Maybe you don’t have the patience. Maybe you don’t have a steady hand. Maybe you don’t have a dotting tool. There are many reasons to avoid DIY-ing nail art; we can’t all create tiny masterpieces on our fingers. That’s where gradient nails come in. It doesn’t get any easier than painting each tip a different color, yet the trend can have as much impact as intricate nail art.
Even better, all it takes to work and wear fall gradient nails is sporting the right color palette. Autumnal hues just might be the best of any season—think shades of falling leaves, vampy reds, and rich chocolate browns. And to prove it, we’ve rounded up the best fall gradient nail looks from Insta. Get ready to celebrate the spooky season with this inspo.
Down With Brown
These shades of brown might make you want to curl up under a blanket with a cup of hot cocoa. The matte finish makes it even more chic.
Coffee Break
Whether you’re feeling more of a cappuccino or an espresso, this coffee-colored mani will give you that jolt of caffeine. The sweet swirls add an extra design element.
Put It In Neutral
A perfect “10,” this design features a different neutral on each tip, spicing up the simple colors. Nail artist Anna used the Orly Flawless Collection ($11 each) to get the look.
Selling Sunset
When you sport this mani, you can enjoy the sunset every time of day. The shades are also awesomely autumnal.
Speaking French
Consider this more proof that there can never be enough variations on the French manicure. Shades of brown make this double French set feel especially fall.
Purple Reign
From pink to deep aubergine, these colors prove you can go beyond the traditional greens, browns, and oranges and still get that seasonal feeling.
Rainbow Bright
We couldn’t put it better than the nail artist who created this look, who describes it as “a Halloween-esque skittle.”
Hot Tip
Can’t pick just one color? Try five with this fun French manicure, which features tips in shades of burgundy, green, and cream.
Hit the Curve
A megawatt, high-shine base with matte tips? We can’t get enough of this minimalist take on the two-tone French trend.
Tanning Solution
A luxuriously long length and perfect shape make an otherwise simple mani a head-turner.
White Hot
There’s so much to love about this set, but we’ll call out two specific elements: The chevron spin on a French mani and the bright white contrasted with fall hues.
Gold Rim
Go for the gold by dressing up the colors of fall with a thin gold line that adds elegance.
Fall Swirl
A delicate design and pretty fall colors make this swirly French mani a seasonal standout.