As a summer baby, I'm partial to the too-hot heat, the barely-there bikinis, and the overall bright and vibrant vibes that the June, July, and August months bring. Over the years, especially working in media and having to be up-to-date on different trends, the fall has held a special place in my heart and my Pinterest mood boards. Beyond the drop in temperature, the effortlessly chic OOTDs, and pumpkin spice-everything, I love a good fall trend list.
While "summertime fine" is most definitely a thing, nothing compares to a good fall trend. In the fall, our go-to manis will be more chic and calm, more mindful and demure. To discuss this and the other fall trends we can hope to see, we spoke with experts Imani J. Myers, celebrity nail artist and founder of Imanicurist, as well as Session Manicurist Joelle Rodriguez. Below they give us all the need-to-know deets about her top fall nail trend predictions. Keep reading for more.
Color Me Baddie
Keeping in line with her belief that fall will mean more muted nail colors, Myers predicts that the top nail colors will keep that same energy. Think "a deep wine red, chocolate brown, deep blues and of course the classiest, black," she tells xoNecole. As gravitating towards a more calm aesthetic becomes the vibe, opting for a solid, rich color is another fall 2024 nail trend. For color, Rodriguez is seeing green. "I think green, specifically a natural forest green, is going to have a moment," the manicurist envisions.
Run the Jewels
Just because fall may mean a more calm and muted aesthetic when it comes to our nails doesn't mean you have to sacrifice the bling. "There’s a bunch of holidays, and the last quarter of the year gets busy. I can predict major jewel designs for this holiday season," Myers says. Rodriguez is more than here for the bling. "The layered bling look has been around forever and comes back every winter. Now more than ever, it's more intricate and gorgeous!" she exclaims.
Almond Joy
In terms of the nail shape that will be the trendiest, Myers believes it will be all about the almond shape this fall in a variety of lengths. "I’ve noticed a lot of girls are leaning towards almond-shaped [nails], short to extra long. Such a timeless, dainty shape." Rodriguez sees almond and stiletto shapes as mainstays when it comes to manis but is also feeling square or oval shapes for the girls. "It's something fresh for the season, and she's a classic," Rodriguez emphasizes. "For my long-extension wearers, I think a traditional oval would be a cute shape to play around with."
Back in Matte
For the fall, Myers says matte is in order as a go-to finish for nail looks. "A lot of clients prefer the calmer designs, such as a solid rich color, for the colder months," she shares. "Matte top coat is a customer favorite. The finish is spotless and velvety." Rodriguez shares a similar sentiment, "I think glossy flat colors and metallics will be in, but I wouldn't be mad if matte made a debut. People do tend to skew away from it though because it can appear 'dirty' after some wear."
In Motion, In 3D
As far as emerging nail trends on her radar, Myers has one word: 3D. "Everything 3D," she says. "Products are changing daily, and new things [are being] introduced to make the work even cooler! 3D is taken over in the design portion of getting your nails done." Her personal favorite is the 3D flower nails that have been everywhere. Rodriguez seconds this forecast, adding, "Whether it's a single rhinestone or two, slightly 3D painted art, or extreme 3D with all the bells and whistles, I think the texture and having something to interact with on your nails is a nice way to bring the vibrancy of summer into the cold months." Noted.
Maximalist vs Minimalist
"While the maximalists of the world are leaning more toward colorful and heavily detailed nail art. The minimalists admire natural-looking and impeccably done manicures and extensions," Rodriguez shares. "For the minimal girls, I’m leaning towards a solid color, tortoise, chrome French tip, animal prints, and plaid. For my maximalist girlies, I’m leaning towards a lot of 3D and jewel work using darker/muted tones," says Myers.
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Featured image courtesy of Joelle Rodriguez/@joellesbosom
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Devale Ellis On Being A Provider, Marriage Growth & Redefining Fatherhood
In this candid episode of the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker talked with Devale Ellis, actor, social media personality, and star of Zatima, about modern masculinity, learning to be a better husband, emotional presence in marriage, fatherhood for Black men, and leading by example.
“I Wasn’t Present Emotionally”: Devale Ellis on Marriage Growth
Devale Ellis On Learning He Was a ‘Bad Husband’
Ellis grew up believing that a man should prioritize providing for his family. “I know this may come off as misogynistic, but I feel like it’s my responsibility as a man to pay for everything,” he said, emphasizing the wise guidance passed down by his father. However, five years into his marriage to long-time partner Khadeen Ellis, he realized provision wasn’t just financial.
“I was a bad husband because I wasn’t present emotionally… I wasn’t concerned about what she needed outside of the resources.”
Once he shifted his mindset, his marriage improved. “In me trying to be of service to her, I learned that me being of service created a woman who is now willing to be of service to me.”
On Redefining Masculinity and Fatherhood
For Ellis, “being a man is about being consistent.” As a father of four, he sees parenthood as a chance to reshape the future.
“Children give you another chance at life. I have four different opportunities right now to do my life all over again.”
He also works to uplift young Black men, reinforcing their worth in a world that often undermines them. His values extend to his career—Ellis refuses to play roles that involve domestic violence or sexual assault.
Watch the full episode below:
On Marriage, Family Planning, and Writing His Story
After his wife’s postpartum preeclampsia, Ellis chose a vasectomy over her taking hormonal birth control, further proving his commitment to their partnership. He and Khadeen share their journey in We Over Me, and his next book, Raising Kings: How Fatherhood Saved Me From Myself, is on the way.
Through honesty and growth, Devale Ellis challenges traditional ideas of masculinity, making his story one that resonates deeply with millennial women.
For the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker peels back the layers of masculinity with candid conversations that challenge stereotypes and celebrate vulnerability. Real men. Real stories. Real talk.
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
Featured image by YouTube/xoNecole
Calling All Lovers: October London, Tamar Braxton & Ro James Deliver A Soulful Serenade
If there was ever a night to pull out your best leather jacket, call up an old flame, and lean into your soft, sultry era, The October Nights: Calling All Lovers tour was it.
Presented by Black Promoters Collective, the show brought an evening of lush vocals, smooth grooves, and unapologetic grown-folks business to Atlanta—with Ro James, Tamar Braxton, and the man of the hour, October London, leading the charge. The energy? Sensual. The vibe? Intoxicating (literally and figuratively—more on that in a minute).
Ro James kicked off the night with his signature raspy vocals and a cool confidence that immediately set the tone. While “Permission” was the undeniable crowd favorite (with couples slow-dancing in their seats and people swaying with their phones in the air), he also dug deeper into his catalog, delivering seductive mid-tempos and moody ballads that reminded us he’s not a one-hit wonder—he’s a whole vibe.
Next up, Tamar Braxton took the stage with diva energy and vocal acrobatics that had the crowd on their feet. Her set was a perfect mix of emotion and edge—songs like “My Man,” “All the Way Home,” and “Love & War” hit every heartstring, but she didn’t stop there.
Tamar tapped into her earlier work, showing her full vocal range and reminding everyone that she’s one of the most powerful voices of her generation. Between tracks, she got personal with the audience, sharing laughs and stories like we were all cousins at the family reunion.
Oh—and in case you missed it: “Braxtons are coming back.” 👀 Consider that a soft launch if we’ve ever heard one.
Then came the velvet king himself: October London.
From the moment he stepped on stage, it felt like time slowed down. Backed by a silky live band and powerhouse background vocalists The Shindellas — Kaso, Stacy, and Tam, October’s set was pure R&B indulgence.
He opened with songs like “She Keeps Calling” and “Make Me Wanna,” blending retro soul with modern sensuality. Every note was intentional, every lyric soaked in emotion.
“Touch On Me” and “3rd Shift” had the crowd in a trance, while “Lovers Interlude” and “You Look Better” brought things to a tender, candlelit close.
And because this is October London we’re talking about—of course, he came with the charm. “If I come down there and sing with you,” he teased one woman in the front row, “you gon’ get pregnant.” The entire room screamed.
He also took a moment to introduce his newest venture—a signature whiskey that he’s currently promoting on tour. Smooth music, smooth vocals, smooth whiskey? A trifecta for the grown and sexy.
To top off the night, there was even a surprise pop-up from Tyrese, sending the crowd into full nostalgic overload.
By the end of the night, it was clear: this wasn’t just a concert—it was a love letter to R&B. The October Nights: Calling All Lovers tour captured the essence of grown-up intimacy, storytelling, and soul. No gimmicks. Just real voices, real feelings, and really good music.
If October London is the future of modern soul, we’re all in.
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Feature image by Geoffrey Clowes/ Shutterstock