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6 Fall Nail Ideas to Inspire Your Next Manicure

From embracing a darker color palette to spooky season nail art, here’s what’s trending.

Cara O’Bleness

Fall manicure
Fall manicure / Mariia Demchenko/Getty Images

We may only be two weeks into the fall season, but regardless of the calendar or the temperature outside, many of us have long shifted our aesthetic over to autumn. Gone are the days of cutoff shorts and tanks—instead, we’re reaching for fall fashion trends, including suede everything in gorgeous shades of chocolate brown. Our accessories and glam are changing with the season, too. While many opted for jelly nails or fruit-inspired fingertips over the summer, fall manicure trends are much moodier and are the perfect accent to cozy sweaters and boots.

From a darker color palette to spooky season nail art, here are a few of our favorite fall nail ideas to try out at your next manicure appointment. So go ahead and book yourself a little “me time” this week in the form of some self-care—you deserve it!

Polka dot

Polka dots were hugely popular this summer, and the trend is extending to nail art this fall. Opt for a classic black and white version or have a little bit more fun with a sparkly set.

Burgundy

Wine red nails may not be anything new for fall, but they’re a staple for a reason. We particularly love this look on short, rounded nails. You can also jazz things up by trying out the polka dot nail trend in an unexpected color combo.

Navy

Midnight blue nails will be everywhere this season. Simply swipe on a solid shade or opt for a geometric design that makes use of negative space on the nail.

Plum

If you typically gravitate toward black nail polish this time of year, consider mulberry-colored nails instead for an equally vampy, yet subtler take.

Brown

Inspired by everything from the changing leaves to your morning cup of coffee, a set of brown nails can look incredibly chic this time of year. And who says each fingertip needs to match?

Spooky season-themed

Halloween fans, now is your time to shine! We love a scary cute ghost manicure, or go ahead and incorporate black cats, pumpkins and more into your manicure, as seen below.

Published
Cara O’Bleness
CARA O’BLENESS

Cara is a trending news writer/editor for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. A passionate writer and editor with more than 10 years of experience in print and online media, she loves storytelling and believes that words have the power to change the world. Prior to joining the team, Cara worked as a writer and editor across a number of content verticals, including food, lifestyle, health and wellness, and small business and entrepreneurship. In her free time, Cara loves reading, spending time with her family and making her way through Michigan’s many microbreweries. She is a graduate of Michigan State University's School of Journalism.

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