While the UK Summer felt pretty fleeting, we’ve decided it’s best to embrace autumn as opposed to mourn the lack of sunshine and warm weather. As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, autumn ushers in a rich palette of colours and textures that inspire everything from fashion to beauty. This season is the perfect time to refresh your nail game, incorporating the cosy and sophisticated hues of autumn. Here’s a look at some of the hottest autumn nail trends and ideas for 2024.
1. Earthy Tones and Neutrals
Autumn is all about warm, muted tones that echo the natural landscape. Shades of terracotta, taupe, olive green, and burnt sienna are timeless choices that blend seamlessly with the season. These earthy tones give off a chic, understated vibe perfect for those who prefer a subtle yet stylish manicure.
- Best shades: Burnt orange, cinnamon brown, sage green, soft beige.
- Why it works: These colours are versatile and complement any wardrobe, especially the cosy knits and layers of autumn fashion.
We recommend:
Nails Inc Keep It Tonal Quad | £16.95
2. Moody and Dark Hues
For a more dramatic look, dark, moody colours like deep burgundy, navy blue, and charcoal grey are perfect for autumn nails. These shades create a bold, sophisticated effect that feels luxe and sophisticated.
- Best shades: Wine red, midnight blue, black cherry, charcoal.
- Why it works: Dark colours make a strong statement and look elegant on shorter nails as well as longer shapes.
We recommend:
3. Metallic Accents
Autumn nails don’t have to be all matte and neutral. Add some sparkle and shine with metallic accents. Gold, copper, and bronze tones complement the autumn palette while providing a festive feel. Whether it’s a full metallic manicure or subtle detailing like foil tips, metallics add a touch of glam to your nails.
- Best shades: Gold, rose gold, bronze, copper.
- Why it works: Metallic shades reflect the autumn sun and elevate any look, making it perfect for special occasions.
We recommend:
Nails Inc Keep It Tonal Quad | £16.95
4. Matte Finishes
While gloss is always in style, matte nails are particularly popular in autumn. Matte finishes give your nails a velvety, soft appearance, enhancing deep autumn colours like maroon or olive green. Matte topcoats can easily transform any polish into a trendy, muted version of itself.
- Best shades: Matte burgundy, forest green, mustard yellow, plum.
- Why it works: Matte nails feel cosy and luxurious, making them perfect for jumper weather.
We recommend:
Fairy’s Gift Matte nail set | £8.99
5. Abstract and Minimalist Art
Minimalist nail art continues to trend, especially in autumn. Geometric shapes, negative space designs, and delicate lines in muted tones provide a modern, artistic touch. This trend is perfect for those who prefer something creative but still chic and subtle.
- Best designs: Simple lines, dots, geometric shapes, half-moons.
- Why it works: Minimalist nail art adds personality without being overwhelming, making it a versatile option for everyday wear.
We recommend:
6. Tortoiseshell Nails
One of the most unique trends for autumn is the tortoiseshell nail design. This look mimics the rich, amber-brown pattern of tortoiseshell accessories and is a stunning way to embrace the season. It combines golden browns, caramel, and deep espresso tones, making it a true autumn favourite.
- Best shades: Amber, caramel, espresso, black.
- Why it works: Tortoiseshell nails are warm, elegant, and versatile, adding a retro-chic vibe to any autumn outfit.
We recommend:
Mylee Tortie Gel Polish Quad | £26.99
7. Pumpkin Spice Palette
Nothing says autumn quite like pumpkin spice! This warm, spicy colour palette, inspired by the popular autumn treat, is a fun and festive way to celebrate the season. Think vibrant oranges, cinnamon reds, and creamy nudes to evoke that cosy, seasonal feel.
- Best shades: Pumpkin orange, rust red, creamy latte, cinnamon.
- Why it works: These rich, warm tones are the essence of autumn, offering a playful yet sophisticated look.
We recommend:
Idol Pumpkin orange nail polish | £4.99
8. Plaid Patterns
Autumn wouldn’t be complete without plaid! The classic pattern that graces scarves, shirts, and coats is now making its way to nails. Plaid nail art, often done in neutral tones like beige, gray, or burgundy, adds a preppy, seasonal twist to your manicure.
- Best designs: Tartan prints, buffalo checks, subtle stripe patterns.
- Why it works: Plaid nails bring a cosy, nostalgic vibe that’s perfect for autumn, and they pair well with the season’s classic fashion pieces.
We recommend:
9. Ombre and Gradient Nails
The ombre trend is here to stay, and autumn is the perfect time to experiment with deeper, moodier tones. Transition from a light to dark shade, or mix two contrasting colors for a striking look. This trend works beautifully with autumn shades like burnt orange blending into deep brown, or mustard yellow fading into olive green.
- Best shades: Burnt orange, mustard yellow, dark chocolate, wine red.
- Why it works: Ombre nails are eye-catching and unique, giving you endless possibilities for creative expression.
We recommend:
10. Classic French with a Autumnal Twist
French manicures are timeless, but this autumn, give them a twist by swapping out the traditional white tips for autumn colours. Think dark green tips with a nude base, or try burnt orange for a more seasonal feel. It’s a subtle yet stylish update to a classic look.
- Best shades: Olive green, rust orange, deep burgundy, chocolate brown.
- Why it works: This twist on the French manicure keeps things classic while introducing a seasonal flair.
We recommend:
How to make your Autumn Nails manicure last as long as possible
- Prep your nails properly: Clean your nails thoroughly, push back cuticles, and buff the nail surface for better polish adherence.
- Use a good base coat: Apply a high-quality base coat to protect your nails and extend the life of your manicure.
- Thin layers of polish: Apply nail polish in thin layers, allowing each layer to dry before adding the next to prevent chipping
- .Seal the edges: Swipe the polish and top coat along the edges (tips) of your nails to prevent early wear.
- Top coat every few days: Reapply a top coat every 2-3 days to maintain shine and protect against chipping.
- Avoid hot water: Minimize exposure to hot water (e.g., dishwashing) as it can weaken the polish.
- Moisturise regularly: Keep your hands and cuticles moisturized to prevent nail breakage and cuticle damage.
Final Thoughts:
Autumn is the perfect time to refresh your nail game with rich, warm hues and creative designs. Whether you’re into bold, dark colors or prefer subtle, minimalist art, there’s a autumn nail trend for every style. Experiment with different finishes, try out new patterns, and embrace the beauty of the season through your nails!
