We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
30 autumn nail designs that are perfect for the 2025 season
They'll certainly elevate your pumpkin spice latte pics 🍁🎃🤎
The seasons have changed, so it's time to bid your summer nails farewell and replace them with some autumn-inspired colours, designs and art from our best edit to date. Yes, that's right, we've rounded up the most popular nail trends from Instagram and Pinterest for autumn 2025 – whether it's acrylic, gel or natural polish inspo you're looking for.
From Halloween-themed tips to pumpkin-spiced latte designs, there's something for everyone. Those suggestions don't tickle your fancy? Well, if you're after something a little less creepy (can't relate), don't worry bc we've got you covered, too. Enter: The richest, forest green shades, stunning matte merlots and of course, the classic Uma Thurman Pulp Fiction-inspired deep burgundy.
One scroll through the following gallery and you'll no longer be mourning those neon shades we've spent the last few months basking in. So, go and grab your hot drink of choice and find a suitably autumn-looking leafy background to take your first #nailfie of the season...
Whimsical mushrooms
Admittedly, I'm in my self-confessed mushroom pasta era and am completely obsessed with this nail art design. Plus, the colours and whimsical design are the epitome of autumn.
Copper cutie
Chrome powder ain't off-trend just yet! And this bronze shade goes perfectly with the shades of autumn.
Letting go of summer
This mani is perfect for those in denial that summer has come to an end. The blend of subtle brown with pink is transitional yet not overly spooky.
A touch of butter yellow
This set is good enough to eat with a touch of butter yellow against a base of chocolate brown. Oh, and polka dots are so in RN!
Toasted cherries
Elevate your cherry coloured manicure with little cherry designs.
Autumn funkiness
Spice up your nails with a different colour and design on every tip. This mix of oranges, browns and greens with chrome and 3D accents makes for a funky set.
A twist on French tips
We love a subtle but unique twist on a classic French tip and chances are, you will too.
Spooky aura
Channel your inner witch this Halloween, with a spooky twist on the much-loved aura trend.
Metallic halos
What better way to stay on-trend than to take inspiration from this year’s runways? This unique design is futuristic and angelic all at the same time.
Leopard tips
The print of the year is here to stay and we couldn’t be more relieved.
Gold dust
Get creative with a little gold foil for an added sparkle this season.
“That’s that me espresso”
Sabrina Carpenter's 'Espresso' may have been the song of last summer, but we're still very much obsessed with the shade for autumn 2025. It's a seasonal classic!
Copper chrome
Want the pumpkin look with an added shine? Look no further.
Gothic coffins
Embrace the darker months and opt for a fierce jet-black moment.
Butterfly wings
For the more creative among us, adding a feature nail with this gorgeous butterfly print will make your set nothing if not Pinterest-worthy.
"Anyone can see I'm a stuffed olive!"
While Georgia Groome started the 'olive green' trend circa 2008, Selena Gomez has, single handedly, kept the look alive with these claws – with the help of her nail artist, Tom Bachik.
Spooky tips
Not to be dramatic, but this design by The Hang Edit might just be our favourite of all time.
Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
Beauty Assistant Urmi works across Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper's Bazaar, Red and Prima.
She fell into the world of beauty following a Masters in Magazine Journalism, and has been knee-deep in maximalist makeup, seasonal nail trends, and skincare myth-busting ever since. Both in and outside the office, she is best recognised by her signature red hair and elaborate set of acrylics.
23 dewy foundations for eternally dry skin
16 of the best hand creams for silky-smooth skin
A definitive ranking of the 12 best face masks
25 brunette hair trends that you're going to love
