13 Matte Nail Ideas for Cozy Fall and Winter Manis

It seems like we’ve cycled through every possible glossy and chrome nail trend recently—so it’s only natural that our feeds are filling up with matte nail ideas. If you’re looking for for a change of pace that’s perfect for fall and winter, here’s your sign to ditch the shine.

Ready to get ahead of the next big trend? Nail artist and educator Sofiia Mazur tells Glamour that matte nails have seen an especially strong resurgence recently, and for good reason: “The matte effect adds a high-fashion, editorial look that feels more luxurious and modern than traditional shine, making even classic colors feel new,” she says.

How to wear matte nails

When considering different matte nail ideas, you’ll want to take any glare out of the equation and picture your shade of choice in full force. “Matte finishes tend to look especially luxurious on deep, saturated shades, like rich chocolate browns, deep emerald greens, smoky navy, and muted plums,” Mazur says. Mattifying these fall favorites will give them even more depth and dimension. The best part? You can give any of your go-to shades a matte treatment with a simple top coat; Mazur always reaches for Mineral Fusion’s Chip Resistant Matte topper.

If you’re more of a manicure minimalist, muted neutrals (think taupe, mushroom, and greige) also work beautifully with a matte finish. Mazur notes that even nude shades read as more of a statement when you eliminate the shiny finish.

For a trendy take, you can also bring a matte element into your manicure without applying the effect to your entire nail. “Matte paired with glossy or chrome accents is currently one of the most requested combinations in salons,” Mazur says.

What nail shapes look best with matte nails?

While you can add a matte element to any nail shape, Mazur says that the effect particularly accentuates longer nails: “Matte nails tend to look best on structured, elongated shapes like almond, oval, and tapered square because these shapes highlight the matte finish,” she says. “Since matte removes reflection, the eye is drawn to the silhouette of the nail, so a well-defined shape becomes the key.”

Matte effects can also look super clean and satisfying on short, natural nails—but Mazur doesn’t recommend pairing it with dramatic nail shapes like coffin or stilletto. “Matte can highlight those harsh angles and make the nail appear visually heavier,” she says. “Matte is all about balance, so choosing a shape that adds elegance and length helps enhance the overall impression of the look.”

How to maintain matte nails

It might surprise you to learn that matte manicures often require a bit more upkeep than glossy ones. But while scratches and oil marks can easily blend into a shiny finish, it’s harder to hide imperfections on a matte nail. Luckily, there’s an maintenance hacks to keep your mani looking fresh. “I usually recommend wiping them with alcohol pads once every couple days or once a week and especially wearing gloves while cleaning,” Mazur says.