As the leaves change color and the air turns crisp, it’s time to update your manicure with the hottest fall nail ideas.
This autumn, embrace rich hues and unique textures that reflect the cozy season. From classic burgundies to unexpected metallics, we’ve curated a list of 30 trendy nail designs that will keep your fingers looking fabulous all season long.
Best Fall Nail Ideas
1. Hint 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/@nailartbyqueenie
2. Warm 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/@paintedbyjools_
3. Confetti French
If allover crystals aren’t really your thing but you still want a little extra, dress up your French mani with a single sequin on each nail. Amazon and Etsy have tons of options in every color and shape imaginable.
Instagram/@overglowedit
4. Art-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/@gelnails_byhannah
5. Simple Squiggles
Freehand squiggles and not much else is so minimal and chic, especially when done in a neutral palette.
Instagram/@paintedbyjools_
6. Earth Tones
Earth tones? For fall? Groundbreaking—but actually! This is a refreshingly chic take on the nothing-but-neutrals trend.
Instagram/@bycheznails
7. Pretty 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.
Instagram/@alyssanailtech
8. Cinnamon Latte
Latte nails, but a little sweet. Yummy and chic.
Instagram/@bycheznails
9. Moody 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.
Instagram/@mynailfielife
10. Chestnut Gradient
Another ideal option for the indecisive mani lover? A chic chestnut gradient look.
Instagram/@bycheznails
11.Celestial 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 Colors Celestial Charms for nails straight out of a fairy tale.
Instagram/@overglowedit
12. Cool 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/@laurenladnier
13. Pearly 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/@julieknailsnyc
14. Swooping 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/@paintboxnails
15. Rainbow 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/@julieknailsnyc
16. Vanilla Latte
Latte nails meet vanilla French. It’s a manicure match made in heaven.
Instagram/@glowbygracee
17. Pumpkin Chic
Festive nails don’t have to be cheesy, and this pretty pumpkin French design is proof.
Instagram/@bycheznails
18. Orange 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/@artnailnyc
19. Mocha Marble
Apparently, coffee is trending when it comes to fall nails. We’re not mad about it!
Instagram/@getnailedkelowna
20. Tortoise Tips
Tortoiseshell nails are kind of a fall staple; it’s a sign that nature is healing. As is the weather.
Instagram/@glowbygracee
21. Tasteful 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/@betina_goldstein
22. Ombré 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.
Instagram/@paintedbyjools_
23. Milky 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.
Jonathan Pozniak; Nails by Rita Remark for Essie
24. Graphic 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/@evemeetsnails
25. White 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/@zelleduran
26. Tortoiseshell Nails
Give one of fall’s biggest trends a fresh twist by painting only half of a few nails in a tortoiseshell. Less surface area also makes it easier to attempt at home.
Instagram / @chescaleigh
27. Purple Passion
Instagram/@paintboxnails
For a pop of color that doesn’t scream summer, try a pretty plum. Channel everyone’s favorite Instagram mirror with ’70s swirls.
28. Warm Florals
Could these flowers be any cuter? Use a dotting tool or bobby pin to easily recreate it with Paintbox’s nail polish duo in Like Lush + Like Flora.
Instagram/@paintboxnails
29. Let 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/@paintboxnails
30. Double-Dipped
Instagram/@evemeetsnails
Another way to make a French feel fresh? Layer up on pretty pastels.
Ready to try these fall nail ideas? Book an appointment with your favorite nail technician or grab some polish and get creative at home.
Share your autumn-inspired manicures on social media and tag us for a chance to be featured. Happy fall, and happy painting!