There’s nothing quite like cosy season and autumn nails are the best way to welcome it. A fresh manicure set no longer means lip-gloss nails and pastel hues for spring, instead, we’re looking towards darker, bolder and deeper colours that compliment the turn in the weather - think chocolate browns nails, berry red nails and bottle greens. This season at Grazia, we are leaning into expert-predicted metallic finishes and even animal prints.
Renee Washington, digital fashion and beauty writer, says, 'Cheetah print and zebra stripes are the nail trend of the year, channeling that iconic Y2K energy that is just about everywhere. These wild patterns take us back to the playful, daring style of the early 00s, we don't ever see this going out of fashion.'
From moodier, more modern takes on the classic French manicure to tortoiseshell nail art, celebrities like Hailey Bieber are paving the way for all the autumn nail inspo for 2025.
So, whether you're scrolling ahead of your upcoming salon appointment, or taking notes in time for your next DIY job, we’ve rounded up a selection of Grazia approved autumn nail ideas for 2025. There's an option for all - whether you're partial to gel nails, BIAB nails or even acrylic nails.
Scroll on for more autumn nails suited to each of the 9 nail shapes.
Meet the experts
We seek major inspiration from our go-to nail specialists:
Iram Shelton, celebrity manicurist
Harriet Westmoreland, celebrity manicurist
Alexandra Teleki, nail expert
Ella Vivii, nail expert
Our Guide To The Best Autumn Nails for 2025
There are a number of ways to sport an autumn-ready manicure, from different shades to designs and finishes. Vivii predicts, 'I think we will see a lot of silver and gold chrome, either separately or in combination for a mixed metal vibe. Warm toned jelly colours as well as the classic, deep burgundy and browns will dominate. In terms of finish, we will see chrome either as a French tip or add on details to elevate the mani, for example silver chrome polka dots or studs.'
Cat Eye Nails
The popularity around this 3D nail design shows no signs of waning and will continue to reign supreme this autumn, with deeper, darker hues leading the fort. Created with gel polishes loaded with metal particles that can be manipulated with a magnet to create endless patterns, this velvety, glistening design is one to bookmark.
Silver Chrome Nails
Take note from Vivii and make a play for silver chrome nails, the cool metallic hue will quickly add pizzazz to any look.
Image credit: @ellavivii
Tortoiseshell Nails
There’s no doubt that Hailey Bieber is the internet’s ultimate source for nail inspiration. Flashback to this years doughnut-glazed nails craze, which had just about everyone in a tailspin. Another creation we love? Enter: hot chocolate nails. This warm hue became Hailey's go-to last autumn. We love how she incorporated two shades of brown to create a gorgeous tortoiseshell mani - and it's not Hailey if doesn't gloss.
Image credit: @haileybieber
www.boots.com
To achieve Hailey Bieber's tortoiseshell nails combine classic browns and orangey hues. This nail polish would act as a good base colour.
Pros
- Affordable
- Great warm tone polish
Cons
- Can chip quickly
Brown Claws
Alexandra Teleki is master of the lush nail inspo. Shiny polishes look especially good with this nail shape. Add gold jewels for the perfect finishing touch.
Image credit_:_ @thehotblend
www.asos.com
This the exact shade used in the inspo above. You. Are. Welcome.
Pros
- Perfect choclate tone
- Good quality high street polish
Cons
- Won't last as long as gel
Micro Brown Frenchi
Iram Shelton nails are forever amongst our most pinned. This glossy-meets-matte take on the micro French mani is about as autumnal as it gets. Berry toned nails will always be a classic.
Image credit: @Iramshelton
Shiny Green Manicure
Celebrity manicurist Harriet Westmoreland knows more than just a thing or two about autumn nails. This bottle green manicure is seriously high shine - and a moment for that flawless cuticle work.
Image credit: @harrietwestmoreland
mylee.co.uk
Mylee holds weight in the BIAB game. This colour is super deep and can be teamed with with the MyGel Base Coat and MyGel Top Coat and can last up to 3 weeks. Note this cures under LED or UV Lamp.
Pros
- Reliable gel polish
- High quality
Cons
- Opaque packaging means you can't see how much product is left
Caramel Swirls
To recreate this swirly brown nail art you'll need a finely nibbed brush - and a steady hand.
Image credit: @Iramshelton
www.salonsdirect.com
This deep brown shade would help to recreate this perfect swirl set.
Pros
- Clean
- Vegan
Cons
- Not readily available in store
Micro Grunge Mani
A micro French manicure with a grunge twist - the addition of black tips creates a moodier, more autumnal feel that's sure to invite an abundance of compliments.
Image credit: @harrietwestmoreland
uk.manucurist.com
To a achieve a micro manicure or intricate nail art a thin brush is was you need.
Pros
- Helps create intricate patterns
- Fine tip
Cons
- Takes getting used to
Cognac Nails
This deep and rich subtly chocolate set takes inspiration from the warm and caramel tones of Cognac. Coining the trend herself, Westmorland shows us how it's done.
Image credit: @harrietwestmoreland
Oud Nails
The 'liquid gold' ingredient of the fragrance world has been reimagined by Westmoreland with a high-gloss black manicure that exhibits the bold, decadent character of the indulgent woody scent.
Image credit: @harrietwestmoreland
www.nailberry.co.uk
A charcoal black is best for zebra print. Nailberry is a real master of oxygenated polish which means they are breathable and halal-friendly. They also offer an array of stunning hues from warm to bright and nudes to suit all seasons.
Pros
- Halal, breathable formula
- Pigmented polish
Cons
- Will fade after a week of wear
Snake Tip Nails
Autumn ushers in prints galore, think snake, cow and zebra prints with a moody spin that work just as well for your nails as they do your statement coats. @ellavivii shows us how.
Image credit: @ellavivii
Chocolate Marble Nails
Our love of dark brown shows no sign of waning and this manicure look by Teleki is a pure work of art.
Image credit: @thehotblend
Holographic Nails
If you were a fan of Hailey Bieber's holographic glazed doughnut nails then consider this look the autumn spin on the viral nail trend. Shades of toffee brown and silver chrome combine make for a dazzling finish - this is a 'more is more' look that wouldn't look out of place as a Euphoria manicure.
Image credit: @thehotblend
www.thegelbottle.com
The Gel Bottle’s latest autumn collection presents an excellent array of polishes for a salon visit. This collection boasts eye-catching light-up glitters, chromes, and vibrant colors, providing a delightful journey through the fall season. Our top recommendation is the Vintage bottle – a standout choice from this stylish lineup.
Pros
- Shimmery finish
- High quality gel polishh
Cons
- Higher price point
Burgundy Nails
Does anything say autumn more than ruddy cherry tones? I think not and Westmorland agrees. Dubbing this set 'Fall mani' on Instagram, Westmoreland showed us how to make the sophisticated hue that much chicer with a short, squared glossy finish.
Image credit: @harrietwestmoreland
Cat Eye Nails
This hypnotic nail trend is a hard and fast way of kicking your mani up a gear. Created using a magnet and gel polish with metal particles, the velvety, 3D finish is otherworldly. For the autumnal-ready set, look to Teleki's newest set.
Image credit: @thehotblend
Cheetah
Cheetah print nails are just plain cool and perfect for autumn because of the colours. To recreate it, start with a solid base colour, then use black polish to create small, irregular spots, filling some with a second colour like gold or brown. Seal with a top coat for a polished, long-lasting finish.
Image credit: @ellavivii
mylee.co.uk
Want an easy fix? Try Mylee's new fully cured nail wraps which give you the perfect mani without the need for dry time, lamps or fuss.
Pros
- Salon quality gel without the need to cure
- Easy, quick application
Cons
- Prep can take time
Classic Red Nails
It's a classic for good reason. Red nails continues to be the colour to wear no matter the season, but take note from Julia Diogo who called it 'the colour of the season' for autumn/ winter.
Image credit: @paintedbyjools
Chrome Polka Dot Nails
Vivii points to 'silver chrome polka dots or studs' being a design brief of the season and she shows us exactly how to nail the look with this set.
Image credit: @ellavivii
_Main image credit::a[@thehotblend]{href='https://www.instagram.com/thehotblend/' target='blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow' class='add-referrer-link'}, @Iramshelton, and @harrietwestmoreland
Rachael Martin is Grazia's Beauty Editor where she covers all things health, beauty and wellness.