It’s that time of year again. Kids are going back to school, that occasional crisp chill is starting to re-enter the air, and our September social calendars are filling up fast. While the beginning of the final quarter of the year is the perfect time to purge your closet, set a new goal, or establish a fun hobby, it’s also a great time to sit back, relax, and invest a little time into your self care. As beauty lovers, one of our favorite ways to unwind is with a fresh manicure. Instead of repeating your favorite nail art, though, we recommend switching things up with a pretty seasonal manicure. Not sure where to start? Ahead, explore over a dozen September nail ideas that manicurists can’t get enough of for fall 2024.
Royal Blue Aura Nails
2024 has seen so many renditions of the popular aura manicure. For September, celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec says to opt for deep fall colors offset with a lighter hue in the center. Take this royal blue and lavender aura manicure, for example.
Speaking of blue, Nailing Hollywood artist Rachel Joseph says that marine blue is a fantastic solid color for fall. “It’s a good transition into fall when you’re not ready to let go of summer blues yet,” she says, noting to simply opt for darker hues.
Matte Forest Green Leopard Nails
Nailing Hollywood artist Laura Malarkey is a big fan of matte finishes for fall. “A velvety matte top coat over a rich gem-tone color is so dreamy and perfect for the beginning of fall,” she says. “It reminds me of soft sweaters and cozy blankets.” If you don’t want to rock solid-toned matte nails, though, Malarkey suggests going with a stylish leopard print. “These just scream early fall nails to me; a perfect seasonal transition, combining a wild summer pattern and moody fall color,” she explains.
3D Gold Swirl Nails
3D nail accents have become a mainstay in nail salons near and far. For fall, Kandalec likes the ides of 3D gold swirls atop a sheer champagne glitter base, as shown above. “3D gold and isolated chrome nails like these are some of my favorites because they look so high end,” she exclaims.
Abstract Dusk Nails
For a moody September mani, consider this sponged-on abstract dusk nail look. “Simply sponge [navy and plum polishes atop a milky nude base] for a dreamy, ethereal look that is perfect for fall,” says celebrity nail artist Jin Soon Choi, founder of JINsoon.
Blackberry Ombre Nails
Choi and Kandalec are both big fans of bold ombre nails for September 2024. “Ombre nails with unexpected color combos like red into black or navy into silver are subtle yet interesting, making it chic for the season,” Kandalec says. Meanwhile, Choi loves the look of a juicy blackberry fade. “This bold interpretation of ombre, which I named ‘Black Cherry Ombre’ and used for the Jason Wu FW2024 runway, employs a dark forest motif, intertwining fantasy with an element of darkness,” she reveals.
Cool-Tone Animal Print Nails
Another way to rock leopard print on your tips is with a reimagined cool-toned palette. “Effortlessly transition from summer to fall with this easy and cool animal print nail art,” Choi says. “Neutral to medium tones with subdued undertones create a seamless seasonal shift.”
Cranberry Red Nails
Kandalec reminds us that bright red nails are always in season. For September, go with a slightly deeper cranberry shade atop a chic rounded almond shape.
Dark Cherry Accent Nails
For a moodier red mani, go with deep cherry tones. You can use it to coat your nails from cuticle to tip or take Choi’s advice and opt for a mix of solid nails and accents in the shade. For this look, you’ll need a dotting tool and a fine-lining nail art brush.
Demure Nails
This September, some folks simply want to be mindful, cutesy, demure. If that’s use, Kandalec recommends keeping it simpl with delicate, coquettish nails. “Soft shades of pink and whites; semi sheers and feminine details,” she suggests.
Double Take French Manicure
Let your natural nails shine while still capitalizing on two of the season’s top nail art trends: French tips and cuticle accents. “Elevate the classic French manicure with a modern double French design,” Choi recommends. “This elegant look features two French lines—one at the tip and another inverted at the base of the nail. This sophisticated design is perfect for any occasion.” It’s also easy to DIY with a nail art brush or French manicure stencil stickers.
Matte Black and Gold Nails
Matte nails don’t have to fully lack shine. With a matte metallic accent, you get the best of both worlds—just look at this matte black and gold mani. “Classy and rich and bold, matte black and gold chrome never gets old,” Malarkey says.
Matte Burberry Nails
Burberry plaid is a fall staple, so it makes sense that the textile inspires nail art. “These nails make me want to wrap myself up in a cozy scarf with a warm mug of Earl Grey,” Malarkey says.
Matte Mauve Skittle Mani
Another demure manicure idea? A Skittle shift of mauve shades. “Mauve is such a versatile nail color,” Malarkey says. “Topped off with gold chrome and a matte top coat, it kick-starts sweater weather beautifully.”
Metallic Rose Gold Nails
If you’re a fan of rosy nail looks for September but want a bit more wow factor on your nails, opt for a metallic finish. According to Choi, metallic rose gold polish beautifully catches the light, creating a stunning, luminous accent in any ensemble.
Midnight Matte Ombre Nails
Looking for more ombre inspo? Malarkey likes the idea of a rich midnight-inspired mash-up. “September is the perfect month to start showing off your favorite spooky season colors,” she says. “I love this color combo and the matte top coat makes that ombre velvety smooth.”
Mixed-Finish Black French Mani
Speaking of spooky, seasonal manis, one of the easiest is a mixed-finish black French, which works just as well for NYFW as it does for Halloween. “I love the pure elegance of this sleek, stylish, and sophisticated look of this striking combination of black matte and shiny French tips,” Choi says.
Mixed Finish Earth Tone Nails
This photo perfectly illustrates how a glossy or matte top coat can totally transform a season nail look. The way Choi sees it, matte is the proper choice for September and autumn as a whole. “Mauve and taupe are exceptional blending partners with their pink, purple, and neutral tones which offer a subtle nod to both seasons,” she says. “They are soft and sophisticated and have enhanced appeal with a matte finish.”
Modern Nude French Mani
This minimalist, mod French mani is yet another September nail idea that can be categorized as demure. “This sleek, skinny French manicure on sheer nude gel polish creates a super shiny, glass-like effect,” Choi says. “Timeless yet modern, this look was spotted on the latest Marc Jacobs runway.”
Negative Space Color Block Nails
For a high-fashion September nail look, Kandalec says to get creative with negative space and color block designs. While this mani features straight lines, making it appear easy to DIY, for the crispest end look, you’ll likely want to hire a pro.
Partial Marble Nails
Matte royal blue marbled nail art? We’re here for it and so is Choi. “I like the unique and stylish idea of painting a partial water marble design on your nails,” she admits. “It allows you to enjoy the beauty of water marbling without the hassle of cleaning up excess polish.”
Sheer Sage Linear French
No patience for a full French mani? Opt for this linear design instead. Simply start with a sheer sage base from cuticle to tip and use a nail art brush or stencil sticker to create a thin white line to section off each tip. “[It’s] a fresh take on the classic French manicure, exuding youthful elegance and modern simplicity,” Choi says.
Watercolor Floral Nails
Last but not least, we have floral nail art. While flowers might seem more reserved for spring and summer, we’re seeing floral motifs in fall fashion and hair accessories trends here in 2024, inspiring us to incorporate them into our manis, as well.
