a "nature-inspired" minimalism. This included marble effects that looked like cold stone, subtle shimmers that resembled the Aurora Borealis, and a color palette that focused on the elements—water, ice, volcanic rock, and moss.
Did holographic nails transition into the fall of 2017?
Holographic "holo" nails, which exploded in the summer of 2017, did transition into fall but in darker iterations. Instead of silver or rainbow holos, the autumn versions featured "linear holo" in deep charcoal, navy, or forest green, providing a more subdued version of the prismatic effect.
Final Recommendations for a 2017-Inspired Look
To recreate the iconic 2017 autumn aesthetic, focus on the "moody neutral." Seek out shades that aren't quite one color or another—a blue that’s almost gray, a purple that’s almost brown, or a green that’s almost black.
For the most authentic 2017 manicure:
- Select a desaturated jewel tone: Look for "Less is Norse" or a similar slate blue.
- Opt for an Almond or Coffin shape: Ensure the length is moderate to high to showcase the color depth.
- Add a minimalist accent: Use a single metallic stripe or a matte top coat on just the ring finger.
- Prioritize the "Creme" finish: While shimmers were present, the thick, opaque look of a high-quality creme polish was the hallmark of 2017’s sophisticated nail scene.
By focusing on these specific archival trends, you can capture the unique intersection of grunge and high-fashion that defined one of the most memorable years in recent nail history.
