52 Fall Nail Design Ideas for Your Next Manicure (2024)

Whether it's the cozy sweaters, seasonal lattes, or warm colors, there's something extra special about getting a fresh fall manicure. And when you have new nail designs to try, it's even more of a thrill. From simple designs to intricate art and unexpected French manicures, we've gathered inspired ideas for everyone to try this fall. Even better, you can try and of the nail art looks below in the season's trendiest nail polish shades. According to Juli Russell, DIY nail expert for Sally Beauty, the season's shades are rich reds like tomato and raspberry, deep gold, and aventurine—a deep forest green. Now, all you have to do is keep scrolling for your new favorite fall nail designs.

There's something so cool and unexpected about neutrals and pastels mixed with a classic fall texture like croc. "The earthy tones combined with funky patterns perfectly capture the retro yet timeless vibe of fall fashion, making it a standout trend," says Russell.

Expect this cozy trend to stick around another fall. "Inspired by the warm and cozy vibes of a latte, this style features a brown base color with a lighter brown aura or halo effect, creating a soft and blended appearance," says Russell. "The design often includes a cream swirl in the center, mimicking the look of milk swirling in a cup of coffee."

A greige base is the ideal backdrop for both a reverse French and angled tips, as seen in this look from nail salon Bellacures.

For a runway-inspired manicure, look to the Sergio Hudson show, where celebrity nail artist and KISS brand ambassador Gina Edwards created this regal, sparkly manicure. "Denim and velvet makes way for '70s glam, inspired by iconic women Diana Ross and Diahann Carroll. I envisioned an opulent nail with faceted stones with gold accents to reflect that era,” she says.

Russell loves this twist on the classic tortoiseshell pattern for fall. To get the look, "Start with a sheer or semi-translucent blue polish. Then, layer different shades of blue, brown, and gray using a small brush or a detail brush to create the spotted tortoiseshell (or ostrich-like) pattern. Finish with a glossy top coat to enhance the marbled effect." You can also use a kit like FingerPaints Blooming Gel Kit to help create the pattern.

Consider this elevated take on the holiday-inspired mani if you're thinking ahead to Halloween. "Pumpkin spice chrome nails feature a warm, pumpkin orange base, topped with a soft chrome finish," says Russell, who recommends China Glaze "That'll Peach You" as the base shade.

The perfect mani to wear under the Harvest Moon.

Sparkles shouldn't just be reserved for the holidays. Add 3-D details for a trendy twist.

Take a cue from Emily Ratajkowski and try different designs on each nail with classic red as the star.

Fine glitter leading into molten chrome is the French manicure idea you still haven't tried.

In brights or pastels, this could read summery; in deep red, mustard, and navy, it's oh-so-fall.

For a more muted take on the PSL trend, wear your enthusiasm on your manicure with this gradient look.

A tan base gives classic Burberry vibes, or there's always red and black for a buffalo check inspiration.

Add a twist to your French mani with a swipe of clean black polish across each nail.

If you're going for a Practical Magic Fall, you can't go wrong with aura nails in forest-y hues.

Lovers of black nail polish, try adding a chrome topcoat inspired by Zola Ganzorigt of glazed-donut nail fame.

Draped polish has a sleek effect without being overly geometric or symmetrical.

Asymmetric tips are unexpected, especially in a fall-approved red-brown shade.