We know that the last day of summer is technically September 22nd, but with September 1st quickly approaching, we can't help but think about fall. As I stare down at my aqua blue nails adorned with stars and chrome details, I ask myself: what styles will I lean on when the weather cools down? Because as seasons change, nail trends follow suit.
This summer, we opted for strawberry jelly, polka dots, citrus colors, water effects, and neons on our nails. We've spotted Anne Hathaway and Heidi Klum with nude, translucent, barely-there nails, Penelope Cruz with an exaggerated cherry red French tip, Dua Lipa with chrome dots, and Hailey Bieber embracing a bright cobalt blue. Now, it's time to get a head start on what to expect for the fall.
Ahead, from tried-and-true favorites that will forever be a trend to classics with a twist to designs that lean a bit more wild, the 7 nail trends you need to know for fall, according to experts.
Meet The Experts:
Gina Edwards is a celebrity nail artist who often works with Teyana Taylor, Venus Williams, Lila Moss, and more. She also consistently does nails for editorial and campaign shoots, including those of Bottega Veneta, Michael Kors, and J.Crew.
Katie Masters is a nail artist who specializes in gel manicures and press-on nails. She recently worked as the nail artist for the Apple TV series Margo's Got Money Troubles starring Elle Fanning, Nicole Kidman, and Michelle Pfeiffer.
Naomi Yasuda is a celebrity nail artist based in New York City with an Instagram page full of detailed nail art including designs, embellishments, and 3D elements. Her clients include Charli XCX, Katseye, and Madonna.
Stephanie Stone is a Los Angeles-based celebrity nail artist who frequently works on editorial shoots, magazine sets, and with stars for red carpets. Her clients include Margot Robbie, Tessa Thompson, and Ruth Negga.
2D Animal Print
While maximal 3D nails will forever have their time and place, this fall is all about 2D animal prints. During the Fall/Winter 2026 season, we noted animal print's triumphant return to runways, and just last month we clocked zebra as the print of the moment—so it shouldn't be too surprising that we're embracing animal print nails, too. "2D animal prints will also be a standout, with graphic leopard, zebra, tortoiseshell and crocodile designs adding an unexpected element without the texture of 3D nail art," celebrity manicurist Gina Edwards says. "I love these prints as an accent, on a French tip, or paired with a sheer neutral to keep the look elevated."
Tortoise Shell
Speaking of animal print, nail artist Katie Masters notes tortoise shell as a nail trend worthy of standing on its own—and one that her clients have continued to request since 2015, a huge testament its classic nature, ability to pass as a neutral, and lasting power as a trend. "Tortoise shell nails are always trending during fall and winter," Masters says. "It's glassy and has a warm amber glow to it when done right. Since it has a lot of warmer hues like burnt orange and browns, it's truly the epitome of fall in a nail design."
Moody Reds
Year after year, mid-September strikes and we're almost immediately filled with angst. As a result, we find ourselves swapping bright red nails for deeper, moodier red hues. "Black cherry and oxblood will also take the place of traditional bright reds, bringing a richer, more luxurious feel to short square and soft almond shapes," Edwards says.
Masters notes that red nails will always be in the trend rotation—it's the exact hue and depth that rotates depending on the season. "Fall nails are always going to be moodier, warmer, and deeper colors, which make deep ruby red a perfect color for the season," she says.
Micro French Tips
Simply based on the nails that team Coveteur is drawn to, French tips are so back. This fall, we're embracing the trend with a bit of a twist. "When it comes to art, ultra-fine micro French tips are my go-to for fall," nail arist Naomi Yasuda says. "Instead of using white, I like using brown or grey!"
Denim Blue
It's been a bright blue, occasionally aquamarine, nail summer for me and mine—and now, I don't think that will be changing once autumn arrives. "For fall, I'm personally loving muted denim blue to warm up the season," Yasuda says.
Muted Metallics
It's about time we start to consider metallics as neutrals—because, at the end of the day, they are; just bolder and with a bit of shine. "We’re headed into fall, but not ready to jump into holiday sparkles just yet! We want a little shine while still keeping it chic and subdued. Think more chrome, less glitter," artist Stephanie Stone says. "Something like Sally Hansen’s “Chic’s in Charge” Miracle Gel polish is the perfect touch of sleek, liquid-metal sheen without feeling over-the-top."
Elevated Earth Tones
Autumn comes with the inevitable urge to lean into earth tones—we don't make the rules. This time around, we're thinking about ways to approach earth tones in a more elevated, bold manner. "Think Forest Greens with a subtle hint of iridescence. Chocolate browns with a copper twist," Stone says.