Fall Season Nails 26 Ideas: Stunning Designs to Try This Autumn

Autumn is the season of warm tones, cozy vibes, and endless inspiration for refreshing your look. As the leaves change color, it’s the perfect time to bring the same vibrant and rich changes to your nails. In this article, we’ll explore 27 ideas for fall season nails that encompass every nail type and nail shape. From classic reds and sophisticated browns to playful pumpkin designs and chic almond shapes, there’s something for everyone. Whether you prefer acrylic square, dip powder, short French, or gel nails, these designs will inspire you to embrace the beauty of the season with unique and trendy looks. Let’s dive into the world of fall nail colors, designs, and art to find your perfect autumn manicure.

Autumn Leaf and Orange Nail Design

This delightful nail design captures the essence of autumn with its earthy tones and leaf accents. The combination of brown, orange, and a soft nude base with delicate leaf art creates a warm and inviting look. The short, rounded nails are practical and chic, making them perfect for daily wear.

Consumables Needed

• Nail Polishes: OPI in “Chocolate Moose”, OPI in “My Paprika is Hotter than Yours!”, Essie in “Ballet Slippers”
• Nail Art Tools: Fine detail brush for leaf design
• Base and Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
• Extras: Orange and yellow nail art pens for the leaf design

DIY Instructions

1. Prep your nails: Start with clean, filed nails and apply a base coat.
2. Base Colors: Apply two coats of brown polish to some nails, orange to others, and the nude polish to the accent nail.
3. Leaf Art: Use a fine detail brush and the nail art pens to draw delicate leaves on the accent nail.
4. Top Coat: Seal the design with a top coat to ensure longevity and shine.

Playful Autumn Nail Design

These nails are a delightful mix of fall colors and intricate designs. The almond-shaped nails feature a mix of teal and nude bases with colorful leaf patterns, giving a fun and quirky vibe. The matte teal polish contrasts beautifully with the glossy leaf designs, adding depth and interest to the look. This design is both unique and trendy.

Consumables Needed

• Nail Polishes: Essie in “Teal Time”, Sally Hansen in “Nude Now”
• Nail Art Tools: Fine detail brush for painting the leaf designs
• Base and Top Coat: Essie Gel Setter Top Coat
• Extras: Multicolor leaf nail stickers

DIY Instructions

1. Prep your nails: Start with clean, filed nails and apply a base coat.
2. Base Colors: Apply two coats of the nude polish to all nails except the index and pinky fingers, which will be painted teal.
3. Leaf Design: Using the fine detail brush, paint small leaf designs on the nude nails with various colors. Alternatively, use multicolor leaf stickers.
4. Top Coat: Seal the design with a top coat to ensure longevity and shine.

Bold and Bright Nail Design

This nail design is a perfect example of how to use bold colors and designs to make a statement. The nails feature a striking combination of orange and blue, with each nail divided into blocks of color, accented with gold foil. The short, square shape adds a modern touch, making these nails both stylish and sophisticated.

Consumables Needed

• Nail Polishes: OPI in “Brights Power”, Essie in “Butler Please”
• Nail Art Tools: Striping tape for precise lines
• Base and Top Coat: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Top Coat
• Extras: Gold foil flakes

DIY Instructions

1. Prep your nails: Start with clean, filed nails and apply a base coat.
2. Base Colors: Apply two coats of the orange polish to the entire nail. Once dry, use striping tape to section off parts of the nail and paint the blue polish in the designated areas.
3. Gold Foil Accent: Apply a small amount of clear polish where you want to place the gold foil, then gently press the foil onto the nail.
4. Top Coat: Seal the design with a top coat to ensure longevity and shine.

Muted Elegance Nail Design

This nail design uses soft, muted tones of gray, brown, and mustard, with a chic leopard print accent nail. The matte finish adds a sophisticated touch, making this design ideal for both everyday wear and special occasions. The short, almond shape is practical and trendy, providing a refined look that complements any outfit.

Consumables Needed

• Nail Polishes: OPI in “Taupe-less Beach”, Essie in “Chinchilly”, Sally Hansen in “Mustard the Courage”
• Nail Art Tools: Dotting tool for creating the leopard print
• Base and Top Coat: OPI Matte Top Coat
• Extras: Nail art brush for detailing

DIY Instructions

1. Prep your nails: Start with clean, filed nails and apply a base coat.
2. Base Colors: Apply two coats of the gray polish to all nails except the ring finger. For the ring finger, apply the brown polish. Paint the middle finger with the mustard polish.
3. Leopard Print: Using a dotting tool, create irregular spots with the brown polish on the ring finger. Outline some of the spots with a small brush and black polish for a more defined look.
4. Top Coat: Seal the design with a matte top coat to ensure longevity and a chic finish.

Modern Brown Swirl Nail Design

This nail design features a variety of brown shades swirled together on each nail, creating a fluid and dynamic look. The almond shape adds elegance, while the gradient effect gives the nails depth and dimension. This design is perfect for those who love a sophisticated yet artistic manicure.

Consumables Needed

• Nail Polishes: OPI in “Espresso Your Style”, Essie in “Chocolate Cakes”, Sally Hansen in “Caramel”
• Nail Art Tools: Fine detail brush for creating swirls
• Base and Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

DIY Instructions

1. Prep your nails: Start with clean, filed nails and apply a base coat.
2. Base Colors: Apply two coats of the lightest brown polish to all nails as the base color.
3. Swirl Design: Using a fine detail brush, create swirls with the different brown shades on each nail, blending them slightly for a smooth transition.
4. Top Coat: Seal the design with a top coat to ensure longevity and a glossy finish.

Chic Red French Nail Design

This nail design features a sophisticated mix of deep red and nude, perfect for making a bold statement. The short square shape is trendy and practical. The classic red polish is complemented by a modern twist on the French manicure, with thin red lines on a nude base on some nails. This design is perfect for both everyday wear and special occasions.

Consumables Needed

• Nail Polishes: OPI in “Big Apple Red”, Essie in “Bare With Me”
• Nail Art Tools: Striping brush for the fine red lines
• Base and Top Coat: OPI Start to Finish Base & Top Coat
• Extras: Nail art stickers (optional for precision)

DIY Instructions

1. Prep your nails: Start with clean, filed nails and apply a base coat.
2. Base Colors: Apply two coats of the nude polish to all nails except the ring finger, which will be painted red.
3. French Tips: Using a striping brush, carefully paint thin red lines along the tips of the nude nails.
4. Top Coat: Seal the design with a top coat to ensure longevity and shine.

Playful Pumpkin Nail Design

This nail design is a fun and vibrant option for the fall season, featuring a bright orange polish with black speckles that resemble pumpkin seeds. The short, round shape is cute and easy to maintain, making this design both playful and practical.

Consumables Needed

• Nail Polishes: OPI in “Pumpkin Spice”, Sally Hansen in “Black Out”
• Nail Art Tools: Dotting tool for the speckles
• Base and Top Coat: Essie Gel Setter Top Coat

DIY Instructions

1. Prep your nails: Start with clean, filed nails and apply a base coat.
2. Base Color: Apply two coats of the orange polish to all nails.
3. Speckle Design: Using a dotting tool, apply small black dots randomly over the orange polish.
4. Top Coat: Seal the design with a top coat to ensure longevity and shine.

Elegant Pearl Shine Nail Design

This elegant nail design features a subtle pearlescent polish that gives a classy and sophisticated look. The almond shape adds to the overall elegance, making this design perfect for formal events or a chic everyday style.

Consumables Needed

• Nail Polishes: OPI in “Pearl of Wisdom”
• Base and Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

DIY Instructions

1. Prep your nails: Start with clean, filed nails and apply a base coat.
2. Base Color: Apply two coats of the pearlescent polish to all nails.
3. Top Coat: Seal the design with a top coat to ensure longevity and a glossy finish.

Rich Brown Almond Nail Design

This nail design uses a deep brown polish that exudes richness and warmth, perfect for the fall season. The almond shape is both trendy and elegant, making this design suitable for both professional and casual settings.

Consumables Needed

• Nail Polishes: Essie in “Chocolate Cakes”
• Base and Top Coat: OPI Start to Finish Base & Top Coat

DIY Instructions

1. Prep your nails: Start with clean, filed nails and apply a base coat.
2. Base Color: Apply two coats of the brown polish to all nails.
3. Top Coat: Seal the design with a top coat to ensure longevity and shine.

Bold Blue Nail Design

This striking nail design features a vivid blue polish that makes a bold statement. The short, rounded shape is practical and chic, making this design a standout choice for those who love vibrant colors.

Consumables Needed

• Nail Polishes: OPI in “Blue My Mind”
• Base and Top Coat: Essie Gel Setter Top Coat

DIY Instructions

1. Prep your nails: Start with clean, filed nails and apply a base coat.
2. Base Color: Apply two coats of the blue polish to all nails.
3. Top Coat: Seal the design with a top coat to ensure longevity and shine.

Bold Marble and Blue Nail Design

This nail design combines a bold black marble effect with a striking royal blue polish. The almond-shaped nails are both elegant and eye-catching. The marble effect is meticulously crafted with fine white veins running through the black polish, creating a sophisticated and luxurious look. The vibrant blue adds a pop of color, making the design stand out.

Consumables Needed

• Nail Polishes: OPI in “Black Onyx”, OPI in “Blue My Mind”
• Nail Art Tools: Fine detail brush for marble effect
• Base and Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
• Extras: White nail art pen or thin brush for the veining

DIY Instructions

1. Prep your nails: Start with clean, filed nails and apply a base coat.
2. Base Colors: Apply two coats of black polish to the nails you want to marble, and two coats of blue polish to the rest.
3. Marble Effect: Use a fine detail brush or a white nail art pen to draw thin, irregular veins on the black nails.
4. Top Coat: Seal the design with a top coat to ensure longevity and shine.

Classic Chocolate Brown Square Nail Design

This design showcases a rich, dark brown polish on short, square-shaped nails. The deep chocolate hue is perfect for the fall season, adding warmth and sophistication to your look. The square shape is both modern and practical, making it suitable for everyday wear and special occasions alike.

Consumables Needed

• Nail Polishes: Essie in “Chocolate Cakes”
• Base and Top Coat: OPI Start to Finish Base & Top Coat

DIY Instructions

1. Prep your nails: Start with clean, filed nails and apply a base coat.
2. Base Color: Apply two coats of the dark brown polish to all nails.
3. Top Coat: Seal the design with a top coat to ensure longevity and shine.

Matte Purple Acrylic Nail Design

This nail design features a striking matte purple polish on long, acrylic square nails. The bold purple color is both trendy and vibrant, making it a perfect statement for the fall season. The matte finish adds a sophisticated touch, giving the nails a chic and modern look.

Consumables Needed

• Nail Polishes: OPI in “Purple Palazzo Pants”
• Matte Top Coat: OPI Matte Top Coat
• Acrylic Nails: Pre-shaped acrylic nails for easy application

DIY Instructions

1. Prep your nails: Start with clean, filed nails and apply the acrylic nails.
2. Base Color: Apply two coats of the purple polish to all nails.
3. Matte Finish: Apply a matte top coat to give the nails a chic, matte look.

Nude and Leopard Print Nail Design

This elegant design combines nude polish with a bold leopard print accent. The short, square shape adds a modern touch, while the leopard print brings a playful and trendy element. This design is perfect for those who want to add a bit of flair to their everyday look.

Consumables Needed

• Nail Polishes: OPI in “Samoan Sand”, Essie in “Licorice” for the spots
• Nail Art Tools: Dotting tool and thin brush for the leopard print
• Base and Top Coat: Essie Gel Setter Top Coat

DIY Instructions

1. Prep your nails: Start with clean, filed nails and apply a base coat.
2. Base Colors: Apply two coats of the nude polish to all nails except the accent nail.
3. Leopard Print: Use a dotting tool to create black spots on the accent nail, then a thin brush to outline some of the spots with black polish.
4. Top Coat: Seal the design with a top coat to ensure longevity and shine.

Glossy Black Short Square Nail Design

This classic nail design features a high-gloss black polish on short, square-shaped nails. The sleek and shiny finish gives the nails a polished and sophisticated look, perfect for both casual and formal occasions.

Consumables Needed

• Nail Polishes: OPI in “Black Onyx”
• Base and Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

DIY Instructions

1. Prep your nails: Start with clean, filed nails and apply a base coat.
2. Base Color: Apply two coats of the black polish to all nails.
3. Top Coat: Seal the design with a top coat to ensure longevity and shine.

Autumn Leaf and Orange French Tip Nail Design

This nail design beautifully captures the essence of autumn with its orange French tips and intricate leaf art. The short square nails are perfect for a practical yet stylish look. The accent nails feature delicate leaves and the word “autumn,” adding a personalized touch to the design.

Consumables Needed

• Nail Polishes: OPI in “A Good Man-darin is Hard to Find”, Essie in “Ballet Slippers”
• Nail Art Tools: Fine detail brush for the leaf design
• Base and Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
• Extras: Nail stickers for leaves and letters

DIY Instructions

1. Prep your nails: Start with clean, filed nails and apply a base coat.
2. Base Colors: Apply two coats of the nude polish to all nails.
3. French Tips and Art: Using the orange polish, paint the tips of the nails. Use a fine detail brush to create leaf designs and apply nail stickers for the word “autumn.”
4. Top Coat: Seal the design with a top coat to ensure longevity and shine.

Metallic Purple Square Nail Design

This design features a stunning metallic purple polish on short square nails, creating a chic and modern look. The reflective finish adds depth and dimension, making this design perfect for a night out or a special event.

Consumables Needed

• Nail Polishes: OPI in “Turn on the Northern Lights!”
• Base and Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

DIY Instructions

1. Prep your nails: Start with clean, filed nails and apply a base coat.
2. Base Color: Apply two coats of the metallic purple polish to all nails.
3. Top Coat: Seal the design with a top coat to ensure longevity and shine.

Neon Orange Square Nail Design

This vibrant nail design features a bold neon orange polish on square-shaped nails. The bright color is perfect for making a statement and adds a fun and energetic vibe to your look.

Consumables Needed

• Nail Polishes: OPI in “Orange You Glad It’s Summer”
• Base and Top Coat: Essie Gel Setter Top Coat

DIY Instructions

1. Prep your nails: Start with clean, filed nails and apply a base coat.
2. Base Color: Apply two coats of the neon orange polish to all nails.
3. Top Coat: Seal the design with a top coat to ensure longevity and shine.

Holographic and Nude Almond Nail Design

This elegant design features a mix of nude and holographic polishes on almond-shaped nails. The holographic polish adds a mesmerizing, reflective quality, while the nude polish keeps the design sophisticated and versatile.

Consumables Needed

• Nail Polishes: Essie in “Bare With Me”, ILNP in “Mega (X)”
• Base and Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

DIY Instructions

1. Prep your nails: Start with clean, filed nails and apply a base coat.
2. Base Colors: Apply two coats of the nude polish to some nails and two coats of the holographic polish to others.
3. Top Coat: Seal the design with a top coat to ensure longevity and shine.

Brown and Yellow Ombre Almond Nail Design

This vibrant nail design features a mix of deep brown and bright yellow in a beautiful ombre effect. The almond shape adds sophistication and elegance. The gradient transition from yellow to brown creates a striking visual effect, perfect for the fall season.

Consumables Needed

• Nail Polishes: OPI in “Espresso Your Style”, OPI in “Sun, Sea, and Sand in My Pants”
• Base and Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
• Extras: Makeup sponge for blending the ombre effect

DIY Instructions

1. Prep your nails: Start with clean, filed nails and apply a base coat.
2. Ombre Effect: Apply a small amount of both polishes on a makeup sponge and dab it onto the nails to create a gradient effect.
3. Top Coat: Seal the design with a top coat to ensure longevity and shine.

Green and Gold Leaf Nail Design

This nail design features a sophisticated mix of matte green and gold leaf accents on almond-shaped nails. The matte finish adds a modern touch, while the gold leaves bring a luxurious feel to the design. This look is perfect for fall, adding elegance to any outfit.

Consumables Needed

• Nail Polishes: Essie in “Off Tropic”, OPI in “Gold Digger”
• Base and Top Coat: OPI Matte Top Coat
• Extras: Gold leaf nail stickers, fine detail brush

DIY Instructions

1. Prep your nails: Start with clean, filed nails and apply a base coat.
2. Base Colors: Apply two coats of the green polish to some nails and nude polish to others.
3. Leaf Design: Apply gold leaf stickers or use a fine detail brush to paint gold leaves on the nude nails.
4. Top Coat: Seal the design with a matte top coat for a chic finish.

Blue and Black Leopard Print Nail Design

This trendy nail design combines matte blue and black with a bold leopard print accent. The short square shape is both practical and stylish, perfect for making a statement this fall. The leopard print adds a playful element to the overall look.

Consumables Needed

• Nail Polishes: Essie in “Butler Please”, OPI in “Black Onyx”
• Base and Top Coat: Essie Matte About You Top Coat
• Extras: Dotting tool and thin brush for leopard print

DIY Instructions

1. Prep your nails: Start with clean, filed nails and apply a base coat.
2. Base Colors: Apply two coats of blue polish to some nails and black polish to others.
3. Leopard Print: Use a dotting tool to create black spots on the accent nails, then outline with a thin brush for a leopard effect.
4. Top Coat: Seal the design with a matte top coat to ensure longevity and a chic finish.

Nude and Orange Leaf Nail Design

This elegant design features a nude base with detailed orange leaf art on almond-shaped nails. The autumn leaves add a seasonal touch, making this design perfect for fall. The soft, natural tones are complemented by the vibrant leaf art.

Consumables Needed

• Nail Polishes: OPI in “Samoan Sand”, Essie in “Playing Koi”
• Base and Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
• Extras: Fine detail brush for leaf art

DIY Instructions

1. Prep your nails: Start with clean, filed nails and apply a base coat.
2. Base Colors: Apply two coats of the nude polish to all nails.
3. Leaf Art: Using a fine detail brush, paint detailed orange leaves on accent nails.
4. Top Coat: Seal the design with a top coat to ensure longevity and shine.

Matte Orange and Zebra Print Nail Design

This bold design features matte orange polish with black and white zebra print accents on short square nails. The combination of bright orange and striking zebra print makes this design stand out, perfect for those who love to make a statement.

Consumables Needed

• Nail Polishes: OPI in “No Tan Lines”, Essie in “Licorice”, Essie in “Blanc”
• Base and Top Coat: OPI Matte Top Coat
• Extras: Thin brush for zebra print

DIY Instructions

1. Prep your nails: Start with clean, filed nails and apply a base coat.
2. Base Colors: Apply two coats of the orange polish to all nails.
3. Zebra Print: Using a thin brush, paint black and white zebra stripes on the accent nails.
4. Top Coat: Seal the design with a matte top coat to ensure longevity and a chic finish.

Soft Blue Almond Nail Design

This elegant and understated design features a soft blue polish on almond-shaped nails. The light blue color is perfect for a subtle yet sophisticated look, ideal for any occasion.

Consumables Needed

• Nail Polishes: OPI in “It’s a Boy!”
• Base and Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

DIY Instructions

1. Prep your nails: Start with clean, filed nails and apply a base coat.
2. Base Color: Apply two coats of the soft blue polish to all nails.
3. Top Coat: Seal the design with a top coat to ensure longevity and shine.

Autumn Raccoon Nail Design

This adorable nail design features autumn-themed art with a cute raccoon on almond-shaped nails. The mustard yellow and beige tones are perfect for fall, while the raccoon adds a playful and whimsical touch.

Consumables Needed

• Nail Polishes: Essie in “Urban Jungle”, OPI in “Mustard the Courage”
• Base and Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
• Extras: Fine detail brush for raccoon and leaf art

DIY Instructions

1. Prep your nails: Start with clean, filed nails and apply a base coat.
2. Base Colors: Apply two coats of beige polish to some nails and mustard yellow polish to others.
3. Raccoon and Leaf Art: Use a fine detail brush to paint a raccoon and autumn leaves on accent nails.
4. Top Coat: Seal the design with a top coat to ensure longevity and shine.