There are many things I love about Autumn: the slight chill in the air, transitional dressing with a light jacket and cosy knit, nights in on the sofa under a warm blanket, and of course, all the Autumnal hot beverages that come with the onset of September (Pumpkin spice, I’m lookin’ at you).
But beauty-wise, along with investing in a richer moisturiser and embracing warmer tones in my hair, I mostly can’t wait to switch up my summer nail art and opt for something a little more Autumn-friendly.
My favourite Autumn nails consist of warm browns, reds and oranges, and feature styles like tartan, tortoiseshell and a touch of glitter.
More on nails:
- I’ve perfected the art of a DIY gel manicure and will never go to the salon again
- 10 winter nail art ideas for the colder months
- The best Christmas nails for festive-feeling fingertips
- Forget glazed doughnut manicures, cat eye nails are the next big thing
- The best celebrity nails from 2022, from Hailey Bieber to JLo
Of course, if you’re really ahead of your game, you can start getting your inspiration saved early on with our round-up of the best winter nail art, best Christmas nails and some seriously gorgeous New Year’s Eve nail art.
Read on to discover my favourite 30 ideas for Autumn nails.
Espresso tips
Glaze-y days
We’re not going to be over a glazed chrome finish any time soon, and this natural hue is the ideal understated mani to transition from summer to autumn.
Forest green
This deep forest shade is not only timeless and classy, but also an easy transition from the Bottega green that was everywhere this summer.
Cat eye nails
Cat eye nails have overtaken the glazed donut finish as the hottest manicure of the moment, giving a luminous velvet-like finish to the nail. Slightly witchy, completely mesmerising.
Merlot moment
I’m all about matching your manicure to your chosen seasonal drink, so whether you’re sipping a glass of merlot or a warm spiced mulled wine, this deep crimson is an all-round winner.
Fine Frenchie
Take your classic French mani and make it darker for Autumn. Oh, and keep it super fine line and chic, Harriet Westmoreland-style.
Autumn chrome
You can’t get away from glazed nails this season, so embrace the design with this chrome look.
Seasonal hearts
These adorable hearts feature all the colours of the Autumn months.
Chocolate glazed donut nails
The latest nail trend we’re all obsessed with from Hailey Bieber, created by her nail tech @nailsbyzola, is the delicious chocolatey version of her OG donut nails. In love? Yes. Hungry? Also yes.
The ’60s twist
If you love all things retro, this manicure combines soft autumnal shades with inspiration from 1960s designs.
Brownie points
Nip down your local nail salon (or grab a detailing brush if you’re feeling brave) and choose a warm cocoa shade for your nail art – you won’t regret it.
Autumnal abstract
Don’t worry about this style not being perfect; the more unique, the better.
Burnt orange nails
Warm toffee tones are the perfect match for blustery autumn days.
Orange details
To me, orange represents Autumn, so it makes sense to opt for a cute design like this one.
Milky nails
Meet the glazed donut mani’s more subtle older sister.
Burgundy nails
Dark red nails are eternally chic. Go for an extra dark red to avoid it feeling festive.
Autumn Nail Shades
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Tonal hues
Don’t fancy nail art? Keep it simple with a tonal multi-coloured mani instead.
Autumnal checkers
Tartan works beautifully around Christmas, but if you mix up the colours you can nail it (no pun intended) for the earlier Autumn months too.
Halloween crosses
Can’t wait for Halloween? Get your design in early.
Neutral swirls
This look just screams Autumn/Winter and cosy evenings in.
Fine line faces
These fine line silhouettes will never go out of style.
Super shiny
A classic black nail polish with a shiny finish is truly unbeatable.
Ying & yang
Ying & yang is another trending style that seemingly isn’t going anywhere; this neutral take on it is perfect for the transitional months.
Tort
Will tortoiseshell ever fall out of favour? I think not.
Deep red ombre
Another design that has a slight Halloween feel, these are both chic and a little creepy.
Cute florals
Think you can’t do florals in the Autumn? Think again…
Marble tips
Imagine how gorgeous these tips will look with a super cosy jumper on excursions out.
Velvet finish
Play with textures and finishes with Nail Inc’s magnetic polishes.
Crispy leaves
One of the best things about Autumn? Those crispy leaves on the ground, ofc.
Pumpkin spice nails
For many of us, September onwards means just one thing: pumpkin spice season.
Warm-toned mis-match
Can’t choose just one design? Pick five!
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