As the seasons change and autumn takes center stage, the world of nail art is abuzz with the return of matte nails. This trend, which was all the rage last year, shows no signs of slowing down in the coming months. Gone are the days of glossy, high-shine finishes – matte is where it’s at.
And if you’re looking to jump on the bandwagon, you’ve got two simple options to achieve this chic look: grab a matte top coat to transform your favorite glossy shades into matte masterpieces, or opt for an already-matte polish. With no fall wardrobe complete without a matching manicure, be sure to check out our roundup of 25 stunning nail designs for inspiration.
Chevron Accent Nail
Achieving a bold and eye-catching manicure has never been easier, thanks to the simplicity of this stylish look. By using Laura G’s ‘Fifth Avenue’ nude nail polish as the base color, you can create a stunning chevron accent nail with minimal effort. The secret lies in pre-made vinyl stickers that can be applied quickly and effortlessly, saving you time and reducing stress.
Long, Burgundy Matte Nails
When it comes to evoking the essence of fall, there’s no more iconic choice than a rich, dark matte nail finish. It’s a testament to the beauty of simplicity that this understated look can be just as striking as one adorned with rhinestones or studs. In fact, sometimes less is more, and a subtle yet effective manicure can make all the difference.
To achieve this autumnal aesthetic, I turned to Sally Hansen’s Xtreme Wear nail polish in ‘Pep-Plum’, paired with their matte top coat for a velvety smooth finish.
Army Green Matte + Rhinestones
Add a touch of sophistication to your look with this effortless yet striking nail design. A bold, army-green hue takes center stage, perfectly complemented by the subtle sparkle of silver and gold rhinestones. The result is a look that’s equal parts understated elegance and attention-grabbing flair.
Dark Purple Matte
Elevate your fall ensemble with a stylish yet understated manicure that adds a touch of sophistication to your overall look. A bold, matte finish nail design creates a striking contrast that effortlessly exudes glamour and femininity, making it a perfect accent for your autumnal attire.
Black & Red Design
Elevate your style with a touch of sass and glamour! This effortless look combines the allure of rhinestones with the ease of a DIY approach. Say goodbye to salon visits and hello to a radiant, red-carpet-worthy manicure that’s sure to turn heads.
Leopard Print Accent Nail
Cut-Out Triangle Nails
Add some edge to your everyday look by incorporating a striking geometric design onto your nails. Begin by applying a base coat, followed by a triangle shape created using a black nail striper or a piece of scotch tape. Fill in the triangle with a black nail polish and seal it with a matte top coat for a sleek finish. If you’re not feeling confident about freehanding the design, simply apply a coat of black polish over the tape before peeling it off.
The result is a chic and modern look that’s perfect for any occasion.
Gold Sequin Gradient
Grey Matte Nails
To achieve this chic and effortless look, begin by applying two coats of your go-to grey nail polish. We particularly like OPI’s ‘Embrace the Gray’ for its rich, neutral tone. As you wait for the polish to dry, add a touch of glamour to one nail by affixing gold studs. Complete the design with a matte top coat and voilà! You’ll be left with a striking yet understated nail art that’s sure to turn heads.
Dark Blue Matte Nails + Glitter Accent Nail
Black Matte Nails with Glossy Tips
We’ve reached the end of our patience with traditional French manicures featuring harsh white lines and flesh-toned bases. We crave something edgy and cool instead. Fortunately, we recently discovered a simple yet bold twist on the classic French tip that’s surprisingly easy to recreate and looks fantastic even on short nails.
Burgundy Matte Coffin Nails
Elevate your fall manicure game by combining the richness of burgundy with the sophistication of black. For a modern twist, opt for a matte finish that adds depth and elegance to coffin nails. This stylish combination is sure to be a popular trend this season.
Matte + Gold Design
Give your manicure a stylish boost this fall with a sizzling hot nail trend – eye-catching, well-groomed nails that make a statement. One way to achieve this look is by adding a touch of glamour to just one nail using gold rhinestones. To create the lace effect, you can use a nail stamping technique, which adds an extra layer of sophistication to your overall design. For this look, we recommend pairing Laura G’s ‘Madrid’ polish with a matte top coat for a unique and captivating finish.
Black & Burgundy Ombre
Combine two of the biggest nail trends into one stunning look by pairing ombre effect and matte finish. To achieve this jaw-dropping style, you’ll need a few simple tools: a base coat, black polish, burgundy polish, a makeup sponge, and a matte top coat. Start by applying a generous amount of burgundy polish to the sponge, then add a layer of black polish on top, ensuring it slightly overlaps the burgundy shade. Press the sponge onto each nail, repeating the process for all your nails.
Finally, seal the look with a matte top coat and you’re good to go!
Black Matte Nails + Gold Studs
For an effortlessly chic look, opt for black and gold nail art that’s surprisingly easy to achieve. A key tip is to apply embellishments to just two or three nails – spreading them across all five can easily go from stylish to over-the-top.
Matte Mauve Nails
Transform your nails into dazzling works of art with a touch of luxury! To achieve this show-stopping look, start by applying two coats of mauve-hued nail polish, allowing each layer to dry before adding a matte top coat for a sophisticated finish. The pièce de résistance is the strategically placed Swarovski rhinestones, which add an unparalleled level of glamour and sophistication. After all, there’s no substitute for the authentic sparkle of these high-quality crystals.
To recreate this stunning look, be sure to have the following products on hand: Orly’s ‘Mauve Crème’ nail polish, a reliable matte top coat, and a selection of Swarovski rhinestones.
Grey + Nude Nails
Black & Dark Purple Matte Nails
Elevate your fall style with this bold and edgy nail art design, featuring a striking combination of rich colors. The Zoya “Dahlia” polish adds depth and dimension, while the ella+mila “Little Plum Dress” shade brings warmth and coziness. Finish it off with a matte topcoat for a textured, high-fashion look that’s sure to turn heads.
Rhinestone Accent Nail
Elevate the simplicity of your matte nails by adding a touch of glamour to your pinky finger. A strategically placed rhinestone can instantly transform your manicure into a show-stopping statement piece, effortlessly blending boldness and elegance.
Black Matte Stiletto Nails
Channel your inner mystic with an enchanting manicure featuring bold, jet-black stilettos. For added visual intrigue, try pairing the black base color with a flat-top finish. This simple yet striking combination is sure to cast a spell.
Black & Red + Gold Details
Transform your nails into a canvas of creativity by giving each one a unique identity. Let loose and unleash your inner artist by experimenting with an array of vibrant colors and eye-catching embellishments. The result is a show-stopping statement manicure that’s sure to turn heads.
Dark Red Matte Nails
Transform your space into a mini-salon by creating an alluring at-home manicure that exudes elegance. Combine the dramatic effect of black and burgundy nail polishes with the whimsical touch of white acrylic paint and the glamour of deep red rhinestones. As you work through this DIY project, allow yourself to be transported to a world of pampering and relaxation.
Dark Red + Nude Nails
As the temperature cools down, fall nail art becomes all about embracing darker hues, matte finishes, and understated designs. This season’s manicure trends are characterized by a minimalist approach, with a focus on rich, deep colors that evoke the cozy atmosphere of autumn.
For this effortless look, I relied on a combination of four Essie products: ‘Urban Jungle’ provided the perfect dark base, while ‘Good as Gold’ added a touch of warmth; ‘Meet Me in the Lobby’ brought subtle depth to the design, and ‘Matte About You’ gave the entire manicure a velvety smooth finish.
Black Matte + Gold Glitter Nails
The subtle addition of a strip of gold glitter injects a touch of glamour into the design, subtly elevating the overall aesthetic without overwhelming the matte black’s understated charm. This striking combination is particularly well-suited to the festive season, where its unique blend of sophistication and whimsy will undoubtedly add a celebratory flair to any setting.
Black Matte Coffin Nails
A versatile and stylish addition to any look, these understated yet attention-grabbing coffin nails can be paired with an array of outfits for various occasions. For those who appreciate the art of nail design, a high-quality black polish with a matte finish is an essential component.
