As the calendar edges toward September 22, 2025—the official end of summer—there’s a subtle shift in the air. For most, though, summer’s end is less about the equinox and more about the abrupt jolt of returning to the office. That transition, marked by the bittersweet farewell to sun-drenched days and vacation rhythms, is often tinged with a sense of loss. Yet, as Vogue Italia points out, it also offers a fresh opportunity to reinvent one’s look, holding onto the glow of summer while embracing the promise of autumn. This year, the spotlight is on two seemingly simple, yet powerfully transformative trends: the season’s most coveted manicures and the ballerina shoe renaissance.
Let’s start with the hands—those subtle storytellers of style and mood. According to Vogue Italia, the right manicure can do more than just polish your appearance; it can actually boost your mood, especially as you head back to the daily grind. The publication notes, “Can the choice of a nail polish color or nail art make us feel better? Absolutely yes, especially if we go for something that truly reflects our taste and at the same time improves the appearance of our nails and hands, making us feel tidy and elegant, completing the look in a personalized way.”
So, what are the three manicure trends set to define the autumn 2025 office return? First up: the ‘yellow butter’ French manicure. This isn’t your classic white-tipped look. Instead, the yellow butter trend ushers in a warm, intense shade that’s both chic and radiant—perfect for long, oval nails, but equally striking on short nails with a thin, precise stroke. The effect? A subtle nod to lingering summer days, capturing and enhancing that post-holiday tan. As Vogue Italia explains, “The long wave of yellow butter mania accompanies us into autumn, where this color becomes more intense and warm.”
Next, the chrome translucent nude manicure is making waves for those who crave something a bit different, but still understated. Imagine a nude polish with a chameleon-like chrome finish, visible only when the light catches it just right. The most on-trend shades for this style? Pinks—ranging from soft peach to guava, with the latter crowned as the symbolic fruit of summer 2025. This manicure is ideal for anyone who wants a twist on the classic nude, offering a hint of playful shimmer without overwhelming the look.
Completing the trio is the modern mother-of-pearl polish. Forget the old-school, opaque pearly whites of the past. The 2025 version is a semi-transparent, milky white that mimics the inside of a seashell, paired with ultra-glossy top coats to maintain its reflective, slightly iridescent finish. Vogue Italia predicts this will be the obsession of the season, noting, “The new nude is served.” It’s a look that’s both fresh and timeless, ready to carry you from the last days of summer straight through the heart of autumn.
Of course, no fall style story would be complete without a nod to what’s happening below the ankle. Enter the ballerina shoe, the undisputed must-have footwear for autumn 2025. As Elle Italia reports, ballerinas are enjoying a renaissance, gracing the feet of celebrities, trendsetters, and everyday fashion lovers around the world. This surge in popularity is no accident—designers and runway shows have thrown their full support behind the trend, each brand offering its own unique spin.
The versatility of the ballerina shoe is a key part of its appeal. Whether crafted in leather, satin, or suede, ballerinas come in a dizzying array of styles: classic or Mary Jane, pointed or round, even square-toed. Embellishments run the gamut from studs and metallic elements to gathers, weaves, or minimalist, clean designs. The beauty of the ballerina is its adaptability: pair them with a midi skirt for a polished office look, or dress them down with jeans for effortless weekend chic.
Elle Italia offers a curated selection of six standout ballerina models set to define the season. Jil Sander’s brown leather ballerinas, for example, feature detailed stitching and a metallic ankle ring for a touch of brightness—perfect with a midi skirt. Prada’s gray satin version boasts a pointed design with cutouts and ruching, easily transitioning from office hours to evening aperitifs. Alaïa’s Mary Jane-style ballerinas, crafted in suede with a square toe and silver studded strap, channel the essence of a dancer’s slipper, ideal when paired with jeans and a ribbed top.
For those drawn to a more romantic vibe, Alohas presents a square-toed ballerina adorned with a delicate bow, described as “the model you won’t want to part with this autumn.” Gucci, never one to shy away from opulence, offers a denim ballerina with a patent leather toe, sparkling with crystals arranged in the iconic double G motif. Finished with a bow, these shoes beg to be worn with crisp white jeans. Finally, The Row delivers a minimalist leather ballerina that’s endlessly versatile—think miniskirt and short-sleeved polo for a modern take on preppy chic.
What ties these trends together is their celebration of individuality and subtle luxury. The return to the office, often dreaded as a return to routine, becomes a chance to showcase personal style in small but meaningful ways. Manicures and shoes—two details that might seem minor—can actually shape the way we carry ourselves, offering comfort, confidence, and a dash of creativity as we navigate the changing seasons.
There’s also an underlying sense of optimism woven through these trends. The beauty looks and footwear of autumn 2025 aren’t just about following what’s hot on the runways; they’re about finding joy in the everyday, and using fashion as a tool to ease transitions—whether it’s from vacation to office, or summer to fall. As Vogue Italia so aptly puts it, “Details are always so important: we can take inspiration from late summer trends to find what works for us.”
So as the leaves begin to turn and the city hums back to life, there’s no need to mourn the end of summer. Instead, embrace the new season armed with a luminous manicure, a pair of chic ballerinas, and the confidence that comes from feeling put together—right down to your fingertips and toes. Sometimes, it’s the smallest details that make all the difference.
