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50+ Best Fall Nail Ideas For Cute Colors & DIY Designs

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52 Best Fall Nail Ideas: Cute Colors & DIY Designs (2020)

Fall is the time of pumpkin spice lattes, plaid shirts, and a yummy Thanksgiving feast, but it’s also the time to update your nail game. So, channel autumnal vibes with these fall nails and winter nail shades.

From purples, reds, and oranges, there’s a wide variety of fun shades to chose from for fall nail colors, but the true fall magic happens when you pull off a creative, fall-themed nail design.

RELATED: 15 Best Cuticle Oils To Use At Home In 2020

Here are over 50 gorgeous fall shades, as well as some fun designs for you to try at home... or just show to your nail technician. 

Fall Nail Colors

1. Fall For NYC

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by essie (@essie) on Oct 3, 2018 at 11:30pm PDT

Essie’s shade Fall For NYC is the perfect orange pastel and a perfect shade to accompany all our fall oversized sweaters we’ll be rocking this season. 

(Essie, $9)

2. Autumnal Rainbow

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Anne-Marie Nail Art (@annemarienailart) on Oct 1, 2020 at 10:51am PDT

This design is channeling autumn leave colors and we are here for it! With a touch of gold jeweling, these are seriously classy nails.

3. Harvest Moon

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by LeChat Nail Care Products (@lechatnails) on Sep 28, 2018 at 6:09pm PDT

Pumpkin picking has never been more fun. Compare LECHAT’s shade Harvest Moon to your perfect pumpkin and begin designing your ultimate Thanksgiving centerpiece, using your nails as inspiration.

(LECHAT, $15.95)

4. Amber Stone

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Krystal Beauty Lounge(@krystalbeautylounge) on Oct 1, 2020 at 6:46am PDT

Blend some orange shades with a metallic copper color to create this unique nail art inspired by an amber stone. 

5. Mandeville Maven

A beautiful mix of pastel and hunter green, Lauren B Beauty’s Mandeville Maven is such a creative and fun fall color.

(Lauren B. Beauty, $12)

6. Olive You 

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by ORLY (@orly) on Oct 24, 2018 at 1:02pm PDT

What could be more fun than sipping a dirty martini as your cocktail of choice this summer? ORLY’s Olive You Kelly reflects the perfect olive green and matches the fall warm wardrobes perfectly. 

(Walmart, $9.49)

7. Darjeeling Darling

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Crissy (@crissthoms) on Nov 27, 2017 at 4:45pm PST

A beautiful emerald color, Smith & Cult’s Darjeeling Darling is perfect for both the fall and winter months. It pairs beautifully with caramel-colored outwear and is the ultimate accessory color. 

(Available on Amazon)

Cute Fall Nails

8. Devil In The Details

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by PAINT BY JAZ (@paintbyjaz) on Sep 30, 2020 at 11:39pm PDT

Use a glittery red shade to trace out this subtle but bold devil tail design.

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9. Ruff Day

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by @niraa_nail on Oct 1, 2020 at 10:27am PDT

How adorable is this little guy? Draw your dog outline using a felt tip pen and then fill in using nail polish.

10. Pastel Rainbow

Use a lilac shade and some other pastel colors of your choice to create a simple but cute fall nail set. 

Fall Acrylic Nails

11. Hot Cocoa

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by vicky delgado (@nailssbyvickyy) on Sep 30, 2020 at 2:00pm PDT

This set is long and full of drama. The rich brown tones remind us that hot cocoa season is coming. 

12. Clear As Day

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by @nails_by_jarii on Sep 25, 2020 at 12:37pm PDT

Clear skies and falling leaves are a whole autumnal vibe! This set really captures the fun of fall.

13. Summer's End

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Paris Johnson (@parissdesiree) on Sep 30, 2020 at 7:01pm PDT

This design really captures the summer to fall transition with cool green tones and rich golden glitter.

Pretty Fall Nails

14. Cashmere Pink

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by LeChat Nail Care Products (@lechatnails) on Sep 18, 2018 at 6:53pm PDT

Fall’s version of ballet pink, LECHAT’s shade cashmere is a perfect color for a professional setting. Whether sporting for an interview or presenting at a conference, this shade will be sure to add a subtle pop of color to your outfit.

(LECHAT, $5.50) 

15. Ruby Tips

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Klaudia Pisarczyk (@klaudiaa_nails) on Oct 1, 2020 at 10:37am PDT

Add a fall spice to your baby pink nails with this simple gel nail design. 

16. Mauvelous

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by ORLY (@orly) on Oct 10, 2018 at 1:23pm PDT

Mauve has been taking over the beauty world, whether lips, blush, or shadows, and it’s now made its way over to polish. ORLY’s shade Mauvelous is a super trendy fall staple and is perfect for everyday wear. 

(Walmart, $9.49)

17. Barbie Pink

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by essie (@essie) on Oct 28, 2018 at 11:00am PDT

This shade is a fall staple for any girly girl who loves traditional pink. Somewhere between Barbie pink and undertone purple lives this fan favorite shade. 

(Essie, $9)

18. Pink Shimmer

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by OPI (@opi) on Oct 3, 2018 at 4:06pm PDT

Pink’s metallic Reykjavik Has All The Hot Spots by OPI is just that: a reflection of what you’ll witness in the Iceland’s northern lights that happen every year during the October and November fall months.

(Available on Amazon)

19. Crimson Peony

The perfect transition from fall and winter can be utilized during all the colder months, and Flora 1761’s Crimson Peony is the ideal shade for apple picking and your holiday work party.

(Flora 1761, $16)

Easy Fall Nails

20. Subtle Spook

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Nailingit (@nailingit4) on Oct 1, 2020 at 10:50am PDT

Use this simple pattern as inspiration for your cute but easy fall nails. 

21. Purple Silk

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Dermelect (@dermelect) on Oct 22, 2018 at 1:16pm PDT

Feel royal with DER ME LECT’s shade swagger. Offering a signature eggplant shade with a gloss finish, you’ll be feeling both vampy and luxurious. 

(DER ME LECT, $14)

22. Autumn Sun

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by NAILS WITH LOVE, P. (@nails_with_love_p) on Oct 1, 2020 at 10:34am PDT

Use a ruby red varnish over a sunny orange base to create an elegant, pretty fall nail design.

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23. Dark Lilac

Decortè shade PU 140 reflects a dark lilac that will have you wanting to sip tea by the fire or impress your loved ones with a sophisticated tone over Thanksgiving dinner. 

(Decortè, $20)

24. Adelaide Lilac

Adding a pop to your traditionally neutral fall colors, Flora’s 1761’s shade Adelaide Lilac is almost sporting a tinted shade of white and is the perfect shade if attending any fall weddings. 

(Flora 1761, $16)

Fake Fall Nails

25. Bat Decisions

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by PRESS ON NAILS & NAIL DECALS (@nail_prophecy) on Sep 30, 2020 at 9:04am PDT

Take the hassle out of nail art by getting a premade fake nail set like these ones. 

26. You're A Star

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Haley E (@amethystnailco) on Oct 1, 2020 at 11:55am PDT

These press-on nails have golden jewels that are seriously glam.

27. Pumpkin Patch

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Kimberley Anne Graves (@beautylox_nails_makeup) on Oct 1, 2020 at 12:08pm PDT

This pumpkin-themed set is such a simple design, you can easily DIY this at home.

Nail Art Designs

28. Meow

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Peli (@nailsbypeli) on Oct 1, 2020 at 12:29pm PDT

Black cats are a sign of good luck. Craft this design onto your nails for the season that's in it.

29. Moo-ve Along

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Nardine Naser Nails (@nardinenasernails) on Oct 1, 2020 at 12:29pm PDT

The cow print isn't the most fall-appropriate pattern, but the purple tones are channeling witchy vibes. Plus it's cute, so who really cares if it matches the season?

30. Medusa Purple

How unique and amazing are these serpent nails? They're the perfect mystical, fancy nails for Halloween.

Blue Nails

31. Marchin Uniform

We all know fall is all about rocking denim, and OPI’s Marchin Uniform reflects just that. The cobalt blue is the perfect shade that reflects traditional denim (not too light and not too dark). 

(Available on Amazon)

32. Cinderella

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Fabiola Nail Artist  (@fabs.nails_) on Oct 1, 2020 at 12:37pm PDT

If you're too old for dressing up, channel your inner Disney princess with this nail design.

33. Santorini Seduction

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Luxury Nail & Hand Care (@laurenbbeauty) on Jun 8, 2018 at 1:00pm PDT

Dark blue is typically the late fall and winter shade for nail colors. As the color is a slight shade away from black, it matches with pretty much anything. When exposed to the sunlight, this shade lights up to a beautiful royal blue. 

(Lauren B. Beauty, $18)

Red Nails

34. Canyon Lover

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Luxury Nail & Hand Care (@laurenbbeauty) on Sep 13, 2018 at 6:10am PDT

Lauren B Beauty’s Laurel Canyon Lover is the epitome of a cranberry color that will be a hit at any party. 

(Lauren B. Beauty, $12)

35. Bloody Mess

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Nails by Chelsey Lockhart(@nailed.bychelsey) on Oct 1, 2020 at 12:16pm PDT

Get spooky with drops of red nail polish on a clear base to replicate blood droplets.

36. Russian Roulette

What you’d imagine any socialite sporting in the city streets, Essie’s color Russian Roulette is the perfect shade to match the fall changing leaves.

(Available on Amazon)

37. London's Afters

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by butter LONDON (@butterlondon) on Oct 2, 2018 at 8:19am PDT

A dark and deep cherry and dark blackberry, Butter London’s shade Afters is a mix of class and vampy with the perfect undertones of warm brown. A great duel shade as it’s perfect for both fall and winter months. 

(Available on Amazon)

RELATED: 40 Best Chrome Nail Ideas

Fancy Nails

38. What A Witch

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Nail Love by Kylie (@naillovebykylie) on Sep 30, 2020 at 6:13am PDT

Really challenge your nail art skills with this complex design. 

39. Night Sky

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Joanna Bandurska (@joanna_bandurska) on Sep 29, 2020 at 10:52am PDT

The ombre base, the subtle tips, the star sticker. This set has got it all going on for a fancy, glam look. 

40. Amethyst

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Sylvia (@syznails) on Sep 28, 2020 at 9:24am PDT

Carefully blend drips of lavender, lilac, and pink shades with a few thin white lines to create this effect. 

Classy Nails

41. French Ombre

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Anna (@nails4you_byan) on Oct 1, 2020 at 11:18am PDT

No nail design is quite as classy as French tips. This is a twist on the elegant classic that incorporates an ombre effect. 

42. Washington

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by The Principle Brands (@theprinciplebrands) on Oct 29, 2018 at 11:40am PDT

With the first snow fall of the season happening in fall months, white is a very popular neutral color to wear as it encompass the white accessories of seasons and snow glistening grounds. Ten Over Ten’s shade Washington is perfect white, as it’s not too bold but not too translucent. 

(Target, $12)

43. Fulton on Fulton Street

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Tenoverten (@tenoverten) on Oct 3, 2018 at 10:08am PDT

For those who like to be subtle with their nail shades, Ten Over Ten’s Fulton Street makes beige brown subtle and dainty. 

(Available on Amazon)

44. Make It Sparkle

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Licensed Manicurist  (@coconuttyy) on Oct 1, 2020 at 10:55am PDT

This design is easy to DIY and the golden tones are beautiful for fall. Just use a shimmery gold shade on your ring fingers and a matte shade on the rest. 

45. Something Blue

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by molema.nails (@molema.nails) on Oct 1, 2020 at 10:55am PDT

Use a fine-tipped brush to make this elegant leafy design.

46. Metallic Purple

Metallics are in trend during the fall (as you’ll see a good amount featured on this list). We’ve featured Zoya’s shade Devin, as it’s the perfect medium purple to pair with a darker purple shade or a lighter lilac shade. 

(Walmart, $9.15)

Gel Nail Designs

47. Falling Leaves

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by @no7nailsx on Oct 1, 2020 at 12:17pm PDT

Get some leafy nail stickers to replicate this unique gel design.

48. In The Wild

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by  (@charlottecsmith_mua) on Oct 1, 2020 at 12:16pm PDT

Using a combo of black and brown gel tones, you can make your own animal print on your claws.

49. Touch Of Navy

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by just_glam_nails  (@just_glam_nails) on Oct 1, 2020 at 10:35am PDT

Contrast your baby pink nails with this rich navy lacquer. For a twist on typical fall nail designs, add in some leaves and rose petals.

Simple Nail Designs

50. Lilac Tips

Use a dark lilac shade, like the one above, as a purple tip on a white base. This is a very pretty fall nail design that is easy to do at home. 

51. Line Up

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Jennifer Lazo (@justnails_byjenn) on Oct 1, 2020 at 10:41am PDT

Simple nail designs are the best. This set can easily be replicated at home or in the salon on natural nails, gel nails, or an acrylic set. 

52. Diagonal Glitter

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Kayleigh Schalks (@nailskayleighx) on Oct 1, 2020 at 9:01am PDT

This design is easy to do, just lay some sticky tape across the part of your nail that you want clear. Glittery, fall acrylic nails have never been easier to do at home!

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Elizabeth Blasi is a lifestyle and travel writer, who is often seen with a suitcase in hand, jetsetting to her next location. 

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