41 Cute Fall Nail Designs to Try in 2021
Are you looking for inspiration for your fall nails? The best fall nail designs for 2021 include everything from cute and cozy plaids to pretty pastels with glittering gold designs to the classically edgy ruby red glitter. If you're fashion-forward, why not try croc-embossed tips? If you're all about sipping apple cider at the pumpkin patch, you'll swoon for sweet and seasonal orange hues. There are designs and shades for everyone, whether you like to keep things simple or go all out with your nail art.
Once you've established your fall aesthetic, it's time to think about which designs you'll try out this season — and the sky is truly the limit this season. Everything from '90s-inspired swirls to metallics are in for fall, and we've rounded up 41 gorgeous and inspirational designs, including Halloween-themed nails, that you can wear long after fall ends. There are so many standouts, you could change up your mani along with the leaves.
1. Cinnamon Spice
When it comes to fall nail art, nothing beats warm tones. Cozy up with a cinnamon-colored manicure with a shimmery marbled accent that looks just like latte foam art.
2. Dark and Dreamy
Nothing says “fall is here” like a deep, dark manicure. A hint of shimmer keeps this rich emerald green from falling flat.
3. Summer-to-Fall
Not quite ready to let go of summer but want to dip a toe into fall? This fun manicure beautifully blend the two seasons.
4. Chocolate Tips
This minimal "drip" manicure still packs a punch with layered shades of beige and chocolate. It's fall-themed but also subtle and sweet.
5. Classic Red
Sometimes simple fall nails are the go-to. If your style leans more classic and chic, trade your bright cherry red for a classic red carpet crimson to usher in the autumn.
6. Multicolored Moons
A twist on the classic half-moon is a fun option for your fall manicure; it’s an impactful way to blend bright summer tones with fall’s darker hues.
7. Flower Power
This floral manicure makes us want to run through a field of flowers at golden hour. Extra points as it's fall-inspired but also already looking forward to spring.
8. Perfect Palette
Can’t choose your favorite fall nail shade? Wear ‘em all with fall ombre nails.
9. Go for Gold
If Lizzo and Cardi B have anything to say about it, glimmering gold metallic nails are going to be all the rage for fall. Diamonds optional.
10. ‘90s Vibes
This throwback manicure encapsulates everything we love about the ‘90s resurgence, but the colors keep it feeling very 2021.
11. Sweater Style
Don’t these blue and cinnamon stamped autumn nails look like the coziest sweater ever? Adding a bright blue tone is an unexpected twist on the classic "fall" colors.
12. Bright Orange Beauty
Who said short fall nails were not a thing? ‘Go bright orange for a punchy statement manicure that’s perfect for the pumpkin patch or a party.
13. Autumn Leaves
If you can’t get enough of the changing colors of fall, consider adding a few leaves to your mani for a truly seasonal style.
14. Mauve It
Lavender-mauve is a beautiful transition shade for summer-to-fall manicures, especially if you love a subtler nail.
15. Season of the Witch
Halloween is on the horizon and all your fall nail ideas would not be complete without a witchy design. A stiletto-sharp set of glossy black nails with a matte and glitter accent is glamorously goth.
16. Mod and Muted
If orange, red, and brown aren’t your thing, this minimalistic mani with navy, dusty purple, mustard, and sage green tips is a super cool way to rock less-common fall tones. Cute fall nails if we ever did see ones!
17. Check Please
If you want to go for fall acrylic nails, this design might be the one for you. Checkered prints and patterns have been having a moment, and this multicolored manicure plays with the trend in a super fun and eye-catching way.
18. Updated French Manicure
This pretty purple manicure is a modern and elegant twist on the classic French manicure.
19. Wavy Baby
If minimal-yet-impactful nail art is your jam, this wavy design in an autumnal hue should be next on your list.
20. Pumpkin Spice
Match your nails to your PSL with a pumpkin pie manicure. This shade is a gorgeous blend of orange and yellow that feels seasonal but wearable all year long.
21. Foiled Again
A hint of delicate gold foil adds edge and luxury to a simple pale pink manicure. Imagine how chic this would be at a formal event!
22. Sugar, Spice & Chemical X
This Powerpuff Girls-inspired set is practically a Halloween costume for your nails.
23. All Chained Up
Addison Rae rocked this shiny black chain-detail manicure to the MTV Movie & TV Awards in May, but it would be equally perfect for fall.
24. Pumpkin Patch
Go full-on fall with a cute pumpkin design and plaid accent nail for your apple-picking and pumpkin patch adventures.
25. Croc Tips
Croc-print French tips in a variety of fall hues is a sophisticated and luxurious touch for the most fashion-forward among us.
26. Pretty in Purple
Deep purples and burgundy shades are ideal for the autumn months, and this ombre mani in shades of violet is a pretty way to rock your favorite pastels in fall.
27. Sailor Moon Mani
Wear your favorite characters on your nails like this short and sweet design featuring Sailor Moon and Sailor Mercury.
28. Earth Tone Elegance
Keep it grounded by rocking an ombre fall manicure in neutral, earthy tones.
29. Clueless Cuties
As if! Go back to school Cher Horowitz-style with a Clueless-inspired yellow plaid manicure.
30. Blood Red Glam
This deep ruby red glitter is so rich it looks like it’s glowing. This classically edgy mani can take you everywhere, from Monday morning to Halloween night.
31. Red Hot
Something like Saweetie’s red, orange and yellow swirl manicure will heat things up when the temperature drops.
32. Mini Ghosts
This trompe l’oeil manicure is adorable and simple enough to rock way beyond October.
33. Dotty Orange
This is another creative way to use black and orange to create a Halloween-inspired manicure that you could easily rock all year round.
34. Celestial Stilettos
If your favorite movie is Hocus Pocus and you've dressed up as a Sanderson sister more than once, these witchy beauties will take you to a land of enchantment.
35. Cute and Cozy
These wavy light brown tips feel so sweet and cozy for fall; they're both trendy and classic at the same time and would look great in a variety of colors of patterns too.
36. 2k21 Polka Dots
If the classic polka dots had a bigger sister it'd be this design – equal parts sophisticated and edgy.
37. So Fresh and So Clean
If you are already missing the ocean, why not bring it to your nails? Never let go of the summer with these sea-inspired nails.
38. Short and Sweet
Prints and patterns are all the rage this fall, and that applies to clothes and nail art.
39. Swirly
When in doubt, opt for some warm-tone shades and eye-catching swirls.
40. Moo-ed Up
Who knew brown cow print made for the perfect fall nail design?
41. Literal Coffin Nails
Coffin fall nails could refer to the shape or something more literal when it's Halloween season.
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