35 Nail Designs That Are Perfect For Autumn

From dark and moody motifs to back-to-school designs, these nail art ideas will have you — and your nails — covered all autumn long.

15 March, 2024
35 Nail Designs That Are Perfect For Autumn

From dark and moody motifs to back-to-school designs, these nail art ideas will have you — and your nails — covered all autumn long.

Ombré Dip Dye

A new take on the ever-popular ombré trend, this dip dye manicure is only for the most artsy beauty lovers.

Get the tutorial on YouTube »

1Ombré Dip Dye

A new take on the ever-popular ombré trend, this dip dye manicure is only for the most artsy beauty lovers.

Get the tutorial on YouTube »

Advertisement
Dark Crystal

This gorgeous nail art by CND takes a classic fall oxblood manicure to a magical new level by layering holographic mylar accents over their Berry Boudoir and Viridian Veil shades for a crystal-like effect. 

Get the tutorial on YouTube »

2Dark Crystal

This gorgeous nail art by CND takes a classic fall oxblood manicure to a magical new level by layering holographic mylar accents over their Berry Boudoir and Viridian Veil shades for a crystal-like effect. 

Get the tutorial on YouTube »

Mauve and Metallic

If you're not quite ready to dive into fall's darker colors, mauve is the perfect transitional shade. Here, Kimberly Clark layered half moons and triangles over OPI's Tickle My France-y to make the muted color more festive.

Get the tutorial on YouTube »

3Mauve and Metallic

If you're not quite ready to dive into fall's darker colors, mauve is the perfect transitional shade. Here, Kimberly Clark layered half moons and triangles over OPI's Tickle My France-y to make the muted color more festive.

Get the tutorial on YouTube »

Black Marble

The secret to marbleizing black, gray, white and gold polish: plastic wrap! It's a gorgeous idea for fall formal events.

Get the tutorial on YouTube »

4Black Marble

The secret to marbleizing black, gray, white and gold polish: plastic wrap! It's a gorgeous idea for fall formal events.

Get the tutorial on YouTube »

Rose Gold Chrome

This clever manicure was created with silver "mirror powder" but warmed up to fall-friendly rose gold by painting nails with an orange polish underneath. So pretty!

Get the tutorial on YouTube »

5Rose Gold Chrome

This clever manicure was created with silver "mirror powder" but warmed up to fall-friendly rose gold by painting nails with an orange polish underneath. So pretty!

Get the tutorial on YouTube »

Cherry Bomb Ombre

It's time to switch from your summer pastels to your fall reds and purples! Better yet, a gradient that's as chic as it is seasonal .

 

6Cherry Bomb Ombre

It's time to switch from your summer pastels to your fall reds and purples! Better yet, a gradient that's as chic as it is seasonal .

 

Bejeweled

Get the tutorial on OPI »

 

7Bejeweled

Get the tutorial on OPI »

 

Reverse French Tip

Who says your nails can't look as luxe as your jewelry? Pick a few of your fave fall shades and add a little embellishment for an elegant overall look. 

Get the tutorial on Love Maegan »

8Reverse French Tip

Who says your nails can't look as luxe as your jewelry? Pick a few of your fave fall shades and add a little embellishment for an elegant overall look. 

Get the tutorial on Love Maegan »

Half Moon With a Twist

Change up a traditional French tip by creating a reverse design. Neutral colors keeps it looking classic. 

See more on Paintbox Nails »

9Half Moon With a Twist

Change up a traditional French tip by creating a reverse design. Neutral colors keeps it looking classic. 

See more on Paintbox Nails »

Torn Paper

Yes, red nails are classic — but this gold-and-blood orange design is anything but ordinary. 

Get the tutorial on Cosmopolitan »

10Torn Paper

Yes, red nails are classic — but this gold-and-blood orange design is anything but ordinary. 

Get the tutorial on Cosmopolitan »

Real Feathers

Not ready to give up your summer brights yet? Pair beach-y shades like aqua with autumn hues like deep ivy for a transitional look.

See more on M.P. Nails »

11Real Feathers

Not ready to give up your summer brights yet? Pair beach-y shades like aqua with autumn hues like deep ivy for a transitional look.

See more on M.P. Nails »

Single Stripe

That's right — this design doesn't just require polish. You'll need feathers, too. And while it's slightly harder than the average mani, it's the perfect way to hone your skills and get a gorgeous style for fall.

Get the tutorial on Makeup »

12Single Stripe

That's right — this design doesn't just require polish. You'll need feathers, too. And while it's slightly harder than the average mani, it's the perfect way to hone your skills and get a gorgeous style for fall.

Get the tutorial on Makeup »

Navy Studs

Once the bright white shades of summer have disappeared from our nails, it's time to aim for something a little warmer. Try a beautiful beige color, then achieve the world's easiest nail art by drawing a thin, single line down one nail per hand.

See more on JINsoon »

13Navy Studs

Once the bright white shades of summer have disappeared from our nails, it's time to aim for something a little warmer. Try a beautiful beige color, then achieve the world's easiest nail art by drawing a thin, single line down one nail per hand.

See more on JINsoon »

Stained Glass Windows

If your style is one part elegant and two parts edgy, this cool jewelry-inspired manicure is perfect for you.

Get the tutorial on Lulu's »

14Stained Glass Windows

If your style is one part elegant and two parts edgy, this cool jewelry-inspired manicure is perfect for you.

Get the tutorial on Lulu's »

French Plum

Mimic the look of beautiful stained glass windows with this stunning, angular manicure. Add a touch of glitter to spice things up even more.

Get the tutorial on Pshiiit »

15French Plum

Mimic the look of beautiful stained glass windows with this stunning, angular manicure. Add a touch of glitter to spice things up even more.

Get the tutorial on Pshiiit »

Back to School

French manicures don't have to just be white and pink — sometimes, a more subtle contrast can be just as stunning. Case in point: This deep plum manicure looks good enough to eat. 

Get the tutorial on Essie »

16Back to School

French manicures don't have to just be white and pink — sometimes, a more subtle contrast can be just as stunning. Case in point: This deep plum manicure looks good enough to eat. 

Get the tutorial on Essie »

Festive Leaves

Celebrate back-to-school season — even if you've been out for a long time! — with this adorable notebook nail art. Learning to do an amazing manicure is the best kind of homework. 

Get the tutorial on Julep »

17Festive Leaves

Celebrate back-to-school season — even if you've been out for a long time! — with this adorable notebook nail art. Learning to do an amazing manicure is the best kind of homework. 

Get the tutorial on Julep »

Tortoiseshell

These leaves are more artsy than realistic — just how we like them. And the colors are really fun.

Get the tutorial on Cosmopolitan »

18Tortoiseshell

These leaves are more artsy than realistic — just how we like them. And the colors are really fun.

Get the tutorial on Cosmopolitan »

Metallic Chevron

With blonde and tortoiseshell hair colors still trending, it makes sense that these earthy shades would become fall nail art too. 

Get the tutorial on Chalkboard Nails »

19Metallic Chevron

With blonde and tortoiseshell hair colors still trending, it makes sense that these earthy shades would become fall nail art too. 

Get the tutorial on Chalkboard Nails »

Apple Red

This idea takes chevron to the next level by switching up where the placement on each nail. Pair ivy with a metallic gold or silver to make your pattern pop.

Get the tutorial on So Nailicious »

20Apple Red

This idea takes chevron to the next level by switching up where the placement on each nail. Pair ivy with a metallic gold or silver to make your pattern pop.

Get the tutorial on So Nailicious »

Gold Sparkles

Shimmery, striped, and oh-so-bright, this manicure looks as deliciously red as a candy apple.

Get the tutorial on Essie »

21Gold Sparkles

Shimmery, striped, and oh-so-bright, this manicure looks as deliciously red as a candy apple.

Get the tutorial on Essie »

Fall Splatter

Even sparkles can be subtle. Keep things simple and sweet using pastel pinks plus the tiniest bit of gold.

See more on Morgan Taylor »

22Fall Splatter

Even sparkles can be subtle. Keep things simple and sweet using pastel pinks plus the tiniest bit of gold.

See more on Morgan Taylor »

Matte vs. Glossy

Before Halloween season truly gets started, give yourself a subtly spooky manicure. Bonus: It looks great on short nails too!

Get the tutorial on Chalkboard Nails »

23Matte vs. Glossy

Before Halloween season truly gets started, give yourself a subtly spooky manicure. Bonus: It looks great on short nails too!

Get the tutorial on Chalkboard Nails »

French Chevron

Divide your nails into two parts: one glossy, one matte. The result is a cool, modern-looking manicure that's just right to pair with your favorite leather jacket.

See more on Julep »

24French Chevron

Divide your nails into two parts: one glossy, one matte. The result is a cool, modern-looking manicure that's just right to pair with your favorite leather jacket.

See more on Julep »

Triangle Cutout

Want your hands to look a little slimmer? Try this elongating design that draws the eye toward the tips of your fingers.

Get the tutorial on So Nailicious »

25Triangle Cutout

Want your hands to look a little slimmer? Try this elongating design that draws the eye toward the tips of your fingers.

Get the tutorial on So Nailicious »

Leafy Accent

Take an edgy manicure like an angular cutout design and make it more subtle for work by using a totally on-trend pastel shade.

See more on Paintbox Nails »

26Leafy Accent

Take an edgy manicure like an angular cutout design and make it more subtle for work by using a totally on-trend pastel shade.

See more on Paintbox Nails »

Iridescent Fishtail

Step up your gold glitter mani by painting on a lovely little orange leaf atop a shimmering gradient background.

See more on Bad Girl Nails »

27Iridescent Fishtail

Step up your gold glitter mani by painting on a lovely little orange leaf atop a shimmering gradient background.

See more on Bad Girl Nails »

Totally Tie-Dye

This geometric mani may take some extra time, but it looks so cool once you've finished it. Pick jewel tones like these for a glamorous look, or substitute them for fall colors like orange, gold and brick for an autumnal feel.

See more on Hannah Rox It »

28Totally Tie-Dye

This geometric mani may take some extra time, but it looks so cool once you've finished it. Pick jewel tones like these for a glamorous look, or substitute them for fall colors like orange, gold and brick for an autumnal feel.

See more on Hannah Rox It »

Matte Ivy

We're used to seeing tie-dye patterns in bright rainbow colors, but for fall, switch it up by subbing in yellow, scarlet, orange and ivy. 

See more on Instagram »

29Matte Ivy

We're used to seeing tie-dye patterns in bright rainbow colors, but for fall, switch it up by subbing in yellow, scarlet, orange and ivy. 

See more on Instagram »

Shades of Pink

You may think of orange, red and yellow when it comes to fall, but deep jade is also a perfect hue for the season. Add a matte topcoat to give this look an ultra-modern feel.

See more on Bad Girl Nails »

30Shades of Pink

You may think of orange, red and yellow when it comes to fall, but deep jade is also a perfect hue for the season. Add a matte topcoat to give this look an ultra-modern feel.

See more on Bad Girl Nails »

Metallic Crescent

A typical seasonal red manicure gets an adorable update with strips of soft gray and baby pink.

See more on Essie »

31Metallic Crescent

A typical seasonal red manicure gets an adorable update with strips of soft gray and baby pink.

See more on Essie »

Full Moon

If you have long nails, a deep navy manicure with a contrasting bottom edge looks absolutely stunning. The best part: It only takes three steps.

Get the tutorial »

32Full Moon

If you have long nails, a deep navy manicure with a contrasting bottom edge looks absolutely stunning. The best part: It only takes three steps.

Get the tutorial »

Shimmering Leaves

You've seen moon manis before, but you probably haven't seen every phase of the moon waning and waxing — yes, this lunar nail art is so perfect for astronomy lovers.

See more on Instagram »

33Shimmering Leaves

You've seen moon manis before, but you probably haven't seen every phase of the moon waning and waxing — yes, this lunar nail art is so perfect for astronomy lovers.

See more on Instagram »

Sharp Scarlet

Celebrate the changing of the leaves by doing a fun gradient pattern with candy apple red, deep brown and golden-green polishes.

See more on Instagram »

34Sharp Scarlet

Celebrate the changing of the leaves by doing a fun gradient pattern with candy apple red, deep brown and golden-green polishes.

See more on Instagram »

Comment