13 Brilliant September Nail Ideas You'll Fall in Love With

Make the most of this transitional month with nail designs that reflect the best late summer and early fall have to offer.

Published August 15, 2024
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In September, we start to get a peek at all the cozy vibes of the coming fall. Summer is wrapping up, kids are heading back to school, and fall hasn't fully set in just yet. If you're looking for the perfect September nails to show off your style in the month that leads up to all the autumn coziness, these cute nail ideas will give you all the inspo you need. 

You'd Better Be-Leaf It

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We don't know about you, but we can't wait to put on our fave boots and make crunchy noises by crushing leaves under our feet. You'd better be-leaf fall is just around the corner, and these leaf-themed nails are just what you need for the perfect September vibe.

Get the look:

The Long Goodbye to Sunshine

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We always feel like September is the start of our long goodbye to the sun. Sure, it'll be around for a bit longer, but soon sunny days will be at a premium. Extend it with sunny yellow nails. We think Essie's Meditation Haven is the perfect sunny shade. 

A Penny for Your Thoughts

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We love a fall color scheme, and we think copper hits all the highlights of the season. But rather than slipping a penny in your back-to-school loafers, why not paint your nails with it instead? Essie's Rust-Worthy is the perfect copper color that's worth every cent. 

Related: 6 Back-to-School Nail Ideas That Earn Top Grades

Calling All Musicians

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Whether you're a band geek, a rock star, or a groupie, wear your love of music on the tips of your fingers. We love these elegant black nails (OPI's Infinite Shine in Black Onyx is ideal), and these music-themed nail transfers are just the right touch. Finish with OPI's Infinite Shine top coat to protect your polish. 

The Way to Wear White After Labor Day

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Well, not quite white. More of a winter white or cream, really. But it's the white to wear after Labor Day. We love the creamy white of Essie Expressie's Eggshell, and we definitely dig how quickly it dries. 

Apple-Picking Pinkies

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Warm apple cider, picking apples in the orchard, apple pie. Yep. It's definitely September. Don't your nails deserve to get in on the fun? 

Get the look:

Good as Gold

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How cute are these neutral nails with little bits of gold leaf? It's a great way to add a luxe look to your nails this fall. Pick your fave neutral shade (we like the Kur illuminating nail concealer in Bubble) and add some gold foil. Finish with a top coat for perfect shine. 

Patriot's Dream

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Represent for the US of A with some patriotic nails that make sense for Labor Day, Patriot Day, and Constitution Day — all which fall in the month of September. Paint alternating nails with OPI's Big Apple Red and Tile Art to Warm Your Heart (blue) and add some white star decals for added emphasis. 

Last Hurrah at the Beach

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We think September has at least a few more beach days you can squeeze in. Which is why these sand-colored nails are super adorable. All you need is the perfect sandy shade, like Sally Hansen InstaDry in Sandstorm

Mood: Stormy

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One thing is for sure about September — there are stormy skies ahead. Which is why your fave purple is the perfect nail color for the month. Go for a light purple, like Sally Hansen InstaDry in Lavish Lilac, or opt for something dark and moody, like OPI's O Suzy Mio

Speaking of Stormy

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We think this matte blue perfectly mimics late September's stormy skies. And the look is so easy to get. Pick your fave dark blue — we like OPI's Yoga Ta Get This Blue for its deep, dark shade — and add a matte top coat to complete the look. 

Thanks a Latte

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We take inspo wherever we can get it as summer slips into fall. And one thing that inspires us is definitely our daily caffeine fix. We love these creamy café-au-lait nails with a matte finish. 

Get the look: 

You'd Better Bee-Live We'll Reach for the Sun(flower)

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September is a busy month for bees. They don't have a lot of time left to grab pollen, and the sky-high sunflowers are still around for a few weeks more. So, these adorable nails are perfect for this time of year. If you don't want to freehand the nail art, stickers are the way to go.

Get the look:

September Nail Ideas That Keep the Sun Shining

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From apple reds to sunflower yellows and everything in between, make your nails the star of the show this September with vibrant nail ideas and designs that prep you for the cozy sweater weather ahead. 

13 Brilliant September Nail Ideas You'll Fall in Love With