75 Fall Nail Ideas You’re Going to Obsess Over
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A deep wine or classic navy will never go out of style, but it’s not a bad idea to consider more unexpected fall nail ideas this year. A less-conventional approach seems to be the general consensus among beauty influencers and pro nail artists this season.
Also on trend? Playful takes on French manis, earth tones, and neutrals with a twist, and even some greens (brat summer lives on, it seems). “Fall will merge nature and science for a versatile duality—think muted earth tones mixed with optimistic bright finishes that evoke a futuristic feel,” says Jan Arnold, CND cofounder and nail expert. “The colors we predict will be most popular are apricot-like peachy orange, dark teal, yellow sage, burgundy, and mauve.”
Not into neutrals? There are plenty of options for you. “If I could pick one trend that’s going to be huge, and one trend only, it’d be green nails,” Juli Russell, Sally Beauty DIY nail expert, tells Glamour. She points to aura nails and bold chrome as other trends to watch for. “Aura nails have been the rising star this season and will continue to shine bright."
In other words, these aren’t your basic fall nail trends. Should you feel so inclined to pair all your oversize sweaters and fall fragrances with a mani worth skipping gloves for, we rounded up the best fall nail ideas that have taken residence in our beauty editors’ saved tabs in preparation for fall. Get ready to screenshot!
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Instagram/@bycheznails1/75Earth Tones
Earth tones? For fall? Groundbreaking—but actually! This is a refreshingly chic take on the nothing-but-neutrals trend.
Instagram/@alyssanailtech2/75Pretty Pistachio
Brat green may have been trending this summer, but we're calling it now: Pistachio green is about to become its fall-friendly successor. DIY with Color Dept Kiwi Juice Nail Polish.
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Instagram/@bycheznails3/75Cinnamon Latte
Latte nails, but a little sweet. Yummy and chic. DIY with Nailboo’s Espresso Elegance Gel.
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Instagram/@mynailfielife4/75Moody Mix and Match
Can’t choose between moody brown and earthy orange? Now you don’t have to. Nail creator Maritza Williams created this look using Olive & June’s deep plum To Me, You Are Perfect press-ons and their burnt-orange terra-cotta polish Flower Pot.
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Instagram/@bycheznails5/75Chestnut Gradient
Another ideal option for the indecisive mani lover? A chic chestnut gradient look.
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Instagram/@glowbygracee6/75Vanilla Latte
Latte nails meet vanilla French. It's a manicure match made in heaven.
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Instagram/@bycheznails7/75Pumpkin Chic
Festive nails don’t have to be cheesy, and this pretty pumpkin French design is proof.
Instagram/@artnailnyc8/75Orange Aura
Aura nails are one of the biggest nail trends of the year. Fortunately, this orange look proves you can wear them well into fall.
Instagram/@getnailedkelowna9/75Mocha Marble
Apparently, coffee is trending when it comes to fall nails. We’re not mad about it!
Instagram/@glowbygracee10/75Tortoise Tips
Tortoiseshell nails are kind of a fall staple; it’s a sign that nature is healing. As is the weather.
Instagram/@mynailfielife11/75Scarlet Plaid
This sweet scarlet-plaid mani is so DIY. Just use Olive & June’s Cabernet for the plum red, and Howdy, Cateye, and Swan to perfect your plaid design.
Instagram/@megs.nailnook12/75Fall Florals
Simple flower nail designs are a year-round thing, OK? DIY with Nailboo’s Chestnut Chills and Espresso Elegance.
Instagram/@claudia_hrnandez13/75Dark Teal
If brat, pistachio, and chrome green are still too Wicked Witch of the West-coded for you, this trending teal green just might be a better fit.
Instagram/@bycheznails14/75Art Inspired
A little bit French, a little bit pistachio, this unique mani is everything we love about fall nails!
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Instagram/@naillab.bykathleen15/75’90s French
Square nails are back, haven’t you heard? Celebrate accordingly with a fall-friendly French mani.
Instagram/@j3nnailedit16/75Snake Print
Perfect for Halloween but chic enough for everyday wear, this snake-print style checks all our fall nail boxes.
Instagram/@nailsbypaular18/75Moody Marble
This moody emerald-green marble mani is just begging to be photographed holding a PSL.
Instagram/@kuypernailart19/75French Press
Repeat after me: Brown isn’t boring. Just look how chic this coffee-inspired French style is.
Instagram/@j3nnailedit20/75Martini Mani
Whether you're a martini lover or more of an eat-the-olives-out-of-the-jar kind of gal (or both), this mani is meant for you.
Instagram/@nailsbypaular21/75Fall Florals
Yes, you can still sport flower nail designs in the fall, and this mani proves it.
Instagram/@sansungnails22/75Celestial French
Counting down the days to Halloween? (Same.) This mani should hold you over.
Instagram/@nailinspobyshadi23/75Espresso Shades
No mani says “fall” quite like an earth-tone gradient.
Instagram/@nailsbypaular24/75Purple Chrome
We’re calling it now: This purple chrome mani is the fall-friendly evolution of Barbie nails.
Instagram/@eclectic.bysara25/75Mocha Swirls
Mocha swirls are minimalist, elegant, and perfect for autumn.
Instagram/@coyarose27/75Butterfly French
Butterflies are never not having a moment, and this monarch-meets-French mani is sure to make your heart flutter.
Instagram/@nail.expo28/75Dark Side of the Moon
This eye-catching take on the half moon delivers all the drama of an iconic black mani but with an unexpected twist.
Instagram/@nailsbyj0329/75Animal Matte
Fall is the perfect time to play with texture and transform your favorite patterns. Use a topcoat like Dazzle Dry's Mattify Top Coat to get the look.
Instagram/@nailsby.kc30/75Autumnal Orange
Match your mani to the orange-and-crimson foliage with this adorable design. All you need to emulate the look is some orange polish like Essie's To DIY For, shimmer topcoat, and floral nail decals.
Instagram/@nails_of_la31/75Goth Glam
Goth glam queen Megan Fox may have worn these for her birthday in May (peep the Taurus symbol), but this goth glam mani is ideal for the spooky autumn season. Get the look with press-on nails.
Instagram/@nail.expo32/75Tangerine Tips
This vibrant manicure is sure to brighten your day while setting the mood for Halloween (the real reason we love orange in the autumn).
Instagram: @laquehouse @carolinaarubi33/75Magic Metallic
If you've been wanting to try a manifestation manicure, the autumn equinox is the perfect time to give it a go. This mystical take on metallic tips is the ultimate manifestation-mani inspiration for fall.
Instagram/@artnailnyc34/75Edgy French
Tired of traditional French? Try its edgier cousin, the double V-shaped French. You can mix and match any combo of colors, but we’re especially fond of this black-on-pink vibe for the fall.
Instagram/@spellbound.nailartistry35/75Spooky Season
Have you been counting down the days until Halloween since last spring? This minimalist spooky-season mani is screaming your name. Boo!
Instagram/@artnailnyc36/75Witchy Wine
For a more seductive Halloween aesthetic, paint your nails wine red and decorate with celestial and snake nail decals.
Instagram/@lefevrediary37/75Milky White
White nail polish looks great on any skin tone, but make it a little cozier for fall by trying an off-white shade like Nailtopia in Sunday Funday. Add a chunky sweater and tons of gold jewelry for instant chicness.
Instagram/@overglowedit38/75Two Tones
The easiest way to give the appearance of nail art without doing any extra work? Paint one hand one shade and the other hand a different color. This combo—a creamy lilac and an earthy mustard green from Triple O Nail Polish—is the perfect transitional pair for heading into fall.
Instagram/@majestyspleasure39/75Just the Tips
It’s true, the French manicure is still going strong. Bring the look into fall with a deep moody shade like hunter green or navy. It’s also a great way to dip into darker colors.
Instagram/@evemeetsnails40/75Mix and Match
This one’s for all the Libras out there! If you can't commit to a single design, try a new one on each nail. It looks supercool and gives you tons of chances to practice your skills.
Instagram/@betina_goldstein41/75Tasteful Nudes
Minimal silhouettes look surprisingly chic on naked nails. Try a metallic like Essie nail polish in Mosaic on Down to take it into truly chic territory.
Instagram/@paintedbyjools_42/75Ombré Nails
Ombré nails—or the “Skittles manicure”—remains one of the easiest nail-art ideas out there. This variation in different shades of brown (we like Olive & June’s selection) is perfect for curling around a cup of hot cider.
Jonathan Pozniak; Nails by Rita Remark for Essie43/75Milky Pink
All it takes to make a neutral feel fresh is a matte topcoat. Try Essie's Matte About You blurred over Mademoiselle for this exact effect.
Instagram/@evemeetsnails44/75Graphic Glimmer
Cartoon “sparkles” are a fun way to play on glitter without the mess. This is probably best left to the pros, but with a steady hand it can be done at home.
Instagram/@zelleduran45/75White Hot
There are a lot of trends here—French mani, cool flames, and square tips—but a neutral color palette keeps it from being overwhelming and makes nails look superlong.
Instagram / @chescaleigh46/75Tortoiseshell Nails
Give one of fall’s biggest trends a fresh twist by painting only half of a few nails in tortoiseshell. Less surface area also makes it easier to attempt at home.
Instagram/@paintboxnails47/75Purple Passion
For a pop of color that doesn't scream summer, try a pretty plum. Channel everyone’s favorite Instagram mirror with ’70s swirls.
Instagram/@paintboxnails48/75Warm Florals
Could these flowers be any cuter? Use a dotting tool or bobby pin to easily re-create it with Paintbox’s nail polish duo in Like Lush + Like Flora.
Instagram/@paintboxnails49/75Let It Ripple
Swirls of mocha and cappuccino browns feel almost as cozy as a cup of coffee with a friend. A tiny nail brush will help you get the squiggles just right.
Instagram/@evemeetsnails50/75Double-Dipped
Another way to make a French feel fresh? Layer up on pretty pastels. Try OPI in To Be Continued and To Infinity and Blue-yond for a similar look.
Instagram/@evemeetsnails51/75Splatter Paint
Neon may not be your first thought when you hear the words “fall nail trends,” but think about how cute it will look against neutrals and denim.
Instagram/@oliveandjune52/75New Nudes
Once more for those in the back: “Nude” doesn't mean beige. Find a shade that works for you and throw on a super-shiny topcoat for a look that will never go out of style.
Instagram/@stephstonenails53/75Vintage Florals
How cute are these retro-inspired flowers? Bonus: Their imperfect shape makes them easy to DIY at home.
Instagram/@amyle.nails54/75Plaid Nails
Does anything say fall quite like a cozy plaid? Match your nails to your favorite flannel, and get ready to queue up Clueless.
Instagram/@evemeetsnails55/75Mixed Media
Into mismatched nail art but not into attempting 10 different designs? Grab a couple packs of stickers from ManiMe, and mix to your heart’s content.
Instagram/@ritaremark56/75Abalone Art
This shell-inspired nail art is simply stunning. Try your hand at re-creating it with Essie’s Let It Ripple collection.
Instagram/@nailsbymh57/75Midas-Touch Tips
Gold tips make a French feel way more luxe, and a sophisticated gold looks a bit more modern than classic white.
Instagram/@oliveandjune58/75Gold Stars
Stickers are a godsend for nails that pack a punch with no skills required. Olive & June’s stars are a favorite among LA girls for a good reason.
Instagram/@harrietwestmoreland59/75Square French
If you prefer shorter nails, try a French mani with a square shape and microfine tip. The squared ends look extremely modern when cut short.
Instagram/@harrietwestmoreland60/75Dragon Scales
Warm oranges and burgundies are a no-brainer for fall, but they can get a little stale. Spice things up with the shades you love in a cool metallic finish.
Instagram/@linmick61/75Bright Green
If you have no time for art, pick a poppy color like a bold green to do all the talking and layer on the rings. Try China Glaze in In the Lime Light for a similar vibe.
Instagram/@chillhouse63/75Wavy Baby
Swirly art will keep the summer vibes going on your nails, even when it drops below 60 degrees. Try Chillhouse’s press-ons for instant gratification.
Instagram/@lemanoir65/75Peach Tips
Add a little fall flair to your micro-French with creamy orange tips. Try Essie in Check to Check Out for something similar.
Instagram/@overglowedit66/75Celestial Silver
A sprinkling of silver stars adds a totally dreamy vibe to your manicure in seconds. Skip the base color and add a smattering of Cirque Color’s Celestial Charms for nails straight out of a fairy tale.
Instagram/@laurenladnier67/75Cool Dots
One of fall’s coolest nail trends? Channeling influences like Yayoi Kusama’s art and everyone's favorite Jean-Paul Gaultier dress into your mani. Luckily, it’s pretty easy to pull off. Start with your basic bright French mani, and add some dots by using a bobby pin or a dotting tool.
Instagram/@julieknailsnyc68/75Pearly White
Fall always feels like a fresh start, so channel that with fresh white nails. A shimmering finish and teeny-tiny pearls makes it anything but boring.
Instagram/@paintboxnails69/75Swooping Stripes
Sort of vintage, sort of modern, sort of French, very cool. Graphic swoops are a fun twist on a French mani and make your nails look crazy long.
Instagram/@julieknailsnyc70/75Rainbow Swirls
Your first instinct may be to go darker with your nails when the temp drops, but sometimes you just need a cheery mani to fend off the impending winter blues.
Instagram/@nailartbyqueenie71/75Hint of Red
Make a French mani feel a little less prim with some tiny red dots. Bonus: The negative space makes nails look superlong and elegant.
Instagram/@paintedbyjools_72/75Warm Wine
Sure, fancy nail art is impressive, but we can’t always make it to the salon (or have the hand-eye coordination to DIY). When you want to pack a punch with minimal effort, opt for a metallic version of your go-to fall shade.
Instagram/@gelnails_byhannah74/75Art-Inspired
Treat your nails like tiny canvases and layer on a mix of colors and abstract patterns. To keep things from looking too busy, make sure to keep your polish shades in the same color family.
Instagram/@paintedbyjools_75/75Simple Squiggles
Freehand squiggles and not much else is so minimal and chic, especially when done in a neutral palette.
