Ah, fall. There’s just something so magical about the cooler weather, golden leaves, and — at least for us beauty lovers — seasonal nail art. Fall manicures can be totally individual and expressive. Based on your mood and personal preferences, you can go dark and moody with deep shades of navy and maroon. Or, for a touch of flare, you can opt for some shiny iridescence and go for a chrome or glazed effect (yes, glazed donut nails are primed to continue their reign well into the colder months, and we’re not mad at it).
Experts all agree that this upcoming fall is going to be fun and adventurous when it comes to nail art. To see what they mean, we’ve asked them for their predictions of the best nail art we’re going to see on all our social feeds this upcoming season.
Below, scroll through the 50 best fall nail ideas to get you excited for cooler weather. Save this for your next nail appointment.
Mirror Image
Instagram @sonyameesh
Fall is a time to be reflective…with your nails. Celebrity nail artist Sonya Meesh says that using lacquer with reflective pigment can be solid on its own or be used to create a design. “KBShimmer has the best variety of polish shimmers on the market, in my opinion,” Meesh says. “All That Glimmers is a nude base with reflective pigment; it’s perfect if you’re not into bold colors but want to try this trend.”
Plaid
Instagram @themimid
Plaid is synonymous with fall, and according to celebrity manicurist and educator Mimi D, it’s the perfect nail art for when it starts to get cooler. Opt for a mix of white, bright green, and gold mix if you want to start feeling festive early.
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
Mesh recommends pulling inspiration from one of the top style decades: the ’70s. “Groovy ’70s colors and designs always make me think of fall,” they say. “It’s timeless and bold.” Mix deep oxblood, beige, and tan swirls with psychedelic butterfly details for a far-out look.
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.
Multi-Colored French
Instagram @press_reset_nails
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 multi-colored look with defined monochromatic tips for a unique spin.
Glazed Donut
Instagram @nailartbyqueenie
The power and influence of the glazed donut look remain unmatched as we gear up for fall 2023. 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. She recommends OPI’s Powder Perfection to add this effect to your nails.
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 shell nails 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.”
Got Milk
Instagram @themimid
Milk bath nails have been everywhere, but don’t expect them to go away anytime soon. Mimi says milk nails will go strong as a fall 2023 nail trend. Go a little kitschy by dressing a milky sheer white base with decales, like these fun ornaments.
Gothic Vibes
Instagram @nails_of_la
Boyce says to channel your inner Goth with an all-black nail look. Use a shade like Aprés Gel Couleur in Birnam Wood to get that rich saturation and then add white Gothic letter accents.
Earthy Tips
Instagram @sansungnails
Mimi says that French tips will be colored in all sorts of earth tones for fall 2023. We love this warm brown outlined with a thin white border for extra definition. The tiny gingerbread man detail makes for a nice added touch.
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 and muted tones.
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 @haileybieber
Mimi says that glazed everything will be a huge trend for fall 2023 nails, but she especially loves the chocolate glaze. Opt for a rich dark chocolate as seen here on Hailey Bieber (a.k.a the queen of the ultimate mani) with a shiny gloss.
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.
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. Use something like Orly’s Crystal Healing for an iridescent and creamy shade.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Chocolate Chrome
Instagram @nails_of_la
Brown may just be the M.V.P. color of fall. But if you’re looking to elevate the hue, give it the chrome effect. Nguyen says the chocolate chrome nail was big in 2022 and will continue to explode in the cooler months.
Soft Skittle Manicures
Instagram @themimid
Nguyen says that the fall 2023 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.
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.
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.
Strawberry Girl
Instagram @thehangedit
Tomato girl season took over summer, but strawberry girl is about to be everywhere this fall. Join in on the burgeoning trend with tiny strawberry designs painted on hot pink polish.
Glitter Swirl
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.
