Photo: Martha Williams; manicure by Beauty on Call

The trend Updated classic
Taking a cue from the runways at Dior and Chanel, French manicures are making a comeback—but not in the way you’d imagine. “Traditional French manicures are passé,” says Gina Zimmer, regional technical leader for Red Door Salon and Spa (919 N Michigan Ave, fourth floor, 312-988-9191). “It’s more modern to use color—very deep hues make short nails look longer.” Red Door offers Duet Manicures (pictured, $35) with red nails and a deeper red to accent the tip.
Polish to ask for Diana by Zoya for the base and Isabel by Zoya for the tip

The trend Layered look
If patterns aren’t your thing, dark colors might be. Lakeview nail studio Paint (930 W Diversey Pkwy, 773-868-6400) just received a bevy of deep purple and berry polishes inspired by designer Phillip Lim’s runways. But if you’re afraid of the dark, don’t worry—lighter colors can have depth, too. “Lately we’re layering colors,” says Paint owner Mickie Lee. “I just gave one of my clients a brown nail with shimmer on top.“
Polish to ask for Lincoln Park After Dark by OPI for the base with Symphony In Gold by OPI for the top coat

The trend Witchy hues
Of course, the hands can’t get all of the attention this fall. As the leaves begin to change color, so do the shades on toenails. Brooke Temner of Bliss (644 N Lake Shore Dr, 312-201-9545) says that most of the spa’s clients are choosing browns and golds with their pedicures. She likes creamy, deep berry colors that are perfect for cool-weather fashion—but soft enough for an Indian summer day, too.
Polish to ask for Bahama Mama by Essie

The trend Preppy vamp
At Beauty on Call (312-335-5350, beautyoncall.com), deep colors dominate for toes. If you’re worried about looking too goth, try downplaying the hue’s intensity by looking for a shimmery shade of red or brown. “Try taking the classic vamp look and putting a lighter twist on it,” suggests founder Stacey Koerner-Roney. “It’s not as extreme
that way.”
Polish to ask forTulip Noir by Chanel

The trend Upside down
Skin Quotient (3015 N Ashland Ave, 773-975-7546) takes the concept one step further with its Reverse French manicures ($33), which incorporate two or three polish colors. “It might be a dark color at the base of the nail and at the tip, with something neutral in the middle,” says spa manager Dominique Murray.
Polish to ask for Black by Chanel for the base and tip with Alpine Snow by OPI in the middle