21 Fall Nail Ideas That Go Beyond Pumpkin Spice

Looking for the perfect fall nail look? We love these nail ideas with an autumn vibe.

Published September 6, 2024
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Whether you're off to the salon for your fall manicure or testing out a fall nail DIY at home, you'll need some serious fall fashion inspiration. These on-trend fall nail colors and cozy designs complement every style from classic to quirky.

Fall nails can be simple, glamorous, or just plain cute — and we have all the inspo for your next salon trip at at-home mani.  

Try Burgundy for a Dark Nail Color This Fall

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Autumn is the time for dark nail colors, and burgundy nail polish is a classic choice. Whether you choose glossy or matte, this shade complements so many fall colors and brings those moody autumn vibes to all your fall fashion 'fits. 

Classic Red Is an Elegant Fall Nail Choice

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If you're looking for a fall nail color that always looks timeless but still feels fun, you truly can't go wrong with red polish (we like OPI's Big Apple Red). Candy apple red nails are elegant for fall.

Quick Tip

Bring personality to your red nails with glitter, metallic details, or a fun French tip.

Jump on the Mustard Yellow Trend

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Mustard yellow is a little more daring than some of the other classic fall colors, but it can be very flattering. If your skin's undertone is warm, this shade is especially beautiful. A pop of color like this reminds us of all the excitement we feel as autumn approaches. It's a perfect color for September or October

If you're looking for a fast-drying mustard mani, try Essie Expressie's Taxi Hopping

Related: 25+ October Nail Ideas & Colors That Capture the Month Perfectly

Dark Purple Feels Unique for Fall Nails

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We often seen warm shades of red and orange and tons of neutrals on autumn nails. Purple is sometimes the forgotten fall shade, which means your nails will look unique and original if you sport the deep color.

Quick Tip

Look for a deep purple that has a red or pink undertone so your look is still warm while maintaining that moody refinement.  We love the deep purple tone of OPI's O Suzi Mio.

Choose Dusty Pink for Soft Autumn Nails

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Maybe you're looking for the muted warmth of autumn, but you still want to embrace Barbie fashion. Dusty pink nails are your answer for blending the girly style with fall vibes. There's something so cozy about this muddy pastel pink. We think Essie's soft mauve pink is the perfect shade.

Copper Is a Trendy Metallic Nail Color

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We're officially calling copper the metallic shade for autumn nails, and Essie's Rust-Worthy is just right. It's warm and sophisticated, and it blends well with the fall fashion colors we love to sport this time of year. 

Choose Warm Rainbow Nails

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Yes, you can still rock bright rainbow nails in the fall! Look for slightly warmer shades of those classic rainbow colors, and you have a fall-friendly rainbow manicure. Find all the shades you want in Morovan's quick-dry polish set

Greige Is a Trending Fall Neutral

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If you love to rock sophisticated grays, but you need something slightly warmer for the fall season, this might be your shade. Cue the trending color "greige" (that's a blend of gray and beige). It's still elegant and classy, but it has just enough fall warmth to have a slightly cozy vibe. Try Revlon Gel Envy's All Greiged Out for the perfect shade. 

Fall Leaf Nail Art

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We can't talk about fall without acknowledging the beautiful fall colors and foliage. Try a fall-inspired leaf art design for a fun and pretty look. When it comes to fall leaf art, we just can't leaf these autumn Tailaimei nail wraps alone. 

Obsess Over Elegant Black Nails

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Slightly spooky and super sophisticated, glossy black nails ooze elegance. This color choice fits right in with the dark nail trends of fall and feels like a subtle nod to the approaching Halloween season. It's perfect for fall or for an understated Halloween nail look. Get the look with OPI's InfiniteShine2 in Black Onyx

Neutral Fall Nails Call for Powdery Gray

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Let's have a moment of appreciation for the style versatility of the color gray. We love this powdery gray look for a soft and subtle fall manicure. Love the look? Try Zoya nail polish in Dove

Try a Unique Fall Look With Gold & Jewels

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Diamonds may be a girl's best friend, but gold is autumn's soulmate. Fall is the season of jewel tones (think rich blues, ruby reds, and deep greens) and golden details. We love the idea of adding those jewels and golden touches to your nails this autumn.  Go as bedazzled as you want with these blingy nail rhinestones from Artdone

Cheetah Print Is the Pattern of Fall

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We all do it: save our cheetah print boots, sweaters, and t-shirts for the fall season. We're not sure why, but this pattern has a moment in fashion nearly every autumn. Which is why cheetah print nails are a must for all the fall fashionistas. 

Get the look:

"All That Glitters Is Gold" French Tips

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If you want to upgrade your traditional French tip manicure to a fall-themed version, glittering gold is the way to go. A touch of gold leaf on your colorful French tips is extra fun. You could even try a gold French tip with all the chic metallic vibes you love for autumn.

Swap Traditional White Nails for a Cream Color

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White nails have been on trend for a few years now, and we especially love them for our summer manicures. But, since fall adds that touch of warmth to the world, we think a creamy white, like this Cloudy White from Essie, is in order. 

Add Pumpkins to Your Fall Manicure

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More Details

Pumpkin is the king of autumn, in lattes or otherwise. So, the autumn royalty deserves a spot on your manicure. You could add a single pumpkin sticker to one nail on each hand, try a pumpkin pattern, or just rock the classic shade of pumpkin orange like Duri's matte finish OC Orange

Helpful Hack

If you're wondering what direction your nail design should face, it's honestly up to you! Some prefer to see the design in its proper direction when gazing down at their hands, while others like to have the design face outward for others to admire.

Celebrate Sweater Weather With Unique Fall Nails

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Say it with us, "it's sweata weatha." In the name of the coziest season of the year and its signature fashion top, we're predicting that sweater-themed nails will trend for autumn. Nails that sport a cable-knit sweater texture will gain you all sorts of compliments this fall. 

Opt for Simple Matte Black Nails

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The casual elegance of matte nails is still on trend, and we love using this finish for black nails. They dial back the glamour just a bit for a simple approach to dark autumn nails.

Get the look:

You Can Totally Rock Turquoise Nails This Fall

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You may not have considered just how versatile turquoise is, but we think it's one of those colors that works year-round. It can be icy for winter, soft for spring, or vibrant for summer. In autumn, a deeper turquoise is warm enough to fit right in with all the other fall colors. We're fans of Sally Hansen Extreme Wear nail polish in Jazzy Jade

Sage Is a Popular Green Nail Color This Fall

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The vibrant greens of spring and summer move aside for the warm, muted tones of autumn greens. Sage is trendy but still feels sophisticated and timeless for your manicure. Londontown's Lakur in Jade Green is a beautiful sage shade. 

Glittering Rose Gold Is a Girly Fall Nail Choice

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Slightly pink and overflowing with glitter, this nail look is all about those feminine fashion vibes. Honestly, you can't go wrong with a metallic nail, a pinch of pink, and as much glitter as you can possibly fit on one finger. We like ILNP's pale rose gold holographic nail polish

Have Everyone Falling for Your Nail Looks This Autumn

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From the rich jewel tones to warm neutrals, these nail looks are all so cozy for the season. Whether you choose a simple glossy manicure, a trendy French tip, or a quirky pattern, you're going to rock your fall nails with confidence.

21 Fall Nail Ideas That Go Beyond Pumpkin Spice