12 October Nail Ideas & Colors That Capture the Month Perfectly

October is a fun nail color month — you get the best of both worlds when it comes to pretty fall and spooky Halloween themes, so you can go dark and moody, bold and eye-catching, or something on the lighter side that's just as lovely. Find the perfect look that fits your October style! 

Capture the bright orange colors of the October leaves with a pretty orange polish paired with a warm dark mauve polish color similar to some of those less-common purple fall leaves. This look is trendy without being too on the nose.

Embrace your classy-but-witchy vibes this October with these beige and black-accented nails. The touch of sparkle adds a mystical elegance that goes perfectly with the month.

Get the look:

• OPI nail polish in Coconuts Over OPI
• ILNP holographic nail polish in Black Magic
• Nail art brushes
• OPI top coat

Planning to go to the pumpkin patch this October? While you’re picking out your perfect fall outfit, don’t forget about your nails! A reddish-brown shimmer (we love the reds in this Red Party gel nail polish set from Gaoy) will look gorgeous on a sunny or cloudy day. Between your cute nails, cute pics, and a cute pumpkin patch caption, you'll be set. 

Related: 55 Pumpkin Patch Captions That Are Ripe for the Picking

A dark olive or forest green polish fits well for both autumn and Halloween themes without being over the top. But it’s a unique look that’ll make people ask you what shade you used!

Lots of people love to wear plaid in October, so why not try the design on your nails? This color combo of cream, orange, red, and a sagey green absolutely captures that autumn spirit. You can freehand it, but we're all about mani-ease. We bet you'll find some plaid designs you love on this pack of plaid nail stickers. 

Everyone knows October is the peak time for colorful leaves, so try incorporating their beauty right into your manicure. A clear acrylic nail with autumn leaf nail stickers will have people complimenting your nails left and right. We also love the matte orange nails alongside the leaves. To do them, paint the nails with OPI nail polish in Liquid Fire and finish with a matte top coat. 

A vibrant green stands out from the usual earth tones and dark colors associated with October for a monstrously cute look. If you don’t want to go all-out green goo colored, just use it as an accent color on a few nails with sparkly green tips for the rest.

Once October hits, counter those summer nude shades with this lovely, understated brown. If you want a look that’s purely classy and goes with pretty much any outfit, brown might be your color.

For something reminiscent of the Halloween season, but maybe not in-your-face ghouls and goblins, try a white nail polish with an abstract black polish design (brush it on with a thin nail art brush) that looks almost like a spider web.

Go for light taupe and white polka dots (a dotting tool makes it easy) to change up your manicure this October. This comforting color palette makes me feel like cozying up with a warm soy latte.

I’m pretty jealous of folks born in October for multiple reasons, one of them being that opal is one of their birthstones. Pay homage to this beautiful stone and your birthday month with a shimmery, iridescent white nail polish that looks just like opal.

October’s a great time to dress a little more boldly than normal (or just as bold, but with a dark edge). Dark-colored nail polish with a chrome-like shine will bring all the drama you want and more.

October might be one of the most fun months to choose a nail design; there are so many cool options to choose from! Luckily there are zero rules that say you can only pick one.

Try a new design each week depending on your mood or what you're doing. If you're headed to the pumpkin patch, go with something cute and fall-themed. If you're going to a live music show, pick something bold and edgy. And as Halloween inches closer, maybe your end-of-the-month nails get a little spookier with some Halloween-themed nail designs. It's all up to you, so have fun!