Autumn nail ideas you need to know for 2025

Mushroom autumn nails

All summer long, you’ll have seen unofficial emblems appearing all over nail sets – from flowers to savoury snacks. Taking things in a different direction, autumn’s early manicure mascot is the mushroom.

As somebody who wouldn’t eat a mushroom if you paid them, the idea of having them on your nails is a cute alternative. With endless options, you can go for a full autumn nail forestscape – complete with trees, leaves and fruit – or turn up the contrast, turning them into magic neon spores. For the more minimal mani lovers, why not take classic mushroom colours and turn them into a fun autumn-ready version of summer’s polka dot nail trend.

Black cherry nails

We've seen red nail polish begin to steal the mani top-spot from glazed pinks, and heading into autumn the classic shade is heading in an equally classic, darker direction.

“Burgundy will be a big hit this year. We saw lots of reds last year but this deep shade is staying. It's so sophisticated and anyone can rock this colour. [Chanel’s] Rouge Noir is an icon for a reason,” says Iram. The pros are all in agreement. “We will definitely see the return of merlot and cherry reds this autumn,” concurs manicurist, Ella Vivii, while celebrity nail artist, Robbie Tomkins notes: “AW24 shows were flooded with gorgeous dark shades of black cherry and merlot.” Likewise, luxury manicurist, Georgia Rae, muses: “I’m envisioning ultra dark, glossy nails. I’m thinking almost black reds like OPI’s Black Cherry Chutney.”

Plaid nails

As the colder days (and nights) roll in, there’s nothing like getting cosy under a blanket or wrapping yourself up in an oversized plaid shirt. Why not take that same feeling and transform your nails into a cosy-looking set? When it comes to colours, the world is your oyster, but have fun experimenting with mix-and-match shades for an authentic feel. The shiny, glossy top coat is non-negotiable though, if you want your plaid pattern to stand out.

Matte autumn nails

We know that high-shine manicures are so alluring – especially in the summer sun – but with sunnier days (sadly) leaving us soon matte nails are becoming a lot more appealing. The perfect warm and inviting alternative to glossy or even chrome finishes, the matte finish looks best in autumn-appropriate shades like merlot red, burnt orange or forest green. To achieve the matte finish you’re looking for try Essie Gel Couture Matte Top Coat or Mylee Matte No Wipe Top Coat.

Galaxy nails

By now, you’ll be more than familiar with the hypnotic sparkle of cat-eye nails. As one of the most popular mani styles for 2025, it’s no surprise that it’s going nowhere during the autumn season.

To give it an upgrade, the manicure is going out into the wide expanse of space. First, start with a coat or two of a dark shade (black or burgundy are great choices), then add the magnetic gel polish of your choice – the more, the merrier. As a cherry on top, complete your galaxy with stars, moons, planets and constellations in chrome. Out of this world!

Retro prints for autumn

If you thought that the change in season means saying goodbye to florals and cute patterns – think again. Like thumbing through a rail of clothes at vintage clothes shop, you’re not sure what you might come across with this autumn nail trend. It could be vintage floral prints that you’d see on a retro wallpaper or a trippy wavy pattern that is giving 70s go-go boots. If in doubt, keep it simple with swooshing layered Frenchies or classic French tips in autumnal colours with a contrasting dot.

Marble autumn nails

It’s safe to say that we’re obsessed with these marble manicures. Similar to birthstone nails – in which the month of the year you’re born corresponds to a specific stone that dictates your nail choice – the marble effect gives the illusion of swirling marble sprouting from your nail beds. Go for moody autumnal colours or softer pastel pink, ghostly white – it’s up to you.

Metallics

Another autumn nail trend that’s gained major consensus is metallics and chromes.

“We'll be seeing more metallics,” Georgia advises, while Robbie agrees: “all shades of chrome will be a key trend this coming season.” For this time of year, we’re particularly loving the heavy metals: bronze, copper and iron-like gunmetal. “We will continue to see the rise of metallic and pearl colours follow through to autumn,” Ella adds. Plus, they can be used all over or as an accent. “Metallics and mirror nails are fun, interesting and can be as simple or as complex as you want them to be. I love a solid silver nail. It’s so chic,” says Iram.

Espresso autumn nails

Latte nails kicked off our obsession with the brown colour palette last summer with a warm, transitional colour palette that was sunkissed and cosy in equal measure. But, Sabrina Carpenter put Espresso on our map and as the season gets colder and darker, expect brown shades to return in richer, snuggly shades of mocha, conker and hot chocolate.

"This autumn we will see a lot of rich brown shades. I can see lots of caramel, toffee, chocolate and cream shades trending,” says luxury nail artist and educator Jess White. “The warm and inviting tones exude a sense of cosiness and sophistication," she adds.“There has been a huge trend around manicures being inspired by our favourite seasonal drinks this year which I think will continue into Autumn. I’m leaning toward chocolatey browns,” agrees Georgia. And there's plenty of movement within the gradient, whether you want to go lighter or darker. “Expect lots of neutral tones like beige, brown, and tan nails,” says Iram.

Autumn Frenchies

“Dark French tips on a sheer natural base, like a black tip, are big,” confirms top nail artist Harriet Westmoreland. “They’re delicate with a bit of an edge,” she explains. “The ‘cool girl’ shape will be a long almond, with a nod to the grunge trend. So a deep french in colours like Lady in Black and Malaga Wine by OPI,” Harriet says. Although, if you prefer a shorter shape, squoval micro Frenchies are the way forward. “Everyone will be asking for deep coloured Frenchies,” agrees luxury manicurist, Julia Diogo. “Olive green frenchies will be very cool,” she adds, or try rouge noir, black, brown or deep forest greens. “We’ll see neutral bases with variations on classic designs such as chocolate or pistachio French tips,” says Georgia.

The Frenchie style will be getting a little remix, too. “As autumn approaches, it’s no surprise that we will witness exciting twists on the classic French tip manicure,” says Jess. “Side French tips and reverse French tips have gained popularity as they offer a playful and refreshing take on the traditional style,” she says.

Moody tone autumn nails

“We’ll see trends moving towards the moodier tones and incorporating an accent of these colours whether all over, as a french tip, or nail art,” says Harriet.

“Subdued tones and earthy colours like browns, taupes, off-whites, forest greens, grey-toned blues, and burnt oranges will be popular,” says Michelle. “We’re seeing lots of the colours of nature for autumn-winter: the deep reds, taupes, browns, blacks and dark blues. The classic autumn nail shades are just forever chic,” Harriet adds. “More muted baby blues and grey hues will be popular through the transitional season,” agrees Ella.

Liquorice nails

We already spoke about the return of BlackBerry nails and they’re on track to take us into autumn. “Darker colours are definitely going to be a hit, with my favourite being a glossy black nail. You just can’t go wrong with it,” says Iram. “Gucci Vernis a Ongles Nail Polish in Crystal Black paired with beautifully manicured nails is *chefs kiss*,” she adds.