It’s officially that time of year—fall nails season! If you dive into October nail inspo, you’re in the right place. I’ve been scrolling through Instagram for weeks, curating the trendiest designs for every vibe—whether you’re into spooky, chic, minimal, or somewhere in between. This lineup has something for everyone, from traditional autumn shades to the hottest new nail trends. We’re talking dark plum, maroon, black, olive green, plus a sprinkle of fun DIY designs like jelly nails and French tips to keep things festive. Get ready—your October mani might just become your favorite ever.
Trending October Nail Designs to Try
Starry Cut-Out Nails
Seen on Christian Cowan’s Spring/Summer ’25 runway, this trend screams Halloween glam. The show embodied a mystery-filled party vibe, setting the tone for star cut-out nails—the perfect touch of over-the-top flair. Celebrity nail artist Julie Kandalec nailed (pun intended) this bold look. For a DIY version, use star-shaped decals as stencils—paint your nails black, let them dry, and peel off the stars to create negative space magic.
Fall Marble Design
Nothing feels more like fall than marble nails in navy, beige, and maroon tones. Achieve this design with the water-marbling technique: drop your chosen shades into a cup of water, swirl with a toothpick, and dip your nails one at a time. Seal everything with a glossy top coat for that perfect blend.
Plaid Perfection for Cozy Vibes
Dreaming of cashmere sweaters and warm scarves? Match the mood with plaid nails. Although this look requires precision, a thin nail brush and steady hand will get the job done. Don’t forget to check out a quick tutorial—your cozy plaid mani is worth the effort!
Spooky-But-Chic Halloween Nail Ideas
Red and Black Gradient Nails
Want to embrace spooky season without diving into full-on Halloween? Opt for a black-to-red gradient manicure. It’s subtly eerie without feeling too costume-y. Use the makeup sponge method—paint your colors on a sponge, dab them onto your nails, and finish with a top coat to blend seamlessly.
Matte Black Nails with Spiderweb Accents
Vanessa Hudgens has already proven that spooky nails are a fall essential. For an elegant twist, skip the spiderweb art and stick to matte black nails with glossy French tips. This minimalistic yet bold design is equally perfect for October.
Cute Ghost Nails
Want your nails more adorable than creepy? Try ghost nails. Even beginners can nail this look—use a small brush to paint a rounded blob, add two black dots for eyes, and finish with a tiny smile. A dotting tool will make this even easier to recreate at home.
Trendy Fall Nail Colors You’ll Love
Deep Wine Red for October
The ultimate October 2024 nail shade? Dark merlot red—as seen all over recent fashion runways. For full opacity, apply two to three layers of polish. This bold, rich color will have you channeling elegance all season long.
Black Nails: A Fall Essential
When it comes to fall, nothing beats classic black nails. Bonus points if you go for a glossy finish—achieve it with a high-shine top coat, like ILNP or CND. Whether you’re channeling gothcore or just love a sleek, polished look, black nails are always a win.
Olive Jelly Nails
Martini nails are trending this season, and the jelly finish is the perfect addition. The glossy, transparent look offers a playful spin on olive green nails, adding both elegance and trendiness.
Unique Nail Art Ideas for October
Gold French Tips
For a minimalist yet sophisticated vibe, swap the classic white French tip for metallic gold. It’s the perfect complement to your fall wardrobe, including leather jackets, scarves, and boots.
Black Cherry Ombré Nails
Nail artist Jinsoon Choi created this edgy look for Jason Wu’s fall runway, bringing gothcore to life. This black cherry ombré design celebrates imperfection, blending bare nails with deep hues. For an extra moody effect, finish with a matte top coat.
Pumpkin Accent Nails
Looking for the perfect Halloween accent? Pumpkin nails are as cute as it gets. You can either paint them freehand or use easy nail decals for a festive touch without the hassle.
October Gradient Nails: Wear All the Colors
Why choose just one nail color when you can wear them all? October gradient nails let you showcase the entire fall palette on your fingertips. Start with rich autumn hues—like burnt orange, deep plum, maroon, olive green, and navy—and blend them seamlessly from one nail to the next for a beautiful transition effect. To elevate the look, try adding metallic or shimmery finishes to a few nails, giving your mani an extra festive vibe. Think gold, copper, or silver accents for that glamorous touch—perfect for both everyday wear and seasonal celebrations.
Studded Black French Manicure
Take your French manicure to the next level this October by swapping out the classic white tips for sleek black polish. This bold twist adds an edgy vibe, making it perfect for fall fashion. To enhance the look, add tiny bb-sized studs across your nails for a subtle punk-rock flair. For long-lasting results, secure the studs using soft gel and cure your nails under a UV lamp. This modern spin on a French mani pairs beautifully with leather jackets and gold jewelry, making it a chic option for day-to-night styling this season.
Fall Leaf Nails
Transform your usual floral manicure into a stunning fall leaf design by swapping pastel hues for autumn-inspired shades. Opt for earthy neutrals like taupe, beige, and olive, or embrace rich jewel tones such as emerald, sapphire, and deep burgundy. Add leaf shapes using a fine nail brush or apply leaf decals for a quicker alternative. This seasonal nail art will complement all your favorite fall essentials—think oversized sweaters, trench coats, and boots. Perfect for anyone who loves an artistic yet subtle nod to the changing seasons!
Mismatched Cherry and Leopard Nails
This fall, animal prints are taking over—and that includes your nails! If a full set feels too bold, go for a mismatched manicure featuring an accent nail with leopard print, while the rest flaunts a playful mix of designs. You can experiment with other wild patterns, such as zebra stripes or snakeskin, paired with cute motifs like cherries, hearts, or even eight balls. The beauty of this look lies in its versatility—mix and match to reflect your personal style while staying on trend. Perfect for those who love bold and playful nail art with a little edge!
Multichrome Nail Design
Channel mystical energy this October with multichrome nails that shimmer like a crystal ball. These mesmerizing nails shift colors under different lighting, creating a magical, otherworldly effect. To achieve this look, layer several shimmery polishes—think holographic or iridescent shades like teal, violet, and gold. For a pro finish, try a multichrome magnetic polish from brands like Cirque Colors, which intensifies the color shift with a simple swipe of a magnetic tool. This design is perfect for anyone looking to add a hint of enchantment to their fall look, making it ideal for both everyday wear and Halloween festivities.
Abstract Nail Design
If you’re looking for a manicure that’s low-key but still seasonally appropriate, try an abstract, squiggly nail design. While it avoids the obvious Halloween motifs, its muted color palette—think soft browns, dusty greens, and burnt oranges—gives it that perfect autumn feel. This freeform, artistic style allows you to experiment with random shapes, lines, and swirls across your nails, making each one unique. It’s great for those who love creative nail art without being too literal about seasonal themes. Pair it with cozy sweaters and neutral accessories for a chic, artsy vibe.
Stars and Moon Design
With Scorpio season in full swing, there’s no better way to honor the zodiac than with astro-themed nails. Create a celestial masterpiece using stars, moons, and constellation stickers—just layer them over a base color of your choice (navy, black, or deep purple work best). Seal everything with a glossy top coat to lock in the design and add extra shine. This look is perfect for fall nights, whether you’re stargazing or attending a zodiac-themed event.
Eye Nail Art
Ever heard of the bombastic side eye? Now you can wear it—on your nails! This quirky eye-themed nail art is a playful way to embrace Halloween. Use eye decals for a quick DIY option, or have a nail artist customize the design to make the eyes more expressive or even googly. This look is perfect for those who want fun and lighthearted nail art that’s festive without being too spooky. Plus, it’s guaranteed to turn heads at any Halloween party!
FAQs
1. What is the best fall nail color for 2024?
The top trend for fall 2024 is deep merlot red—a luxurious, bold shade that complements both casual and formal looks.
2. Can I achieve gradient nails at home?
Yes! The makeup sponge technique makes it simple—just paint the colors you want onto the sponge, dab them on your nails, and blend with a top coat.
3. How do I make sure my nail art lasts longer?
Apply a base coat to protect your nails, use thin layers of polish, and finish with a durable top coat. You can also cure soft gel nails under a UV lamp for added longevity.
This October, let your nails be an extension of your personality—whether you’re into cute, chic, spooky, or sophisticated styles!
