28 new autumn nail designs – save these for your next salon appointment
From burgundy brilliance to chic coffee shades, we’ve rounded up this season’s hottest autumn nail designs and styles. Which one will you choose?
Any products in this article have been selected editorially however if you buy something we mention, we may earn commission. Images: @robynaliceartistry @shadesofshea_ @elsgels @omniorganicssalon and @harrietwestmoreland
New season, new nails! It’s time to ditch the summer nail designs and switch your mind to autumn nail looks. We’ve rounded up the hottest manicure looks for you to scroll through, screengrab and either recreate yourself – if you’re a dab hand with a nail brush – or to show your favourite nail technician.
And what a choice you have this season. We’re talking darker, deeper and richer tones, nail art that nods to the spooky season – and a bit of sparkle because, well, we all need a bit of sparkle. And now is also the perfect time to incorporate a bit of extra TLC into your handcare regime with our guide to how to care for your nails too. That way, whatever style you opt for, the finish will be perfect.
1. Moments of Merlot
Deep reds are going to be everywhere this autumn, in your wardrobe, on your lips and definitely on your nails. If you love the colour but want to mix it up slightly instead of having a block application, then do as @elsgels has done and play with the placement.
2. Shades of coffee
From espresso black to a light latté shade, coffee lovers will adore wearing every shade of the brown stuff on their nails.
3. Look at the stars
Love the idea of stars but don’t fancy anything too sparkly or glittery? Try a brighter colour instead. @peachinails used a dark red on a nude base, and we love this look.
4. Glitter dots
However, if you do crave a little sparkle on your nails, then this is a super chic way to incorporate glitter, with dots, created by @omniorganicssalon
5. Confetti shower
Resembling little pieces of confetti falling down your nails, this design contains flecks of metallic and pastels for a look that would work perfectly for a winter wedding.
6. Beautiful burgundy
Pinot noir, burgundy, dark red – whatever you call it, this is undoubtedly the colour of the season. It’s chic, simple and we love how clean and precise this look is, created by @sophiebakernailartist.
7. Golden touch
Combining a deep, teal-green with gold star details, this look, created by @robynalice.nailartist, requires a little length and a steady hand.
8. Burgundy tips
We predict this is going to be huge for autumn: a nude or natural base with burgundy tips. This set was created by @beautybywildcard, who says it’s her most requested look so far this season.
9. Falling leaves
This gorgeous design, created by @beautique_kent, has lots of detail (half the nail painted a soft pink, half the nail painted a soft purple, plus the leaf motif) but still remains chic and understated.
10. Tremendous tan
It might seem too obvious to wear brown in autumn – ’tis the colour of the season and all that – but we love this look created by @jessicarolfe and, pleasingly, a shade like this will make shorter nails appear longer.
11. Gorgeous ghosts
If you’re looking for a cute Halloween nail design that still manages to look stylish, look no further. We love the combination of ghosts with chrome stars on a bare base. Bravo, nail technician Heather Errington.
12. Bejewelled
Every set of nails that nail technician, Harriet Westmoreland creates makes us swoon; these are no exception. We love how the clean natural base colour becomes something special with the spaced-out gems along the tip. So elegant but with an element of fun. You will need an exceptionally steady hand to do these yourself at home so maybe it’s best left to the pros.
13. Black scallop
The perfect nod to Halloween and the spooky season without being too full-on – but also a great alternative to a traditional French tip. Painted by nail technician Anvita Patel, this is our design of choice for our next manicure appointment.
14. Peachy pearls
Created by celebrity nail technician and one of our GTG Beauty Awards 2025 judges, Michelle Class, these pearlescent and peach-toned nails are a great option for autumn, and work on every nail shape and length.
15. Stars and sparkle
Bring a bit of party season to your manicure now with shimmering stars. The chrome effect, rather than glitter, gives it a bit of a cooler edge to the look. Masterfully painted by celebrity nail technician, Michelle Humphrey.
16. Dots and dashes
Sometimes the most minimal designs are the best. That’s not to say they’re not tricky to achieve, as these micro dots and fine lines definitely require a steady hand and expert eye.
17. Pumpkin spiced latte
PSL season is here, as the Starbucks aficionados say, so why not let the iconic autumnal spiced pumpkin latte inspire your mani choice? (PSA: if baked goods are more your nail vibe then Hailey Bieber glazed donut nails are still going strong.) The overall vibe is a bit orange, a bit brown – and feel free to add a chrome or glazed layer over the top for some extra sheen.
18. Lady in reds
Time to swap out your bright summery coral and pink reds for darker and more wintery shades. If picking just one is too tricky then choose a couple for a graduated and ombre effect. Another look that works on any nail shape and nail length, and you can easily do at home too.
19. Tortoiseshell talons
This is a look that’s best left to the professionals. The effect is created by layering a few different shades so you do need time and patience to let each layer dry properly. You start with a dark brown-black base colour all over the nail. Then, use a mid-brown shade and create some randomly placed and different-sized blobs that aren’t too uniform in shape. Next, use a darker brown shade and do some more blobs that overlap the first ones and again aren’t perfect in shape or size. End with a top clear coat.
20. Colours of autumn
Nothing says autumn manicure like having leaves painted on your nails. Again, unless you happen to be extremely arty and have a very steady hand, then this is a design that’s probably best to take to your nail pro so they can work their magic.
21. Burgundy swirls
Burgundy is going to be everywhere this autumn. You can, of course, wear it as a block colour, but we love how it’s been paired with a soft pink base colour here.
22. Walk in the woods
Take all the inspiration of nature to your nails this season with a mix of woodland greens and floral and leafy motifs. We love the mixture of styles on the nails here, which stops the leaf pattern looking too twee, and the green tips make it more sophisticated.
23. Golden arches
Every season should involve some sparkle and glitter. And for a low-key glitter look why not isolate it to the cuticle line and then match it with whatever autumnal colour appeals most? Here it has been teamed with a dark coral but it really would work with whatever you fancy.
24. Spooky ombre
Want to do something a little bit Halloweeny with your nails without having the obvious cobwebs and ghosts painted on? This could be the answer: a deep red merging into a glossy black, to create a gorgeous ombre effect that’s wearable and flattering.
25. Sage green
It’s one of the hottest interior colours of the season so why not go for green on your nails too? Definitely an autumn nail design that can be done at home – Chanel Le Vernis in Cavalier Seul, £29, is a gorgeous shade that works perfectly.
26. Moments of darkness
If you love a soft pink or fairly natural base but are looking to add a little bit of interest to it then something like this design strikes the perfect balance. Go for a different option for every nail or stick with one and repeat.
27. Dark and stormy
Is it black or is it an ultra-deep dark red? Hard to say, but we know that we love it. Again, this is another look that you can easily do at home. And cult nail polish shade OPI Lincoln Park After Dark, £14.90, is a great shade to try out.
28. Semi-skimmed milky nails
Milky nails have been one of the biggest nail trends in the last couple of years – the ultimate ‘your nails but better’ look – and they’re still going strong. For autumn, why not keep the milky base colour but add a hint of green?
