Here at OTY! we are not rookies when it comes to polish play. Our nail beds have been spotted, dotted and glittered galore. Although I’d like to keep the radical nail looks coming as much as I’d love for summer to never end, I thought we’d start this fall out with more subtle looks (for now, at least). By subtle, I mean creations that even our most mature readers will want to wear. These nails are sophisticated enough for work or an elegant event, and mild enough to not clash with one’s outfit. Inspired by the minimal looks seen in fall runway collections like Rebecca Minkoff and Emerson, these two tutorials were created to get everyone on board of the nail art train.

Design 1.

Step 1 : Paint your nails a nude color.
Step 2: Wait for your nails to dry completely and paint 1/3 of the way down your nail bed with a gold polish.
Step 3: Wait for your nails to dry completely again, and paint 1/4 of the way down your nail bed with a bronze polish (similar to a french manicure). Apply a clear coat when nails are dry.

Design 2.

Step 1: Paint your nails a pink color.
Step 2: Cut out a half circle shape out of scotch tape.
Step 3: Wait for your nails to dry completely and place the tape at the base of your nail.
Step 4: Paint a darker polish color (I used OPI’s You Don’t Know Jacques!) over the tape and up your nail.
Step 5: Remove the tape while the polish is still wet.
Step 6: Wait for your nails to completely dry and apply a clear coat.