Dakota Johnson’s ‘Brown Sugar Espresso’ nails are the cozy fall trend taking over social media

Dakota Johnson's coffee-inspired ‘Brown Sugar Espresso’ nails are going viral on social media. At Milan Fashion Week, Dakota Johnson flaunted her coffee-inspired look to her nails that can easily be described as “brown sugar espresso” nails. The rich shade is perfect for fall and is a big change from the soft, neutral nail colors she usually wears. She also recently changed her hair to a darker brown shade that her colorist Tracey Cunningham called “glossed espresso.” Dakota Johnson was back—in black—at Vogue World 2026: Milano. The star arrived at the runway-show spectacle wearing witchy layers of transparent lace and chiffon from Valentino’s fall 2026 collection, titled Interferenze and designed by her good friend Alessandro Michele.

Dakota Johnson has been opting darker nail colors lately, and she is not the only celebrity embracing the trend. Anne Hathaway recently wore a “cherry cocoa” manicure. Gaëlle Lebrat-Personnaz, CEO of Manucurist Paris, said that brown nails could become one of the biggest manicure trends this fall. “Brown is always a beautiful color to have during autumn,” she said. “It’s an elevated nude.” The warm brown shade also has a cozy feel because it reminds people of coffee, chocolate and caramel. The brown nails can easily go with fall outfits, whether you're wearing a chunky sweater or heading out for a pumpkin patch or a walk to see the changing leaves.


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How to get Dakota Johnson’s ‘Brown Sugar Espresso’

The good news is that Johnson's manicure is easy to recreate at home. The key is choosing the right brown shade. Johnson went for a rich brown with slightly warm undertones, rather than a very dark or cool brown. To recreate the look, start with a clear base coat. Apply two coats of an opaque chestnut-brown nail polish and finish with a glossy topcoat. You can recreate the look with shades such as Manucurist Nail Polish in Chestnut, essie Nail Polish in Save a Cowboy or OPI Nail Lacquer in My Italian is a Little Rusty. For the full fall effect, pair the manicure with your favorite coffee or, if you want to stay on theme, a shaken brown sugar espresso.

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FAQs

What are Dakota Johnson’s “Brown Sugar Espresso” nails?

They are warm, rich brown nails inspired by the color of brown sugar espresso. Dakota Johnson wore the coffee-inspired manicure at Milan Fashion Week.

Why are “Brown Sugar Espresso” nails trending?

The warm brown shade fits the fall season and offers a darker alternative to the soft, neutral nail colors that are often popular.

What color are Dakota Johnson’s nails?

Johnson opted for a rich brown shade with slightly warm undertones, similar to chestnut brown.

How can I recreate Dakota Johnson’s brown nails?

Start with a clear base coat, apply two coats of an opaque chestnut-brown polish and finish with a glossy topcoat.

Which nail polishes can create the look?

You can try Manucurist Nail Polish in Chestnut, essie Nail Polish in Save a Cowboy or OPI Nail Lacquer in My Italian is a Little Rusty.

Is brown nail polish a fall trend?

Yes. Manucurist Paris CEO Gaëlle Lebrat-Personnaz said brown is a beautiful color for autumn and described it as “an elevated nude.”

What other celebrity is wearing dark brown-inspired nails?

Anne Hathaway recently wore a “cherry cocoa” manicure, another dark, food-inspired nail look.

What inspired Dakota Johnson’s espresso look?

Johnson recently went for darker brown hair, with her colorist Tracey Cunningham describing the shade as “glossed espresso.” Her brown manicure continues the coffee-inspired look.