Cozy sweater. Pumpkin spice in your cup. A Gilmore Girls or Wednesday marathon playing. Sounds like the perfect fall day, doesn’t it? But wait! Something’s missing: fall nails to match.
Fall is a season of transformation; the leaves are changing, animals are prepping for a long winter, and the temperature is shifting from warm and hazy to cool and dusky. Your routines have changed, and that probably applies to your nails too. So if you’re in the mood to change up your nail art for fall and beyond, we’ve got your back.
Below, get inspired for your next salon visit or DIY mani session thanks to these super-talented artists and their stunning fall nails designs, from adorable cottagecore creatures and goth cowgirls to molten gold chrome tips and an ode to Beetlejuice.
Can’t decide on one design? Pack in a few different patterns with a patchwork style like this set by Minneapolis-based nail artist Kaitlin Hughes. Two accent nails on each hand are home to a variety of colorful patterns, including stripes, freehand dots, and stripes.
This set has everything: animal print! French tips! Oversized cherries! Rhinestones! If you want something unapologetically glamorous and maximalist, take a cue from manicurist Patty Perez’s fabulous design and be bold.
Start with a very autumnal color palette of rust orange, mustard yellow, and brown and channel the ‘70s with bold, graphic shapes and flowers. It’s basically like wearing the coolest vintage dress on your nails.
4. Mermaid Magic
Don’t say goodbye to summer just yet! This seashell-inspired set by nail artist Rachel Messick is the best way to bridge the gap between summer and fall. Ariel would definitely approve of the touches of gold and pearls, and we love the delicate seaglass-style design on the pinky nails too.
Bring a little bit of nature to your nails. This whimsical set by nail artist Emilia Rose features the cutest hand-painted mushrooms and pumpkins atop a sheer neutral base, combined with a pretty mauve rose shade on the rest of the nails.
Incorporate a few major fall nail trends into one truly stunning set. Warm orange ombré sets the tone for the season, and drizzles of shiny, molten metallic gold chrome are a modern twist on the classic French manicure.
The color palette of this set by nail artist Sonia Sanchez is luxurious and perfect for the season, with rich burgundies, warm gold, and a pop of light aqua, a surprisingly fresh shade for the season. The detailed monarch wing nails take accent nails to the next level.
The cat eye trend is so mesmerizing, don’t blame us if you get distracted staring at your nails all day! This set in a rich, prismatic chocolate brown feels both cozy and cool for the season.
If warm tones aren’t your thing, opt for the classic combo of black and white and incorporate different designs on each nail, like this ‘90s-inspired set from nail artist Abby Lara.
Bows, tortoiseshell, starbursts, and sparkles, all in a sweet and subtle neutral color palette. Perfect fall manicure = check!
Sunflowers are in bloom in your yard and on your nails! French tips get a burst of bright yellow energy with a floral design painted over the top. It’s basically impossible not to feel cheerful when looking at these.
Adding an unexpected accent color to your nail art—in this case, bright cobalt blue—makes your design stand out even more. We love this combo of blue, pale pink, and a greenish gold, plus the cheeky, cheerful designs.
3D metallic fronds and ferns plus a slithering snake makes this manicure perfect for the season, especially with its rust, green, and gold color palette. Try it over a deep base color or keep it simple with a sheer nude.
Yeehaw season isn’t over yet! Keep the Western vibes alive with deeper, darker tones like black and blood red and incorporate on-theme designs like horseshoes with more textural art like tortoiseshell and cow print.
Tortoiseshell has become a mainstay in the nail art world and can be interpreted in many different ways. For a simple, sophisticated take on the look, pair it with a creamy fall mani shade and use it as an accent on one or two fingers.
Just because you have short nails doesn’t mean you have to miss out on nail art! This short set proves there’s lots of room to work with, and the gray and green palette feels cool and modern.
You can’t not smile when you see this sweet little design! If feathered friends aren’t your thing, try a rabbit, raccoon, or some squirrels for a similar nature-inspired look with a whimsical vibe.
This textured, color-shifting chrome set by nail artist Sapphira looks like it’s lit from within. Your nails are literally on fire!
If your fall plans are seeing Beetlejuice Beetlejuice on repeat, look no further than this stunning hand-painted set by nail artist Jasmine, inspired by the Tim Burton film. You’ll be in the chair awhile, but a masterpiece like this is worth every minute.
The more you stare at this set, the more it changes! By sticking to a palette of black, white, and gray, nail artist CuredbyJae crafted the coolest trompe l’oeil design.
This set by nail artist Tamani Page has everything: starbursts, checkerboards, a tortoiseshell accent nail, and an adorable little ghost hiding under a mushroom. If you can’t choose just one design, this is a perfect example of how to incorporate a few different looks into a cohesive set.
Give your summer florals a fall makeover in seasonal shades like mustard yellow and amber orange, like this pretty design by nail artist Jess Smith. The glassy, jelly finish makes them shine so bright.
