Instagram has completely transformed the way we approach nail art trends. In the past, when you wanted a cool design, you’d have to go to the salon and flip through a book of images to find one you like. Thankfully, things are much easier today. Nail artists and Instagram creators work at lightning speed creating new trends and fun looks. So, when it comes to finding the best fall nail art, it only makes sense to look to the artists who fill our feeds with inspiration. You could spend countless hours (we certainly wouldn’t blame you if you did) scrolling through accounts bookmarking your favorites. To make it even easier, we’ve done the work for you and rounded up the top fall nail art trends and manicure designs for the 2024 season. Scroll through them now, and thank us later.
Fall Nail Art Inspiration
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Tortoise Shell
Digital creator and nail artist Samantha Rose says animal prints of all kinds are trending this fall. But tortoise shell designs feel particularly seasonal thanks to the black and brown colors and smooth glossy finish.
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Hourglass
While many negative space manis use bare nails as the base, the hourglass design shines with complementing colors. Take a cue from digital creator Melanie Graves and go for a deep plum or burgundy polish.
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Velvet
Textured nails are fun year-round, but the velvet look is one of the best for fall. The magnetic filaments in the polish help create the fuzzy finish that's akin to your favorite fall sweater.
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Gold Foil
Gold accents are an easy way to make your manicure feel luxe. For a more elevated feel, try using gold foil instead of polish. This manicure makes it easy by featuring just a tiny amount in the middle of the nail.
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Cow Print Tips
We get it, cow print is everywhere and not for everyone. However, if you're interested in testing the trend, this dipped design is a good one to try. The cow print is just on the tips, and the nails have a nude base to help tone down the effect.
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Accent Nails
For those who like to stick to a solid manicure, nail art can be a foreign territory. An accent nail makes it easy to wear designs and upgrade your manicure without full commitment. You can even up the ante with two fingernails to create an alternating design.
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Simple Swirls
Negative space designs have a cool contemporary look. This sleek manicure uses colorful swirls to give the design an artsy feel. For a look that's more autumn than summertime, opt for a mix of bold colors and chocolate brown polishes.
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Zebra Print
Like the cow print, zebra-printed fingernails can be tough to pull off. But that's what makes it fun. The zigzag pattern and simple colors in this manicure have a unique look that's creative and very on trend this fall.
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Contrast French Manicure
The best way to upgrade your French manicure for fall is to create a contrasting design in a seasonal shade. This one has a pared-down look thanks to the natural nail shape and thin strips of baby blue polish.
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Gold Wire
Who knew that gold wire was the key to a chic looking manicure? With this design, you can use craft store supplies and a bit of nail glue to adhere the wire for a delicate and elegant look.
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Textured Nails
Textured nail designs are not the easiest to DIY. If you frequent the salon, showing this photo to your nail technician will help you get a cool Instagram-worthy look. This manicure features a mix of textures and finishes that work well at keeping it demure.
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Leopard Print
You may think that this classic print is difficult to create, but Rose explains it's quite the opposite. "These looks are forgiving, so they can be easily done at home. Leopard print can be done with a toothpick or bobby pin, by creating abstract blobs of color," she says.
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Brown Chrome Design
Brown chrome nails scream fall. Instead of opting for a plain manicure, try incorporating the trend into a design. Nail gems and stickers in neutral colors can add to the glitzy look without making it overbearing.
