Meghan Markle's 'Strawberry Milk' Manicure Is the Nude Nail Upgrade for Fall

Meghan Markle has built a strong case for the nude manicure over the past few years, and her newest version, a soft pink-beige shade nicknamed 'strawberry milk,' might be the most fitting one yet for the start of fall. She debuted the look on Instagram and during a day of engagements in the U.K., proving a tidy, minimalist polish can still feel considered rather than plain.

What makes the shade work

Manicurist Ami Streets calls the look a masterclass in understated elegance. 'The soft beige-pink shade gives nails a healthy, natural-looking finish,' she says. 'Her barely-there look is all about enhancing the natural nail, with muted pink-beige tones.' For anyone chasing the exact tone, Streets points to Kure Bazaar's Rose Milk, a rosy nude, or French Rose, a paler and milkier sheer option, in a standard polish formula rather than anything gel or dip.

'Nothing says quiet luxury quite like this timeless, your-nails-but-better look,' she adds, 'where a delicate pink undertone keeps things fresh and feminine, while the beautifully groomed finish feels effortlessly chic for everyday wear.'

Why it reads as warmer than a typical nude

Susan Carroll, founder of the Notting Hill beauty destination Young LDN, describes Markle's take as a modern spin on the classic nude, with more warmth built in than a standard neutral shade. 'It's subtle, but that's what makes it so elegant,' Carroll says. 'The glossy finish keeps everything looking fresh and polished, without being too much. It's the kind of manicure that works for almost any occasion.' Markle typically pairs the color with a short, neat nail shape, though Carroll notes the shade adapts easily across lengths and finishes.

Carroll sees the rosy-beige family as a gentler alternative to the deeper tones usually associated with autumn manicures. 'It's understated, but still makes your nails look beautifully put together,' she says. 'It works with pretty much everything in your wardrobe, and you can easily adapt the shade to suit your skin tone by choosing a slightly warmer or pinker beige. It's a really timeless option.'