Fall Nail Trends: The 'Velvet Merlot' Manicure Is The Hottest New Thing Right Now

The biggest fall nail trend is the "Velvet Merlot" manicure. This gorgeous look gets its wino-moniker from its bold, deep red polish reminiscent of a glass of wine on a cold night. What makes the "Velvet Merlot" manicure so special is its nod to textured beauty, thanks to the cat-eye shimmer or diffused shimmer effect from the magnetized polish. The light-catching, metallic element of the manicure, where the "velvet" component comes in, adds a softness to the nails. 

Fall invites a shift in nail polish shades, evidenced by the most popular OPI polish colors capturing fall 2026's biggest trends. Moss greens and earthy browns are classic fall shades; the same goes for orange, as many of the cutest autumn manicure shades celebrate the season of pumpkins and foliage. But for those who gravitate toward red tones, the "Velvet Merlot" manicure is a sumptuous choice. It offers the boldness of a black polish, but it's softer and more editorial than such a dark shade. On top of that, a merlot manicure is part of the food-and-beverage theme that's inspiring so much in the beauty world. Note the compelling rise of latte makeup, dessert-scented perfumes, and butter-yellow accessory details; beauty and grooming have become ultra-appetizing. What gourmand scents did for fragrance, the wine trend did for nails. So unleash your inner sommelier with a rich merlot-themed manicure that's seductively textured.

The "Velvet Merlot" manicure trend has taken over as one of the most romantic autumn nail designs thanks to its rich wine tone, complemented by the metallic shimmer of the magnetic cat-eye mimicking soft fabric. It's one of many gorgeous alternatives to put a twist on the classic red manicure — it's a more sophisticated red.

Part of the reason the "Velvet Merlot" manicure trend is so popular is that it's so easy to style. The textured shade looks dramatic on long nails and creates depth on short nails, so for those who prioritize practicality, this manicure still works. In terms of beauty styling, these nails present the opportunity for monochromatic makeup; complement a "Velvet Merlot" manicure with a bold, wine lip this fall and take the inspiration a step further with a red wine blush tone. Consider a matching pedicure in a velvety wine shade to keep the inspiration going, because the beauty of a deep red nail is that it matches with everything in the fall. From tweeds and plaids to trench coats and leather jackets, "Velvet Merlot" is the perfect fall complement.