13 Fall Gel Nail Ideas, From Lush Velvet to Autumnal French Manis (2024)

13 Fall Gel Nail Ideas, From Lush Velvet to Autumnal French Manis (1)

Fall is arguably the best season for fashion—chunky sweaters, knee-high boots, and oversized outerwear are all part of the unofficial autumnal uniform. And the best accessory for your Insta-worthy outfit? A fall-friendly gel manicure.

Of course, traditional burgundy and brown hues are staples for cooler weather, but beyond the classic options, there is a whole world of appropriate-for-autumn nail art. After combing through Instagram, we compiled some of our favorite gel nail art inspiration for the fall. Whether you prefer abstract shapes or unusual textures, there is a design on our list that will fit your style. Ahead, find 15 gel nail art ideas to bookmark this fall.

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Olive You

13 Fall Gel Nail Ideas, From Lush Velvet to Autumnal French Manis (2)

Turns out, olives look just as chic on your fingernails as they do in a martini glass. Cheers to cooler weather and a manicure with personality.

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Fresh French

13 Fall Gel Nail Ideas, From Lush Velvet to Autumnal French Manis (3)

A French manicure never goes out of style, but if white isn't your thing, try changing things up with some color. Opt for deep burgundy on a few tips and as an accent nail. Top the remaining fingernails with a buttery cream for a cool-girl take on the classic style.

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Mod Tortoise

13 Fall Gel Nail Ideas, From Lush Velvet to Autumnal French Manis (4)

Tortoiseshell doesn't have to be limited to your sunglasses or your jewelry. Adding it to your nails elevates just about any manicure (and it is easier than you think to recreate at home). Cover the entire nail or leave room for bright colors like pickle green or red.

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Caramel and Cream

13 Fall Gel Nail Ideas, From Lush Velvet to Autumnal French Manis (5)

Maybe you prefer an oat milk latte to pumpkin spice or creamy cold foam to a chai tea. Regardless of your coffee order, these caramel and cream-coated tips look like the first sip of your favorite autumnal beverage on a crisp October morning.

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Seeing Red

13 Fall Gel Nail Ideas, From Lush Velvet to Autumnal French Manis (6)

Tomato girl summer is extending into fall, but if sporting a chunky sweater is too much of a commitment, wear a wash of it on your nails.

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Chrome Ablaze

13 Fall Gel Nail Ideas, From Lush Velvet to Autumnal French Manis (7)

The chrome nail trend isn't going anywhere. Switch to a shade from the autumn palette—such as copper or a deep red—to bring the look into the cooler months.

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Autumn Aura

13 Fall Gel Nail Ideas, From Lush Velvet to Autumnal French Manis (8)

Why should maroon and orange get all the love during fall? This autumnal take on aura nails is not only eye-catching but filled with cool-weather color choices like pale green, sky blue, and orangey red. Apply to all ten of your tips or leave negative space on a few nails to break up the design.

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Champagne Velvet

13 Fall Gel Nail Ideas, From Lush Velvet to Autumnal French Manis (9)

October may be too early to put up your Christmas tree or string up your festive lights, but fall is the appetizer to the holiday season. It isn't too early to embrace the glitz and glitter of the season with a lush, cashmere velvet manicure that evokes a glass of champagne.

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The Right Angle

13 Fall Gel Nail Ideas, From Lush Velvet to Autumnal French Manis (10)

Geometric patterns are a safe way to spice up your manicure. This strategic design makes use of negative space along the base of the nail, which means the design won't look out of place as it grows out.

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Frightfully Fun French

13 Fall Gel Nail Ideas, From Lush Velvet to Autumnal French Manis (11)

Fall, otherwise known as "spooky season," is the best time to get in touch with your scary side. Add some stitches and drippy details to breathe creepy life into a French manicure. The Sally Hansen Salon Pro Nail Tool Kit ($8) has every tool you need to recreate the look.

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Lavender Haze

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An ideal fall evening is spent next to a bonfire under a cozy blanket, staring at the stars, but a perfect fall morning is spent watching the sunrise, seeing the sky change from deep purple to bright blue. The whole experience feels like a Taylor Swift lyric. Paint on the PLA Pro Gel Polish in Yes You Can ($9) to get that feeling on your fingertips.

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Amber Velvet

13 Fall Gel Nail Ideas, From Lush Velvet to Autumnal French Manis (13)

Match your manicure to the falling leaves outside. This caramel hue shimmers, sparkles, and mimics the look of velvet. Bring this photo to your next salon appointment for a manicure your friends won't stop talking about.

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Smoky Glitter

13 Fall Gel Nail Ideas, From Lush Velvet to Autumnal French Manis (14)

If you want to create a spooky vibe for your nails but aren't into ghosts and ghouls, try this simple look instead. The black shift offers a grown-up take on a Halloween mani.

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