A deep burgundy or classic navy will never go out of style, but it’s not a bad idea to consider more unexpected fall nail ideas this year. A less conventional approach seems to be the general consensus among beauty influencers and pro nail artists this season.
Photo: Instagram.com/eclectic.bysara
Also on trend? Playful takes on French manicures, earth tones and neutrals with a twist, and even some greens. “Fall will merge nature and science for a versatile duality — think muted earth tones mixed with optimistic bright finishes that evoke a futuristic feel,” says Jan Arnold, CND Co-Founder and nail expert. “The colors we predict will be most popular are apricot-like peachy orange, dark teal, yellow sage, burgundy, and mauve.”
Not into neutrals? There are plenty of options for you. “If I could pick one trend that’s going to be huge, and one trend only, it’d be green nails,” Juli Russell, Sally Beauty DIY nail expert says. She points to aura nails and bold chrome as other trends to watch for. “Aura nails have been the rising star this season and will continue to be shining bright.”
In other words, these aren’t your basic fall nail trends. Should you feel so inclined to pair all your oversized sweaters and fall fragrances for a mani worth skipping gloves for, we rounded up the best fall nail ideas that have taken residence in our beauty editors’ saved tabs in preparation for fall. Get ready to screenshot!
Earth Tones
Photo: Instagram.com/bycheznails
Earth tones? For fall? Groundbreaking—but actually! This is a refreshingly chic take on the nothing-but-neutrals trend.
Pretty Pistachio
Photo: Instagram.com/alyssanailtech
Brat green may have been trending this summer, but we’re calling it now: Pistachio green is about to become its fall-friendly successor.
Chestnut Gradient
Photo: Instagram.com/bycheznails
Another ideal option for the indecisive mani lover? A chic chestnut gradient look.
Tortoise Tips
Photo: Instagram.com/sansungnails
We love this chic twist on the tortoise nails trend.
Dark Teal
Photo: Instagram.com/claudia_hrnandez
If brat, pistachio, and chrome green are still too wicked witch of the West-coded for you, this trending teal green just might be a better fit.
Art Inspired
Photo: Instagram.com/bycheznails
A little bit French, a little bit pistachio, this unique mani is everything we love about fall nails!
’90s French
Photo: Instagram.com/naillab.bykathleen
Square nails are back, haven’t you heard? Celebrate accordingly with a fall-friendly French mani.
Hot Chocolate
Photo: Instagram.com/_karebeauty_
Match your mani to your favorite fall beverage of choice.
Moody Marble
Photo: Instagram.com/nailsbypaular
This moody emerald green marble mani is just begging to be photographed holding a PSL.
French Press
Photo: Instagram.com/kuypernailart
Repeat after me: Brown isn’t boring. Just look how chic this coffee-inspired French style is.
Fall Florals
Photo: Instagram.com/nailsbypaular
Yes, you can still sport flower nail designs in the fall, and this mani proves it.
Celestial French
Photo: Instagram.com/sansungnails
Counting down the days to Halloween? (Same.) This mani should hold you over.
Espresso Shades
Photo: Instagram.com/nailinspobyshadi
No mani says “fall” quite like an earth-tone gradient.
Purple Chrome
Photo: Instagram.com/nailsbypaular
We’re calling it now: This purple chrome mani is the fall-friendly evolution of Barbie nails.
Mocha Swirls
Photo: Instagram.com/nailsbypaular
Mocha swirls are minimalist, elegant, and perfect for autumn.
Dark Side of the Moon
Photo: Instagram.com/nail.expo
This eye-catching take on the half-moon delivers all the drama of an iconic black mani but with an unexpected twist.
Animal Matte
Photo: Instagram.com/nail.expo
Fall is the perfect time to play with texture and transform your favorite patterns. Use a topcoat like Dazzle Dry’s Mattify Top Coat to get the look.
Negative-Space Silver
Photo: Instagram.com
While slightly less over-the-top than multicolored metallic, this striking space-inspired nail art is full of negative space and ready for takeoff.
Magic Metallic
Photo: Instagram.com/laquehouse-and-carolinaarubi
If you’ve been wanting to try a manifestation manicure, the autumn equinox is the perfect time to give it a go. This mystical take on metallic tips is the ultimate manifestation mani inspiration for fall.
Spooky Season
Photo: Instagram.com/overglowedit
Have you been counting down the days until Halloween since last spring? This minimalist spooky-season mani is screaming your name. Boo!
Two Tones
Photo: Instagram.com/overglowedit
The easiest way to give the appearance of nail art without doing any extra work? Paint one hand one shade and the other hand a different color. This combo—a creamy lilac and an earthy mustard green from Triple O Nail Polish—is the perfect transitional pair for heading into fall.
Mix and Match
Photo: Instagram.com/evemeetsnails
This one’s for all the Libras out there! If you can’t commit to a single design, try a new one on each nail. It looks supercool and gives you tons of chances to practice your skills.
White Hot
Photo: Instagram.com/zelleduran
There are a lot of trends here—French mani, cool flames, and square tips—but a neutral color palette keeps it from being overwhelming and makes nails look super long.
Purple Passion
Photo: Instagram.com/paintboxnails
For a pop of color that doesn’t scream “summer,” try a pretty plum. Channel everyone’s favorite Instagram mirror with ’70s swirls.
Splatter Paint
Photo: Instagram.com/evemeetsnails
Neon may not be your first thought when you hear the words “fall nail trends,” but think about how cute it will look against neutrals and denim.
Originally published in Glamour.com
