Whether you're excited about the cooler temperatures or mourning the end of 8 p.m. sunsets, autumn is here. And, if you're a gel manicure devotee, that means it's time to find the perfect set that will carry you from the last few (official) days of summer until you book that fun Halloween nail art appointment. Unsure what should be gracing your fingertips for the next few weeks? We've got you covered. Scroll on for 25 of our favorite gel manicure ideas for September.
Ballerina Gel Nails
This delicate mani is very demure, very mindful, very cutesy. The black ribbon-like design adds a little edge to the hyper-feminine set.
Classic Red Gel Nails
There's a reason the classic red mani is a go-to for beauty icons like Rihanna and Angelina Jolie. Bring in the fall season with the gorgeous color, which exudes sexy, powerful, and feminine vibes.
Mismatched Gel Nails
It may be the start of the cooler seasons, but that doesn't mean you can't still wear bright, poppy shades. In fact, if the fall season makes you feel a little blue, this mismatched set may help boost your mood!
Abstract and Earthy Gel Nails
Bold lines and curves come together in this abstract manicure. The black, white, brown, and green palette gives it a grounded, earthy energy.
Lined Gel Nails
Another abstract set, this mani features longer lines of varying colors and widths. It looks almost architectural, reminiscent of city skyscrapers.
Burnt Orange Gel Nails
Orange is so fitting for the season! If you want to break up the color, mix things up with solid shades on some nails and nail art on others.
Orange Accent Gel Nails
If you want to keep things neutral with a pop of color, consider this set: a nude base with colorful tips and an orange accent nail on each hand.
Peachy Gel Nails
Simple and elegant, this gel mani works for formal occasions or every day. For a less formal look, replace the cuticle pearls with fun charms—like stars or bows—or skip them altogether.
Half-and-Half Gel Nails
This mani reminds us of the yin and yang symbol. Instead of black and white, however, different autumnal colors are separated by curvy lines. Groovy!
Print Gel Nails
Opt for a custom print on your gel nails for a truly one-of-a-kind look. If you're confident in your nail art skills you can do it yourself with a fine-lining brush. Otherwise, entrust the task to a nail tech.
Shimmery Skittle Gel Nails
We love how the colors in this Skittle mani nare fun, but not too bright. They're the perfect shades for the summer-to-fall transition.
Midnight Blue Gel Nails
Yes, jet-black nails are a vibe—but now and then, think about going midnight blue. You can achieve that same dark, moody vibe, but with an added regal, sophisticated quality.
Blue and Orange Gel French Tips
Instead of making orange the dominant shade, use the popular fall color for French tips. Pairing it with a creamy cornflower blue still allows it to stand out.
Shades of Nude Gel Nails
Five nudes are better than one! Experiment with various shades of nude instead of just one for a trendy take on a classic look.
Stripe Tips Gel Nails
The beauty of a neutral base is it's harder to detect when you need a fill-in, thus extending the wear time of your nails. All the color and art are focused at the tips of this striped manicure.
Lavender Gel Nails
Shades of deep orange and red are right on brand for September, but going with an unexpected milky pastel can be just as fitting. The accent nails with blobs of teal and bronze glitter add some depth for balance.
Blue and Gray Gel Nails
A blue and gray mani with touches of white is a great way to transition from summer to fall. We especially love the irregular shapes and negative space.
Sage and Rainbow Gel Nails
This sage green is such a gorgeous cool tone, and it's not every day that you see it on a mani. The rainbow crescents bring in some brightness and contrast.
Jewel Tone and Tortoise Gel Nails
This manicure is absolutely stunning! Jewel tones meet tortoise print to make for a finished look that's both regal and wild. Antique gold trim at the cuticles elevates the unexpected duo and ties it together.
Bright Orange and Accent Gel Nails
There's no wrong shade of orange in September. If burnt orange isn't your vibe, go for something more fiery and electrifying, like a blazing blood orange.
Jewel and Pastel French Gel Nails
How gorgeous are these jewel tone and pastel French tips?! Opting for richer shades over the classic white tips is a sure way to give your mani an autumnal aesthetic.
Kelly Green French Gel Nails
Going all one color, like this Kelly green, is also an option. It's lush, bold, and rich—and looks stunning popping out of popular sweater colors like camel, brown, and cream.
Butter Yellow Gel Nails
Many nail trends from earlier this year are still going strong into the fall. Butter yellow is the perfect way to do airy and light but still subdued.
Mustard Gel Nails
If someone had told us months ago that we'd be obsessing over mustard nails this fall, we wouldn't have believed them. And yet, here we are! This beautiful rich yellow is a great seasonal alternative to orange.
Navy Blue and Abstract Blob Gel Nails
Add brightness to a black or navy set with a playful accent nail. The great thing about blob art is that it's almost impossible to mess up. Fill in the gaps with white stars, or go negative space for a floating puddle illusion.
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