There’s a certain magic in the air when it comes to fall nail designs. Maybe it’s the cozy vibes, the changing leaves, or the excitement of the upcoming holidays, but fall nail art is always a favorite. This season calls for a warm color palette, with shades like burgundy, chocolate brown, burnt orange, and deep earth tones taking center stage. Metallic details, rhinestones, and other jeweled embellishments add a touch of sparkle to complete the autumnal look.
As with any nail art, the best fall nail design is the one you love. But if you’re looking for some inspiration, you’ve come to the right place. Below, we’ve curated 31 fall nail art ideas to try once the weather cools. Read on and discover the perfect look for your next manicure.
Trendy Nail Shapes for Fall
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’90s Square Nails:
Celebrity nail artist Gina Edwards predicts the comeback of square nails this fall. Opt for a classic ’90s-inspired square shape to make a bold statement.–
French Square:
For a more modern twist on the French manicure, try a micro tip on a square nail. This minimalistic look is chic and clean. We also love the two-toned effect, such as a purple and lilac combination.3D Nail Art: The New Trend
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Nail Sculptures:
Intricate and eye-catching, 3D nail sculptures are set to be a major trend this fall, says celebrity nail artist Betina R. Goldstein. For a DIY approach, Goldstein recommends using sculpting gel and a mixing spatula to shape and mold the gel into your desired design.Jelly Nails: Versatile and Fun
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Jelly Nails:
Jelly nails are captivating with their translucent, almost glass-like appearance. Edwards suggests using warm shades from Essie’s Jelly Gloss collection for a beautiful fall look. They can be layered or worn alone.–
Blushing Jelly:
Sheer bubblegum pink nails offer a sweet and delicate look that’s perfect for everyday wear.–
Cat-Eye Jelly:
For a unique twist, Edwards suggests adding a cat-eye effect to jelly nails. The velvety shimmer finish with a subtle diagonal line is stunning, especially when paired with a sheer base.–
Galactic Midnight:
Embrace your love for space with this mesmerizing cat-eye nail look. Black and green shimmer with a hint of purple glitter create a magical and otherworldly effect.Aura Nails: Embrace the Dark Side
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Dark Auras:
Celebrity manicurist Brittney Boyce recommends going dark and cozy with aura nails this fall. For a seamless ombre effect, consider using a gel machine like Aprés Nail’s Aer Gel Machine.–
Pulsing Energy:
A deep fuchsia aura nail is alluring on its own, but add abstract lines for an extra touch of intrigue. This look is perfect for Halloween.Food-Inspired Designs
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Food-Inspired Decals:
The beauty-as-food trend takes a literal turn this fall, with fruit art and designs taking center stage.–
Farmer’s Market:
Celebrate the bounty of fall with minimal fruit decals on a bare nail. Pick your favorite fruits from the farmer’s market for a chic and playful look.Wine-Inspired Looks
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Fine Wine:
A deep burgundy shade is synonymous with fall. Edwards recommends this shade for various nail trends, from cat-eye jelly nails to simple full-coverage designs.–
Geometric Shapes:
Add a touch of sophistication to your burgundy manicure with layered geometric shapes.Chrome Accents: Shine Bright
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Chrome French Tips:
Elevate a classic French manicure with a shiny chrome effect on the tips. Since chrome can be tricky to apply, Boyce suggests using a product like Aprés Nail’s New Year Wishes, which contains silver foil glitter for that metallic feel.–
Disco Fever:
Embrace your inner disco queen with groovy chrome French tips. This look adds a touch of fun and glamour to any manicure.Negative Space Designs
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Negative Space French Tips:
Achieve a balanced look that’s both minimal and striking with a negative space French manicure. Use a silver metallic shimmer to outline the tips against a bare base for a bold contrast.Maximalist Art: Go Bold
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Maximalist Art:
Fall is the perfect time to indulge in embellished nail looks. Edwards recommends KISS press-ons for an easy and beautiful at-home option. KISS Majestic Nails offer bows and jewel decals for a stunning effect.–
Jewel Box:
Bold jewel decals are the epitome of maximalist style. Use an emerald-like stone as the focal point and surround it with smaller embellishments for an ultra-glam mani.–
Charmed Life:
Boyce loves adding charms to nails for a cool and edgy vibe. She once used gothic details on Megan Fox’s long black nails to elevate a classic look.–
Dangling Details:
For another Megan Fox creation, Boyce added dangling charms to the tips of Fox’s long metallic nails. This playful touch is sure to turn heads.Tortoiseshell Trends
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Tortoise Jelly:
Goldstein is a big fan of tortoiseshell brown jelly nails for fall. She recommends mixing Chanel Le Gel Coat Longwear Top Coat and Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in Faun for that glassy effect. Use a flat brush for even distribution of color.–
Mix and Match:
A soft pastel baby blue creates a beautiful contrast with the amber tones of a classic tortoiseshell design. Add a French tip for an unexpected pop of color.Apple Jelly and Beyond
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Apple Jelly:
Goldstein loves a bright green jelly shade for cooler weather. Chanel’s newest polish shade Rêveuse is a perfect choice. It’s an apple-green hue with a blend of metallics, creating an electrifying effect.–
Alien Vibes:
Channel Hailey Bieber’s trendy nail look with abstract metallic lines on top of a jelly base. This out-of-this-world mani is perfect for fall.Oceanic Inspiration
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Ocean Blue:
There’s something mesmerizing about a deep blue shade in the fall. Goldstein recommends Pleasing’s Hairy Mermaid for a rich and vibrant cobalt blue that elevates any look.–
On the Horizon:
This whimsical mani is inspired by the sunset reflecting on the water’s horizon. Use a light blue metallic for the base and add minimal earth-toned terracotta lines for a beautiful blend.Bug-Inspired Art
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A Bug’s Life:
Goldstein predicts that bug nail art will be a major trend this fall. Adorable beetle designs are a fun and whimsical option. Place them against a bare nail to make them stand out.–
Lucky Ladybug:
For a more delicate insect design, try an adorable ladybug on a bare nail. Ladybugs are known for good luck, so embrace some positive vibes with this charming design.Metallic Accents
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Going Metal:
Goldstein loves using shiny gold and silver details in her fall nail art. You can use real charms or sculpting gel with chrome powder for a metallic effect.–
Gold French Tip:
Edwards created an abstract golden French tip for the Spring Summer 2024 Prabal show. She gave the tip a drip effect for a unique and elevated look. This design is perfect for fall and beyond.With so many inspiring fall nail art ideas, there’s no reason to settle for a boring manicure. Embrace the cozy season with a touch of creativity and style. Find your perfect fall nail look and get ready to turn heads!
