Why not experiment with some unusual fall nail ideas this season, even though a deep wine or traditional navy will never go out of style?
A less conventional approach seems to be the general consensus among both Instagrammers and pro nail artists. As the temperature has been (slightly) cooling, our feeds have been full of nothing but playful takes on French manis, inventive uses of negative space, and metallic accents galore—and yes, there have even been a few solid (but far from boring) neutrals trending for the traditionalists among us.
In other words, these aren’t your basic fall nail trends. So should you feel so inclined to pair all your oversized sweaters with a mani worth skipping gloves for, we rounded up the best fall nail ideas that have taken residence in our beauty editors’ saved tabs.
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- Milky WhiteWhite nail polish looks great on any skin tone, but make it a little cozier for fall by trying an off-white shade like Nailtopia in Sunday Funday. Add a chunky sweater and tons of gold jewelry for instant chicness.
Instagram / @overglowedit2/56Two TonesThe 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.
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Instagram/@majestyspleasure3/56Just the TipsIt’s true, the French manicure is still going strong. Bring the look into fall with a deep moody shade like hunter green or navy. It’s also a great way to dip into darker colors.
Instagram/@evemeetsnails4/56Mix and MatchThis 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.
Instagram/@betina_goldstein 5/56Tasteful NudesMinimal silhouettes look surprisingly chic on naked nails. Try a metallic like Essie nail polish in Mosaic on Down to take it into truly chic territory.
Instagram/@paintedbyjools_6/56Ombré NailsOmbré nails—or the “Skittles manicure”—remains one of the easiest nail art ideas out there. This variation in different shades of brown (we like Olive & June’s selection) is perfect for curling around a cup of hot cider.
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By Meg Walters
Jonathan Pozniak; Nails by Rita Remark for Essie7/56Milky PinkAll it takes to make a neutral feel fresh is a matte topcoat. Try Essie’s Matte About You blurred over Mademoiselle for this exact effect.
Instagram/@evemeetsnails8/56Graphic GlimmerCartoon “sparkles” are a fun way to play on glitter without the mess. This is probably best left to the pros, but with a steady hand it can be done at home.
Instagram/@zelleduran9/56White HotThere 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 superlong.
@chescaleigh / Instagram10/56Tortoiseshell NailsGive one of fall’s biggest trends a fresh twist by painting only half of a few nails in tortoiseshell. Less surface area also makes it easier to attempt at home.
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By Meg Walters
Instagram/@paintboxnails11/56Purple PassionFor a pop of color that doesn’t scream “summer,” try a pretty plum. Channel everyone’s favorite Instagram mirror with ’70s swirls.
Instagram/@paintboxnails12/56Warm FloralsCould these flowers be any cuter? Use a dotting tool or bobby pin to easily re-create it with Paintbox’s nail polish duo in Like Lush + Like Flora.
Instagram/@paintboxnails13/56Let It RippleSwirls of mocha and cappuccino browns feel almost as cozy as a cup of coffee with a friend. A tiny nail brush will help you get the squiggles just right.
Instagram/@evemeetsnails14/56Double-DippedAnother way to make a French feel fresh? Layer up on pretty pastels. Try OPI in To Be Continued and To Infinity and Blue-yond in for a similar look.
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By Meg Walters
Instagram/@evemeetsnails15/56Splatter PaintNeon 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.
Instagram/@oliveandjune16/56New NudesOnce more for those in the back: “Nude” doesn’t mean beige. Find a shade that works for you and throw on a super-shiny topcoat for a look that will never go out of style.
Instagram/@stephstonenails 17/56Vintage FloralsHow cute are these retro-inspired flowers? Bonus: Their imperfect shape makes them easy to DIY at home.
