September is the perfect time to debut a new nail look!
As we transition from summer to fall, it’s nice to give our nails a fresh update too.
This month, it’s all about rich tones, creative shapes and unique accents that will add some flair to your fingertips.
I’ve rounded up top of my favorite nail ideas that are totally on-trend for September.
Keep reading for lots of nail inspo along with tips on how to achieve the look!
Ombré French Tips
The French manicure has been a classic for decades, but this season it gets a fun update with ombré tips!
This look is created by fading the white tip into a darker base color.
The result is so chic and modern.
I recommend choosing two nail polish shades that complement each other.
A burgundy ombré into black is sultry for fall.
Pastel pink fading into nude creates a softer look that’s pretty all year round.
Or go bold with a bright yellow that ombrés into orange.
Start by painting your nails in the lighter base color.
Make sure to apply two thin and even coats so it’s opaque.
Once dry, use a makeup sponge to dab the darker polish across the tip of the nail, overlapping the base color slightly.
Blend it out so the line isn’t harsh.
The key is to press and roll the sponge across the nail gently to create a seamless fade.
Finish with a glossy clear topcoat to smooth and set the design.
Glitter Tips
Similar to ombré, glitter tips put a shimmery spin on the classic French mani.
I’m obsessed with the playful look of glitter nail tips!
Choose a neutral base color like blush, tan or pale grey to let the glitter really pop. Paint on two coats and make sure it’s completely dry first.
Next, dip the tip of a small brush into your favorite glitter polish.
Start at the edge of the nail and paint on the glitter using small strokes to create an opaque tip.
You can make the glitter tip as thick or thin as you like.
Repeat on all nails and finish with a topcoat to seal in the glitter.
The sparkly tips look amazing on short round nails or long square shapes.
For extra flair, add a second row of glitter near the cuticles too.
Glitter nail tips are the perfect way to dip your toe into fall’s trending glam styles!
Marble Mania
No nail trend has captivated me quite like marble nails!
The mesmerizing swirled designs are so eye-catching and pretty.
Recreating the look at home is actually quite easy too with some makeup sponges, water and patience.
You can marble two nail polish colors or add in glitters, foils and rhinestones too.
The options are truly endless!
Start with a base coat for protection.
Paint on two coats of the lighter polish color and make sure your nails are completely dry first.
Place a few drops of the darker polish onto a makeup sponge.
Then use a toothpick to swirl through the polish and create intricate marbled textures.
Dab the sponge onto each nail to transfer the design.
Work quickly so the polish doesn’t dry on the sponge.
Build up the patterns with a few coats, making sure to fully clean the sponge between applications
Finish with a glossy clear topcoat to set and highlight the marble effect.
For a metallic twist, marble silver and rose gold polishes.
Jewel tones like emerald and sapphire also create a rich marbled effect for fall.
Get creative with your color combos and be patient as you build the designs.
The end results are so stunning!
Abstract Art Tips
Show off your inner artist this September by painting abstract designs on your nail tips!
Much like ombré and glitter tips, this look focuses the art on the top portion of your nails only.
That way the design pops against a neutral base.
I recommend a tan, white or pale pink polish for the base color.
Let it dry thoroughly before starting your abstract art.
Use the tip of a small brush to paint different shapes, squiggles and dots along the tips.
You can stick to one accompanying nail color or use a few complementary shades.
Black, gold and rust orange make edgy combinations for fall.
Or go for softer pastels like mint, lavender and buttery yellow if you want a more relaxed vibe.
The great thing about abstract nail art is that there are zero rules!
Let your creativity shine by playing with different textures too.
Try mixing glossy and metallic polishes or adding small sequins on top.
Top it off with a matte topcoat instead of glossy for a more muted effect.
Your abstract tips can be minimalist featuring simple lines and dots or super bold and colorful covering the entire nail tip.
Have fun with this design and switch it up each time for a fresh look!
Milky Tips
Milky nails have been trending lately and the opaque yet soft look is so chic!
To get the creamy effect on your tips, use a sheer white polish like Essie’s Marshmallow.
Apply two thin coats and make sure they’re dry before moving on.
The key is layering on multiple sheer coats to build up opacity rather than using a thick white polish that will appear lumpy.
Paint your base color on the lower half of your nails in a rose nude or pale pink.
Blush tones complement the milky tips beautifully.
Once dry, use a small brush dipped in the white polish to perfect the shape of the tip.
Add the milky topcoat over the entire nail to blend the colors seamlessly.
This creates a modern “icy” effect that’s understated yet eye-catching.
For an extra layer of luxury, top it off with glitter or pearls adhered near the cuticles.
Milky nail tips give off modern minimalist vibes and work on short or long nail lengths.
They’re easy to achieve at home too with some careful layering.
Chrome Nails
Prepare to shine brighter than a disco ball with chrome nails!
This futuristic nail trend uses special powder to give your nails an insane mirror-like finish.
It’s mesmerizing and such a cool look for September.
To get the chrome effect, start by applying a ridge-filling basecoat to smooth out your nails.
Paint on two thin coats of a neutral polish in white, nude or black for your base. Make sure it’s completely dry first.
Gently buff the surface of each nail in one direction with a fine grit file or buffer block.
This helps the chrome powder adhere evenly.
Dip a fan brush into silver chrome powder and lightly sweep it over each nail using one continuous stroke.
Apply two to three layers of powder, allowing it to dry between each coat.
Finish with a fast-drying topcoat to seal in the chrome effect.
The end result is sultry silver nails so reflective you can check your teeth!
Feel free to experiment with rose gold, blue and rainbow chrome powders too.
This trend is fun, futuristic and guaranteed to grab attention!
Dark Florals
Channel your inner goth this season with hauntingly beautiful dark floral nail designs.
Black flowers against a deep purple or blood red base color creates such an alluring look for September.
Start with a base of your favorite vampy polish.
Opt for a deeper berry or burgundy if you want something wearable for daytime too.
Once completely dry, use a small brush dipped in black nail polish to paint on floral motifs.
Create single blooms with five petals or a small bouquet across multiple nails.
Play with stem shapes like looping curls and zigzags.
Outline the flowers first and then fill in each petal for the sharpest detail.
Add interest by mixing matte and high-gloss polishes too.
To take this design to the next level, accent with pearl beads, sequins, rhinestones or mini silver studs around the edges.
Finish it off with a layer of clear topcoat to smooth and set the dark details.
Rock your black blooms at night with leather and lace for seriously gothic glamour!
Negative Space French Mani
Bare nails are anything but boring in this trend!
Negative space French manicures are so hot right now.
The look features a thinly lined French tip and leaves the rest of the nail totally bare.
This modern twist on the classic style is mesmerizing and so chic.
Start by prepping nails and applying a basecoat as usual.
Paint on two thin coats of a opaque nude or white tip using the edge of a makeup sponge or small brush.
The key is keeping the line super slender, so don’t go wider than 1-2 millimeters.
Clean up edges with a brush dipped in remover for crisp lines.
Let your tips dry completely before sealing the whole nail with glossy topcoat.
The high-shine topper helps the naked nails look intentional, not unfinished.
Make sure to wrap the tips too to protect your tips.
This elongating look works best on natural square or oval-shaped nails.
Flash a hint of color at the tips while keeping the rest of your nails fresh and clean.
Embellished French Mani
Another way to revamp the classic French manicure is by embellishing it with sparkle!
Start with a traditional white tip using opaque polish.
Once completely dry, use a small detail brush to paint on micro stripes, zigzags or dots using glitter polish.
You can also stud the tips with mini pearls or rhinestones for extra bling.
Keep embellishments minimal along the edges so the white base still peeks through.
Completely covering the tips with designs makes it look too busy.
Finish with a layer of shiny topcoat to set the embellishments in place.
For a bold pearlescent effect, paint your tips with a duo-chrome polish that flashes multiple colors in the light.
When doing an embellished French manicure, keep your base color neutral.
Sheer pink, tan and pale grey work well so your decorated tips stand out.
Have fun playing with metallic rose gold and silver polishes too.
A touch of sparkle along the tips instantly classes up a traditional mani!
Colorblock Nails
Bold colorblocking makes a graphic statement on your nails that’s so fun for September!
You can paint different colors onto each nail for a rainbow effect.
Or use two complementary shades to colorblock a single nail.
For high contrast, paint opposing colors like yellow and purple on alternating nails.
Start by applying base color one and allowing it to dry fully before moving on.
Use striping tape to section off where you want the second color to go, keeping the division straight and angular.
This allows you to paint the second hue crisply up to the edge of the tape.
Wait a few minutes after painting to slowly peel off the tape and reveal sharp lines.
To accent your colorblocks further, add a row of mini pearls or rhinestones along the divide.
You can also play with glossy and matte polishes in your color pairings.
Or layer metallic rose gold over matte ruby red for an eye-catching contrast.
However you choose to colorblock, this graphic nail style makes a vibrant statement!
Milk Bath Nails
Get your nails ready to relax with the milk bath trend!
This soothing design uses soft creamy hues to recreate the look of lounging in a milky bath.
Sheer white and nude polishes layered together build up an opaque, milky finish.
Start with clean nails and apply a ridge-filling basecoat as usual.
Paint on two thin coats of an opaque blush, ivory or tan polish first and let it dry.
Next, apply 1-2 layers of a sheer milky white polish like Essie’s Marshmallow on top. Allow it to dry between coats so the polish doesn’t drag.
Finish with a super shiny topcoat for glassy, wet-looking nails to mimic soaking in milk.
For a decadent twist, add tiny pearl beads near your cuticles using a detail brush and nail glue.
You can also paint on abstract white swirl designs using a striper brush for sudsy vibes
Keep your milk bath mani soft and minimalist with short square or round nail shapes.
This soothing nail idea is the perfect way to unwind and treat yourself!
Matte Meets Shine
Mixing matte and high-shine polishes on one nail creates awesome texture contrast.
First, paint on an even coat of your matte polish and let it dry fully.
At the very tip of the nail, use a glossy topcoat to create a shiny “moon”.
The rest of the nail stays matte for that cool worn-in look.
You can also start with a dark color like navy or emerald for your base, keeping most of the nail matte.
Paint a chrome powder or glitter tip for major shine against the muted matte background
Dry brushed metallic polishes work beautifully to add shine too.
Lightly dab some rose gold onto the tips and let it fade out slightly.
When using both matte and glossy polishes, apply the matte first and let it set completely before adding high-shine accents.
The texture play looks bold on short square nails or more subtle on longer oval shapes.
However you wear it, matte meets shine manis are total trendsetters!
Brushed Metallic
Metallic nail polishes instantly amp up your mani with loads of shine and shimmer.
For understated edge, try the brushed metallic technique.
It softly gradates the polish from opaque at the base to subtly sheer along the tip.
The key is gently stroking the color on vertically from cuticle to tip.
Start with a base and top coat to protect your nails and help adherence.
Apply your first sheer coat of metallic polish using a fan brush, lightly stroking upward on each nail.
Let it dry, then repeat 2-3 times for buildable color that fades softly as it extends past the tip.
Rose gold, bronze and champagne metals work beautifully with this brushed effect.
The finished look has major runway vibes with its hint of iridescence and faded tips.
Top it off with a super glossy topcoat for even more shine.
Brushed metallic nails are chic perfection to transition your look from summer to fall!
I hope these designs inspire you to have some fun painting your nails.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match ideas too for your own custom look.
Change up your nail art weekly or alternate between a few go-to styles that make you feel confident and gorgeous.
Happy fall primping!
Which ideas are you most excited to try?
