Now that first day of fall has officially arrived, it’s time to say buh-bye to summertime activities, warm-weather fashion (see ya next year, white pants!), and those fun, bright, and beachy fingernail polish colors. In fact, besides a cozy fall sweater, the best accessory for that pumpkin spice latte you’ve been waiting so long for is a nail polish color in an autumnal hue.
This time of year, a manicure in colors reminiscent of fall foliage like deep or muted reds, oranges, browns, and even golds are popular choices and work perfectly as Thanksgiving nails too. Many of these fall nail art ideas and long-lasting gel nail designs for fall feature plenty of sparkle and shine. If your go-to style includes glitter, you’ll love the designs on this list.
For you nail art newbies, there are tons of simple ideas appropriate for beginners. For example, try nail stickers for a custom look for less effort. Online videos offer step-by-step instructions and tips. For more detailed looks, practice makes perfect, or check out the many talented professional technicians who have made a career out of intricate nail art.
Whether you DIY it or hire a professional, paint on a fall nail design for a custom stylized look this season.
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1
Orange Ombre Nails
Viktorija Jermolajeva / EyeEm
This bold look calls to mind fall leaves and cool-weather bonfires. It will make quite the impression on Halloween.
2
Simple Nail Design
Dariia Chernenko
A statement nail doesn't have to be complicated to make an impact. This design takes a few fall colors (orange and gray) and pairs them with white nails painted with minimalist dots and zig-zags.
3
Geometric Nails
Christina Radcliffe
Neutral shades make an impact when paired with geometric lines. Straight lines require a very steady hand. Opt instead for nail stickers.
4
Fall Nails
@digitsnailsbyanna
Fact: There's no such thing as too much sparkle! Celebrate the season with this glittery manicure.
We'll switch to this wintry look as soon as the weather turns cold. The simple white nails are paired with blue-gray half-circles.
6
Subtle Orange Nails
DevMarya
This subdued shade is subtle enough to pair with all of your fall outfits.
7
Burnt Orange Nails
Tokyo Nails Chicago
From the leaves in the trees to the pumpkins decorating our houses, orange is undoubtedly the color of the fall. Simple and minimalistic, this nail look will make you feel like fall is official in session.
Plaid is everywhere in the fall, so why not design them on your nails? Be patient and make sure each line dries completely before crossing over one another and you'll guarantee an incredible look.
There's something about the mix between straight and curved lines that make this look stand out. After all, who said nail art has to be only sharp straight lines?
Just like the sweaters you'll be wearing all season, your nails can be striped too! Nothing like having a sweater on your nails to bring in the fall fun.
From the adorable illustration of the foxes, to the detailed brushwork on the pumpkins, we're absolutely floored with this design. This look brings every fall staple together with the perfect autumnal palette!
Whether you choose a darker color or a light nude like this one, the marble effect really make your manicure stand out. By using alcohol nail ink, you'll get many fast-drying layers of polish to build this overall stone design.
If you can't decide on only one pattern for your hand, why not choose a few? By combining different patterns with a fall-inspired color palette, this look is both sophisticated and fun.
Using a stamping technique, these colorful fall leaves applied to a neutral, glittery background boast a customized color gradation. Always seal your design with a top coat for extra protection.
If you want to make sure your hands get noticed all autumn long, give this look a try. The bright orange combined with the pumpkin and sparkly accents nails are nearly impossible to miss.
We're in love with this look's beauty and simplicity. With no complicated pattern or stamp, this look features a classic fall palette and plays with matte and shiny.
To create realistic fall leaves, try layering colors using a stamping technique. For extra interest, choose an accent finger with a different color base.
The sparkly base and the shiny leaves are a stunning combination on this manicure. To make it slightly understated, use a matte top coat, like this nail artist did.
This is the perfect approach if you're scared nail art might be too much for you. Here, only one nail has glitter and the others are just great sidekicks.
Though we all know the classic white French tips, mixing it up with some red (or even a palette of fall colors) gives the look a great element of surprise.
The kids will get a kick out of this nail design. After you've tuned into A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, use the holiday classic as inspiration to keep these lovable characters close at hand.
Show off your sweet side with this idea that pays homage to the classic Halloween candy. Teeny tiny candy corns make this ombré look super easy to recreate.
A petite pumpkin peeking in makes for an absolutely adorable accent nail. If you prefer a bolder look, just use a brighter color for the base, or add graphic pumpkins to more nails.
The look surprises in the choice of including only two leaves, one in a yellow nail and the other in the purple. This not only makes it stand out, but is definitely less work than a full hand of them.
Perfect if you're not into detailed designs and stamps, an ombré look will provide you with simplicity and edge. Use either a clean kitchen sponge or a makeup wedge sponge to make the seamless colorful transition.
