25 September Nail Ideas For a Stylish Start to Fall

Summer 2024 has come to a close. As we relish in the waning heat and get excited for the autumn chill that awaits, we're thinking of all the ways we can transform our current fashion and beauty choices for September and beyond. One way is with our nails. This September, we're leaning into moodier, dustier palettes, ultra-stylish nail art worthy of NYFW, and reimagined takes on classic manicure designs.

Want to join us? Ahead, explore 25 of our favorite nail ideas for this September. There's a very good chance that you'll want to screenshot a few as inspiration for your next nail appointment.

Abstract Mixed Finish Autumn Nails

We love abstract nail art because you don’t have to worry about perfection. For this look, you’ll need a dotting tool, a chrome topper, and a sponge for the ombré nails.

Brown and White French Mani

Classic French manicures will never go out of style, but if you want to elevate the nail art, try outlining the underside of each arch. You can do so using a fine-lining nail art brush.

Berry Skittle Nails

Berry shades are especially in this fall. For September, dip your fingers (or toes) into the palette with a different hue on each nail. That way you can try up to 10 at a time, and determine your overall favorite.

Short Abstract Autumn Nails

Neutrals are always a good choice for September and fall. For this manicure, pick your favorite black, brown, rose, and white polishes, and apply them artistically with a nail art brush and dotting tool. There’s no right or wrong way to do it.

Autumn Daisy Nails

Speaking of dotting tools, you can DIY this precious autumn daisy nail art with just five dots per flower. Add a pearl sticker to the center of each, et voilà!

Burgundy Berry Swirl Nails

While berry tones are top of mind, check out this burgundy and red French mani. It’s the perfect transitional nail look for summer to fall, with its mashup of bright and cool hues.

Stripes and Borders Mismatched Nails

With a mix of stripes and borders, this fashion-forward mismatched manicure showcases some of the season’s hottest colors, including burgundy, chocolate brown, mustard yellow, and cobalt.

Chrome Velvet Nails

This September, consider a chrome velvet manicure. The combination of the texture and tone makes for a quintessential fall nail look.

Chartreuse Swirl Nails

Swirl nail art remains one of the most requested designs in salons near and far. If you have a steady hand, you can recreate this chartreuse, cream, and chocolate swirl mani with a nail art brush.

Espresso Nails

Don't feel like you have to go all out on the effort. Sometimes, just a double coat of color can make for a high-impact September nail look. Case in point: This rich espresso mani.

Click here to preview your posts with PRO themes ››

Skittle Star Nails

This Skittle star mani is another perfect transitional nail art idea. Where the shimmery turquoise polish nods to summer, the sage, brick, and blush tones look ahead to fall.

Fall Mismatched Nails

Here's another mismatched mani idea we love for September. A sheer black nail, silver flame accents, and berry details make it a trendy nail art idea for the weeks ahead.

High-Contrast Autumn Plaid Nails

This high-contrast plaid manicure is so stylish, it deserves to be snapped in a street-style shot at NYFW. Given how layered the accent nails are, though, you’ll likely want to seek outside expertise to bring this beauty to life.

Matte Autumn Skittle Nails

A simple way to elevate any manicure for September is by locking it in with a matte top coat. It creates a cozy, textural appeal perfect for the start of fall.

Matte Zebra Tips

Animal print is trending in footwear, accessories, and even nails! We love how this zebra mani takes on a matte finish for an even more fitting fall nail look.

Neutral Snakeskin Nails

One of the great things about an animal-print manicure is that you have so many options—cheetah, leopard, cow, and, as seen above, croc.

Metallic Dewdrop Abstract Nails

Not ready to kiss the bright colors of summer goodbye? Use one hand to showcase vivid hues and the other to rock autumnal neutrals.

Navy Swirl Nails

Navy blue is expected to be a popular nail color this fall. Whether you opt for a solid coat of color or a more artsy swirled design, your nails will stand out in this rich hue.

Brown French Illusion Mani

Another way to update a classic French manicure is with an illusion approach. To create this look, paint side-by-side vertical lines of milk and dark chocolate polish on a sponge and dab it onto each nail. After the polish has dried, apply French manicure nail stencil stickers to each nail. Then, paint another sponge with the reverse and dab that onto the tips. Touch up the edges with an angled brush dipped in acetone and finish the look with a top coat.

Sheer Amber Skittle Nails

How stunning is this 3D sheer Skittle manicure? We're mesmerized by the shift from wavy gold chrome (reminiscent of summer sunlight) to sheer rich burgundy (nodding to the changing colors of fall).

Soft Taupe Nails

If you're looking for another solid color that packs a stylish punch, look no further than a soft, ashy taupe. It's cool, it's neutral, and it's moody as can be.

Speckled French Tips

Remember: French tips don't have to be solid. Here's what a speckled design can look like.

Tortoiseshell Nails

Tortoiseshell is always a good idea for the end of summer and all through fall. You can DIY this design by swirling or sponging amber and dark brown polishes onto your nails.

Velvet Amber Nails

Amber is stunning on its own, too. While a glossy top coat will make any amber polish pop, we especially love a velvet finish. It gives off the coziest autumn vibes, don't you think?

Neutral Wavy Nails

Here's another stylish September nail idea we'd expect to see on the hands of a guest at Fashion Week. It can be crafted at home with a nail art brush and ample patience—or at your local salon.