Zara Tindall’s mushroom taupe nails are the perfect neutral

September can feel like the real New Year. That ‘back-to-school’ feeling brings with it an urge to switch things up – regardless of how long it’s been since we last owned a pencil case. As the season turns, we’re ready to refresh our wardrobes and trade bright summer nails for a more muted autumn design that complements our favourite cashmere.

Cherry reds and chocolate brown nails typically come back into rotation at this time of year, but Zara Tindall has reminded us of another, more understated option. Looking back at an appearance from the Cornbury House Horse Trials in September 2024, we spotted her wearing a muted mushroom manicure that we're ready to revisit this autumn.

Neither quite grey nor brown, Zara’s nail colour sits somewhere in the middle, with a soft mocha undertone that gives it more warmth than a traditional greige. It also works beautifully with the rest of her tonal look, particularly the taupe knit she wore on the day. And with just enough depth to feel autumnal, it’s an easy seasonal switch for those who aren’t quite ready to embrace darker shades.

How to recreate Zara Tindall’s 'mushroom taupe' nails

OPI

Nail Lacquer Polish, Don't Bossa Nova Me Around

Nailberry

Simplicity Oxygenated Nail Lacquer

Essie

Jelly Gloss Polish Boho Rodeo Collection- Barn Boheme

One of the 2026 nail trends that has dominated this summer has been milk nails. Spanning everything from sheer pink rose nails to creamy iced vanilla nails, the finish has remained much the same: slightly translucent, semi-opaque and with plenty of shine. ‘Mushroom taupe’ feels like a natural next step as we move into autumn.

It’s deeper and richer than the milky shades we’ve been wearing all summer, but still firmly falls into the neutral nail camp. To copy Zara’s manicure, opt for an opaque polish in a cool-toned, earthy mushroom shade. For a more modern take, you could borrow from the milky nail trend and choose a sheer taupe instead. Or, for something with a little more impact, ask your manicurist to layer a light-reflecting chrome over the top for a glazed nail effect.

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As for length, Zara wore the shade on short, squoval nails, which adds to the overall polished finish. Keeping them short also plays into the understated appeal of the look – simple, well-groomed nails paired with a glossy, expensive-looking colour.

Emma Stoddart is a freelance beauty journalist and self-confessed skincare aficionado with over five years’ industry experience. Emma has worked for some of the UK’s top women’s titles including Net-A-Porter, Stylist and Grazia. Her experience spans online and print as well as producing editorial shoots with some of the industry’s biggest artists, including Val Garland. Asides from working with them behind the scenes, she’s also had the chance to interview the likes of Patrick Ta, Pat McGrath, and Sam McKnight for all their insider tips and tricks.