12 Fall Nail Colors and Designs to Try Right Now
The Best Fall Nail Colors and Designs for 2025, Plus Expert Tips
We're digging our nails into fall—and by that we mean getting our nails done with the moody hues and playful textures that are in for fall 2025. Fall is the perfect season for a nail reset while soaking in the bliss of crisp air, changing leaves, and cozy sweaters. Whether you're obsessed with almond-shaped nails adorned in adorable pumpkins and ghosts or keeping it simple with short, rounded tips, we're here to help you find your perfect inspiration drawing from this year's autumnal aesthetic. Follow our all-claws-on-deck guide covering fall's best and brightest colors, designs, shapes, and pro tips for getting million-dollar nails for the price of a pumpkin spice latte. (Image credit: @naileditbeauty)
Trending Nail Colors and Designs for Fall 2025
Moody colors that touch on gothic while keeping things prismatic are in for fall. Think something like a clean-girl aesthetic meets Wednesday Addams. It's making a statement without going costumey with nails.
The vibe is summed up with this list:
- Jammy Plum
- Deep Navy & Inky Blues
- Caramel, Mocha & Coffee Browns
- Oxblood Reds
- Emerald Green
- Khaki & Olive
- Aura Nails
- Polka-Dots & Bows
- Tortoiseshell & Animal Prints
- Milky White
- Metallic Finishes and Details
- Spooky Nail Designs
All products and deals are sourced by the Rank & Style team using data and expert insights. If you shop through our links, we may earn a commission—at no extra cost to you.
01
Jammy Plum
@nailboudoir
Do juicy, deep, berry-toned purple for richness without being gothic. This look's "jammy" quality comes from its jewel-like, glossy finish. It's our go-to right now for fall weddings and date nights—with plenty of potential for elevated everyday wear at the office when paired with camel coats, burgundy sweaters, and a pop of gold jewelry.
We like the way this color pops on all nail lengths and shapes—which is probably why it's a favorite among celebrity manicurists this season. Celebrity manicurist Sarah Chue and her team lit up this look when they did a plum on Jennifer Aniston's nails for the already-iconic August 2025 Vanity Fair issue. When doing this look at home or bringing a pic along to your manicurist, make it stunning using a glossy finish or subtle shimmer. (Image credit: @nailboudoir)
02
Deep Navy & Inky Blues
@izbeautyldn
A sophisticated alternative to black nails, deep navy and inky blue with midnight, almost-black hues offer subtle richness with greater luminosity and "light play" compared to flat black. Gorgeous when paired with denim, gray, or silver accents, blue is professional enough for the office and chic enough for evenings. It's so serious that fashion editors everywhere have even crowned navy the "new neutral" for fall 2025—a development we fully endorse. Blues hit right on shorter nails, squoval, and almond shapes. We recommend a matte finish for modern edge and glossy for romantic and elegance. (Image credit:@izbeautyldn)
03
Caramel, Mocha & Coffee Browns
@eekabeauty
Bring a little warm spice to your fingernails for fall with the highly wearable brown spectrum—encompassing light caramel to deep espresso. Brown and milk-brown tones work because they're neutral while making a statement. Plus, every skin tone sings with these hues. We love coffee-like colors with a classic fall earth-tone fashion palette. Picture thick and glossy caramel-colored polish with flannel and riding boots for the vibe. With #LatteNails and #ChocolateNails trending, it's time to try out fall's brown tones if you have medium to long nails that show off color depth beautifully. Just keep it to two to three thin coats because browns have a reputation for streaks. (Image credit: @eekabeauty)
04
Oxblood Reds
@thecolornook
Bring your mind to blood moons and misty graveyards with the most exciting fall trending nail color. Oxblood reds are deep burgundy-red with brown undertones that are vampy—but refined. Think Black Baccara rose petals for this one.
Oxblood red nails are perfect with red lips, black outfits, and leather jackets—making romantic, beautifully eerie statements with formal attire. While any nail length pulls them off, oxblood reds are especially dramatic on longer nails. These highly pigmented shades are easily applied as one-coat wonders as long as you have a steady hand. (Image credit: @thecolornook)
05
Emerald Green
@majestyynailss
We're off to see the wizard with this jeweled-toned, luxurious, and deliciously unexpected nail color for fall that's having a major moment in fashion and beauty. A fun departure from the typical autumn palette, emerald with a glossy gemstone effect or metallic finish for extra dimension gives the subtlest nod to fall foliage. Emerald nails pop with gold hardware and neutral outfits—while giving gorgeous contrast with classic fall warm tones. We love this color on almond and stiletto nail shapes where color elongates. Not ready for bold nails? Use emerald on an accent nail. (Image credit: @majestyynailss)
06
Khaki & Olive
@faithwthegoodnails
Khaki and olive are our picks for autumn nail colors representing the ultra-trendy, fashion-forward choice that looks amazing with gold and silver rings and bracelets. Honestly, we love both colors for simple fall nail designs on shorter nails.
Muted, earthy, militaristic-inspired greens and khaki tones align with quiet luxury and understated elegance—while offering an alternative to whites and creams. Ideal for everyday wear, minimalist style, and office-appropriate looks, khaki and olive look chic when paired unexpectedly with black or navy outfits. Pick a matte finish for modern and cream for soft sophistication. (Image credit: @faithwthegoodnails)
07
Aura Nails
@tus.manos.hablan
Cosmos-inspired aura nails are made with a technique that creates a gradient halo effect around the cuticle area. Ethereal and glowing, these otherworldly talons went viral on TikTok—with Pinterest saves skyrocketing with every inch we hurdle closer toward the winter equinox. Aura nails work for fall palettes with warm browns, cool grays, and plum and navy.
With the aura nail technique being so complex, it's best achieved with gel polish at a salon—though we've faked our way with press-on nails and decals that look like the real deal. (Image credit: @tus.manos.hablan)
08
Polka-Dots & Bows
@megs.nailnook
We're eating up this playful, coquette-inspired trend that's surprisingly easy to do. Consider this the nail version of the TikTok "bow trend" that puts feminine, nostalgic style at the forefront. For simple fall nail designs with dot techniques, our hack is a DIY-friendly dotting tool. Meanwhile, bows can be achieved with stickers or nail kits with 3D bows—or a visit to the nail salon.
The go-to color combos for dots and bows are black dots on nude, brown bows on cream—or create a contrasty pop with burgundy on beige. (Image credit: @megs.nailnook)
09
Tortoiseshell & Animal Prints
@meg.doesnails
Let your claws out this fall with fun, ultra-femme tortoiseshell or animal print nails. Nails come alive with deep amber, brown, and caramel-swirled patterns. For bolder, we like leopard spots and snakeskin textures seen everywhere this fall.
To keep nails inspired by the call of the wild tasteful, we recommend an accent nail or alternating nails instead of a full manicure with a print. The look of unexpected animal print with gold rings or bracelets and solid neutrals adds the faintest roar to minimalist style. While tortoiseshell and animal print nails look like works of art, they're easily done with tortoiseshell nail wraps or stamping plates. (Image credit: @meg.doesnails)
10
Milky White
@bynatashad
For fall-colored nails that feel fresh, white is the clean-girl, blank-canvas pick to cure your maximalism fatigue. Cream, ivory, vanilla, and soft whites look especially crisp against fall earth tones or moody black shades. This surprisingly fresh choice is perfect for all nail shapes and lengths—but it looks especially chic and breezy on shorter nails. (Image credit: @bynatashad)
11
Metallic Finishes and Details
@primaverabeautytherapy
High-shine colors are some of the best nail colors for evoking a moody, celestial fall feeling. This look is all about bringing sugar and spice to your nails using chrome, gold leaf, metallic foils, and reflective finishes. There's so much versatility for where you want to take this—think full metallic manicures, glittery accent nails, French tip details, and striping. Our favorite fall metallics of the moment are rose gold, bronze, copper, and gunmetal gray. To make high-impact looks last, use chrome powders for full coverage and foils for details. We've had success with gold leaf kits for adding quick luxury and dimension to lackluster nails ahead of formal events. (Image credit: @primaverabeautytherapy)
12
Cute Spooky Nail Designs
@nailsby.kaydee
We'll never give up the ghost when it comes to chasing the easy-to-do festive fall nails around October and Halloween. This year, we're happily haunting our nails with spider webs, tiny bats, and ghosts-balanced with some classic orange-black-combos.
No need to take an art class for a few weeks of temporary, conversation-starting nails. Our spooky-easy hacks are press-ons, stickers, and stampers for picture-perfect nails for Halloween parties and October celebrations. Make it even easier for yourself by just doing accent nails if you don't have time for a full DIY-manicure commitment. (Image credit: @nailsby.kaydee)
Nail Shapes That Dominate Fall 2025
The right nail shape can make or break your fall manicure—though we promise there's a color and look for every nail length. For fall 2025, trends are moving away from extreme lengths. This is the era of the maintainable nail. However, the shape you settle on does affect color appearance and design feasibility when achieving popular fingernails for fall. Everything from your lifestyle, hand shape, and realistic capacity for nail maintenance help determine which shape is ideal. Let's use those nails—of any shape or length—to dig a little deeper into finding your perfect fit.
Almond
Introducing the most requested nail shape in salons this fall. Almond nails feature tapered sides and a rounded peak for an elegant and feminine look. You may have noticed how popular these nails are right now—mostly because they elongate nails and flatter nearly all hand types. Almond nails look universally chic with all nail colors—though they really turn on the magic with jewel tones and gradients.
Maintaining almond nails takes regular filling. While not arduous, we'll call it a medium commitment level.
Squoval
Part square, part oval—all chicness. Yes, that's the gist of the squoval nail craze. The signature squoval features square tips with rounded edges for a best-of-both-worlds look when you want something practical, polished, and professional for everyday wear.
Squoval nails shine with solid colors, simple designs, and French tips instead of flashier fall-colored nails. They get an A+ grade for being low-maintenance and sturdy. These can also be the perfect "sneaky" nails for transitioning from square to oval—or vice versa—without going through an awkward nail phase.
Coffin or Ballerina
The fall nails coffin trend is tapered with a flat tip. Bold and fashion-forward, this is a great look if you embrace higher-maintenance nails. Take your vitamins because longer nails are necessary to achieve the long, straight sidewalls of the coffin nail style. The ballerina variation has slightly rounded sidewalls by comparison. These statement-making, editorial-level nails are perfect if you want a long, bold canvas for intricate nail designs or chrome finishes.
Short Rounded
You've heard of short hair, don't care—get ready for short nails, never fails. Are short nails in style for fall 2025? Absolutely. We love nails with a natural curve and a short length for an understated, chic vibe. The short, rounded nail style is proof that you can embrace your tips even if a busy lifestyle, typing-heavy job, or pull toward minimalist designs makes trendy nails a struggle for you. Pull this look off with a clean-girl, real-life aesthetic using rich, solid colors that make a big impact without requiring a long nail length.
Pro Tips for Nail Longevity in Fall
Fall weather is gorgeous for sweater season but absolutely brutal on your nails. These pro tips will help your fall manicure last two weeks or more, whether you're a salon regular or DIY devotee.
Autumn Nail Care
Keep your fall manicure looking salon-fresh with these essential maintenance moves:
- Hydrate religiously with cuticle oil. We're talking daily application, especially when fall air starts getting crisp and dry.
- Apply hand cream after every hand washing. Yes, every time. It sounds like a lot, but it's the single best defense against the seasonal dryness that leads to peeling polish and brittle nails.
- Wear gloves for dishes and cleaning. Hot water and harsh chemicals are your manicure's worst enemies. We know it's not the most glamorous advice, but those extra 30 seconds to slip on gloves can add days to your manicure's lifespan.
- Consider a biotin supplement for nail strength. If your nails are prone to splitting or breaking—especially as temperatures drop—biotin can be a total game-changer for building resilience from the inside out.
- File in one direction only. Back-and-forth sawing creates micro-tears that lead to splitting and peeling. One direction, smooth strokes—your nails will thank you.
- Stop using your nails as tools. Opening packages, peeling off stickers, scraping labels—we've all been there. But every time you use your nails as impromptu tools, you're basically volunteering for chips and breaks.
- Buff lightly before polish application. A gentle buff removes surface damage and creates the perfect canvas for polish adhesion. Just don't overdo it—you want to smooth, not thin out your nail plate.
Matte vs Glossy Top Coats
The finish you choose for your fall nails completely transforms the vibe—and affects how long your manicure lasts. Here's the breakdown on when to reach for matte versus glossy this season.
Matte finishes give nails that modern, sophisticated edge that's everywhere right now. The best part? They're incredibly forgiving when it comes to hiding minor imperfections or wear. The trade-off is that matte top coats tend to need more frequent touch-ups since they don't have that protective glossy shield. We're obsessed with matte finishes on earthy tones like caramel, khaki, and olive—it enhances that quiet luxury aesthetic we're all chasing this fall.
Glossy top coats are the classics for good reason. They add gorgeous dimension to colors, make jewel tones absolutely luminous, and typically last longer than matte alternatives. That high-shine finish creates a protective barrier that resists chips better than its matte counterpart. For fall 2025, we love glossy finishes on jammy plums, emerald greens, and oxblood reds—the shine makes those rich colors feel extra luxurious.
Our pro tip? You don't have to choose permanently. If you start with a matte finish and want to switch things up mid-week, just apply a regular glossy top coat over it. Instant transformation without removing your entire manicure. And regardless of which finish you choose, refresh your top coat every three to four days to extend your manicure's life and keep it looking freshly done.
Where to Shop for the Best Fall Nail Products
Ready to stock up on everything you need for your fall nail game? We've rounded up our favorite retailers that consistently deliver on quality polish, tools, and nail care essentials—plus, many of them have amazing deals happening right now.
Here's where to shop:
- Ulta Beauty is our go-to one-stop shop for fall nail essentials. Their selection spans drugstore favorites to prestige brands, making it easy to grab everything from cuticle oil to that perfect jammy plum polish in one trip. The best part? Their rewards program means you're earning points on every nail product purchase—and you can save even more with current Ulta coupons.
- Sephora brings the luxury nail experience with high-end polish brands and innovative nail care products you won't find everywhere. We love browsing their selection when we're hunting for those jewel-toned shades and premium top coats that make manicures last. Check out Sephora deals before you stock up.
- Amazon is unbeatable for nail art supplies, press-ons, and tools. Need dotting tools for those polka dot nails? Tortoiseshell wraps? 3D bow kits? Amazon has it all with fast shipping that means you can start your fall nail project this weekend. Don't forget to browse Amazon promo codes to save on your haul.
- Olive & June has become our obsession for at-home manicures that look professionally done. Their curated fall collections take the guesswork out of choosing coordinating shades, and their proprietary Poppy brush makes application foolproof even if you're not ambidextrous.
- Chanel is where we turn for investment-worthy nail color. Their iconic formulas and sophisticated fall shades—especially their takes on oxblood reds and deep navys—are absolutely worth the splurge for special occasions or when you want that extra dose of luxury.
- Nordstrom offers a perfectly curated mix of nail brands with the convenience of easy returns and excellent customer service. We appreciate their selection of both trendy indie brands and classic favorites, plus you can often find exclusive shades and sets. Snag the best value with promotions for Nordstrom.
TL;DR: The Best Fall Nail Colors and Designs for 2025
Here's what you need to know about fall 2025 nails: moody, rich colors are in, playful textures are everywhere, and there's a perfect option for every style personality. Whether you're ready to fully embrace the vampy vibes or you're keeping things minimal and chic, this season has something for you.
The beauty of fall 2025 nail trends is that there are no rules. Mix shapes with unexpected colors, combine finishes, and don't be afraid to try something outside your comfort zone. Maybe that means adding one emerald accent nail to your usual nude manicure, or going full maximalist with chrome tortoiseshell. This is your season to play, experiment, and find what makes you feel most like yourself—whether that's moody and mysterious or clean and sophisticated.
