There’s something magical about fall nail designs. Maybe it’s our seasonal biases (give us cozy sweater weather, apple picking, foliage, Halloween, and pre-holiday excitement over non-stop sweating and humidity any day), but nail art for the later part of the year tend to be some of our favorites.
This fall season calls upon the color palette we’ve come to associate with cooler weather, such as burgundy, chocolate brown, burnt orange, and deep earth tones. You can also expect to see metallic details and loads of rhinestones and other jeweled embellishments to dress up all of your fall manicures.
As with any nail art, the best fall nail is the one you fall in love with. But if you’re looking for a place to help spark that creativity, then you’ve come to the right spot. Below are 31 fall nail art ideas for you to try once the weather cools. Read on and find the one you’ll be taking to your manicurist post-Labor Day.
‘90s Square Nails
Coming for almond nails’s crown, celebrity nail artist Gina Edwards predicts that everyone will be opting for a more angular cut when it comes to their nail shape. Opt for ’90s-inspired square nails to make a bold statement this fall.
French Square
It doesn’t get more ‘90s than the classic French manicure. Opt for a micro tip on a square nail for a more minimal feel that feels chic and clean. We’re also fans of a two-toned look, like this purple and lilac combo.
Nail Sculptures
Intricate and a total conversation starter, celebrity nail artist Betina R. Goldstein says that 3D sculpture nail art will be everywhere this fall. For a DIY nail, Goldstein recommends using sculpting gel and the Navy Professional Beauty Tools Iris Mixing Spatula to easily shape and mold the gel into your desired look.
Playing Pool
These striped and colored billiard balls make for a fun and sporty nail look. We especially like these intricate decals to dress up a bare nail.
Autumn Jelly
It’s easy to become obsessed with jelly nails; their translucent nature is just so fun. Edwards likes to go for warm shades for the fall season from Essie’s Jelly Gloss collection to get that see-through glass effect. “It’s perfect to layer or wear alone,” she says.
Cat-Eye Effect
If you’re looking to put a unique spin on the jelly nail, Edwards says to give it the cat-eye treatment. The velvet shimmer finish with subtle diagonal line is pretty on its own, but paired with a sheer finish makes for one of the prettiest nail trends out there.
Galactic Midnight
Our romanticized version of outer space would be this cat-eye nail look. It’s a mesmerizing mix of black and green shimmer with a hint of purple glitter throughout that’s just magical to look at.
Pulsing Energy
A deep fuchsia aura makes for an alluring autumn nail on its own, but we love the abstract lines layered on top to make it even more enticing. And if there’s any look that makes for the perfect Halloween nail, this would be our top choice.
Food-Inspired Decals
The beauty-as-food trend takes a bit of a more literal translation this fall. Goldstein predicts that people will be playing with fruit art and designs this season, going for fall and winter delectable adaptations.
Fine Wine
Nothing says fall vibes like a deep burgundy shade. Edwards loves a wine-colored nail for every trend, from cat-eye jelly nails or even just a simple full-coverage look.