Tortoiseshell nails are the chic, vintage-inspired look to pair with all your autumn outfits

While block colours like plum and navy are dominating this season's trends, tortoiseshell nails are the exception, with the statement look already making its way into our hearts and subsequently onto our fingertips.

Tortoiseshell is one of those prints that never goes out of style. We'd even go as far as to say it's the accessory equivalent to a white T-shirt. So, it makes sense to interpret it into a manicure look, especially in the autumn months when the design's core colours - black, amber and dark brown - are popular shades in their own right. In fact, the vintage print is already a rising autum nail trend, and while you might be hesitant to try such a bold design, the look is actually very versatile and can be adapted to suit everything, from classic French tip nails to short French tips and is surprisingly easy to recreate at home - with a few pointers from the pros.

So, for anyone looking to match their nails to their favourite sunglasses or claw clips, here are six chic ways to wear the timeless pattern.

What are tortoiseshell nails?

Now, before we dive into how to recreate this trendy manicure and our favourite ways to wear it, you might be wondering what exactly a tortoiseshell nail look entails.

As the name suggests, it seeks to replicate the spotted effect of tortoiseshell, using an array of warm, brown and amber hues. The end result is a chic, eye-catching design that is surprisingly versatile and easily elevates any outfit.

Our tortoiseshell nail staples

Nail prep and care are key for a long-lasting nail look, so on top of your tortoiseshell nail polish collection, we'd recommend investing in one of the best nail strengtheners, as well as a nourishing cuticle oil.

How to recreate Tortoiseshell nails

And for those looking to recreate this vintage manicure at home, Juanita Huber-Millet, Founder and Creative Director of Townhouse, has shared a step-by-step guide.

• Prep: "Remove any existing nail polish and file to your desired shape and length -make sure to always file your nails in one direction to avoid any damage." Huber-Millet then says to focus on your cuticles, "using an orangewood stick or a damp cotton bud gently push back the cuticles."
• Base coat: "Next, apply a base coat to your nails and let them dry completely," then once the base coat is dry, "apply one coat of sheer jelly-like yellow polish."
• Create the pattern: "Using a brown nail polish or nail art pen, carefully paint irregular shaped brown patches, mimicking a tortoiseshell print. Allow the polish to dry completely," before then applying, "another coat of the sheer jelly-like yellow polish"
• Add more detail: "Using a black nail polish or nail art pen, carefully paint irregular black patches overlapping the brown shapes - allow the polish to dry,"
• Top coat: "Finish off with a top coat to seal and protect your manicure, giving it a glossy and long-lasting finish."
• Finishing touch: Huber-Millet then recommends using a cotton bud dipped in nail polish remover, "to clean up any mistakes or polish left on your skin."

1. Short tortoiseshell nails

Think of this manicure as an extension of your favourite accessory style. It offers an almost marbled effect, which is of course eye-catching, but thanks to its warm and neutral colour palette, it's still fairly subtle.

We just adore this look for the cooler months as it will complement your coats and knits so well, but as it takes inspiration from a timeless pattern, you can wear this manicure trend all year round also.

To recreate, we'd suggest investing in a few thin nail brushes or dotting tools (like this set, available at Amazon). As for achieving the pattern, we'd suggest choosing three complementary shades that vary in depth - from a light amber to a dark, chocolate brown. Then apply your chosen base shade, and before it dries, dot on your darker browns and allow them to bleed out slightly. Then top with a glossy top coat.

2. Mix & match tortoiseshell nails

Tortoiseshell print makes for a lovely feature nail, but it also pairs so well with autumn/winters other popular colours. A burgundy or plum shade, for instance, would balance the pattern perfectly and deliver such a chic look, especially if you opt for a short square nail shape - as seen above.

3. Tortoiseshell French tip nails

If you're a minimalist nail lover but still want to try out this trend, a tortoiseshell French tip is a lovely, understated option.

We'd recommend starting with a clear, nude or slightly pink base coat before creating your tip with an amber shade using a thin brush. Then take your dotting tool to create the iconic brown marbled-like effect.

4. Tortoiseshell feature nail

For a more subtle way to wear this design, you can reserve it for just one nail and complement it with brown French tips, like the manicure above. The nude base colour of the Frenchies balances the pop of print so well, affording a very chic, wearable and still quite distinctive look.

5. Micro Tortoiseshell French tips

Tortoiseshell print can also easily be adapted to a micro French manicure, and while creating the tip might be a tad fiddly, it's actually quite a forgiving option for those who haven't quite nailed the tortoiseshell pattern.

As the design area is so small, you can get away with just a few dots of diffused brown. There is also the option of adding a full-feature nail for those feeling more confident.

6. Squoval Tortoiseshell nails

This trend looks especially chic on short and squoval nails, offering a statement but not so in-your-face effect, as opposed to long, almond or stiletto nails.

Simply shape your nails to your desired length and shape, apply your base shade and start the process of dotting on your two dark shades, allowing them to bleed out, before locking them in with a high-shine top coat.