15 Classy, Cozy Autumn Nail Designs to Help Celebrate the Season

By Melanie Aman October 30, 2018

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nail polish

Beautiful fall nail designs are a perfect way to celebrate the season of overeating, quality family time, and cold-weather activities. This time of year, many of us are super-focused on festive fall decor for our homes, but don’t let that mean missing out one crucial decorating spot: our nails! Fortunately, there are hundreds of stunning fall nail designs to choose from that will make your hands stand out.

Whether you prefer an understated manicure that hints at the changing of the seasons, or you want over-the-top autumn glamour, there’s a fall nail color out there for you. When you think of fall nails, visions of cranberry nails or Jack O’Lantern nail art come to mind — but there are more subtle ways to pull off fall nail art. Something as simple as a classy burgundy nail polish can perfectly translate the spirit of the season. And, of course — especially for the Halloween-lovers out there — there’s nothing wrong with skeleton nail art! Go for the design that draws you in and feels the most like you.

Keep scrolling to see some of the most stylish fall nail designs you’ll immediately want to copy.

Fall Nail Designs Nail Art Skeletons

@nailz_by_chloe
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Skeleton Nail Art

What better way to pay tribute to fall than with a Halloween favorite, the skeleton — the perfect symbol of this spooky season. Shared by Instagram user @nailz_by_chloe, this festive design proves skeletons aren't always scary. In fact, we find it kind of cute that these bags of bones are dancing among the fall leaves. We truly can't think of a more quintessentially autumn activity than jumping in a pile of freshly raked leaves and then running inside for a steaming mug of hot cocoa. (Of course, Dad didn't like it when we did this as kids!)
Fall Nail Designs Acrylics Blue Gold Foil

@lotteclarknails
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Fall Nail Designs — Acrylic Nails

We typically associate red, oranges, and browns with fall, but we're leaving out some of the most beautiful colors of the rainbow. These stunning blue acrylic nails, shared by @lotteclarknails, are absolute showstoppers. Seriously, we can imagine everyone at the dinner table fawning over them this holiday season. With delicate flecks of rose gold foil, these acrylics feel totally festive without being over the top.
Fall Nail Designs Deep Red Glitter Foil Leaf

@dazzlenailsbymel
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Gold Leaf Nail Art

Of all the fall nail designs and colors out there, opting for a maroon and gold color palatte will serve you well — they're both classics for a reason! Shared by Instagram user @dazzlenailsbymel, this beautiful gel nail design features dainty leaves as well as a sparkly glitter accent nail. If you're firmly in the "there's no such thing as too much glitter" camp, you'll appreciate the hint of sparkle on the index finger.
Fall Nail Designs Fox Nails

@justanotherasiandoingnails
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Fox Nail Art

When we think of adorable fall animals, foxes immediately come to mind. With their vibrant oranegy-red coats, they perfectly match the color palette of fall — and apparently they also make great nail art, too! If you look closely at @justanotherasiandoingnails' talented creations, you can spot the teeny tiny tip of the fox's tail on the index finger nail. The polka dot nail pattern on the thumb keeps the nail art design interesting, while the bare ring and pinky finger balance everything out.
Fall Nail Designs Orange Pumpkins

@nailsby_rene
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Pumpkin Nail Art

Is there anything that more autumnal than a pumpkin patch? Now you can bring this festiviity to your nails with this teeny-tiny pumpkin nail art. Finding the perfect orange gourd at the patch is always a struggle, but you'll always be making the right choice with these mini squashes, shared by Instagram user @nailsby_rene. Using a bold tangerine for the rest of the nails balances out the black of the accent nail — and helps amp up the Halloween vibe, of course.
Fall Nail Designs Acrylics Nail Art Deep Purple

@fancyfassler
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Purple Acrylic Nails

Sticking with the theme of dark, jewel-toned fall colors are these gorgeous purple acrylic nails, shared by Instagram user @fancyfassler. We're all so used to painting our nails just one color that we forget we have five fingers for experimenting! These plum-colored claws are proof that multiple designs can totally complement each other. Plus, we'll take any excuse to use more rhinestones and glitter. You can never have too much sparkle, can you?
Fall Nail Designs Red Orange Glitter

@akozoris
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Cranberry Nails With Orange Glitter

You can't go wrong with short and sweet cranberry nails. A glittery orange accent nail adds an eye-catching element to this fall-appropriate nail art, shared by Instagram user @akozoris, while tiny Swarovski crystals instantly up the glam factor. Red is classic and a perfect year-round nail color, but you can totally transition your fingers to fall with a darker shade of red, such as cranberry.
Fall Nail Designs Red Plaid Nail Art

@babeemama
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Red Plaid Nail Wrap

This time of year, pumpkins, skeletons, and falling leaves are popular nail art — but plaid feels quintessentially fall, too! We have fond memories of cozy flannel pajamas and of wrapping ourselves in a plaid fleece blanket to stay warm around the fire while roasting S'mores. Translate that same heartwarming feeling to your fingertips with a stylish red plaid nail wrap, like this one shared by Instagram user @babeemama
Fall Nail Designs Essie Recessionista

@laurenhenesy
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Burgundy Nails

Burgundy is another classic dark red nail color that's we can't help but associate with fall (as well as its namesake wine!). This elegant shade, which is on full display in this perfect manicure shared by Instagram user @laurenhenesy, pops against the season's orange and tan hues. It just goes to show that you don't need over-the-top nail art to make a statement — sometimes basic really is better. (That said, you won't be taking away our glitter anytime soon!)
Fall Nail Designs Essie Pumpkin Spice

@betina_goldstein
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Minimalist Fall Nails

If you're a fan of minimalist nail art, you'll love this pumpkin spice manicure shared by Instagram user @betina_goldstein. As much as we enjoy the holiday season (what's not to like about finally having an excuse to go in for that second helping?), sometimes it can feel, well, a bit boring. This stunning manicure, which features the perfect fall shade, is a totally new take on traditional nail designs — and we're in love.
Fall Nail Designs Acrylics Green Glitter

@simplybeauty_bridgend
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Olive Green Glitter Manicure

Everything about this dark manicure screams fall. From the rich hue of the olive green to the subtle red and orange glitter that reminds us of when the leaves change color, we've fallen in love with this autumnal nail design, shared by Instagram user @simplybeauty_bridgend. No matter how dreary the weather outside may be, this splendid nail art will remind us of all the things we love about the season.
Fall Nail Designs Blue Plaid

@alyssadidmynails
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Blue Plaid Nails

We typically associate red with plaid, but we have to say we're really enjoying this fun twist on a classic. Instagram user @alyssadidmynails shared this fresh new manicure, and we're feeling totally inspired to step outside of our comfort zones and try something unexpected with our manicures. The best thing about this marvelous nail art is that it still feels perfect for the chilly fall weather!
Fall Nail Designs Fall Floral Nail Art

@sanctuaryspatradition
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Red Floral Fall Nails

Florals aren't just for spring! This impressive nail art, shared by Instagram user @sanctuaryspatradition, doesn't feel out of place even though spring and summer are long gone. The majestic red and deep orange pop against the tiny white flowers, which are a beautiful reminder of all the wonderful blossoms we have to look forward to once fall and winter are over.
Fall Nail Designs Purple

@thaynaranaildesign
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Magenta Manicure

Show off your spunky side with electric purple nails, like these shared by Instagram user @thaynaranaildesign. Reds and oranges get all the attention come autumn, but we say purple deserves its chance to shine, too! With its subtle glimmer, this neon magenta shade is a total showstopper and a conversation starter at Thanksgiving dinner for sure.
Fall Nail Designs Acrylics Leafs Gold Foil

@iamdeliasnails
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Gradient Autumn Leaves Nail Art

When the leaves start falling, we can't help but stand in awe of the beauty of mother nature. So why not bring that same magic to your manicure? This beautiful gradient autumn leaves nail art shared by Instagram user @iamdeliasnails could rival any outdoor scene. The best part is it's easy to recreate on your own — all you need is a nail stamp!