Witchy nails have become the defining manicure mood of fall, and nail artist Hang Nguyen (@thehangedit) has the specific formula: blackened plum, forest green, smoky translucent charcoal, or burgundy—each elevated with a cat-eye effect.

"Witchy nails are especially beautiful when the mood comes from the color. Something like blackened plum, forest green, smoky translucent charcoal, or burgundy—with a cat-eye effect added to any of them—will elevate the witchy mood even more," Nguyen told Elle.

The trend rides a broader cultural moment. Practical Magic 2 is in theaters now, and the witchy aesthetic has spilled from film into beauty routines.

Nguyen recommends precise accents over heavy embellishment. "A tiny silver crescent or a few delicate stars can add a celestial detail, and if you want that extra oomph, throw a black cat into the mix," she said. Shape matters too: "Short, glossy, dark nails feel quietly mysterious; a longer almond shape adds drama."

The 15 Looks Defining the Trend

Elle's rundown spans a wide tonal range, from subtle to full theatrical. The core looks:

• Sparkly 'n' mystical — glitter and mysticism for a cool, witchy finish.
• Purple daze — glittery deep purple sealed with a glossy top coat.
• Burgundy with gold stickers — gold moon and star nail stickers over burgundy. Elle notes a practical tip: seal the stickers with a gel top coat for long-lasting wear.
• Cross embellishments — pointed almond shapes, black polish, silver cross nail art.
• Bronzy & dotted — a bronzey cat-eye, the trend's most restrained entry point.
• Classic almost black — near-black nails delivering the mood through simplicity.
• Glassy — a glossy, orb-like finish with what Elle calls an "almost crystal-ball quality."
• Artsy chic — proof, per Elle, that "the trend doesn't have to take itself too seriously."
• Marble & potion-like — marbled nails giving "the illusion of a potion swirling on your nails."
• Vampy chic — witchy vibes with an elevated edge.
• Chrome effect — bronze chrome with a "spellbound quality."
• Glam witchiness — a glitzy manicure Elle describes as "equal parts spooky and sophisticated."
• Mulberry charm — a dark mulberry purple that "nails the trend effortlessly."
• Magical touch — an espresso-inspired French manicure.
• Magnetic force — a cosmic color paired with a glassy facade.

What the Trend Signals

The color logic is consistent: every recommended base sits in the dark, cool family—plum, burgundy, charcoal, forest green, mulberry, espresso. The finishes do the differentiating work. Cat-eye magnetic polish, chrome, and high-gloss top coats transform a single dark palette into fifteen distinct looks.