21 Fall Leaf Nail Designs That Are Too Pretty to Ignore

Okay, fall nails. Let’s talk about it.

Every year I tell myself I’m gonna be that person who has cute seasonal nails. And every year I… sort of do? Like, I’ll get one good manicure in October and call it a day. But this year? This year I’m actually prepared. I went down the Pinterest rabbit hole (you know the one) and found some leaf designs that are actually doable. Or at least showable to your nail tech without them sighing.

Classic Maple Leaf Accents

Let’s start simple. Nude base, couple of tiny maple leaves on your ring fingers. Done. It’s giving “I’m festive but not trying too hard.”

I tried this with nail stickers from CVS. Worked fine. Nobody knew the difference.

• Instantly reads as fall
• Goes with literally everything
• Even I can manage this one

Gold Foil Leaf Tips

So you know French tips? Make them gold foil instead. Suddenly you’re fancy. It’s like your nails went to private school or something.

Best on longer nails but honestly? Do what you want.

• Looks expensive
• Actually pretty easy
• Great for holiday parties

Watercolor Leaf Nails

This is for my artsy friends. Or people who want to look artsy. Basically you blob some fall colors together and add leaf outlines. Very “I studied abroad in Paris.”

Fair warning: harder than it looks. But when it works? Chef’s kiss

• Nobody else will have them
• Hides mistakes well (it’s abstract!)
• Good conversation starter

Matte Burgundy with Leaf Decals

Burgundy nails are having a moment. Make them matte, slap on some leaf decals, boom. Fall nails achieved.

The matte topcoat is key here. Changes the whole vibe.

• That rich fall color everyone loves
• Decals = no artistic skill required
• Looks good even when it chips

Negative Space Leaf Art

Minimalist girls, this one’s for you. Clear or nude base with just the outline of leaves. Very “less is more” energy.

Also makes your nails look longer? Science or something.

• Modern and clean
• Goes with every outfit
• Actually pretty easy to DIY

Ombre Autumn Leaves

Go full fall with this one. Orange to red to brown ombre with little leaves on top. It’s a lot but in a good way?

Better for longer nails unless you want stubby rainbows. Just saying.

• Maximum autumn vibes
• Shows off your skills
• Definitely Instagram-worthy

Glitter Leaf Accents

Sometimes you need sparkle. Dark base, glittery leaves. Simple but effective. Like that friend who always looks put together but swears they “just threw this on.”

Pro tip: glitter polish over stencils. You’re welcome.

• Festive without being too much
• Hides grown-out nails
• Perfect for Thanksgiving

Burnt Orange Leaf French

French tips but make them fall. Burnt orange with tiny leaves at the tips. It’s different but not weird different, you know?

Works on short nails too. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

• Fresh take on a classic
• Surprisingly versatile
• Easy enough to DIY

Stamped Leaf Patterns

Nail stamps changed my life. Okay that’s dramatic but seriously – perfect leaves every time. No shaky hands, no “what is that supposed to be?” Just stamp and go.

Amazon has tons of fall plates. You’re gonna want them all.

• Looks professional
• Actually foolproof
• So many options

Olive Green with Gold Leaves

Olive green is having a moment and I’m here for it. Add gold leaves and suddenly you’re that girl who drinks matcha and does yoga. Even if you don’t.

This color goes with everything btw. Everything.

• Sophisticated but not boring
• Works year-round honestly
• Looks expensive

Abstract Leaf Art

For when you want to be artistic. Big, colorful leaves in weird shapes. Very modern art museum gift shop energy.

Best part? If you mess up, it’s “abstract.” Perfect excuse.

• Unique (nobody will have the same)
• Fun to create
• Great for long nails

Brown and Nude Leaf Mix

The “I’m an adult with a job” fall manicure. Different browns and nudes with simple leaves. Understated but still seasonal.

This is what I actually wear most of the time. No shame.

• Goes with everything
• Work appropriate
• Easy to maintain

Foil-Pressed Leaf Nails

Want to look like you spent $100 at the salon? Foil-pressed leaves. They’re shiny, textured, and look way harder than they are.

YouTube tutorials are your friend here. Trust the process.

• Major impact
• Photographs beautifully
• Lasts surprisingly long

Deep Plum with Silver Leaves

Moody fall vibes. Deep plum (almost black) with silver leaves. It’s giving “mysterious autumn goddess” and I’m into it.

Silver shows up better than gold on dark colors. Just a tip.

• Dramatic but wearable
• Perfect for date night
• Looks good on everyone

Multicolor Leaf Confetti

Can’t pick a color? Don’t. Tiny leaves in every fall shade scattered around. It’s chaotic but cute.

Nail stickers make this SO much easier. Work smarter not harder.

• Fun and playful
• Hides imperfections
• Good for short nails

French Fade with Leaf Art

That soft pink-to-white gradient everyone’s obsessed with, but add leaves. Suddenly it’s fall appropriate.

This is “I’m getting married in October” energy. Even if you’re not.

• Soft and pretty
• Elongates nails
• Photographs beautifully

Matte Mustard with Black Leaves

Mustard yellow but make it matte. Add black leaf outlines for contrast. It’s bold but somehow works?

Not for the faint of heart. But if you can pull it off… respect.

• Modern and edgy
• Stands out
• Weirdly versatile

Negative Space Vine Leaves

Like negative space but make it botanical. Delicate vines and leaves over clear polish. Very “I pressed flowers in books as a child.”

Looks complicated, isn’t really. Story of my life.

• Elegant and different
• Makes nails look longer
• Good for any occasion

Burnt Sienna and Gold Leaf

That perfect rusty orange with gold leaves. It’s warm, it’s cozy, it’s everything fall should be.

This color looks good on literally every skin tone. No exceptions.

• Peak autumn vibes
• Universally flattering
• Perfect for Thanksgiving

Leafy French Tips

Instead of a straight line, make your tips leafy. Little branches, vines, whatever. It’s French tips but make it fall.

Requires steady hands or a very patient nail tech. Choose wisely.

• Creative but not too wild
• Looks great on longer nails
• Customizable

Transparent Nails with Floating Leaves

This is next level. Clear or barely-there polish with leaves that look like they’re floating. Very “I’m interesting and mysterious.”

Jelly polish is key here. Regular clear just doesn’t hit the same.

• Super trendy
• Makes nails look longer
• Definitely a conversation starter

So What Now?

Look, I know we all say we’re gonna do cute seasonal nails and then we don’t. But maybe this is the year? Pick one design. Just one. Screenshot it, show it to your nail person (or attempt it yourself, I believe in you).

Worst case scenario? It’s just nail polish. It comes off. Best case? You’ve got cute fall nails and everyone asks where you got them done.

Either way, at least you tried. That’s more than most of us can say.