The summer heat has finally exited, allowing a cool breeze to come through and remind us that fall is on its way. As we bring out the cozy knitted sweaters & get excited about pumpkin-spiced lattes, it’s only natural to wonder what’s going on in the world of fashion, and more specifically, what manicure trends are going viral on social media. So I partnered up with the nail artists at TheGlossGurus, to introduce you to your new seasonal obsessions with this roundup of the latest and hottest fall 2024 nail trends seen on Instagram and during fashion week.
Keep scrolling for the looks you’ll love to see peeking out of the sleeves of your favorite oversized sweater.
When autumn rolls around, I’m beyond excited to return to a world of deep greens, dramatic burgundy, and neutral shades. Sure, you can wear whatever color you want on your nails at any time of the year, you might want to try out these new nail trends first, like leopard nails, majestic chrome details, or even iridescent fairy details we’ve been seeing (#12 if you’re wondering).
From minimalist nails to maximalist designs there’s something here for everyone so we recommend any one of these before they start infiltrating your Insta feeds…and also, so you can feel really self-righteous when your coworker tries telling you about them a year from now (take that, Vanessa).
Get your screenshottin’ fingers ready and keep scrolling for ridiculously cool fall nail designs that’ll get you hyped for the colder weather
1. Dark red Nails
OPI
There’s something so quintessential about deep burgundy nails for fall. Something about the moody weather and energy of the season makes it a perfect time to lean into edgier, more seductive shades. We don’t see the Cherry Cola nail color (like this laker from Londontown) trend fading any time soon, but from what we saw on the fall/winter 2024 runways is that a deeper more burgundy shade will take reign as fall 2024’s “it color.” Try any of the shades below for a manicure that exudes dark and mysterious vibes, along with a touch of opulence.
2. Leopard Print
We all know and love animal print, but get ready for the leopard aesthetic to take over and become a part of your fall capsule wardrobe. Leopard print was everywhere this summer, which can only mean one thing: it’s not going anywhere in fall. I mean, recent stats from Pinterest show that just the search volume for Leopard print jeans alone increased over 2990% last month, so why not get a mani to match your ootd.
3. Futuristic
This futuristic nail trend with soft and sharp design elements is a modern spin on some of the Y2K nail art we’ve been seeing lately. Lines and dots are the easiest DIY art to create as long as you have the right tools, such as toothpicks to create dots, makeup sponges for marbling, and a thin eyeliner brush or paintbrush to create stripes. I think the spicy brown ombré creates an ethereal base, while the almost-pitchfork-like chrome elements add a bit of sci-fi sorcery.
4. Tourtoshell
Possibly our favorite nail trend of the bunch, The Gloss Gurus predicts that tortoiseshell print will soon be adorning everyone’s fingertips for fall. The abstract pattern is arguably a year-round classic, but there’s something intrinsically autumnal about tortoiseshell nails. You’ll see this print all over your social feeds — and for good reason, it recalls academic eyeglasses and a studious back-to-school vibe.
5. Make a Statement
Animal print nails are definitely trending, and lately, I’ve been seeing a more reptilian take – aka crocodile print nails – around on the socials. It’s a mani that is easy to DIY at home with a little blooming gel and your favorite gel nail colors. Give it a fall spin with neutral colors or choose a bolder color scheme to make a major statement.
6. Hot Chocolate Nails
Food-inspired manicure trends have been huge this year, so this fall it’s no surprise that we’ve been seeing a mani to match our favorite seasonal drinks. The comforting drink that brings back nostalgic childhood memories has now evolved into a trendy nail style known as “hot chocolate nails.”
7. Going for Gold
There’s never a wrong time to wear gold nail polish, but fall just might be the perfect occasion to wear this beautiful chrome-tipped French manicure. The invisible French trend, sometimes referred to as the double or outlined French manicure, is made all the more stunning with gilded chrome details. It’s the perfect set for the manicure minimalist out there that want something chic but dainty.
Got Milk?
Milky nails in the middle of a hot-ass summer? K. Milky nails in the middle of a crisp, sweater-filled fall? Uh, yes, please. While fall is all about deep, warm, rich colors, there’s still space for more neutral and minimalist manicures to shine. Milky nails have been everywhere this year, and we don’t expect them to go away anytime soon.
9. Jelly Nails
Jelly nails are still huge on the other side of the pond, and for good reason. Easily recreate the look by mixing different nail colors on top of a layer of blooming gel, or by dabbing the nail with a blotter.
10. Airbrush Nails
Although this mani has many names: airbrush nails, aura nails, or soul nails, one thing’s for sure you’re about to get plenty of compliments on your nails with this nail design. Radiate good vibes with aura nails, especially when you choose autumn colors like burgundy and moody black.
11. Emerald Green
As we enter cozy season, it’s only nature we gravitate toward deeper colors for our manicures. Dark green nails are especially perfect this time of year, as they add depth, harmonize with the season, and beautifully transition from fall to winter.
12. She was a fairy
It’s time to make Tinkerbell jealous with this enchanting manicure. Believe it or not, the “Fairycore,” aka “forest goddess aesthetic” is picking up traction on socials, so, as Peter Pan says, all it takes is faith, trust, and a little bit of pixie dust. (Or, you know, nail polish.)
13. Go Chrome, or Go Home
Whether you go all in or decide to use it as an accent for nail art, this metallic statement simply makes any look cooler. Whether you go all in or decide to use it as an accent for nail art, this futuristic statement is undeniably a result of our obsession with all things Y3K right now, it makes for a playful color choice but it’s surprisingly wearable, too. You can also try this hack to DIY chrome nails at home: While your nail polish is still tacky after your first coat, pat your nails with mirror nail powder, and then top it off with a glossy top coat.
16 Colors Chrome Nail Powder set
14. Majestic Ruby Red
Astrology lovers, rejoice! Boyce says wearing your sun, rising, and moon signs (and more if you desire) on your nails is going to be huge this fall and makes for a dramatic way to elevate a classic red mani.
15. Glitter Biab Nails
We’ve swapped our gel nails for Biab manicures and now we’re afraid to go back! BIAB nails (also known as builder gel in a bottle) are created using a specific builder soft-gel formula that is gentler than acrylics but thicker than normal gel polishes. You can only get these done at a salon, so make sure that your local manicurist carries my Boo BIAB to recreate this look.
