15 French Nail Ideas That Put a Seasonal Spin on the Classic, From Polka Dots to Ombré Tips

The Gist

• A French manicure is a great way to experiment with trending patterns and colors for September.

• Swap the classic French for plaid, vampy, and/or geometric tips.

As we start brainstorming French nail ideas for September, we can't help but notice a surge in patterns that look like they were borrowed from our back-to-school wardrobes from decades ago. Some of our favorite nostalgic patterns that are currently making a comeback include polka dots, which bounce across nails in graphic black and white; schoolgirl-skirt plaid; early 2000s-inspired geometric shapes, and bold, contrasting stripes. 

Feeling dizzy from the array of playful patterns? Stick to graphic color-blocking instead. Our favorite shade for spring and summer, butter yellow , makes a smooth transition into fall when paired alongside vampy shades of plum, navy, and jet-black. Chrome is still a reigning trend, but this season, it's being used sparingly, on accent nails or in lacy floral designs, rather than topping every nail.

Make your September set one you'll wish you could keep on forever with the following French nail ideas.

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Dipped in Gold

If you're looking for your French manicure to shine, try these 24-karat tips. This set is perfect for those who lean toward a luxurious yet modern aesthetic.

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Moody Stones

Channel a sense of serenity and calm with earthy, rugged hues inspired by the coastline, paired with accents of oceanwater blue. Iridescent flashes and gold gemstones emulate deep-sea treasures.

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Blue Cat Eye

Set against a sheer pink base, this French manicure delivers a soft, futuristic feel with its shimmering blue cat-eye accents and delicate gold detailing.

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French Torties

Tortoiseshell accessories, from sunglasses to purse handles to claw clips, are a closet staple. The pattern is just as versatile here on nails. Here, it's done in artful French tips, and all over on the ring fingers.

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Black and White

Black and white come together to make this high-contrast look. By flipping the base color and design color from hand to hand, this classic color combo feels super fresh.

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Spell it Out

"Lucky Girl" isn't a bad attitude to carry into fall, especially when written in a dramatic, swirling cursive and paired with a twisted French tip. You could also spell out a name or mantra of your choosing.

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Black Tips

You can never go wrong with black tips. For a more Y2K-inspired touch, try adding tiny silver studs at the cuticle.

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Olive Green

Colored tips look just as good on short nails as they do on longer lengths. With a range of earthy tones to choose from, olive green is a great place to start to embrace the change of the season.

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Zebra Tips

As you break out your leopard print coat and snakeskin boots, don't neglect your nails. Zebra print is just as much a neutral as cheetah, if you ask us.

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Y2K Geometrics

This combo of chocolate brown, aqua blue, and baby pink is giving us flashbacks to early 2000s school supplies in the best way possible. Mismatched geometric shapes and plaid add to the nostalgic feel.

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Striped Sweater

Black and olive green make for a moody foray into fall. Each nail is studded with 3D dots topped in silver chrome for an elevated edge.

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Clashing Patterns

Bold, raucous polka dots, punky plaid, and contrasting stripes demonstrate that bright colors aren't always necessary for creating an eye-catching manicure. Feeling extra? Consider adding a dangly silver piercing charm to your ring fingers. 

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Plaid + Pink

This set is a mashup of our two favorite trending patterns for fall—polka dots and plaid. Little details, like white airbrush detailing on the edges of each tartan French tip, add a touch of sophistication.

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Cocoa Cat-Eye

Neutrals don't have to be a snooze. In an extra-long length and a cat's-eye finish, these brown tips will complement, not compete with, your fall staples.

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Peekaboo

This set is moody and chic, with its misty, blue-gray accents and seafoam green tips. Looking into the keyholes of each French tip feels like peering through a portal to another world.

Read the original article on InStyle