Fall Nail Trends in 2025

Fall fashion is having a moment - and nails are part of the story! Think of them as your ultimate accessory this season: cozy, moody, and just a little bit glam. The 2025 fall nail trends are all about texture and tone: warm glazes, soft neutrals, and rich, runway-inspired shades that feel perfectly in sync with crisp weather and chunky sweaters.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the top fall nail ideas for 2025. Each trend pairs beautifully with Ella+Mila’s clean, cruelty-free polishes, so you can bring the runway home and make it your own.

TL;DR - Fall Nail Trends 2025

• Top Trends: Matte finishes, gold flakes, muted nudes, olive greens, and sweater-inspired textures.
• Color Palette: Earthy tones like taupe, terracotta, rust, mocha, and deep burgundy.
• Design Highlights: Micro French tips, gradient nudes, and subtle metallic details.
• Style Tip:Pair warm-toned nails with cozy knits and gold accessories, or contrast cool grays with camel coats.

Sweater Nails

Nothing says fall like a cozy knit, and this year, that texture has made its way onto nails. Sweater nails are the perfect blend of cute and cozy, mimicking cable-knit patterns in soft, matte shades that feel like your favorite cardigan. The 3D detail adds subtle depth, making this look one of the coziest fall nail trends of 2025.

Try this with: Ella+Mila’s London Fog or Cup O’Latte for that warm taupe base. Use a dotting tool or fine nail brush to create raised knit-like patterns, then seal with Matte-ly in Love top coat for that soft, sweater finish.

How to Do Sweater Nails (Step-by-Step)

1. Prep + Base

• Shape and gently buff. Push back cuticles.
• Apply First Aid Kiss or All About the Base to strengthen and smooth. Let it dry.

2. Lay the Cozy Base Color
   

• Paint 2 thin coats of a fall neutral nail color.
• Let each coat dry fully for an even canvas.

3. Mattify for that “sweater” feel
   

• Seal the color with a matte top coat. This gives the soft, knit look and helps your pattern grip.

4. Mix a “puffy paint” polish (for raised 3D lines)
   

• On a palette, place a small drop of your base color and add a drop of In a Rush (Fast-Drying Top Coat).
• Let it sit for 20–30 seconds so it thickens slightly. You want it a bit syrupy, not runny.

5. Map your knit pattern
   

• Using a fine liner brush or dotting tool, work one nail at a time:
  • Center cable: paint short diagonal dashes down the middle that criss-cross (like tiny X’s).
  • Side “braids”: add two straight raised lines on each side of the cable.
  • Stitch details: dot tiny “knit” bumps between lines near the cuticle or tip for extra texture.
• Keep pressure light so the lines sit raised on the surface.

6. (Optional) Velvet 3D boost
   

• While the pattern is still wet, lightly sprinkle a pinch of clear acrylic or dip powder over the design.
• Tap off excess; let set 2–3 minutes; soft-brush away leftovers. This gives a plush, sweater-y texture.

7. Set the design

• If you used powder, leave the pattern unsealed for max texture and only add a matte top coat around it (not over) to avoid flattening.
• If you skip powder, you can seal the whole nail with a very thin layer of your top coat or leave it unsealed for higher relief.

8. Finish + Nourish

• Clean edges, then massage Oil Me Up into cuticles. Avoid hot water for a couple of hours to keep the texture crisp.

Style tip:These nails pair beautifully with chunky sweaters, suede boots, and hot-latte-in-hand moments - basically everything we love about fall.

Matte Red Nails

Matte red nails never go out of style, but in 2025, they’re getting a modern twist. The matte finish tones down the shine just enough to make the color feel velvety and sophisticated, perfect for fall outfits and cozy evenings out.

This trend bridges classic glamour with everyday wearability - bold enough to stand out, but elegant enough to feel effortless.

Try this with: Ella+Mila’s Unwrap Me, Kiss Kiss, or Paint the Town Red for that perfect rich crimson.

Golden Flake Nails

Gold accents are chic and effortlessly luxurious, and this year, gold flakes are the understated way to add a little sparkle to your manicure. These trendy fall nails blend the season’s earthy tones with a touch of metallic warmth, creating a design that’s both cozy and elegant. Think forest greens, burgundy wines, and caramel browns kissed with gold leaf, just like autumn sunlight glinting through the trees.

Try this with: Ella+Mila’s Wicked Red or In Line for Wine for a deep base. For a two-tone look, pair a forest hue like Bon Voyage with a soft neutral such as Light to the Touch.

How to Get This Look

1. Prep & Prime

• File and shape nails into your desired silhouette.
• Apply a base coat for smooth adhesion and protection.

2. Choose Your Fall Palette

• Paint one or two accent nails in contrasting tones.
• Apply two thin coats, letting each dry between layers.

3. Add the Golden Touch

• Using a small brush or tweezers, gently place gold foil flakes near the tips or cuticles.
• For a diffused look, dab flakes unevenly for a “fade” effect - heavier at one edge, lighter toward the middle.

4. Seal It In

• Apply a glossy top coat to lock in the foil and add shine.
• For a soft, modern look, finish with a matte top coat instead - it gives the gold a more brushed, sophisticated effect.

Animal Print Nails

Animal print is back in full force this season, and it’s not just for fashion! On nails, it brings a bold yet refined statement that instantly elevates even the simplest outfit.

Think of it as wearable edge - something that balances fierce and feminine in one design. This version pairs matte orange nails with glossy nude leopard accents for contrast that’s modern and unapologetically fun.

Try this with: Ella+Mila’s ‘Cause I’m Happy (vivid orange) and Nude Attitude (neutral base). For the leopard details, use “Lights Out” (black) and a thin nail art brush or stamping tool.

Style tip: Animal print nails look amazing with leather jackets, gold jewelry, or even cozy neutrals

Black Drip Nails

If you’re craving a bold fall manicure with a hint of Halloween drama, this one’s for you. Black drip nails blend eerie charm with runway edge - perfect for October parties or anyone who loves an artsy, gothic vibe. The neon green drips against a matte black base make it look like melting slime - spooky yet seriously chic!

Try this with: Ella+Mila’s Lights Out (jet black) for the base and Electric Lime for the neon green drips. You can also switch to Drippin’ Goldif you want a glam twist instead of a horror-inspired one.

How to Get This Look

1. Prep & Base

• Start with shaped and cleaned nails.
• Apply your base coat to protect your natural nails and improve polish longevity.

2. Create the Matte Black Canvas

• Apply two thin coats of Lights Out.
• Once dry, seal it with a matte top coat for that perfect velvety finish.

3. Add the Drips

• Using a thin brush or dotting tool, start by placing small dots of Electric Lime at the top of your nail, similar to the French manicure.
• Drag each dot downward in irregular lines to create a dripping effect.
• Vary the length and thickness for a natural “ooze” look.

4. Optional: Add a Glow Effect

• While the green is still tacky, lightly dab a sponge around the drips with more Electric Lime to create a diffused glow effect.

5. Seal and Protect

• If you prefer a shiny finish, use a glossy top coat.
• For a matte-meets-glossy contrast, leave the base matte and apply a glossy top coat only on the green drips.

Muted Nude Manicure

If cozy neutrals are your go-to this season, the muted nude manicure is your fall nail trend to try. Soft grays, taupes, and blush-beige shades create an understated gradient that feels calm, modern, and endlessly wearable.

This manicure is minimalist but never dull, which makes it perfect for anyone who loves subtle sophistication.

Try this with:Ella+Mila’s Sugar Fairy, Second Serving, and Barely Pink to achieve that perfect tonal balance.

How to Get This Look

1. Prep & Protect

• Start with clean, shaped nails.
• Apply a layer of base coat to even out the nail surface and boost wear time.

2. Paint the Gradient

• Choose 3–4 complementary nude tones.
• Starting from your thumb, apply the darkest shade.
• Gradually lighten with each finger - think beige, blush, and off-white.
• Use two thin coats for smooth coverage.

3. Perfect the Finish

• Once dry, apply a matte top coat for that velvety soft effect.
• If you prefer a satin glow instead, seal with a regular top coat for a polished sheen.

How to Match Your Outfit to 2025 Nail Trends

Fall nail trends are all about harmony - the perfect balance between cozy fabrics, earthy tones, and a touch of polish that ties it all together.

Match Warm Hues with Earth-Toned Layers

Rich shades like rust, caramel, and brown echo the tones of autumn leaves and pair beautifully with knits and suede. A manicure in terracotta or deep mocha enhances cozy sweaters and camel coats without overpowering your outfit.

If your wardrobe leans toward neutrals, even a hint of copper shimmer or bronze foil adds warmth and depth, giving your nails that soft, glowing finish that mirrors golden hour light.

Try High-Contrast Pairings

For a more modern twist, play with contrast. Deep olive nails look stunning against a light camel coat or beige trench, while smoky taupe tones complement ivory sweaters and gold accessories.

Are you after something bolder? Mix dark polish shades like plum or charcoal with soft neutrals in your outfit - it creates visual balance and draws attention to your hands in the most elegant way.

Style tip:Use accessories as a bridge - a forest-green manicure with a gold ring or a gray manicure with a silk scarf in warm blush can instantly pull your look together.

FAQs – Fall Nail Trends 2025

What are the top fall nail trends for 2025?

This year is all about cozy sophistication - muted nudes, matte finishes, rich browns, mossy greens, and warm metallic details. Textured looks like sweater nails, and gold accents are huge, blending comfort with style.

Which nail colors are best for fall outfits?

Earth tones work beautifully - try shades of terracotta, taupe, chocolate, and olive. If you love contrast, pair deeper hues like burgundy or charcoal with soft neutrals for a balanced look.

Are matte nails still trendy for fall 2025?

Absolutely! Matte nails continue to dominate fall trends. They give polish a velvety, modern finish that pairs perfectly with chunky sweaters and cozy fabrics.

How can I transition my summer manicure into fall?

Keep your base nude or neutral, then layer deeper shades like caramel, mocha, or rust as accent nails. Adding a matte top coat instantly gives your mani a fall-ready refresh without starting from scratch.

Fall Nail Trends That Go Beyond the Season

Fall may come and go, but the right manicure never goes out of style. The 2025 trends prove that polish can be as expressive and layered as your favorite autumn outfit. With rich tones, clean finishes, and modern details, these looks invite you to play, mix, and make every mani your own.

Looking to recreate the season’s most beautiful trends at home? Explore the full Ella+Mila Nail Polish Collection for cozy fall shades, glossy and matte finishes, and clean beauty formulas that love your nails as much as you do.

For more seasonal inspiration, expert tips, and tutorials, visit the Ella+Mila Blog - your go-to guide for every color trend and nail care secret worth knowing.