13 Fall Gel Nail Ideas, From Lush Velvet to Autumnal French Manis (2024)

13 Fall Gel Nail Ideas, From Lush Velvet to Autumnal French Manis (1)

Fall is arguably the best season for fashion—chunky sweaters, knee-high boots, and oversized outerwear are all part of the unofficial autumnal uniform. And the best accessory for your Insta-worthy outfit? A fall-friendly gel manicure.

Of course, traditional burgundy and brown hues are staples for cooler weather, but beyond the classic options, there is a whole world of appropriate-for-autumn nail art. After combing through Instagram, we compiled some of our favorite gel nail art inspiration for the fall. Whether you prefer abstract shapes or unusual textures, there is a design on our list that will fit your style. Ahead, find 15 gel nail art ideas to bookmark this fall.

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Olive You

13 Fall Gel Nail Ideas, From Lush Velvet to Autumnal French Manis (2)

Turns out, olives look just as chic on your fingernails as they do in a martini glass. Cheers to cooler weather and a manicure with personality.

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Fresh French

13 Fall Gel Nail Ideas, From Lush Velvet to Autumnal French Manis (3)

A French manicure never goes out of style, but if white isn't your thing, try changing things up with some color. Opt for deep burgundy on a few tips and as an accent nail. Top the remaining fingernails with a buttery cream for a cool-girl take on the classic style.

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Mod Tortoise

13 Fall Gel Nail Ideas, From Lush Velvet to Autumnal French Manis (4)

Tortoiseshell doesn't have to be limited to your sunglasses or your jewelry. Adding it to your nails elevates just about any manicure (and it is easier than you think to recreate at home). Cover the entire nail or leave room for bright colors like pickle green or red.

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Caramel and Cream

13 Fall Gel Nail Ideas, From Lush Velvet to Autumnal French Manis (5)

Maybe you prefer an oat milk latte to pumpkin spice or creamy cold foam to a chai tea. Regardless of your coffee order, these caramel and cream-coated tips look like the first sip of your favorite autumnal beverage on a crisp October morning.

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Seeing Red

13 Fall Gel Nail Ideas, From Lush Velvet to Autumnal French Manis (6)

Tomato girl summer is extending into fall, but if sporting a chunky sweater is too much of a commitment, wear a wash of it on your nails.

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Chrome Ablaze

13 Fall Gel Nail Ideas, From Lush Velvet to Autumnal French Manis (7)

The chrome nail trend isn't going anywhere. Switch to a shade from the autumn palette—such as copper or a deep red—to bring the look into the cooler months.

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Autumn Aura

13 Fall Gel Nail Ideas, From Lush Velvet to Autumnal French Manis (8)

Why should maroon and orange get all the love during fall? This autumnal take on aura nails is not only eye-catching but filled with cool-weather color choices like pale green, sky blue, and orangey red. Apply to all ten of your tips or leave negative space on a few nails to break up the design.

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Champagne Velvet

13 Fall Gel Nail Ideas, From Lush Velvet to Autumnal French Manis (9)

October may be too early to put up your Christmas tree or string up your festive lights, but fall is the appetizer to the holiday season. It isn't too early to embrace the glitz and glitter of the season with a lush, cashmere velvet manicure that evokes a glass of champagne.

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The Right Angle

13 Fall Gel Nail Ideas, From Lush Velvet to Autumnal French Manis (10)

Geometric patterns are a safe way to spice up your manicure. This strategic design makes use of negative space along the base of the nail, which means the design won't look out of place as it grows out.

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Frightfully Fun French

13 Fall Gel Nail Ideas, From Lush Velvet to Autumnal French Manis (11)

Fall, otherwise known as "spooky season," is the best time to get in touch with your scary side. Add some stitches and drippy details to breathe creepy life into a French manicure. The Sally Hansen Salon Pro Nail Tool Kit ($8) has every tool you need to recreate the look.

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Lavender Haze

13 Fall Gel Nail Ideas, From Lush Velvet to Autumnal French Manis (12)

An ideal fall evening is spent next to a bonfire under a cozy blanket, staring at the stars, but a perfect fall morning is spent watching the sunrise, seeing the sky change from deep purple to bright blue. The whole experience feels like a Taylor Swift lyric. Paint on the PLA Pro Gel Polish in Yes You Can ($9) to get that feeling on your fingertips.

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Amber Velvet

13 Fall Gel Nail Ideas, From Lush Velvet to Autumnal French Manis (13)

Match your manicure to the falling leaves outside. This caramel hue shimmers, sparkles, and mimics the look of velvet. Bring this photo to your next salon appointment for a manicure your friends won't stop talking about.

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Smoky Glitter

13 Fall Gel Nail Ideas, From Lush Velvet to Autumnal French Manis (14)

If you want to create a spooky vibe for your nails but aren't into ghosts and ghouls, try this simple look instead. The black shift offers a grown-up take on a Halloween mani.

18 Fall Manicures for Short Nails—the Most Wearable Trend of the Season

13 Fall Gel Nail Ideas, From Lush Velvet to Autumnal French Manis (2024)

FAQs

What color are fall French tip nails? ›

Combine white with other colors to take it into fall

You could use any other fall color on your French manicure to easily make it suitable for the season. A muted orange, red, yellow, or green base design with a white French tip offers an easy way to keep your French mani while giving it some additional fall elements.

What does a French tip nail look like? ›

A French manicure is typically designed with a neutral base color and white accent color that is applied in a half-moon shape on the tip of each fingernail or nail extension. What is the history of the French manicure?

What are autumn Colour nails? ›

Fall nail colors include warm brown, rusty orange, burgundy red, earthy green, ocean blue and many others.

What is the most popular nail color for fall? ›

Most gravitate toward rich, cozy shades like mauve, chocolate brown, midnight blue or emerald green for the fall, but the sky's the limit.

What is the best shape for French tip nails? ›

Ami suggests a rounded or square-oval shape for short nails and an almond shape for longer nails. Ami says to try and choose a base shade suitable for your skin tone, but if in doubt, simply opt for a clear polish. She adds that the finishing touch is a slim French tip in an off-white shade.

What is a milky French manicure? ›

Put a milky twist on the classic French manicure by replacing the traditional white tip with a milky white shade. Use a slightly opaque or sheer milky white polish to create a soft and elegant French tip. This combination maintains the sophistication of the French manicure while incorporating the milky nail trend.

What is the best gel base color for French manicure? ›

A sheer pink polish or a builder gel will achieve the most natural French manicured nails.

What is the new French nail trend? ›

The base, rather than being an opaque baby pink or peach shade, is translucent and barely there. "The 'modern French' manicure enlists a sheer shade that will enhance your natural nails while camouflaging any imperfections," says Ami. "As a result, nails simply look perfectly groomed."

Are French nails in style in 2024? ›

The classic French manicure is making a major comeback in 2024 — but with a twist.

What is the classiest nail color? ›

White nail polish exudes sophistication. It's well suited to any event, whether you're going out for dinner or shopping with friends. This shade is also incredibly versatile. You can go for a classy full coverage look or use it to create the perfect nail tips on a French manicure.

What is the most attractive nail color? ›

In a representative survey, the German Paint Institute found that men generally likeblue , but also likegray , black and brown . Both sexes like green about equally, while women are more likely to like red ,yellow ,beige and orange .

What is a popular nail color right now? ›

Soft Pink. From trending coquette aesthetics to the Barbie-fication of everything, Boyce says that pinks are “a total vibe—” especially right now. “I love a soft, bright shade,” she says. She recommends the Aprés Nails in Sweet Cheeks, a creamy pastel with a glossy finish.

What color should I do my French tips? ›

What colours should I use for a French manicure? As we've already covered, you can apply a French manicure in regular or gel polish. For the classic look, sheer pink is the go-to.

What color are classic French nails? ›

Glazed doughnut nails give a classic French manicure a sugary sweet vibe. With a base of sheer pale pink or milky white, choose a top coat of colour with a pearlescent effect. You could also paint the tips a pearlescent white to make them pop.

What is a popular fall color for pedicure? ›

Similarly, earth tones, like brown and rich oranges, are also go-to colors for fall, and will remain a favorable option. However, if you're looking to step outside of the box and go for a look that's different and edgy, celebrity nail artist Elle Gerstein notes that varying shades of gray are having a major moment.

Are colored French tips in style? ›

Regardless of what your nail vibe is—whether you're into old money manicures, vibrant hues, or glitter nails—the colorful French nail trend is the playful and chic manicure you need in your life.

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