Changing leaves have nothing on these gorgeous nail ideas.
As the leaves are changing, so are our manicures — and they happen to use the same nail color palette. With cute, stylish and over-the-top fall nail designs, we’re obsessed with what these professional nail artists have come up with — and you can recreate these on your own too. Whether you typically opt for flowers (yes, fall florals are a thing!) or need to buy the perfect jewel-tone polish, the ideas are endless, and there is so much more in store for you.
There are the classics, like Halloween nail decals and cute deer and then there are the trendier options, like French manicures and striping tape creations. Whatever your dream favorite fall nail design is, you’re bound to find exactly what you’re hoping for. Looking for more fall beauty ideas? Check out our favorite fall makeup trends and fall hairstyle trends.
1
Plaid Details
Nothing says fall more than plaid. Orange and gold is classic and perfect for the brisk season.
2
Sweater Weather
Ever wish you could wear your favorite sweater on your fingertips? This chunky knit pattern looks ultra cozy.
3
Fall Trees
Fall designs may always seem focused on the leaves, but this golden tree design is unique and tasteful.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
4
Golden Gradient
Go for understated glamour with a golden glitter gradient over fall-colored nails. Pro tip: layer on gold jewelry to really make them pop.
5
Matte Black Mani
A matte black manicure always looks edgy, but blood-red drips make it Halloween-appropriate.
6
Cute Fall Leaves
This idea takes your mani to the next level with understated fall leaf art.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
7
Crescent Moon French Tips
French manicures are classic, but this edgy twists gives them a spooky feel that's perfect for when the leaves start to change and the air gets crisper.
8
Delicate Stars
Bring a little bit of fall magic to your fingertips with tiny white stars on a black mani — in the right light, it just looks like your fingertips are sparkling.
9
Swirly French Tips
Combine three of this season's hottest trends — french manicures, swirls and nudes — into one. By keeping the tones neutral, this busy style becomes wearable and chic.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
10
Bejeweled Accents
Spice up your nude manicure with jeweled embellishments. Go for autumnal tones like orange, gold and green in tiny bursts.
11
Deep Ombré
If October were a color palette, it's a safe bet that these nails would encapsulate it. Rich, warm neutrals are the ultimate accessory to your favorite fall drink.
12
Pumpkin Accents
These are the perfect tips for your annual trip to the pumpkin patch. An extra accent nail with gold flakes adds even more flare.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
13
Delicate Constellation Nails
Sheer nude nails are as classic as it gets. Astrology lovers can amp them up a notch with constellations from your birth chart.
14
Neutral Swirls
This manicure is super simple, but makes a huge statement. You'll easily fall for this chic design.
15
Understated Nude
Minimalist manicures work for every occasion. Simple gold accents look sleek without drawing too much attention to your nails.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
16
Abstract Black Coffin Nails
Simple, chic and on trend, these abstract curves make your fingers look elongated and pair perfectly with every fall outfit.
17
Groovy Designs
This season's hottest runway trends take inspiration from the '70s — and you can also add a groovy twist to your fingertips.
18
Abstract Golden Fall Leaves
It doesn't get much more fall-inspired than this. Change up your brown manicure with textured gold foil inspired by fall foliage.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
19
Detailed Nude Ombré
Elevate nude ombré nails with delicate line drawings on each finger. Tasteful and intricate — these nails belong in an art museum.
20
Minimal Swirls
If you want to try this season's swirl trend but don't want your nails to stand out too much, go for thin black ribbons over an opaque nude.
Katie Berohn
ELLE Beauty Editor
Katie Berohn is the Beauty Assistant at Good Housekeeping, Woman's Day and Prevention magazines, all part of the Hearst Lifestyle Group. She graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder, with a major in journalism and minor in technology, arts, and media, and earned her Master’s Degree at NYU’s Graduate Program of Magazine Journalism. In addition, Katie has held editorial internships at Denver Life Magazine, Yoga Journal, and Cosmopolitan, a digital editorial internship at New York Magazine’s The Cut, a social good fellowship at Mashable, and has freelanced for HelloGiggles. When she’s not obsessing over the latest skincare launch or continuing her endless search for the perfect shade of red nail polish, Katie can be found in a hot yoga class, trying everything on the menu at New York’s newest restaurant, or hanging out at a trendy wine bar with her friends.
Blake Bakkila
Freelance Writer
Blake Bakkila has been writing about everything from pop culture to lifestyle products for more than eight years. Her work has appeared on GoodHousekeeping.com, WhattoExpect.com, Health.com, and in the print and digital versions of Real Simple and People.
