Fall Nail Inspiration 26 Ideas: Chic and Trendy Designs for the Season

As the leaves change color and the air becomes fresh, our nails deserve a makeover that matches the charm of the season. Whether you’re a fan of bright colors or subtle shades, there’s a fall nail design ready to take your style to the next level. Let’s dive into some stunning fall nail inspirations that will get you excited to try something new.

Shiny black elegance

When it comes to making a statement, nothing beats the classic allure of glossy black nails. This design features a sleek black base with a hint of gold embellishment on the ring finger, adding just the right amount of glamor without overpowering the simplicity of the look. The glossy finish makes your nails look polished and sophisticated, perfect for any occasion.

Consumables:

• • Glossy black nail polish (e.g. OPI Black Onyx)
  • Gold nail stickers or decorations (e.g. Born Pretty Gold Metal Nail Art Decorations)
  • Top coat (e.g. Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)

Instructions:

1. 1. Start with a clean, trimmed nail base.
   2. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
   3. Paint your nails with two coats of glossy black nail polish, allowing each coat to dry thoroughly.
   4. Once dry, place the gold decoration on the ring fingernail.
   5. Finish the look with a top coat to ensure longevity and shine.

Matte gray and white refinement

For those who like a bit of understated elegance, this matte gray and white design is a perfect choice. The almond-shaped nails are decorated with subtle rhinestones, adding a touch of sparkle to the muted base colors. The matte finish gives it a modern, chic look that is ideal for the fall season.

Consumables:

• • Matte gray nail polish (e.g. Essie Now and Zen)
  • White nail polish for accents (e.g. Essie Blanc)
  • Small rhinestones (e.g. Swarovski Nail Art stones)
  • Matte top coat (e.g. OPI Matte Top Coat)

Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to your nails.
   2. Paint your nails with two coats of matte gray nail polish and let each coat dry completely.
   3. Use white nail polish to create accent lines on selected nails.
   4. Place rhinestones on the accent nails while the polish is still slightly tacky.
   5. Finish with a matte top coat to protect the design.

Teal Ombre delight

Ombre nails never go out of style, and this teal gradient is a beautiful example of that. The transition from light blue-green to deep, rich blue-green creates an enchanting effect that is both trendy and elegant. This design is perfect for those who want a pop of color that isn’t too overwhelming.

Consumables:

• • Light teal nail polish (e.g. Essie Mint Candy Apple)
  • Dark teal nail polish (e.g. OPI Amazon…Amazoff)
  • Makeup sponge for blending
  • Top coat (e.g. Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)

Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to your nails.
   2. Paint your nails with a base coat of light teal nail polish.
   3. Apply both the light and dark teal polish side by side on a makeup sponge.
   4. Dab the sponge on your nails to create the ombre effect, allowing the colors to blend seamlessly.
   5. Seal with a top coat for a glossy finish.

Glamor with leopard print

Leopard print is a timeless design that adds a bit of fun and fierceness to your nails. This design features a mix of matte nude and leopard print with gold accents, creating a look that is both wild and sophisticated. Perfect for those who love a bold yet stylish style.

Consumables:

• • Nude matte nail polish (e.g. Zoya Satin Top Coat for a matte finish)
  • Black nail polish for leopard spots (e.g. Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Black)
  • Gold nail foil or stickers (e.g. Born Pretty Gold nail foil)
  • Top coat (e.g. Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)

Instructions:

1. 1. Start with a base layer.
   2. Apply two coats of nude matte nail polish to all nails.
   3. Use a fine nail brush to create leopard spots with black polish on selected nails.
   4. Add gold accents to the leopard print for a touch of glamour.
   5. Finish with a top coat to seal the design.

Chic French tips in black and leopard

Combining the timeless elegance of French tips with the wild flair of a leopard print, this design is both unique and trendy. The short square nails have a glossy black base with leopard print accents on the tips, creating a balanced look that’s perfect for any fall event.

Consumables:

• • Glossy black nail polish (e.g. OPI Black Onyx)
  • Nude polish for the base (e.g. Essie Ballet Slippers)
  • Black polish for leopard spots (e.g. Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Black)
  • Top coat (e.g. Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)

Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to your nails.
   2. Paint the tips of your nails with black nail polish to create the French Tip effect.
   3. Use a fine brush to add leopard spots to the ends with black polish.
   4. Seal the design with a top coat for a glossy finish.

Pink French with a twist

The classic French manicure gets a modern twist with this design. With a shiny pink base and black tips, this look is both playful and elegant. The contrast between soft pink and bold black adds a contemporary touch, making it perfect for those who want to stand out while retaining a touch of sophistication.

Consumables:

• • Shiny pink nail polish (e.g. Essie Gel Couture in Sheer Fantasy)
  • Black nail polish for tips (e.g. OPI Black Onyx)
  • Top coat (e.g. Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)

Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to your nails.
   2. Paint your nails with two coats of glossy pink nail polish and let each coat dry completely.
   3. Use black paint to create the points, creating a clean, straight line.
   4. Finish with a top coat for extra shine and durability.

Subtle leaf accents

This delicate design features a nude base with black and gold leaf accents, creating an understated yet stylish look. The almond shaped nails are perfect for showing off the subtle details, making this design ideal for those who prefer a more natural aesthetic with a touch of elegance.

Consumables:

• • Nude nail polish (e.g. OPI Bubble Bath)
  • Black nail polish for leaf accents (e.g. Essie Licorice)
  • Gold leaf foil (e.g. Born Pretty Gold nail foil)
  • Top coat (e.g. Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)

Instructions:

1. 1. Start with a base layer.
   2. Apply two coats of nude polish to all nails.
   3. Use a fine brush to paint black leaf accents on the nails.
   4. Add gold leaf foil to the design for a touch of sparkle.
   5. Finish with a top coat to protect the design.

Modern abstract art

This design combines nude lacquer with striking abstract accents in black and orange. The short square nails provide the perfect canvas for this eye-catching design. It’s a fun and creative way to incorporate some artistic flair into your manicure, making it perfect for those who like to express their individuality.

Consumables:

• • Nude nail polish (e.g. Essie Ballet Slippers)
  • Black and orange nail polish for accents (e.g. OPI Black Onyx and Essie Tangerine)
  • Fine nail art brush
  • Top coat (e.g. Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)

Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to your nails.
   2. Paint your nails with two layers of nude polish and let each layer dry.
   3. Use a fine brush to create abstract designs with black and orange polish.
   4. Seal the design with a top coat to ensure longevity.

Swirling black lines

This elegant design features nude lacquer decorated with swirling black lines, creating a sophisticated and modern look. The medium square nails provide a perfect balance between length and style, making this design ideal for any occasion.

Consumables:

• • Nude nail polish (e.g. Essie Ballet Slippers)
  • Black nail polish for lines (e.g. Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Black)
  • Fine nail art brush
  • Top coat (e.g. Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)

Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to your nails.
   2. Paint your nails with two layers of nude polish.
   3. Use a fine brush to paint swirling black lines on each nail.
   4. Finish with a top coat to protect the design.

Elegant green and white combo

This chic design combines matte white and olive green with silver accents, creating a sophisticated and stylish look. The short square nails are perfect for this minimalist yet elegant design, making it ideal for those who appreciate understated beauty.

Consumables:

• • Matte white nail polish (e.g. OPI Alpine Snow Matte)
  • Olive green nail polish (e.g. Essie Sew Psyched)
  • Silver nail foil (e.g. Born Pretty Silver nail foil)
  • Matte top coat (e.g. OPI Matte Top Coat)

Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to your nails.
   2. Paint your nails with matte white nail polish, allowing each layer to dry.
   3. Add olive green accents on selected nails.
   4. Apply silver foil to the design for an elegant touch.
   5. Finish with a matte top coat to protect the look.

Floral elegance

This delicate design features a nude-matte base decorated with intricate floral patterns in white and gold. The floral accents add a touch of femininity and sophistication, making it a perfect choice for those who appreciate detailed and elegant nail art.

Consumables:

• • Nude matte nail polish (e.g. Zoya Satin Top Coat for a matte finish)
  • White and gold nail decals or stickers (e.g. Born Pretty Floral Nail Art stickers)
  • Top coat (e.g. Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)

Instructions:

1. 1. Start with a base layer.
   2. Apply two coats of nude matte nail polish to all nails.
   3. Carefully place the flower stickers on each nail so that they stick well.
   4. Seal with a top coat to protect the design and add durability.

Orange French tips

For a fresh twist on the classic French manicure, this design features vibrant orange dots on a nude base. The almond-shaped nails provide an elegant canvas for this playful yet sophisticated look, perfect for adding a pop of color to your fall style.

Consumables:

• • Nude nail polish (e.g. OPI Bubble Bath)
  • Orange nail polish for tips (e.g. Essie Meet Me At Sunset)
  • Top coat (e.g. Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)

Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to your nails.
   2. Paint your nails with two layers of nude polish and let each layer dry.
   3. Use orange nail polish to create French tips on each nail.
   4. Finish with a top coat to ensure a glossy finish and protect the design.

Autumn orange and naked

This design features a bold combination of glossy orange and nude nails with elegant leaf accents. The short square nails are perfect for this vibrant and stylish look, making it an excellent choice for fall.

Consumables:

• • Shiny orange nail polish (e.g. Essie Meet Me At Sunset)
  • Nude nail polish (e.g. OPI Bubble Bath)
  • Black nail polish for leaf accents (e.g. Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Black)
  • Top coat (e.g. Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)

Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to your nails.
   2. Paint the nails alternately with orange and nude nail polish, allowing each layer to dry.
   3. Use a fine brush to apply leaf accents with black polish to the nude nails.
   4. Seal with a top coat for a glossy finish.

Deep burgundy red shine

For a rich and luxurious look, this design features deep burgundy nails with a glossy finish. The short square nails enhance the elegance of this dark and dramatic color, making it perfect for a stylish and sophisticated style.

Consumables:

• • Deep burgundy nail polish (e.g. OPI Malaga Wine)
  • Top coat (e.g. Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)

Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to your nails.
   2. Paint your nails with two coats of deep burgundy nail polish, allowing each coat to dry completely.
   3. Finish with a top coat for a glossy and long-lasting finish.

Playful autumn leaves

This playful design combines matte nude and orange nails with playful leaf and flower accents. The almond shaped nails are perfect for showing off the intricate details of this fun and festive look, ideal for the fall season.

Consumables:

• • Matte nude nail polish (e.g. Zoya Satin Top Coat for a matte finish)
  • Orange nail polish (e.g. Essie Meet Me At Sunset)
  • Black and white nail polish for accents (e.g. Essie Licorice and Blanc)
  • Fine nail art brush
  • Top coat (e.g. Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)

Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to your nails.
   2. Paint your nails alternately with matte nude and orange nail polish.
   3. Use a fine brush to paint leaf and flower accents with black and white polish.
   4. Seal with a top coat to protect the design and ensure durability.

Fiery Ombre

This striking design features a color gradient of fiery orange and yellow, creating a captivating ombre effect. The long nails enhance the dramatic impact of the colors, making it perfect for those who want to make a bold statement this fall.

Consumables:

• • Yellow nail polish (e.g. Essie Sunny Business)
  • Orange nail polish (e.g. Essie Meet Me At Sunset)
  • Makeup sponge for blending
  • Top coat (e.g. Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)

Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to your nails.
   2. Paint a base coat of yellow lacquer.
   3. Apply both the yellow and orange polish side by side on a make-up sponge.
   4. Dab the sponge on your nails to create the ombre effect, allowing the colors to blend seamlessly.
   5. Seal with a top coat for a glossy finish.

Matte royal blue

For a bold yet sophisticated look, this design comes in a rich, matte royal blue color. The simplicity of the single color makes it elegant and versatile, perfect for any occasion.

Consumables:

• • Matte royal blue nail polish (e.g. OPI Do you have this color in Stockholm?)
  • Matte top coat (e.g. OPI Matte Top Coat)

Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to your nails.
   2. Paint your nails with two coats of matte royal blue nail polish.
   3. Finish with a matte top coat to protect the design and add durability.

Orange and gray abstract

This playful design combines bright orange and muted gray with abstract black lines. The medium square nails offer a perfect balance between daring and sophistication, making this look ideal for a stylish autumn.

Consumables:

• • Bright orange nail polish (e.g. Essie Meet Me At Sunset)
  • Gray nail polish (e.g. OPI Cement the Deal)
  • Black nail polish for lines (e.g. Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Black)
  • Fine nail art brush
  • Top coat (e.g. Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)

Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to your nails.
   2. Paint alternating nails with orange and gray nail polish.
   3. Use a fine brush to paint abstract lines with black lacquer.
   4. Seal with a top coat to ensure a glossy finish.

Blue-green and gold marble

This elegant design features a combination of glossy teal and marbled accents with gold foil. The medium square nails showcase the intricate marble pattern beautifully, making this a luxurious choice for the fall season.

Consumables:

• • Teal Nail Polish (e.g. OPI Amazon…Amazoff)
  • White and teal lacquer for marble effect (e.g. Essie Blanc and OPI Amazon…Amazoff)
  • Gold foil (e.g. Born Pretty Gold nail foil)
  • Top coat (e.g. Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)

Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to your nails.
   2. Paint your nails with a base coat of teal nail polish.
   3. Create a marble effect on accent nails by swirling white and teal nail polish together.
   4. Apply gold foil accents while the polish is still tacky.
   5. Finish with a top coat to protect the design.

Purple swirls on nude

This stylish design combines matte nude nails with striking purple curls, creating a contemporary look that is both playful and elegant. The long nails provide a striking canvas for the intricate design.

Consumables:

• • Matte nude nail polish (e.g. Zoya Satin Top Coat for a matte finish)
  • Purple nail polish (e.g. OPI Do You Lilac It?)
  • Fine nail art brush
  • Top coat (e.g. Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)

Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to your nails.
   2. Paint your nails with two layers of matte nude polish.
   3. Use a fine brush to create purple swirls on selected nails.
   4. Seal with a top coat to protect the design and add durability.

Gray with a hint of pink

This chic design features glossy gray nails with a surprising hint of bright pink at the bottom. The contrast between the muted gray and vibrant pink adds a playful twist to the otherwise elegant look, making it perfect for those who love subtle surprises.

Consumables:

• • Glossy gray nail polish (e.g. OPI Less is Norse)
  • Bright pink nail polish for the bottom (e.g. Essie Watermelon)
  • Top coat (e.g. Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)

Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to your nails.
   2. Paint your nails with two coats of glossy gray nail polish, allowing each coat to dry completely.
   3. Carefully paint the bottom of your nails with bright pink polish.
   4. Finish with a top coat to protect the design and add durability.

Orange tipped matte

This unique design features matte nude nails with bright orange tips and black speckles. The combination of matte and bright colors with subtle speckles creates a modern, trendy look that is perfect for the autumn season.

Consumables:

• • Matte nude nail polish (e.g. Zoya Satin Top Coat for a matte finish)
  • Bright orange nail polish for tips (e.g. Essie Meet Me At Sunset)
  • Black speckled lacquer (e.g. China Glaze Whip It Good)
  • Top coat (e.g. Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)

Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to your nails.
   2. Paint your nails with two layers of matte nude polish.
   3. Use bright orange nail polish to create the tips, creating a clean line.
   4. Add black speckles to the bare part of the nails.
   5. Finish with a top coat to seal the design.

Royal blue waves

This elegant design combines royal blue nails with subtle silver wave accents. The medium square nails provide the perfect canvas for this sophisticated and stylish look, ideal for any occasion.

Consumables:

• • Royal blue nail polish (e.g. OPI Do you have this color in Stockholm?)
  • Silver nail polish for waves (e.g. Essie No Place Like Chrome)
  • Fine nail art brush
  • Top coat (e.g. Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)

Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to your nails.
   2. Paint your nails with two coats of royal blue nail polish.
   3. Use a fine brush to paint silver wave accents on selected nails.
   4. Seal with a top coat to protect the design.

Classic red

For a timeless look, this design features glossy red nails that are both cool and elegant. The short square nails enhance the classic look of this vibrant color, making it suitable for any occasion.

Consumables:

• • Shiny red nail polish (e.g. OPI Big Apple Red)
  • Top coat (e.g. Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)

Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to your nails.
   2. Paint your nails with two coats of glossy red nail polish, allowing each coat to dry completely.
   3. Finish with a top coat for a glossy and long-lasting finish.

Elegant Olive Green

This design has a refined olive green sheen, creating a chic and understated look. The medium oval nails are perfect for showing off this elegant color, making it an excellent choice for any season.

Consumables:

• • Olive green nail polish (e.g. Essie Sew Psyched)
  • Top coat (e.g. Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)

Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to your nails.
   2. Paint your nails with two coats of olive green nail polish.
   3. Finish with a top coat to protect the design and add shine.

Coral charm

This fresh and vibrant design features glossy coral nails, perfect for adding a pop of color to your look. The short almond nails enhance the playful and cheerful appearance of this bright shade.

Consumables:

• • Shiny coral nail polish (e.g. Essie Cute as a Button)
  • Top coat (e.g. Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)

Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to your nails.
   2. Paint your nails with two coats of glossy coral polish, allowing each coat to dry completely.
   3. Finish with a top coat for a glossy and long-lasting finish.