Certain nail trends will never look dated, and black nails have always been one of the most popular nail shades in salons. Whether you’re experimental with your nails or like to keep things simple, a black manicure manages to look both effortlessly stylish while still having an appealingly rebellious edge. “Black is always such a strong choice for nail art designs because it feels chic, modern and intentional and plays beautifully with more seasonal textures like matte, chrome, foils and velvets,” explains session nail artist Ami Streets.

Its versatility means it really does make the perfect choice for your next nail art design—even if you tend to be someone who sticks with a colour block manicure. And for the season ahead, it seems that anything will go when it comes to black nail art. “Fine-line lace, constellations in metallic tones, textures that look like croc or snakeskin and even simple black abstract swirls on a sheer nude base are all bold enough for autumn and winter, but still beautifully wearable,” says Streets.