15 Stunning September Nail Ideas to Try, From Tortoiseshell to Skittle French Manicures

The Gist

• September is the perfect time to embrace richer, cooler tones and earthier palettes for your manicures.

• InStyle consults manicurists for trend insights and shares 15 nail ideas to inspire your next appointment.

While summer brought bright colors and playful floral designs , September calls for a change of pace. With the occasional crisp chill in the air and sweaters starting to make their return, fall is officially on the horizon. As students head back to school and social calendars begin filling up, it's also the perfect time to refresh your beauty routine. And nothing says fresh start quite like a new manicure.

This month, consider trading summer's carefree hues for moodier shades and cool, earthier tones. Think timeless micro French manicures if you need to stick to a dress code, or go all out with a bedazzled set for something a little more statement-making. We're not going pitch- black just yet, though—think of September as the manicure equivalent of transitional dressing . Plus, a few nail experts weigh in on the designs they've been loving this month.

Whether you need a versatile look to complement several events or a bold set worthy of a special celebration , there's something here for everyone. Ahead, discover 15 nail ideas to try this September.

Meet Our Expert

• Rachel Joseph is a celebrity nail artist managed by talent agency Nailing Hollywood .

• Laura Malarkey is a celebrity nail artist who is also managed by talent agency Nailing Hollywood.

• Jin Soon Choi is a celebrity nail artist and founder of an eponymous nail-care brand.

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Skittle French

For a color-blocked effect, choose three colors and alternate between them as the base and tips for a French manicure. It updates the classic style in a cool, refreshed way.

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Royal Blue Aura

For September, celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec says to opt for deep fall colors offset with a lighter hue in the center. Take this royal-blue-and-lavender aura manicure, for example. Speaking of blue, nail artist Rachel Joseph says that marine blue is a fantastic solid color for fall. "It's a good transition into fall when you're not ready to let go of summer blues yet," she says, noting to simply opt for darker hues.

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Tortoiseshell Remix

A classic tortoiseshell mani gets a playful remix with buttery yellow accents and flashes of gold chrome. The unexpected color combo keeps the moody print from feeling too autumnal, making it just right for September's in-between weather.

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Polka Dots

Polka dots are having a major moment, and a dotted manicure is the perfect way to take the trend for a spin. Switch the color of the dots and the base from one hand to another to add even more interest.

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3D Gold Accents

3D nail accents have become a mainstay in nail salons near and far. For fall, Kandalec likes the idea of 3D gold accents atop a modern French manicure, as shown above. "3D gold and isolated chrome nails like these are some of my favorites because they look so high-end," she says.

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Abstract Dusk

For a moody September mani, consider this sponged-on abstract dusk nail look. "Simply sponge [navy and plum polishes atop a milky nude base] for a dreamy, ethereal look that is perfect for fall," says celebrity nail artist Jin Soon Choi .

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Dark Cherry Accents

For a moodier red mani, go with deep cherry tones. You can use it to coat your nails from cuticle to tip or take Choi's advice and opt for a mix of solid nails and accents in the shade. For this look, you'll need a dotting tool and a fine-lining nail art brush.

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Cranberry Red

Kandalec reminds us that bright red nails are always in season. For September, go with a slightly deeper cranberry shade atop a chic rounded almond shape.

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Soft & Sweet

This September, some folks simply want to be mindful, cutesy, and demure. If that's you, Kandalec recommends keeping it simple with delicate, coquettish nails. "Soft shades of pink and whites; semi-sheers and feminine details," she suggests.

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Micro French

This minimalist, mod French mani is yet another September nail idea that can be categorized as demure. "This sleek, skinny French manicure on sheer nude gel polish creates a super shiny, glass-like effect," Choi says.

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Crown Jewels

A classic French manicure gets the maximalist treatment with colorful gems in varying sizes scattered across the tips. The crisp white base keeps things polished, while the rainbow of jewels adds just the right amount of sparkle and personality.

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Negative Space Color Block

For a high-fashion September nail look, Kandalec says to get creative with negative space and color block designs. While this mani features straight lines, making it appear easy to DIY, for the crispest end look, you'll likely want to hire a pro.

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Boogie Nights

Short nails can still bring the drama. A sleek black gel manicure sets the stage for fiery orange disco plates that catch the light from every angle. The result? A tiny disco ball at your fingertips that's ready to hit the dance floor.

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Blue Brew

Espresso manicures have been trending all year, and this set gives the rich, coffee-inspired shade a whimsical update. Three baby blue dots stretch across three nails, tapping into another color combo that's been everywhere this year.

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Cranberry Couture

If you prefer to set the trends rather than follow them, consider this cranberry set your September statement mani. Silver bangle details , French tips, star accents, metallic balls, and chrome outlines give each nail its own personality, while the rich cranberry base ties it all together.

Read the original article on InStyle