40+ Fall Nail Ideas

While a deep wine or classic navy will never go out of style, why not try some unexpected fall nail ideas this season? 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.

All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

  • Skittles Mani

    Instagram / @betinagoldstein
    1/43

    Skittles Mani

    The easiest way to do fall nail art? Wear every autumnal shade you can get your paws on at once. Make like nail artist Betina Goldstein and try these shades from the new Essie Expressie fall collection.

  • Green nails with white squiggles

    @chillhouse / Instagram
    2/43

    Fine Lines 

    Forest green screams “fall,” but it’s a bit…predictable. Bring the shade up a notch with some graphic lines in crisp white. Try a paint pen like Sally Hansen Nail Art Pens, or just use a toothpick for the lines.

  • White nail polish

    Instagram/@lefevrediary
    3/43

    Milky White 

    White 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.

  • twotone nails

    Instagram / @overglowedit
    4/43

    Two Tones

    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.

  • Silver flower manicure

    Instagram/@color_camp
    5/43

    Disco Flowers 

    Flowers look a little less precious in metallic silver. While you could try to DIY, Amazon is chock-full of metallic nail art stickers.

  • Green jelly nails

    Instagram/@hollyfalconenails
    6/43

    Lime Jello Nails 

    Slime green is still going strong as a cool-girl fave, and it looks almost ladylike when done in long, translucent acrylics like at the Sandy Liang show.

  • slime green nails

    Instagram / @pearnova
    7/43

    Slime Green

    That said, if you do want a classic neon, Pear Nova makes our absolute favorite of the moment.

  • Green French Manicure

    Instagram/@majestyspleasure
    8/43

    Just the Tips 

    It’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.

  • Chanel nail art

    Instagram/@betina_goldstein
    9/43

    Logomania 

    While a Chanel bag might be a bit out of budget, at least your nails can rock those iconic C’s. The logo is even more luxe on a silver background.

  • Mismatched nail art

    Instagram/@evemeetsnails
    10/43

    Mix and Match 

    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 super cool and gives you tons of chances to practice your skills.

    Bust nail arts

    Instagram/@betina_goldstein
    11/43

    Tasteful Nudes 

    Minimal 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.

  • Models nails backstage at Proenza Schouler

    Jonathan Pozniak; Nails by Rita Remark for Essie
    12/43

    Milky Pink

    All 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.

  • Pastel cow print mani

    Instagram/@overglowedit
    13/43

    Pastel Cow Print 

    Cow-print nails have become a staple thanks to Ariana Grande and Kendall Jenner. Switch it up and give it more of a fall feel with earthy tones like green, cream, and brown.

  • Yellow sparkle nail art

    Instagram/@evemeetsnails
    14/43

    Graphic Glimmer 

    Cartoon “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.

  • Flame manicure

    Instagram/@zelleduran
    15/43

    White Hot 

    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.

  • Model's nails backstage at Priscavera

    @hollyfalconenails; Holly Falcone for Floss Gloss
    16/43

    Upside-Down French

    Turn a French mani on its head and accent your cuticles instead of the tips. The negative space still makes your nails look extra long; it’s just a little edgier, especially in a neon red.

  • This image may contain Human Person Manicure and Nail

    Instagram/@betina_goldstein
    17/43

    Pearl Nails 

    It’s not hard to see why pearl nails are everywhere this fall. They’re instantly both pretty and cool without trying. Match them to your hair clip for a full lewk.

  • Tortoiseshell nails

    @chescaleigh / Instagram
    18/43

    Tortoiseshell Nails

    Give 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.

  • Purple manicure

    Instagram/@paintboxnails
    19/43

    Purple Passion 

    For a pop of color that doesn’t scream “summer,” try a pretty plum. Channel everyone’s favorite Instagram mirror with ’70s swirls.

  • Brown Floral Manicure

    Instagram/@paintboxnails
    20/43

    Warm Florals 

    Could these flowers be any cuter? Use a dotting tool or bobby pin to easily re-create it.

  • Brown swirly nail art

    Instagram/@paintboxnails
    21/43

    Let It Ripple 

    Swirls 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.

  • Image may contain Human Person Face Hailey Rhode Baldwin Finger Jewelry Accessories Accessory Ring and Electronics

    Instagram/@haileybieber
    22/43

    Tiny Daisies 

    Make like Hailey Bieber and deck your nails with tiny daisies. They’ll keep a smile on your face even as the temp drops.

  • Stacked nail art

    Instagram/@evemeetsnails
    23/43

    Double-Dipped 

    Another 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.

  • Abstract nail art

    Instagram/@evemeetsnails
    24/43

    Splatter Paint 

    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.

  • Smily face nail art

    Instagram/@yzelleduran
    25/43

    Smiley-Face Nails 

    Smiley faces have become the surprise celeb favorite this year, and have been spotted on everyone from Dua Lip to Harry Styles. To get the look without a trip to the salon, try these stickers from Ciaté London.

  • Nude nail polish

    Instagram/@oliveandjune
    26/43

    New Nudes 

    It’s 2020, so we all know by now that “nude” doesn’t mean beige. Find a nude that works for you and throw on a super-shiny topcoat for a look that will never go out of style.

    Floral Nail Art

    Instagram/@stephstonenails
    27/43

  • Image may contain Human Person Manicure and Nail

    Instagram/@betina_goldstein
    28/43

    Opposites Attract 

    From the opposite dots to the French tips and matte topcoat, there’s a lot to like here. While it could be chaotic, muted neutrals keep everything very chic.

  • Plaid nail art

    Instagram/@amyle.nails
    29/43

    Plaid Nails

    Does anything say fall quite like a cozy plaid? Match your nails to your favorite flannel, and get ready to queue up Clueless.

  • Mixed nail art

    Instagram/@evemeetsnails
    30/43

    Mixed Media 

    Into mismatched nail art but not into attempting 10 different designs? Grab a couple packs of stickers from ManiMe, and mix to your heart’s content.

    Shell inspired nail art

    Instagram/@ritaremark
    31/43

    Abalone Art 

    This shell-inspired nail art is simply stunning. Try your hand at re-creating it with Essie’s Let it Ripple collection.

  • Image may contain Human Person Manicure and Nail

    Instagram/@oliveandjune
    32/43

    Five Shades of Gray 

    Neutral doesn’t have to mean boring. Mix things up with a scattered mani in gray tones. Olive & June’s 5 Shades of Gray kit gives you all the polishes you need in one place.

  • Gold French Manicure

    Instagram/@nailsbymh
    33/43

    Midas-Touch Tips 

    On the other hand (ha!), go for gold tips. It makes a French feel way more luxe, and a sophisticated gold looks a bit more modern.

  • Image may contain Human Person Manicure and Nail

    Instagram/@oliveandjune
    34/43

    Gold Stars 

    With nail salons still closed in some states, stickers are a godsend for nails that pack a punch with no skills required. Olive & June’s stars are a favorite among L.A. girls for a good reason.

  • Square French manicure

    Instagram/@harrietwestmoreland
    35/43

    Square French 

    If you prefer shorter nails, try a French mani with a square shape and micro-fine tip. The squared ends look extremely modern when cut short.

  • Instagram/@harrietwestmoreland
    36/43

    Dragon Scales 

    Warm oranges and burgundies are a no-brainer for fall, but they can get a little stale. Spice things up with the shades you love in a cool metallic finish.

  • Green manicure

    Instagram/@linmick
    37/43

    Bright Green 

    If you have no time for art, pick a poppy color like a bold green to do all the talking and layer on the rings. Try China Glaze in In the Lime Light for a similar vibe.

  • Red and orange manicure

    Instagram/@stephstonenails
    38/43

    Sunset Ombré

    Red and orange transition perfectly from summer to fall, especially when done in a pretty ombré. Use Chanel Le Vernis in Sailor and Cruise and a latex makeup sponge for the same effect as above.

  • Silver floral manicure

    Instagram/@betina_goldstein
    39/43

  • Chillhouse nail art

    Instagram/@chillhouse
    40/43

    Wavy Baby 

    Swirly art will keep the summer vibes going on your nails, even when it drops below 60 degrees. Try Chillhouse’s press-ons for instant gratification.

  • Butterfly nail art

    Instagram/@amyle.nails
    41/43

    Butterfly Nails 

    Butterflies have been one of the year’s biggest nail trends, but we usually see them in blue or pink. Orange Monarch butterflies feel totally appropriate for fall on a nude background.

  • White nail art

    Instagram/@paintboxnails
    42/43

    Swooping Stripes 

    Sort of vintage, sort of modern, sort of French, very cool. Graphic swoops are a fun twist on a French mani and make your nails look crazy long.

  • Checker nail art

    Instagram/@overglowedit
    43/43

    Check Mate 

    Mixed checks in lilac and red will spice up your coziest sweaters. For these exact shades, use SinfulColors nail polish in Speedster and Vvvroom!.

Topicsnail ideasnail polishnail artfall nail trends