Autumn – there’s nothing quite like cosy season. And what better way to celebrate the change in temperature than with a fresh manicure. No longer are we opting for 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, berry reds and bottle greens. This season us at Grazia are leaning into animal prints, in fact searches for cheetah, zebra, leopard prints are breakout search terms on Google. Renee Washington Digital fashion and beauty assistant said, '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 2024.
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 2024. 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.
Our Guide To The Best Autumn Nails for 2024
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. And her newest creation? Well enter the hot chocolate nails. This warm hue is already becoming Hailey's go-to for the autumn. We love how she incorporated two shades of brown to create a gorgeous tortoiseshell mani - and its not Hailey if doesn't gloss.
Image credit: @haileybieber
Image credit: @goldenbeauty.rho
Image credit::a[@nailslpc.xo]{href='https://www.instagram.com/nailslpc.xo/?hl=en' class='add-referrer-link'}
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.
www.salonsdirect.com
This deep brown shade would compliment Essies' Playing Koi to recreate Hailey's look.
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
Image credit:@nailsbynancylopez
Image credit:@style.by.nayla
www.asos.com
This the exact shade used in the inspo above. You. Are. Welcome.
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
Image credit: @nailsncolour
Image credit: @laurenelyce
Shiny Green Manicure
Celebrity manicurist Harriet Westmoreland knows more than just a thing or too about autumn nails. This bottle green manicure is seriously high shine - and a moment for that flawless cuticle work.
Image credit: @HarrietWestmoreland
Image credit:@lil.and.e
Image credit: @by_hayle_thecollective
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.
Caramel Swirls
To recreate this swirly brown nail art you'll need a finely nibbed brush - and a steady hand.
Image credit: @Iramshelton
Image credit:@tiffanyabbigailebeauty
Image credit: @vivianmariewong
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
Image credit:@wendy.nailz
Image credit: @phoebesummernails
uk.manucurist.com
To a achieve a micro manicure or intricate nail art a thin brush is was you need.
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 green, gold and brown combine for a dazzling finish - this is a more is more look that wouldn't look out of place as a Euphoria manicure.
Image credit: @_arjenesisnails
Image credit: [@nails_by_hai]{href='https://www.instagram.com/nails_by_oriana/?hl=en' class='add-referrer-link'}
Image credit: @d_summons_thee
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.
Zebra Print Nails
Zebra nails are perfect for mixing and matching other designs. Warm hues, florals, ombre you name it. This one below is great for the season.
Image credit: @sheenailss_
Image credit:@setbysoly
Image credit::a[@beautyybyvivi]{href='https://www.instagram.com/beautyybyvivi/?hl=en' class='add-referrer-link'}
www.nailberry.co.uk
A charcoal black is best for zebra print.
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: @sheenailss_
Image credit:latelieroboutdesongles
Image credit:@nailsby.leni
www.chanel.com
This will form the base colour of the perfect cheetah print.
Rachael Martin is Grazia's Beauty Editor where she covers all things health, beauty and wellness