The second temperatures begin to cool, there’s a strong aesthetic shift. We experience a nearly primal instinct to push bright tones to the side and usher in a moodier palette. Earth tones are king—alongside rich jewel tones, regal metallics, and warm autumnal hues.
Celebrate this refreshing time with a thematic, yet elegant manicure. Ahead, we’ve collected 60 stunning fall manicures (sans a single pumpkin, acorn, or leaf), so you head into the new season ready and inspired.
Chrome Tips
Instagram @nails_of_la
The French manicure will forever remain a classic. This fall, celebrity nail artist Brittney Boyce recommends chrome tips to give your nails an edgy remix.
Cuffed Half Moons
Instagram @natalieminervanails
This cuffed design is exquisite. It features exaggerated negative space, with a tall arch left bare in the middle of the nail, and outlined for added impact.
Kasuma Mani
Instagram @thehangedit
The dotted work of Yayoi Kasuma inspired this manicure that’s perfect for fall, as Kasuma used colors that easily lend themselves to the season in her art.
Latte Love
Instagram @_beautbybee
These extra-long square nails offer a wonderful canvas for this latte-inspired design. It uses a mix of coffee hues and hearts where the center point drags down the heart, emulating latte art.
Molten
Instagram @fleuryrosenails
Silver chrome topped with bright red lines gives this mani a sick, futuristic molten lava effect.
Milky Mirror
Instagram @klawsbysonia
Milky nails are stunning year-round, but simple tweaks can make them feel more autumnal. For example, this design showcases 3D swirls in a cool-toned chrome.
Astrology Themed
Instagram @nails_of_la
Astrology lovers, rejoice! Boyce says wearing your sun, rising, and moon signs (and more if you desire) on your nails is going to be huge this fall and makes for the perfect way to elevate a classic black mani.
Groovy ’70s
Instagram @sansugnails
The colors of the ’70s—deep oxblood, rust, orange, and olive green—lend themselves to a fall color scheme with ease. This swirled design mixes the far-out shades with whimsical decals for added intereset.
Geometric Designs
Instagram @jinsoon
According to Jin Soon Choi, celebrity nail artist and founder of Jinsoon, clean lines, shapes, and simple geometric patterns are the ideal nail art for a modern fall look. “You can create either simple angles or intricate patterns to achieve the desired look,” says Choi.
Champagne
Instagram @fleuryrosenails
Super-fine 3D lines topped with a soft champagne chrome give this design a very demure vibe.
Multi-Colored French
Instagram @klawsbysonia
Celebrity nail artist Holly Falcone says that there will be different variants of the classic French mani that everyone will be wearing this fall. We especially love this monochromatic look with a dusty lilac base and eggplant swirls.
Sunset Paradise
If you’re still craving bright colors but want a look that’s not too summery, shoot for grounded colors, like this mix of mustard, rusty orange, and grayish blue.
Glazed Donut
Instagram @nailartbyqueenie
The power and influence of the glazed donut look remains unmatched as we gear up for fall. Mimi D predicts that you’ll continue to see this as everyone’s go-to as the weather gets cooler. The key to this look is chrome powder.
Abstract Art
Instagram @thehangedit
Choi says to channel your inner Picasso and draw on some abstract art. “Creating abstract paintings is both easy and highly artistic,” she says. “You can experiment with brush strokes, splatters, wavy lines, and sponge effects—all of which offer artistic possibilities and are simple to execute.” We especially love these abstract face designs for something cool and unexpected.
3D Detail
Instagram @sonyameesh
Meesh says that anything that adds a textured, 3D aspect to a nail look will be huge. They predict we will see a huge influx of 3D designs with bright colors and fun shapes like these googly eyes. “What’s really fun with this trend is that there is room to experiment,” they say. “It’s meant to be fluid.”
Sunflower Season
Instagram @nailchark
For a super thematic look, opt for sunflower nails. This look features a nude base topped with intricate sunflowers.
Vibrant Jewel Tones
Instagram @_beautbybee
Go for a look with a ton of depth by pairing rich jewel tones with metallics and 3D designs. This look mixes bubbles and swirls vibrant hues for an eye-catching look.
Pewter Chrome
Instagram @gossipandgloss
Instead of opting for an airy chrome look, deepen your base to add depth to the look. This manicure features a gray base topped with a greenish chrome, resulting in a pewter effect.
Wavy Neutral Tones
Instagram @sansungnails
Spice up a neutral tone with fun wavy designs. Choi says that waves featuring two different nude colors make for a sophisticated look. Opt for shades like JINSoon Nostalgia and Demure to bring warmth to your nails.
Gothic Vibes
Instagram @nails_of_la
Boyce says to channel your inner Goth with an all-black nail look. It’s simple and chic.
Brown & Blue
The color of chrome you use over a manicure can totally change the vibe of your manicure. This design features a tawny toffee base, milk chocolate micro tips and half moons, topped with a peacock blue chrome.
Galaxy Lights
Instagram @sansungnails
You can never go wrong with velvet nails. This galaxy-inspired look is an ethereal mix of soft periwinkle blues, lavender, and silver with a metallic sheen that’s truly out of this world.
Jade Swirls
Instagram @gossipandgloss
Get earthy with a marbled manicure for fall. This design blends green and white with hints of brown for a jade-like effect.
Cozy Feels
Instagram @themimid
The fall is a nice time to pare things back. “People love to feel cozy in the fall,” says Mimi. “Many nail art lovers will trade their bright neon manis for something more subdued and chill.” Opt for softer shades, muted tones, and matte finishes.
Sheer Neutrals With Silver Accents
Instagram @nails_of_la
For minimalists, the smallest details make the biggest impact. Boyce says that accessorizing a bare nail with metallic decals, like these from Nails of LA, is an easy way to elevate all of your nail looks.
Chocolate Glaze
Instagram @klawsbysonia
Mimi says that glazed everything will be a huge trend for fall, but she especially loves the chocolate glaze. Opt for a rich dark chocolate or go lighter for a milk chocolate design like the one above.
Textured Metallics
Instagram @nails_of_la
Boyce says metallics will continue to make waves for fall. Opt for a textured design to give your nails more depth and definition.
Nail Jewelry
Instagram @nails_of_la
Not sure how to make your nails pop? Accessorize them. Boyce says adding some nail jewelry, such as studs, rings, bling, and bling can really elevate any nail look. We love adding studs to a silver French tip for some serious rocker vibes.
New Beginnings
Instagram @nailchark
After growing up in a world where school starts in September, fall can still feel like the top of a new year. Get in that new-year spirit with a pretty glitter ombré.
Aura Bling
Instagram @nails_of_la
A spin on Boyce’s nail jewelry trend, these blinged-out aura nails are the perfect inspiration if you’re looking for something more dynamic. Go against the grain and opt for bright blues with a hint of purple radiating through the center. Extra points for adding some dainty heart-shaped jewel accents.
Cherry Red
Instagram @hollyfalconenails
Fall doesn’t need to mean dark and moody! Falcone loves a bright cherry red. Opt for these super cool jelly nails, or use something like the Orly Ma Cherie hue.
Oceanic Blue
Instagram @themimid
A rich blue is a perfect base for any nail look this fall. Falcone loves a deep navy shade and recommends using something like Chanel’s Les Vernis in 127 Fuguese to get that rich oceanic blue.
Pearly Whites
Instagram @madnails
Who says white nails are only for the summer? Falcone says that pearly white shades are bound to be everywhere.
Color Block
Instagram @jinsoon
Choi suggests color-blocking dual colors in vertical lines for a “fashionable statement.” This mix of browns, blacks, reds, blues, and more makes for a bold take on fall nails.
Minimal Art
Instagram @nailartbyqueenie
You don’t need to go big and bold to dress up your nails. Choi says that simple and clean manis with just one or two accents are easy and chic. “These accent nails will add a touch of sophistication and creativity to your overall manicure,” she says. Opt for small stickers or tiny jewels on your nails.
Negative Space
Instagram @jinsoon
Negative space sets the stage for more intricate and mesmerizing designs. “Leaving parts of the nails unpainted is a unique and minimalist approach,” says Choi.
Metallic Touches
Instagram @thehangedit
A hit of metallic shine supplies fall nails with a luxe feel. “These metallic elements will add a touch of opulence to your nails,” says Choi. We love these negative space French tips for a chic, yet unexpected twist.
Tortoiseshell Nails
Instagram @sansugnails
Of all the animal prints, there’s one that will reign supreme this fall: tortoiseshell nails. Nailing Hollywood nail artist and author of “Nail Art Deck” Hang Nguyen predicts you’ll see this print all over your social feeds—and for good reason. “Tortoiseshell nails just add to the cozy feelings of fall,” she says.
Mix and Match
Instagram @thehangedit
Choi says that mixing and matching different colors and designs makes for an eclectic style that’s a feast for the eyes. “These diverse nail colors will add depth to your manicure,” she says. Mix neon shades with nail art for extra impact.
Onyx Ombré
Instagram @jinsoon
Choi loves a one-toned ombré—especially this chic black gradient—for something extremely stylish. “[It’s] perfect for a fashionable and modern look,” she says.
Tortoise Accents
Instagram @thehangedit
If you love tortoiseshell nails, you can also approach the look as an accent, says Nguyen. For proof, look no further than this eye-catching manicure, which features a mix of chrome and half-moon pops of tortoiseshell.
Matte Finishes
Instagram @jinsoon
Don’t sleep on matte finishes, Choi says. “It’ll add a cozy and elegant touch to your manicure, making it ideal for the autumn season,” she says. Consider the JINSoon Matte Maker to get that velvet-smooth effect.
Chocolate Chrome
Instagram @nails_of_la
To elevate neutral hues, add a chrome effect. We love the juxtaposition of a cool-toned chrome over this warm-toned beige.
French Twist
Instagram @hollyfalconenails
Choi encourages everyone to explore modern versions of the classic French mani. We love this chic combo of black and red for a moody nail look.
Soft Skittle Manicures
Instagram @themimid
Nguyen says that the fall nail version of the “skittle mani” can be done with more muted shades, like dusty rose and deep mocha. Paint each nail with different tones, ranging from cool to warm in a chic matte finish.
Short French Nails
Instagram @rachelsuenails
Nguyen predicts French tip-accented nails in rounded shorter lengths will continue to gain popularity. A thin tip, even cast in a rainbow of colors, is an easy and versatile look.
Spooky Season
Instagram @thehangedit
It’s never too early to start thinking about Halloween. A good way to enter spooky season is with monochrome onyx nail art. We love this negative space approach with square French tips and cartoonish fringed eyes.
Mermaid Velvet
Instagram @sansungnails
This iridescent velvet effect is just so mesmerizing and magical for the fall. Mix shades of lavender, turquoise, and silver with pearl accents for the ultimate mermaid nail.
Mini Moon
Instagram @rachelsuenails
Elevate a white nail with colored accents. We especially love this winter white with a gold metallic half-moon at the base of the nail.
Nature Lover
Instagram @sansungnails
When it comes to fall nails, one must consider nature. Get inspo from Mother Earth and draw on intricate blooms wherever possible.
Sweet Cherry
Instagram @madnails
A vibrant red nail is perfect for the cooler weather. To make it more dynamic, mix in a French tip and adorable cherry decals.
Chess Master
Instagram @nailartbyqueenie
A checkered print is a nail art classic. Mix and match the pattern with touches of colorful ombré for an unexpected touch.
Happy Aura
Instagram @nailartbyqueenie
Radiate good vibes with aura nails. Opt for a mix of shades like this collection of pink, green, and orange for a mood ring-like effect.
Faded Gingham
Instagram @press_reset_nails
Gingham isn’t just for the warm months. Opt for softer shades with a faded effect for a dynamic look that still feels fall-appropriate.
Pop Art
Instagram @nailartbyqueenie
Give your fall nails fun, graphic, and cartoonish designs. Mix and match different colors and different etchings for an artistic effect.
Glitter Ombré Flames
Instagram @press_reset_nails
These glitter ombré flames don’t need much added to them. Put them against a bare nail for a high-impact pop.
Ghoulish Glitter
Instagram @sansungnails
One of the easiest—and most fun—ways to dress up any nail look is to throw some glitter on it. Elevate a bare nail with purple glitter swirls and if you want to get festive, add tiny adorable ghost decals.
Starry Night
Instagram @nailartbyqueenie
A mix of some of our favorite nail trends in one look, this fall manicure calls for a shimmery blue polish and white star decals to complete the look.
Swirly Pearly
Instagram @pristine__nails
For a French manicure that feels close to the original with a bit more interest, go for an iridescent white. This design swirls a pearl shade with a hint of silver for added dimension.
