Dusty Pastels Are Fall’s Softest, Most Sophisticated Manicure Trend

Cotton candy. Polly Pocket compacts. LoveShackFancy dresses. Megan Fox’s short-lived “marshmallow pink” hair color. The best things in life come in pastels, and that includes your new manicure. And don’t worry—you don’t have to immediately ditch your cashmere sweaters and smoky, spicy fragrances in favor of sweet sundresses and light floral scents—this look fits both aesthetics just fine.

The current “dusty” interpretation of the pastel color palette is more muted, less like candy eggs or the Beanie Baby bunnies and bears of your youth. Think baby blue with a hint of gray or washed-out yellows and lilacs. The paler and more faded, the better! They’re sweet, but not saccharine—and they’re going to be the only thing you want to wear this fall.

The Trend

These aren’t the chalky pastel polishes of your youth. They’re much more elevated.

“A muted tone allows for a more sophisticated twist on classic pastel,” Rebecca Isa, creative director for Zoya, says. “It’s also easier to wear and apply because the white undertone is softened. It’s more forgiving if your hands and nails are less than perfect.”

Editorial nail artist Tara Haye agrees. “S​oft, muted tones show an understated elegance, with a touch of refinement to any look,” she says.

They’re also perfect for anyone who was obsessed with the vanilla girl and soft girl aesthetics of TikTok trends past. “This trend is not only versatile but the delicate shades effortlessly complement a wide range of outfits and styles, making them a go-to choice for many fashion enthusiasts,” says celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec. “They fit right into the soft girl aesthetic.” The key word here is soft, not jellybean brights, sheer jellies, or Barbie pinks, but rather rich cream formulas with an opaque white or gray-leaning base.

How to Get Dusty Pastel Nails

Pastels have a reputation for being hard to work with; the streaks are real! “They tend to be patchy and show every irregularity in your nail,” says Isa. However, a little prep work makes all the difference. Isa recommends prepping with a strengthening tinted base coat like Zoya’s Naked Manicure Tinted Perfector to help fill in any ridges and create a flawless foundation for your lighter-than-air shade. 

According to Isa, the “float technique” is a great way to ensure even coverage. The first layer should be a super thin coat—don’t worry about potential streaks, as they’ll be covered in the next coat, she says. “Then apply the second coat as a thicker layer and ‘float’ with your brush [with little to no pressure on the nail], allowing it to spread evenly.” (Here’s a great video of the technique in action.) Make sure to let each coat dry thoroughly and seal in the shine with a top coat. Need a new one? We’ve got you.

 Kandalec’s picks include Lights Lacquer’s ‘52 Chevy, a pastel key lime creme, and Misfit Toys, a barely-there pale, pale blue. Isa likes Zoya’s Birch, a greige-lavender; Lillian, a faded aqua; and Leif, a light sage green. Olive and June’s BP is the palest of dusty blues, while Londontown’s Buttercup is as light and creamy as, well, a stick of butter.

“Dusty Pastel” Nail Inspiration

Keep reading to find even more “Dusty Pastel” mani inspiration—you’ll be set for appointments ‘til spring.

Dusty Pastel Pink

A pastel pink will always be a classic, so we’ll start our dusty mani journey here. Complete with calming beige undertones, this opaque and creamy look is the work of Manucurist Paris’ Pastel Pink polish.

Dusty Pastel Rose

If you want to get a little bolder with your dusty pastel pink, rose tones are the way to go. This cool-toned shade is Gelcare’s English Rose.

Dusty Pastel Swirls

No, your dusty pastel manicure doesn’t need to be a one-color-only situation. You can liven things up with some nail art, like these sweet swirls in a dusty yellow and grayish-blue palette.

Dusty Yellow French Tips

Another great (albeit much quieter) dusty yellow nail art example: these sweet baby French tips. No matter which shade you choose to showcase, this look is so versatile.

Dusty Pastel Green Ombré

Here, a pretty dusty pastel green meets an ombré design and a touch of chrome powder. You can have it all.

Dusty Pastel Gradient

Skittle nails are always the best option when you can’t decide which polish to choose. This dusty pastel version of the trend is reminiscent of the “healthy” version of famous candies you can find at the grocery store, complete with natural dyes and all that good stuff.

Dusty Pastel Purple

The loveliest lilacs can have their dusty turn, too. The color is especially gorgeous when paired with these medium-length, rounded square-shaped nails.