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Nail design inspiration can come from anywhere—yes, even foods and flavors. And as the cold weather sets in, there is nothing more comforting than a warm palette. Enter the newest answer to this need. It’s dark, it’s sultry, and it’s inspired by deep reds and warm browns: cherry mocha.
“Cherry Mocha nails are perfect for fall especially with the holidays coming up, they’re a great shade both for Thanksgiving and Christmas, or just for a deeper moodier nail for the colder season,” says nail artist Rachel Joseph.
When looking for the perfect cherry mocha color, she says to look for “usually a deeper red with brownish tones.” But if you can’t find your perfect shade, then a homemade option works just as well. “I’ve also seen this trend done by layering both a brown polish with a red on top of it,” adds Joseph.
Check out InStyle’s favorite cherry inspired nails below.
Sharp and Sweet
These long stiletto nails bring some edge to the soft, delightful cherry mocha polish. It s a super subtle aura design with brown around the outside and cherry red on the inside. We love this nail length because it gives the space for this gorgeous color to truly shine.
Freshly Picked
Taking it back to the basics, this 3D design puts the cherry in cherry mocha. While this design would probably be cute on anything, the French base adds dimension and makes it pop.
Straight from the Stem
We love this singular cherry, resting on the nail with a sparkly, dreamy effect. It’s the perfect accent nail but would work as a full set as well.
Stone Fruit Salad
When it comes to the stone fruit category, why stop at cherries. This gorgeous set includes so many elements from the stone fruit world, from cherry blossoms to peach pits.
Tied with a Bow
This look uses the perfect sultry shade of cherry red. Adding a neatly tied bow as an accent nail? Well that’s just the cherry on top.
We Heart Cherry Mocha
A few cherry mocha base nails make for the perfect setting for a cute and fresh design. Plus, we can’t get enough of the adorable heart-shaped cherries.
Cherry Wine
We love the simplicity in the gorgeous shade, on a long oval-shaped nail. This look brings a little less edge than a sharper nail, and sometimes that’s just what you need.
Short and Sweet
This deep cherry mocha shade is a gorgeously of red and browns. On short nails, the simplicity of this look lets the color do the work.
Holly Jolly Nail Set
Leaning into the Christmas warmth of it all, this cute set is perfect for the holiday season. The cherry mocha base nails create the perfect backdrop for cute red and green flower motifs.
Cherry Nights
The darkest version of this trend, this shade really leans on the mocha of cherry mocha. Letting the brown hues shine, this dark shade still has cherry-red undertones we love.
Tortoise Blend
This look combines what we love about the cherry mocha trend, with the tortoiseshell trend. Plus, we are obsessed with the sharp, bright, red edge.
Cherry Mocha French
Any shade looks good with a French manicure, but this cherry mocha adds an extra pop.
Cherries on Chains
With this look, more is absolutely more. The cherries, the bows, the chains, the drama. There is so much to look at, and we love what we’re seeing.
Squared Away
We love the cherry mocha look on this clean, square nail. Plus, the little bit of sparkle on the accent nails adds the perfect amount of pizazz.
Gold Leaves? Gold Stays
Adding a gold leaf to this deep shade is the perfect combo. It adds a pop and dimension, and can be used subtly or heavily.