I Recreated Tricky NYFW Nail Trends

I'll admit it: I'm horrible at doing my own nails. However, after a week of seeing gorgeous fashion models rock incredible nail art, my own manicure was starting to feel a bit lackluster. In order to revamp my own look, I decided to recreate some of New York Fashion Week's top nail trends. From furry nails (yes, you read that correctly) to intricate stripes, there were a lot of cool designs to choose from. However, I knew that many of these funky trends were way beyond my skill level. Instead, I choose looks that I felt a rookie like myself would be able to recreate.

When it comes to creating these fashionable designs, you need to think ahead. While many nail artisans have plenty of crafty tools at their disposal, I did not. As a nail rookie, I knew I would need to think outside of the box in order to draw on these designs. When searching my apartment for the perfect tools, I found that chopsticks and pens work best for smaller designs.While these tools may not fancy, they definitely can get the job done.

From stars to stripes and everything in-between, New York Fashion Week left no detailing behind. It was a season full of fun, funky trends. While I may not be a professional, I found some of these trends super rookie-friendly. However, other's left me a little more frustrated than normal. Here are ten nail trends from New York Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2016 that I attempted to recreate.

1. Taoray Wang

Runway Version

For this show, the models sported a light grey base color with a black line. The nails were filed, clipped, and clean.

Rookie Version

As a nail rookie, I don't own a lot (or any) nail art tools. Instead, I had to opt for a pen. After I applied the grey base coat, I brushed black nail polish onto the tip of my pen, and began to create the line. Rookie tip: dab the color on, don't pull. If you pull the color along the nail, it looks patchy. To be honest, I'm proud of my end result. The line isn't super straight, but it works!

2. 3.1 Phillip Lim

Runway Version

For this look, the designer chose a camel brown base coat topped with two chrome stripes.

Rookie Version

First of all, I don't own a chrome nail polish. Instead of running to the drugstore, I did what any lazy girl would do, and choose in a different color. I decided to keep it fashion forward by choosing black for the stripes. For there, I applied a caramel brown base color, and attempted a thin and thick stripe. Let's just say creating even, tidy stripes is pretty hard. I tried to make it work, but honestly, it's a mess.

3. Jenny Packham

Runway Version

At the Jenny Packham show, models featured a pale pink base with gold star accents.

Rookie Version

To create the gold star, I used my handy pen tip to draw on the accent. My star wasn't exactly perfect, but I thought it was super cute.

4. Jonathan Simkhai

Runway Version

Lead nail artist, Rita Remark, decided to create a "warm, cozy cable-knit" decoration for the nail using shades that can be found in Simkhai's collection.

Rookie Version

Did I mention that I'm not-so-good at nail art? Yep, this picture proves it. When recreating the look, Remark mentioned to create diagonal "S" shapes down the nail in order to get the cable-knit look. While the Simkhai look is more cozy and cool, mine is a bit sad and wonky.

5. Libertine

Runway Version

Who knew that furry nails would be the next big thing in haute couture?

Rookie Version

While I'm sure the nail artists used actual hair fibers to create this look, I opted for a cotton ball as an at-home alternative. To create my rookie version, I painted my nail white and added pieces of the cotton ball on top. It was super simple, but whether it is trés chic or not is up to you.

6. Rebecca Minkoff

Runway Version

Think of this nail look as an ombré sunset. The nail colors fade from a bright color at the base of the nail to a light pink color at the tip.

Rookie Version

When it comes to recreating this look, you need time and patience when layering the colors. Clearly, I had neither.

7. Cushnie et Ochs

Runway Version

If you look closely at the model's hands, you'll notice that the nails are a pale beige color with a black tip.

Rookie Version

I'm pretty sure that I nailed this look! I'll wait for the laughter.

8. Rachel Antonoff

Runway Version

This look was all about mimicking the print in the collection. I choose to recreate the white base color with the pink and red accents.

Rookie Version

This look was super easy to recreate, because it didn't have to look perfect. Simply apply a white base color, and add small smudges of red, oranges, and pinks.

9. Francesca Liberatore

Runway Version

For this look, the nail artist used a creamy beige base color, and topped it with an intricate black design.

Rookie Version

This nail look was almost the death of me. I had to recreate it so many times due to my sheer lack of nail expertise. Basically, it's hard to do without getting black polish all over your nail. This was the closest my nail art actually came to resembling the design.

After a few hours of trying to recreate these nail designs, I've learned just how much detail goes into these nail looks. It may seem so simple to recreate in the photos, however, for a rookie like me, it was anything but.

Images: Emily McClure