21 Top Autumn Nail Trends: Earthy Tones to Gothic Flames

Are you ready to fall in love with your nails this autumn 2024? As the leaves turn and the air gets crisper, your manicure can be an expression of the season’s beauty. But what are the hottest nail trends for this fall? From cozy colors to dazzling designs, we explore the top trends that will make your nails stand out. Let’s uncover the styles that will have you embracing the autumn spirit, finger-first!

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Ethereal Autumn Leaves Design

The first design captures the essence of autumn with its intricate leaf patterns over a translucent pink base. Each nail is a canvas displaying a mix of burnt orange, deep red, and golden yellow leaves, reminiscent of the fall foliage. The artistry lies in the delicate vein detailing within each leaf, paired with subtle glitter accents that catch the light beautifully. This design is perfect for those who appreciate nature-inspired aesthetics with a touch of elegance.

Consumables List:

• Base Coat: Essie Ridge Filling Base Coat
• Polishes: OPI ‘It’s a Piazza Cake’, ‘CIA = Color is Awesome’, and ‘Never a Dulles Moment’
• Glitter: Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear in ‘Spark in the Dark’
• Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

DIY Instructions: Begin by applying a smooth base coat to protect your nails. Once dry, layer a light pink polish as the base color. For the leaves, use a thin brush to paint small, intricate leaf shapes with your chosen fall colors. Add fine glitter along some edges for a dewy morning look. Seal your artwork with a fast-drying top coat for a glossy finish and enhanced durability.

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Maritime Mystique

This nail design draws inspiration from the ocean’s depths with its cool blue and white swirl patterns, creating a striking contrast against the golden and tortoiseshell accents. The use of matte and glossy finishes adds a modern twist to the maritime theme, making it a bold choice for those who love to stand out. The swirls mimic the tranquil sea waves, ideal for serene autumn evenings.

Consumables List:

• Base Coat: CND Stickey Base Coat
• Polishes: China Glaze ‘Fade Into Hue’, ‘White on White’, and ‘At Vase Value’
• Special Effects: Matte top coat by Matte-ly In Love
• Accents: Gold foil and tortoiseshell stickers

DIY Instructions: Start with a clear base coat to prep your nails. Apply a pale blue shade as the foundation. For the swirls, alternate between white and a slightly darker blue, using a fine brush to create the wave-like effect. Apply the gold foil and tortoiseshell stickers on alternating fingers before finishing with a matte top coat on the blue and white nails, leaving the accent nails glossy.

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Minimalist Autumn Chic

Simplicity meets sophistication in this minimalist autumn design featuring a nude base adorned with a solitary cartoonish squirrel and sparse black glitter. This understated look is perfect for everyday wear or professional settings, providing a playful yet polished appeal.

Consumables List:

• Base Coat: Orly Bonder Rubberized Basecoat
• Polish: ‘Bare With Me’ by Essie
• Decorations: Black micro-glitter and water decals
• Top Coat: INM Out The Door Top Coat

DIY Instructions: Apply the rubberized base coat for optimal polish adhesion. Next, coat your nails with a creamy nude polish. Use a water decal for the squirrel design on the ring finger, and sprinkle a modest amount of black glitter on the tips of other nails for a subtle sparkle. Finish with a quick-drying top coat to seal in the design and add a high-gloss finish.

Twilight Blue Gradient

This design elegantly combines deep twilight blue with a soft pink, creating a stunning gradient effect that mirrors a serene autumn sunset. The glossy finish adds a sophisticated touch, making the nails look as though they’ve been dipped in twilight itself. This style is both bold and beautiful, suitable for evening events or a stylish day at the office.

Consumables List:

• Base Coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
• Polishes: Essie ‘Butler Please’, ‘Muchi, Muchi’
• Top Coat: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Top Coat

DIY Instructions: Start by applying a base coat to protect your nails. Apply a light pink polish as the base layer. While it’s still wet, blend in the twilight blue from the tip, creating a smooth gradient with a sponge. Finish with a glossy top coat for a vibrant and durable finish.

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Soft Abstract Elegance

This nail design features soft pastel shades and abstract shapes that suggest a playful yet understated look for the fall season. The use of matte finish over the creamy hues provides a modern and sophisticated feel, ideal for those who favor a more subtle expression of style.

Consumables List:

• Base Coat: CND Sticky Base Coat
• Polishes: ‘Ballet Slippers’ by Essie, custom-mixed pastel acrylics
• Top Coat: Matte About You by Essie

DIY Instructions: After applying your base coat, paint a neutral base with ‘Ballet Slippers’. For the abstract shapes, use a thin brush and pastel acrylic paints to create soft, flowing designs. Allow each layer to dry before applying the next to avoid smudging. Seal the design with a matte top coat for a contemporary finish.

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Charming Ribbon Twirls

Embrace a whimsical touch with these charming nails featuring delicate ribbon twirls in a rich purple over a nude base. This design is perfect for those who enjoy a hint of playfulness in their manicure. The intricate twirls add a dynamic look, making each nail a piece of wearable art.

Consumables List:

• Base Coat: Revlon Quick Dry Base Coat
• Polish: L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche ‘Walk on the Beach’, ‘Wild and Free’
• Top Coat: Revlon Extra Life No Chip Top Coat

DIY Instructions: Apply a quick-dry base coat followed by a nude polish as the background. Using a fine brush, paint the purple ribbon twirls starting from the base of the nail and curving up to the tip. Experiment with the thickness and flow of the ribbons to add uniqueness to each nail. Finish with a clear top coat to enhance the color and ensure longevity.

Sophisticated Plum Gradient

This sleek design features a sophisticated gradient blending from a rich plum to a softer mauve, creating a smooth transition that’s both elegant and season-appropriate. The glossy finish enhances the depth of the colors, making this style a perfect choice for those who prefer a more refined and polished look.

Consumables List:

• Base Coat: Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Base Coat
• Polishes: ‘Lincoln Park After Dark’ by OPI, ‘Angora Cardi’ by Essie
• Top Coat: Chanel Le Gel Coat Longwear Top Coat

DIY Instructions: Apply a base coat to clean, filed nails. Start with the darker shade at the base and gradually blend into the lighter mauve towards the tip using a sponge for a smooth gradient effect. Finish with a high-gloss top coat for a durable, shiny finish.

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Mystical Night Sky

Dive into the depths of a mystical night sky with this captivating nail design. The dark base sprinkled with golden flecks mimics a starlit night, enhanced by a golden snake ring accessory that adds an edge of mystery and allure. This dramatic look is ideal for evening events and adds a touch of glamour to any autumn outfit.

Consumables List:

• Base Coat: Essie Here to Stay Base Coat
• Polish: ‘Black Out’ by Sally Hansen
• Glitter: Gold leaf flakes
• Top Coat: OPI Top Coat

DIY Instructions: Start with a strong base coat to protect your nails. Apply two coats of black polish for a deep, opaque base. While the second coat is still tacky, lightly place gold leaf flakes to create the effect of a starry night. Seal with a clear top coat for extra shine and protection.

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Autumn Leaf Motif

This playful yet refined design features a variety of autumn-inspired motifs, including leaves and polka dots, using a warm palette of orange, white, and deep purple. The matte finish on some nails contrasts beautifully with the glossy on others, providing a tactile and visual texture that is both modern and stylish.

Consumables List:

• Base Coat: Zoya Anchor Base Coat
• Polishes: ‘Chinchilly’ by Essie, ‘Pumpkin Pie’ by OPI, and white acrylic paint
• Top Coats: Essie Matte About You, OPI Glossy Top Coat

DIY Instructions: Prepare your nails with a base coat. Apply a solid color as the base on each nail. For the leaf designs, use a fine brush and white paint to draw the motifs, then fill in with orange or purple. Alternate between a matte and glossy top coat on different nails to enhance the design’s texture and depth.

Pastel Pink Perfection

This nail design is the epitome of understated elegance, featuring a soft pastel pink that offers a smooth, matte finish. The simplicity of the color is enhanced by a solitary crystal embellishment on the ring finger, adding a touch of sophistication without overpowering the minimalist aesthetic. This look is perfect for those who prefer a subtle yet chic nail design for their autumn palette.

Consumables List:

• Base Coat: Butter London Nail Foundation Priming Basecoat
• Polish: ‘Romper Room’ by Essie
• Embellishments: Swarovski crystal
• Top Coat: Essie Matte About You

DIY Instructions: Apply a priming base coat to prep the nails. Paint two coats of Essie’s ‘Romper Room’ for a full, opaque look. Affix a Swarovski crystal to the base of the ring finger while the second coat is still tacky. Finish with a matte top coat to enhance the soft texture of the manicure.

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Deep Sea Gradient

This dramatic design features a gradient that transitions from a deep sea green to black, reflecting the mysterious hues of the ocean depths. A touch of glitter on the tips resembles the fleeting sparkle of sunlight on water, making this design not only stunning but also deeply evocative of the fall season’s twilight themes.

Consumables List:

• Base Coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
• Polishes: ‘Jungle Green’ by Milani, ‘Black Out’ by Sally Hansen
• Glitter: Silver micro-glitter
• Top Coat: Revlon Quick Dry Top Coat

DIY Instructions: Start by applying a base coat. Use a sponge to dab on ‘Jungle Green’ at the nail base, blending upwards into ‘Black Out’ towards the tips. While the polish is wet, sprinkle a light dusting of silver glitter over the tips for a shimmering finish. Seal with a quick-dry top coat for durability and shine.

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Golden Swirl Enigma

This nail design is truly a work of art, featuring golden swirls over a glossy black base that capture the luxurious essence of autumn. The swirls are created with a marbling technique that results in a unique pattern on each nail, offering an exclusive and custom look that’s perfect for those seeking a bold and artistic expression this season.

Consumables List:

• Base Coat: China Glaze Strong Adhesion Base Coat
• Polish: ‘Licorice’ by Essie
• Marbling Tool: Dotting tool or toothpick
• Gold Polish: ‘Good as Gold’ by Essie
• Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

DIY Instructions: After applying a base coat, coat your nails with ‘Licorice’. Drop small amounts of ‘Good as Gold’ onto the wet base and use a dotting tool or toothpick to swirl the gold into the black polish, creating marbled patterns. Allow the design to set briefly before applying a fast-drying top coat to preserve the intricate details and add a glossy finish.

Elegant Maroon Mystique

This design features a rich maroon base accented with gold and textured patterns that evoke an air of antiquity and luxury. The use of metallic accents and precise detailing creates a sophisticated look, perfect for those who want to make a bold statement during the autumn months.

Consumables List:

• Base Coat: Sally Hansen Double Duty Base Coat
• Polish: ‘Wine Stock’ by Sally Hansen
• Accents: Gold leaf, textured polish for detailing
• Top Coat: Sally Hansen Diamond Flash Fast Dry Top Coat

DIY Instructions: Apply the base coat to protect your nails. Paint two coats of ‘Wine Stock’ for a deep maroon color. Carefully place gold leaf on the tips and use a fine brush to add detailed designs with a textured polish. Seal with a fast-drying top coat to maintain the intricate work.

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Futuristic Purple Swirls

This nail design is a futuristic twist on traditional swirl patterns, featuring iridescent purple hues that shift and shimmer under different lighting. The liquid metal appearance paired with sleek, sharp lines gives a modern, almost alien look, ideal for trendsetters looking to push the boundaries this fall.

Consumables List:

• Base Coat: Essie Here to Stay Base Coat
• Polishes: ‘Turn on the Northern Lights!’ by OPI, metallic purple by Modelones
• Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

DIY Instructions: Start with a base coat to ensure durability. Apply a coat of dark, iridescent polish as the foundation. While still wet, add streaks of metallic purple and use a fine brush to swirl the colors together. Finish with a layer of quick-dry top coat to enhance the metallic sheen and protect your design.

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Holographic Black Elegance

This look brings a mystic charm with its holographic black polish that reflects a spectrum of colors. The sleek, pointed shape of the nails complements the cosmic, deep-space effect, making it a show-stopper for evening events and a favorite for those who embrace a gothic yet glamorous aesthetic.

Consumables List:

• Base Coat: CND Stickey Base Coat
• Polish: ‘Miss Universe’ by Color Club (holographic black)
• Top Coat: INM Out the Door Top Coat

DIY Instructions: Apply a sticky base coat to help the polish adhere better. Use two coats of holographic black polish to achieve full coverage and a deep, reflective finish. Ensure each layer is completely dry before applying the next to avoid smudging the holographic effect. Seal with a high-quality top coat for lasting shine and wear.

Autumn Shades Gradient

This nail design showcases a beautiful gradient of autumn shades from deep brown to a warm mustard, reflecting the seasonal transition of leaves. The glossy finish adds a touch of elegance, making this style versatile for both day and night wear. It’s a classic autumn look that pairs beautifully with seasonal attire.

Consumables List:

• Base Coat: CND Essential Base Coat
• Polishes: ‘Chocolate Moose’ by OPI, ‘Mustard the Courage’ by Essie
• Top Coat: OPI Glossy Top Coat

DIY Instructions: Begin with a clean, smooth base coat to protect your nails. Apply a coat of dark brown polish as the base color. While still wet, blend into a mustard color at the tips using a sponge for a seamless gradient. Finish with a glossy top coat for a smooth, shiny appearance.

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Flame Reflections

Embrace a daring look with these nails featuring a dynamic flame-like pattern with reflective qualities. The design utilizes a clear base with sharp, flame-like inserts that catch the light, giving the appearance of flickering fire—a perfect metaphor for the vibrant energy of autumn.

Consumables List:

• Base Coat: Sally Hansen Miracle Cure
• Polishes: Transparent gel, custom color foils
• Top Coat: Essie Gel Setter Top Coat

DIY Instructions: Apply a base coat for durability. Position the color foils on each nail to create sharp, flame-like designs. Use a clear gel to encase the foils, ensuring each layer is cured under a UV light for durability. Apply a thick layer of top coat for a glass-like finish.

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Daisy Delight

This charming design features soft matte pink nails with delicate white daisies painted over a clear base. It’s a refreshing look that combines simplicity with a touch of springtime nostalgia, ideal for those who appreciate subtle floral accents in their autumn fashion.

Consumables List:

• Base Coat: Orly Bonder Rubberized Base Coat
• Polishes: ‘Minimalistic’ by Essie, white and yellow acrylic paint for the daisies
• Top Coat: Matte Finish Top Coat by OPI

DIY Instructions: After applying a rubberized base coat, paint a light pink base. Use a fine brush to hand-paint daisies on a clear coat applied over the pink. Detail the center of each daisy with yellow acrylic paint. Allow to dry and finish with a matte top coat for a contemporary look.

Sculptural Elegance

This design features a sophisticated interplay of neutral shades and sculptural elements. The off-white base provides a crisp canvas for the brown swirling patterns that mimic natural forms. Accented with tiny rhinestones, this look combines organic motifs with a touch of glamour, making it a versatile choice for both everyday elegance and special autumn occasions.

Consumables List:

• Base Coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
• Polishes: ‘Alpine Snow’ by OPI, ‘Hot Chocolate’ by Sally Hansen
• Accents: Small clear rhinestones
• Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

DIY Instructions: Apply a base coat to protect the nails. Use ‘Alpine Snow’ as the base color. Once dry, paint freehand swirls with ‘Hot Chocolate’. Strategically place rhinestones along the swirls while the polish is still tacky. Finish with a top coat to secure the stones and polish.

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Gothic Flame Art

This nail design brings a gothic twist to the classic flame pattern, using a gradient of grey tones to suggest smoke and shadows. The pointed tips enhance the edgy look, making this design perfect for those who love to make a bold statement. This style is particularly fitting for the spooky vibes of late autumn.

Consumables List:

• Base Coat: Essie Strong Start Base Coat
• Polishes: ‘Cement the Deal’ by OPI, black and white for gradient effects
• Top Coat: OPI High-Gloss Top Coat

DIY Instructions: Start with a solid base coat to enhance polish adhesion. Apply a light grey polish as the base. Use a sponge to dab on black and white polish, creating a gradient effect that mimics flame shapes. Finish with a high-gloss top coat for a dramatic and shiny appearance.

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Golden Flecked Pink

Delicate and charming, this design features a soft pink base with random flecks of gold leaf. The minimalist approach, combined with the luxurious touch of gold, creates a sophisticated yet playful look that’s perfect for autumn’s more subdued days. It’s an excellent choice for those who prefer a touch of luxury in their daily wear.

Consumables List:

• Base Coat: China Glaze Strong Adhesion Base Coat
• Polish: ‘Muchi, Muchi’ by Essie
• Gold Leaf: Gold leaf flakes
• Top Coat: INM Out the Door Fast Drying Top Coat

DIY Instructions: Apply a base coat to prep the nails. Paint two coats of ‘Muchi, Muchi’ for a creamy pink base. Randomly place gold leaf flakes on the nails using tweezers for precision. Seal everything with a fast-drying top coat to protect the design and enhance the gold’s shimmer.

As we wrap up our exploration of the autumn fall nails for 2024, it’s clear that this season’s trends are as diverse as they are stunning. From the earthy tones of classic autumn gradients to the bold statements of gothic flames, each design not only reflects the natural beauty and spirit of the season but also caters to a wide range of styles and preferences. Whether you’re drawn to understated elegance, playful artistry, or dramatic flair, these trends offer ample inspiration to personalize your nail art. Embrace these trends to ensure your nails are not just a detail, but a standout feature of your autumn wardrobe, reflecting your unique aesthetic and flair for fashion.