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Fall Nails You Need to Try This Season for a Cozy Autumn Look

Fall is one of the most beautiful seasons of the year. It’s a time for cozy sweaters, warm drinks, and crisp weather. But what I really love about fall is the chance to switch up my nail color. There’s something about rich, warm tones on my nails that gets me in the mood for pumpkin patches and chilly nights by the fire.

Choosing the right shades and designs for fall nails can be a fun way to add a little seasonal flair to your look. Let’s talk about some simple and gorgeous ideas that work well for any style, whether you prefer bold colors or soft, understated looks.

burnt orange fall nails with plaid pattern

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Warm, Deep Shades for Fall Nails

When fall arrives, it’s time to move away from the bright and pastel colors of summer. Fall nails are all about those warm, deep shades that reflect the colors of the season. Think burnt orange, burgundy, forest green, and chocolate brown. These colors look fantastic on any nail length, whether you prefer short and practical or long and glamorous.

Here are some of the most popular shades for fall:

  • Burgundy: A classic fall favorite. It pairs well with almost any outfit and always looks sophisticated.
  • Burnt Orange: This shade screams autumn. It’s warm and cozy, just like a pumpkin spice latte.
  • Mustard Yellow: For those who like a pop of color, this earthy yellow is a great choice.
  • Forest Green: Deep green is a bold yet refined option that fits right in with the fall palette.
  • Chocolate Brown: Perfect for a natural, earthy vibe. It’s subtle but adds a rich tone to your look.
forest green manicure with gold leaf accents

Fall Nail Designs to Try This Season

Solid colors are a great go-to, but sometimes it’s fun to add a bit of personality with a design. Fall nails don’t have to be complicated to make a statement. Simple patterns and accents can bring your nails to life without taking too much effort.

Here are some easy and stylish ideas for fall:

  • Leaf Accents: A tiny leaf design on just one or two nails can give your manicure a fun fall touch. You can use nail stickers or try painting them yourself with a thin brush.
  • Plaid Patterns: Plaid is a classic fall pattern, and it’s surprisingly easy to create on nails. You can use striping tape or a nail art brush to make those clean lines.
  • Glitter Tips: If you’re a fan of a little sparkle, try adding glitter to the tips of your nails for a subtle glam look.
  • Matte Finish: For something chic and modern, opt for a matte topcoat over your chosen fall shade. It gives your nails a smooth, velvety look that’s perfect for the season.
  • Ombre Effect: A gradient effect that transitions from one fall color to another can look stunning. Try blending a dark red into a light orange for a fiery fall look.
yellow mustard manicure with gold dots; fall nails

Nail Shapes That Complement Fall Manicures

While colors and designs are important, don’t forget about nail shape. The shape of your nails can change the entire feel of your manicure. Certain shapes work better for different looks, so it’s good to know what options are out there.

Here are a few shapes that work well with fall nails:

  • Rounded: A classic shape that’s great for keeping things simple. It’s also practical if you’re using your hands a lot.
  • Almond: This shape gives a bit of elegance to your nails without being too dramatic. Perfect for showing off a pretty fall color.
  • Square: For those who like a bolder, more modern look, square nails are the way to go.
  • Coffin: This shape is trendy and looks amazing with intricate designs or bold, solid colors.

The shape you choose can depend on how long your nails are and how much you want to do with your design. If you’re going for something simple, rounded or almond-shaped nails can add just the right touch of elegance.

rich plum colored fall nails

How to Care for Fall Nails

With the colder weather, your nails may become brittle and dry. Taking care of your nails during the fall season is important if you want your manicure to last and look great.

Here are some quick tips for keeping your nails healthy during fall:

  • Moisturize Daily: Cold air can dry out your skin and nails, making them more prone to breakage. Applying hand lotion and cuticle oil can help keep everything soft and healthy.
  • Use a Strengthening Base Coat: If your nails tend to break easily, a strengthening base coat can make a big difference. It adds a protective layer to your nails and can even help your polish last longer.
  • Keep Your Nails Trimmed: Long nails are beautiful, but if your nails are prone to breaking, keeping them trimmed might be a better option. Fall activities like raking leaves or pulling out sweaters can be rough on long nails.
  • Avoid Hot Water: When washing your hands or dishes, try to use lukewarm water. Hot water can make your nails weaker and strip away the natural oils they need to stay strong.
plum-colored nails with gold crossing thin stripes

As each fall rolls around, new trends pop up in the world of nails. This year, we’re seeing a lot of focus on texture and contrast. Mixing shiny and matte finishes or pairing bold colors with neutral tones are a few ways people are getting creative with their fall nails.

Here are some fun trends to try this season:

  • Velvet Nails: A soft, fuzzy texture that adds a touch of luxury to any fall nail look.
  • Metallic Accents: Gold and copper metallics are showing up in a lot of fall nail designs. You can add these metallics as stripes, dots, or even full nails.
  • Neutrals with a Twist: Neutral tones are never out of style, but this fall, you can add a little twist by incorporating a pop of color, like a bright stripe or accent nail.
  • Tone-on-Tone Designs: Using different shades of the same color can create a subtle yet stylish effect. For example, mixing light and dark oranges on the same nail can give your manicure a layered, interesting look.
metallic bronze and white nail design

Making Your Nails Last

Once you’ve picked the perfect fall color and design, you want your manicure to last as long as possible. There’s nothing worse than chipped nails right after you’ve taken the time to do them. Luckily, there are a few tricks to help extend the life of your fall nails.

Here’s what you can do:

  • Always Use a Top Coat: A good top coat not only adds shine but also protects your nails from chipping. Some top coats even help your manicure dry faster.
  • Touch Up as Needed: If you notice a chip, don’t panic. A quick touch-up can often save your manicure and extend its life.
  • Wear Gloves: If you’re doing household chores like washing dishes or cleaning, wearing gloves can protect your nails from damage.
  • Avoid Peeling: If your polish starts to lift or peel, don’t pick at it. This can weaken your nails and cause more damage. Instead, carefully remove the polish and start fresh.

Fall Gel Nail Polish Kit

The Beetles 23-piece Fall Gel Nail Polish Kit includes 20 trendy autumn and winter colors like orange, burgundy, and brown, plus base and top coats. Ideal for seasonal nail art, it requires a UV lamp to cure. The kit is cruelty-free and perfect for gift-giving.

Final Thoughts on Fall Manicures

Fall nails are a great way to express your love for the season. With so many shades, designs, and trends to choose from, there’s something for everyone. Whether you go for a simple burgundy or a full-on plaid design, fall nails are a fun way to update your look.

Just remember to take care of your nails with proper moisturizing and a solid base coat. That way, you can enjoy your fall nails for longer without worrying about chips or breakage.

Embrace the season with a new nail look and let your fall nails be a little way to celebrate all the cozy, beautiful things that make this time of year so special.

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Hi! I'm Jen, and I'm thrilled you stopped by!

I am a certified life coach, mother of five, wife, founder of the non-profit Eye on Vision Foundation, entrepreneur, Christian, and friend. I live, play, work and worship in the Orlando, Florida area.

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