Metallic accents, negative space and a twist on the classic French manicure.

We don’t want to believe it, but summer is  over. It’s time to abandon your Easter-egg manis and neon claws and lean into the moodier shades and glitzy accents that go hand-in-hand with frigid temperatures and end-of-year-celebrations. We consulted Canadian nail experts Leeanne Colley and Rita Remark to get the low-down on the top nail art and colour trends to keep on your radar this fall and winter.

1. The New Neutral

According to Leeanne Colley, nail artist and founder of Tips Nail Bar, rusted hues are officially taking over as the neutral nail shades du jour. Swap out flesh-toned polishes with sepia-tinted colours for low-key nails that have an autumnal edge. Colley suggests opting for “earthy tones, like terracottas, burnt oranges, even mustard” to warm up a subtle manicure. Look for shades that have “warm, flattering brown undertones” – like burnished copper and honeyed yellow – to keep your mani universally flattering.

2. The Mismatched Mani

Multi-hued manicures, otherwise known as skittle nails, will remain as popular as ever. The reason? It’s an uncomplicated way to inject colour into your manicure. “It’s nail art with no nail art tools required,” says Rita Remark, global educator and lead nail artist for Essie. Plus, it’s super easy to master on your own. Remark recommends choosing anywhere from three to 10 shades that harmonize or look exciting together. “It doesn’t have to be wild. It can be as simple as five different nude shades,” she says. If you’re having trouble choosing a set of colours, Remark recommends turning to textiles, prints or paintings you’re drawn to for inspiration. “It makes creating an artistic selection of colours really easy and straightforward,” she says. “Ultimately, those are all done by artists that have a really good [understanding of] colour theory.” Just make sure not to have similar tones beside one another. Vary it up with contrast to achieve a true “skittle” effect rather than an ombré look.

3. Appliqués All Day

We may be past the days of press-on nails, but stick-on embellishments are on our radar as we move into the second half of the year. “A big trend on runways was appliqués, like studs and jewels,” says Remark. “These couldn’t be easier to apply, especially if you’re just adding a couple of jewels by the cuticle.” To get the look, take a moistened toothpick and pick up the gem you want to use. “Press it into nail polish when it’s still kind of gooey, and then it dries there and you have a really fun nail statement.” Easy as pie.

4. The Updated French Manicure

Love it or hate it, the French manicure isn’t going anywhere. “It’s way too fun and it’s way too versatile,” says Remark. It’s also a great way to experiment with different trends. “Just having the tips of your nails painted is an expression of the French manicure, even if it’s not in the traditional smile curve,” says Remark. Add gold accents or stud appliqués onto the tips of your nails to add a glamorous edge, or if you’re feeling extra extra, try mismatching with different patterns and colourful accents. Want to tone it down? “A cool graphic French tip using two or three shades with a clear natural nail base is really beautiful.

Always use a base coat.

Don’t make the mistake of skipping out on base coat. It only takes a few extra minutes to apply, and it prevents chips and yellow nail stains that can come from dark nail polishes. Because “toenails tend to dry out due to exposure in the summer heat,” Remark explains, “it’s best to use a moisturizing base coat formula,” like pro favorite.

Paint on polish.

The toes are a great place to play with a bolder polish shade, as they can be hidden if needed (or balanced out with a more muted nail color). We’ve seen nail polish trends from bright pinks to periwinkle blues to fun nail art this season. And a pop of color looks good on all skin tones. If you prefer to keep things classic, a sheer nude is always a contender for compliments as well. Be careful not to layer polish on too thick: Instead, layer on several thin coats, allowing adequate time to dry between each coat for best results.

Seal your color with a no-chip top coat.

“For a top coat, seek a strengthening formula,” Since toes are always exposed in sandals, it’s a good idea to find a long-wear version that will help nail color stay chip-free. “Reapply your top coat every four days to keep your polish as long-lasting and shiny as possible,” she suggests.

Be patient!

Don’t let all your hard work to go to waste. Make sure to wait for your freshly-polished toenails to completely dry before slipping on socks or closed-toe shoes. Even though nails may feel dry, rushing the drying process can result in unwanted smudges. Remark recommends waiting at least two hours to put shoes on for the perfect pedicure.

Don’t forget cuticle oil.

Cuticle oil is key for healthy, strong nails, whether on hands or toes. “It refreshes your pedicure and prevents toes from looking dry, so don’t forget to swipe some over your toes. But remember to always apply cuticle oil after nail polish so that it won’t interfere with the color adhering to nails.

Keep up the good work.

By now you realize how easy it is to give yourself a salon-worthy pedicure at home, so stick to it! Remark suggests treating yourself to pedicures every two or three weeks for those with very active lifestyles to maintain proper foot health. “Otherwise every three to four weeks is sufficient, depending on how quickly your nails grow,”