20 Trending Fall Nail Colors for 2024: Must-Try Designs and Techniques

Anna 22 August 2024Last Updated: 24 August 2024

0 210 14 minutes read

When it comes to embracing the beauty of fall, nothing sets the mood quite like a fresh manicure that captures the essence of the season. From earthy tones to creative patterns, the popular fall nail colors of 2024 are all about blending sophistication with subtlety. Whether you’re a fan of classic autumn shades or looking to experiment with something new, these designs will inspire your next salon visit or DIY session. Let’s dive into the must-have colors and designs that are dominating this fall.

Earthy Matte Elegance

The first look features a stunning matte finish, perfect for those who appreciate understated elegance. The blend of muted gray and taupe shades gives this manicure a soft, sophisticated feel. A playful accent nail with a delicate leopard print adds just the right amount of flair, making this design versatile enough for both casual and formal settings. The use of matte polish elevates the design, giving it a modern twist while remaining true to the earthy tones that are so popular this fall.

20 Trending Fall Nail Colors for 2024: Must-Try Designs and Techniques — Photo credit by: https://www.instagram.com/p/CtL6i4Wtuy0/

Consumables List

Matte top coat (Brand: OPI, “Matte Top Coat”)
Base coat (Brand: Essie, “First Base”)
Gray nail polish (Brand: ZOYA, “August”)

Taupe nail polish (Brand: Sally Hansen, “Commander in Chic”)
Leopard print stencil (Brand: Whats Up Nails)
Black nail polish (Brand: OPI, “Black Onyx”)

DIY Instructions

Start by applying a base coat to protect your natural nails.
Apply two coats of the gray polish on all nails except the ring finger.

On the ring finger, apply two coats of the taupe polish.
Once dry, use the leopard print stencil on the ring finger and apply black polish over it.
Seal the look with a matte top coat for a chic finish.

Fall Leaf Accent

This single-leaf accent nail design captures the essence of autumn in a simple yet striking way. The white base serves as the perfect canvas for a delicate, hand-painted fall leaf, combining shades of orange, yellow, and red. The minimalist design draws attention to the small details, making it a perfect choice for those who prefer a subtle nod to the season. This design is ideal for anyone looking to add a touch of autumn to their manicure without going overboard.

Consumables List

White base coat (Brand: Essie, “Blanc”)

Orange nail polish (Brand: OPI, “It’s a Piazza Cake”)
Yellow nail polish (Brand: China Glaze, “Sun’s Up Top Down”)
Red nail polish (Brand: ZOYA, “Sooki”)

Fine detail brush (Brand: Pueen, “Detail Brush Set”)

DIY Instructions

Start with a white base coat on all nails.

Use a fine detail brush to carefully paint a small leaf on the thumbnail using the orange, yellow, and red polishes.
Let the design dry completely before applying a glossy top coat to seal and protect your artwork.

Subtle Nude with Gold Details

For those who appreciate a clean and sophisticated look, this nude manicure with subtle gold accents is a must-try. The neutral tones of the nude polish create a polished base, while the fine gold lines and abstract designs add a touch of luxury. This manicure is versatile and can be worn both in professional settings and for special occasions. The balance between simplicity and elegance makes it one of the popular fall nail colors choices for 2024.

Consumables List

Nude base coat (Brand: OPI, “Samoan Sand”)
Gold nail polish (Brand: Essie, “Good as Gold”)

Fine detail brush (Brand: Pueen, “Detail Brush Set”)
Top coat (Brand: Sally Hansen, “Insta-Dri”)

DIY Instructions

Apply a base coat and two layers of the nude polish.
Using the fine detail brush, create thin gold lines and abstract shapes on selected nails.
Allow the design to dry, then apply a glossy top coat to add shine and longevity to the manicure.

Marbleized Blue Art

This marbleized design combines deep blues and golds for a rich, luxurious look that’s perfect for fall. The white base enhances the vibrancy of the blue marble effect, which is accented with delicate gold foil. This design is both bold and elegant, making it a statement choice for those who want to stand out this season. The interplay of colors and textures is a true reflection of the popular fall winter nail colors trend.

Consumables List

White base coat (Brand: Essie, “Blanc”)

Blue nail polish (Brand: Essie, “Aruba Blue”)
Gold foil flakes (Brand: Born Pretty, “Gold Foil”)
Nail art brush (Brand: Pueen, “Detail Brush Set”)

Top coat (Brand: Seche Vite, “Dry Fast Top Coat”)

DIY Instructions

Apply a base coat followed by two layers of white polish.

Using the nail art brush, create a marble effect with the blue polish, blending it lightly to achieve the desired pattern.
Gently apply gold foil flakes to accentuate the marble design.
Seal the design with a glossy top coat to ensure it lasts.

Pink with Subtle Sparkles

This design features a soft pink base with subtle sparkles, creating a delicate and feminine look perfect for the transition from summer to fall. The almond shape of the nails complements the soft pink hue, while the faint glitter adds a touch of glamour. This design is ideal for those who prefer a more understated approach to the popular nail colors 2024 fall trend, offering a subtle elegance that works well for any occasion.

Consumables List

Pink base coat (Brand: OPI, “Bubble Bath”)

Fine glitter polish (Brand: ZOYA, “Leia”)
Almond shape nail file (Brand: Makartt, “Professional Nail Files”)
Top coat (Brand: Essie, “Gel Couture Top Coat”)

DIY Instructions

Shape your nails into an almond shape using a professional nail file.
Apply two coats of the pink base polish.

Lightly dab the glitter polish on the tips of the nails for a gradient effect.
Finish with a gel top coat for a glossy and long-lasting finish.

Marbleized Tips

This marbleized nail design brings a modern twist to the classic French manicure. The tips are adorned with a mix of warm brown and cream tones, creating a sophisticated marble effect that perfectly complements the nude base. The elongated almond shape of the nails adds elegance, making this design a standout for the fall season. The subtle yet intricate marble pattern highlights the artistry involved, making it one of the most popular fall nail colors choices this year.

Consumables List

Nude base coat (Brand: Essie, “Ballet Slippers”)
Brown nail polish (Brand: OPI, “Chocolate Moose”)

Cream nail polish (Brand: ZOYA, “Jack”)
Fine detail brush (Brand: Beetles, “Nail Art Brush Set”)
Top coat (Brand: Seche Vite, “Dry Fast Top Coat”)

DIY Instructions

Start by applying a base coat of nude polish to all nails.
Using a fine detail brush, create a marble effect on the tips by blending the brown and cream polishes.

Carefully paint the marbleized tips on each nail, ensuring consistency in the pattern.
Finish with a top coat to seal the design and add shine.

Speckled Gray & White

This unique nail design features a speckled effect over a chic gray and white base. The confetti-like specks in black, white, and a hint of orange bring a playful contrast to the otherwise neutral palette. The combination of smooth gray nails and speckled accents creates a modern, artistic look that’s perfect for those who want to try something different this fall. This design reflects the trend of popular fall dip nail colors, offering a creative yet wearable style.

Consumables List

Gray nail polish (Brand: Essie, “Chinchilly”)
White nail polish (Brand: Sally Hansen, “White On Time”)

Speckled top coat (Brand: ILNP, “After Midnight”)
Top coat (Brand: OPI, “Top Coat”)

DIY Instructions

Apply a base coat and then paint alternate nails gray and white.
Once dry, apply the speckled top coat over the white nails to create the confetti effect.
Seal the entire look with a top coat for added durability and shine.

Subtle Marble Nude

The next design is a masterclass in minimalism, featuring a subtle marble effect on a nude base. The short, rounded nails are perfect for a clean and polished look. The white marble veins gently swirl across the nude polish, creating a sophisticated design that is both understated and chic. This design is an excellent example of the popular fall winter nail colors, balancing simplicity with elegance.

Consumables List

Nude nail polish (Brand: OPI, “Samoan Sand”)

White nail polish (Brand: Essie, “Blanc”)
Nail art brush (Brand: Winstonia, “Marble Nail Art Brushes”)
Matte top coat (Brand: ZOYA, “Velvet Matte”)

DIY Instructions

Begin with a base coat, followed by two coats of nude polish.
Using a fine nail art brush, paint delicate white veins across the nails to mimic marble.

Apply a matte top coat to give the design a modern, velvety finish.

Bold Yellow & Abstract Art

Bright and bold, this yellow manicure is a breath of fresh air for fall. Paired with abstract art on accent nails, this design is both playful and edgy. The vibrant yellow captures attention, while the abstract patterns in black and white add a touch of creativity. This look is ideal for those who want to embrace color and art in their fall manicure, reflecting the popular nail colors 2024 fall trend of making a statement.

Consumables List

Yellow nail polish (Brand: China Glaze, “Happy Go Lucky”)
Black nail polish (Brand: OPI, “Black Onyx”)
White nail polish (Brand: Essie, “Blanc”)

Nail art brush set (Brand: Saviland, “Nail Art Detail Brush Set”)
Top coat (Brand: Seche Vite, “Dry Fast Top Coat”)

DIY Instructions

Apply a base coat and follow with two coats of yellow polish on all nails except the accent nails.
On the accent nails, paint abstract designs using black and white polish.
Use a detail brush to create lines, dots, and geometric shapes.

Finish with a top coat to protect your design and add shine.

Autumn Leaf Accent

Embodying the true spirit of fall, this design features a rich orange polish with an accent nail showcasing an autumn leaf. The vibrant orange is warm and inviting, perfectly capturing the essence of the season. The delicate leaf design on the accent nail adds a touch of nature-inspired beauty, making this a go-to look for those who love the traditional colors of fall. This design is a top pick among the popular fall nail colors for 2024, offering both elegance and seasonality.

Consumables List

Orange nail polish (Brand: Essie, “Playing Koi”)
Nude nail polish (Brand: ZOYA, “Nude Perfection”)
Leaf nail art decals (Brand: Born Pretty, “Autumn Leaves Decals”)

Top coat (Brand: OPI, “Top Coat”)

DIY Instructions

Apply a base coat, followed by two layers of the orange polish on all nails except the ring finger.

On the ring finger, apply nude polish and let it dry.
Apply a leaf decal on the ring finger, ensuring it’s placed perfectly.
Finish with a top coat to seal and protect the design.

Matte Nude with Gold Accents

This elegant matte nude manicure is elevated with the addition of delicate gold accents. The gold leaves on the ring and middle fingers add a touch of luxury to the understated nude base, making it perfect for both everyday wear and special occasions. The matte finish gives the nails a modern, velvety texture, which contrasts beautifully with the shimmering gold details. This look is a sophisticated take on the popular fall nail colors trend, perfect for those who prefer subtlety with a hint of glamour.

Consumables List

Matte nude polish (Brand: OPI, “Be There in a Prosecco”)

Gold nail art stickers (Brand: Born Pretty, “Gold Leaf Stickers”)
Matte top coat (Brand: ZOYA, “Velvet Matte”)
Detailing brush (Brand: Beetles, “Nail Art Brush Set”)

DIY Instructions

Apply a base coat followed by two coats of matte nude polish.
Using the detailing brush, carefully apply gold nail art stickers to the ring and middle fingers.

Finish with a matte top coat to ensure a smooth, non-glossy finish that will last.

Black and Gray Leaf Design

This bold manicure features a matte gray base with striking black leaf designs, creating a look that’s both edgy and elegant. The high-contrast black leaves against the soft gray background make for a dramatic statement, while the matte finish keeps it modern and sophisticated. This design is ideal for those looking to embrace the darker, more mysterious side of fall, reflecting the popular fall winter nail colors trend.

Consumables List

Matte gray polish (Brand: Essie, “Chinchilly”)
Black nail polish (Brand: Sally Hansen, “Black Out”)
Leaf stencil or decals (Brand: Whats Up Nails, “Leaf Nail Art Stencils”)

Matte top coat (Brand: OPI, “Matte Top Coat”)

DIY Instructions

Start with a base coat, then apply two coats of matte gray polish.

Use the leaf stencils to carefully apply the black polish in the desired pattern on your nails.
Seal with a matte top coat to keep the design sharp and long-lasting.

Classic Red

A timeless classic, this bright red manicure is a staple for any season, but especially during the fall. The vibrant red color is both bold and elegant, making it a go-to choice for anyone looking to make a statement. The glossy finish enhances the richness of the color, ensuring your nails stand out. This design perfectly embodies the popular nail colors 2024 fall trend, proving that sometimes, classic is best.

Consumables List

Red nail polish (Brand: OPI, “Big Apple Red”)
Base coat (Brand: Essie, “First Base”)

Top coat (Brand: Seche Vite, “Dry Fast Top Coat”)
Nail file (Brand: Makartt, “Professional Nail Files”)

DIY Instructions

File your nails into your preferred shape and apply a base coat.
Apply two coats of red polish, allowing each layer to dry fully.
Finish with a glossy top coat to enhance the color and protect your manicure.

Deep Blue with Leaf Accent

This deep blue manicure is both bold and elegant, with an accent nail featuring a delicate leaf design. The rich blue hue is perfect for the cooler months, offering a sophisticated alternative to the traditional fall colors. The leaf design on the accent nail adds a touch of nature-inspired beauty, making this look a refined choice for the season. This design is a great representation of the popular fall dip nail colors, combining deep tones with intricate details.

Consumables List

Deep blue nail polish (Brand: ZOYA, “Ryan”)

Black nail polish (Brand: OPI, “Black Onyx”)
Leaf nail art decals (Brand: Born Pretty, “Autumn Leaves Decals”)
Top coat (Brand: Sally Hansen, “Insta-Dri”)

DIY Instructions

Apply a base coat and follow with two coats of deep blue polish on all nails except the accent nail.
On the accent nail, apply a leaf decal over a nude base and seal with a top coat.

Finish the remaining nails with a top coat to ensure a long-lasting manicure.

Bright Orange with Leaf Detail

Embrace the vibrant side of fall with this bright orange manicure, complemented by a delicate leaf design on the accent nails. The orange color is lively and eye-catching, while the black leaf details add a touch of elegance and depth to the design. This manicure is perfect for those who love to experiment with color and design, reflecting the boldness of popular fall nail colors for 2024.

Consumables List

Bright orange nail polish (Brand: Essie, “Tangerine Tease”)
Black nail polish (Brand: OPI, “Black Onyx”)
Leaf stencil or decals (Brand: Whats Up Nails, “Leaf Nail Art Stencils”)
Top coat (Brand: Essie, “Gel Couture Top Coat”)

DIY Instructions

Apply a base coat followed by two coats of bright orange polish on all nails except the accent nails.
Use the leaf stencils to apply black leaf designs on the accent nails.
Seal the entire design with a top coat to ensure it stays vibrant and glossy.

Matte Black and Olive Green Contrast

This striking design features a matte black base with a bold olive green accent, creating a sophisticated contrast. The middle and ring fingers showcase a split design that combines the two colors, adding a modern twist to the otherwise classic shades. The matte finish lends an understated elegance, making this design perfect for both casual and formal occasions. This look aligns perfectly with the popular fall winter nail colors trend, embracing earthy tones with a contemporary edge.

Consumables List

Matte black nail polish (Brand: OPI, “Black Onyx”)
Olive green nail polish (Brand: Essie, “Exposed”)
Nail striping tape (Brand: Born Pretty, “Striping Tape Roll”)
Matte top coat (Brand: ZOYA, “Velvet Matte”)

DIY Instructions

Apply a base coat and then paint all nails except the middle and ring fingers with matte black polish.
Use striping tape to divide the middle and ring nails, then paint one half with olive green and the other half with matte black.
Carefully remove the tape and finish with a matte top coat to seal the look.

Matte Grey with Gold Leaf Accents

This manicure features a chic matte grey base adorned with delicate gold leaf accents, creating a beautiful contrast between the soft and the bold. The gold leaves are intricately detailed, adding a touch of luxury to the otherwise minimalist design. The almond shape of the nails enhances the elegance of this look, making it an ideal choice for fall. This design showcases the fusion of natural elements with refined elegance, a key feature of popular fall nail colors this year.

Consumables List

Matte grey nail polish (Brand: Essie, “Now and Zen”)
Gold foil nail art stickers (Brand: Whats Up Nails, “Gold Leaf Stickers”)
Matte top coat (Brand: OPI, “Matte Top Coat”)

DIY Instructions

Apply a base coat and two coats of matte grey polish.
Once dry, carefully place the gold leaf stickers on the nails, focusing on the tips or the base.
Seal the design with a matte top coat to ensure longevity and a smooth finish.

Dripping Red Blood Design

This dramatic manicure is perfect for those who love a bit of edge in their nail art. The design features a nude base with deep red “blood” drips, creating a striking and intense look. The glossy finish of the red polish contrasts beautifully with the nude base, making the drips appear almost lifelike. This design is bold, creative, and ideal for making a statement, especially during the fall season. It’s a daring take on the popular fall nail colors trend, perfect for Halloween or any time you want to add a bit of drama to your look.

Consumables List

Nude nail polish (Brand: OPI, “Bubble Bath”)
Deep red nail polish (Brand: Essie, “Bordeaux”)
Fine detail brush (Brand: Beetles, “Nail Art Brush Set”)
Glossy top coat (Brand: Seche Vite, “Dry Fast Top Coat”)

DIY Instructions

Start with a base coat and apply two layers of nude polish.
Use a fine detail brush to create the red “blood” drips, starting at the tips and letting the polish flow downward.
Allow the design to dry completely, then apply a glossy top coat to make the red drips stand out.

Minimalist Pastel Swirls

This design offers a soft and subtle approach to nail art with its minimalist pastel swirls. The clear base allows the delicate pastel lines in yellow, blue, and white to take center stage, creating a clean and modern look. The square nail shape adds structure to the otherwise fluid design, making it a perfect balance of soft and strong. This manicure is a lovely representation of the popular fall dip nail colors trend, offering a fresh and airy feel to your fall look.

Consumables List

Clear base coat (Brand: OPI, “Natural Nail Base Coat”)
Pastel yellow nail polish (Brand: Essie, “Chillato”)
Pastel blue nail polish (Brand: ZOYA, “Blu”)
White nail polish (Brand: Sally Hansen, “White On”)
Fine nail art brush (Brand: Winstonia, “Marble Nail Art Brushes”)

DIY Instructions

Apply a clear base coat to all nails.
Use a fine nail art brush to create delicate swirls with the pastel polishes.
Start with one color and layer the others on top, allowing each to dry before adding the next.
Seal the design with a glossy top coat for a smooth finish.

Frosted Glitter with Leaf Detail

This frosted glitter manicure is all about sparkle and shine, with a delicate leaf detail adding a touch of nature-inspired elegance. The glitter polish provides a frosty, almost ethereal look, while the black leaf accents bring in an earthy contrast. This design is perfect for those who love to add a bit of glamour to their fall nail looks, combining both the festive and the natural elements of the season. It’s a stunning example of the popular fall winter nail colors trend, perfect for any special occasion.