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various autumn nail art designs for different occasions

Autumn nails

the best autumn nail designs for different occasions

By Autumn Lee

Published: 09 May 2025

Hey there, gorgeous! Autumn is officially here, which means pumpkin spice everything, cozy sweaters, and... the perfect opportunity to refresh your mani! I'm Autumn Lee, and I'm obsessed with all things nails. This year, I've been playing around with some seriously stunning autumn nail designs, and I'm so excited to share my favorites with you. I'm talking everything from classic burgundy to unexpectedly chic metallics—there's an autumnal nail look for every occasion. So grab your favorite shade of polish and let's get started!

woman showing off her autumn nail art | Image: Supplied

For the Classic Fall Gal: Warm Neutrals and Earthy Tones

Let's start with the timeless fall vibe. Think warm, earthy tones like creamy beige, taupe, terracotta, and burnt orange. These colors are so versatile – perfect for a casual weekend brunch, a business meeting, or even a fancy dinner date. I love adding a subtle shimmer to these shades; it elevates the look without being too over-the-top. You know, because sometimes less is more, right? I'm picturing a simple nude base with a tiny accent nail featuring a deep burgundy. Simple, sophisticated and perfect for everyday wear!

Colors: Creamy beige, taupe, terracotta, burnt orange, deep burgundy
Style: Subtle shimmer, minimalist accents
Perfect for: Everyday wear, business meetings, casual gatherings

close up shot of autumnal neutral nail art | Image: Supplied

Festival Fun: Bold Jewel Tones and Intricate Designs

Okay, so you've got a fall festival or concert coming up? Time to get creative! This is where you can really have some fun with bolder jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, or ruby red. Think metallic accents, glittery finishes, and intricate designs. My personal go-to is a deep, rich emerald green with gold leaf detailing – it screams autumn glam! Don't be afraid to experiment with textures—matte, glossy, you name it. This is the time to embrace a little autumnal rebellion with your nails. I mean, who doesn't love some sparkle and shine?

Colors: Emerald green, sapphire blue, ruby red, gold
Style: Metallic accents, glitter, intricate designs, mixed textures
Perfect for: Festivals, concerts, evening events

close up shot of jewel-toned autumn nail art with metallic accents | Image: Supplied

Cozy Nights In: Subtle Shimmers and Textured Accents

For those cozy nights in, curled up with a good book and a mug of hot cocoa, I recommend softer shades with subtle shimmers or textured accents. Think soft pinks, mauves, or dusty roses—colors that evoke a sense of calm and relaxation. A little bit of glitter or a matte top coat adds an extra touch of sophistication. I really love a soft mauve with a matte top coat paired with a single accent nail featuring a fine glitter. It's the perfect balance between simple and chic. Cozy AND glamorous. Who knew?

Colors: Soft pink, mauve, dusty rose
Style: Subtle shimmer, matte top coat, textured accents
Perfect for: Relaxing at home, casual evenings

close up shot of soft pink and mauve autumn nail art with subtle shimmer | Image: Supplied

Date Night Delight: Dark and Mysterious Shades

Ready for a romantic autumn date night? Go for deep, rich colors that exude confidence and allure. Deep burgundy, chocolate brown, or even a dark plum will create a sophisticated and mysterious look. You can add a touch of drama with a black or dark gray accent nail, or keep it simple with a single color. Personally, I'm obsessed with deep burgundy this season. It's just so rich and elegant. Add a touch of gold, or a matte finish, and you are absolutely set for your date night!

Colors: Deep burgundy, chocolate brown, dark plum, black, dark gray
Style: Bold, sophisticated, mysterious
Perfect for: Date nights, special occasions

close up shot of dark and mysterious autumn nail art | Image: Supplied

The Unexpected Twist: Metallic Accents and Geometric Designs

Let's not forget the unexpected twist. I'm seeing a lot of metallic accents—gold, silver, bronze—incorporated into autumnal nail designs. Geometric shapes are another big trend, and they look gorgeous paired with autumnal colors. Imagine a deep brown base with gold geometric lines or a matte beige base with silver accents. It's a modern take on a classic fall look. It's simple, but really makes a statement. Remember that time I did gold leaf? This is kind of like that but a little more edgy?