10 Gorgeous October Nail Ideas for the Ultimate Fall-Inspired Mani!

October Nail Ideas: October is here, a calendar filled with fall fun, and a closet ready to be filled with cozy falltime layers we’re eager to put on. The color palette and general fall aesthetic that it brings are so much fun and it’s also as much as we love this quintessential fall month for its temperature and comfort, but all of those are really fabulous. 

Think: They have a lot of earthy tones, spooky statements, and all kinds of nostalgic accents. Luckily for our purposes, all of these things translate perfectly to nail art. That being said, we rounded up a handful of manicurist friend chats to see what’s hot for October nails. From over two dozen manicure ideas, you’ll definitely be inspired to recreate this fall.

01. Cherry Mocha Nails

A classic cherry red manicure is always a favorite of ours, but for fall, why not add a little more depth to the color? “But cherry mocha nails are back, and they’re more trendy than ever,” says Le Mini Macaron co-founder Christina Kao. “Fall is perfect with a touch of CasSis hue this rich.” But to achieve the look, begin with a deep cherry base, then finish with a glossy top coat for extra shine.”

02. Brown French Tips

For fall, we love a classic white French but for a change, we like to trade the crisp tips for something moodier. Even manicurist Mazz Hanna, who chose this color, thinks brown French nails are perfect for those who don’t like much nail art ‘but still want a mani in the spirit of October.’

03. Gold Tortoiseshell Nails

For fall, tortoiseshell nail art can’t go wrong. But nail artist Marnae Orton suggests a light-reflecting velvet or cat eye base to make it look especially magical. “I love how the tortoise shell design is so beautiful; then you add the cat eye to it and then it gets a luminous glow.” “It gives a stunning multidimensional finish that feels just as chic as it is artistic.”

04. Autumn Foil Nails

Rich textures and colors are celebrated this season. A moody foil mani gives you the ability to put that vibe on your nails. Manicurist Miss Pop says: “I love pitch black nails and I also love glitter; Halloween is one of my favorite times for nail looks.” For NYFW, I sent the easiest DIY nail art down the Theophilio runway—dark, glammed-out tips. All you need to get this perfect Halloween chrome look is the lacquer straight out of the Zoya nail polish bottle! I first started off and applied two coats of Zoya Nail Polish in pitch black Willa. I then added a single coat of brat green Apple, yellow gold Kerry, or deep purple Mimi, to be precise. Topcoat and you’re ready for spooky season.”

05. Olive Chrome Nails

Love a solid coat of color? This October is a cool-toned greens kind time. These shades are dominating the fashion scene—and now nails too, Kao says. To try a fresh on-trend look, choose a matte or chrome finish or perhaps get creative with the tones.

06. Matte Tribal Nails

Rich earthy colors and matte finishes are a beautiful way to do fall manicures by now. This October, try a bit of spin on the two together and put an eye-catching tribal design between them. “There’s just a VIBE to these fall colors,” Orton says, “vashowing a nice mix of warm whites, cozy browns and pumpkin oranges.” “They remind me of those dreamy autumn days: chilly weather, a cozy sweater!, leaves are falling. It’s basically fall magic in a bottle,” he said.

07. Matte Foliage Nails

For October and for fall as a whole, matte nude nails are great. If you want to spruce up the simple nail look, try adding some foliage in the mix.

08. Matte Berry Gradient Half Moon Nails

If you’re a fan of fall 2024, you need berry tones. Pick a few for this half-moon skittle mani this October. “I love a half-moon manicure, but if I can do it with an ombre effect of color transitions, then I think that’s a winner.” “The design exemplifies the feel of fall and is a stunning gradation of warmth that any look could benefit from.”

09. Berry Diagonal Tips

But how else can you wear berry tones? In a diagonal design. A metallic champagne polish on the tip of the finger, added here for a subtle autumnal end look.

10. Matte Green Nails

In October, you’ve definitely seen what pretty green chips on the feet look like. Today, you get to see the charm of no shine matte green mani. Lovely, no?