The ritual of a fall manicure has long been synonymous with a narrow palette: deep burgundies, earthy browns, smoky olives, and understated nudes. They echo the leaves on the ground and the mood of the season, dependable yet predictable. But let’s be honest—if you’ve worn some version of these shades every October, it can start to feel like déjà vu. Bored of the usual? Luckily, there are plenty of ways to shake things up.
Velvet nails are one of the easiest ways to update your basics fall manicure by giving it a plush, fabric-like finish that makes even the most traditional shades look decadent and new. Neutrals, too, can work, not as quiet backgrounds but as canvases for fine linework, minimalist graphics, or flashes of metallic or even polka dots. And then there’s 3D nail art, from chrome droplets that look like liquid metal to sculptural floral accents that turn fingertips into wearable installations. Feeling bold? You can even opt for an animal print manicure. While (sort of) complicated to achieve, leopard print and cow prints manicures are undoubtedly trending this season. Additionally, you can even paint the boredom away from your nails by opting for abstract or geometric patterns in muted fall tones.
Curious to give your fall manicure a little makeover? Scroll through our gallery of inspiration below.
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