Thanksgiving manicures may not be as popular as Halloween designs or Christmas nail art, but I will never pass up an excuse to go to the salon for a fresh manicure.
With Turkey Day just around the corner, I’ve been busy stocking up on the cutest fall nail designs and trendy textures that are perfect for the occasion. Whether it’s a color-block manicure in the hues of the season or a more elaborate design in honor of the holiday itself, these 13 ideas are festive without feeling cheesy.
And most importantly, whether you’re dressing up or relaxing in your sweatpants, there’s a nail design that’s perfect for whatever Thanksgiving you’re celebrating this year.
Argyle print
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Argyle is the sweater pattern of the season – just ask the fashion industry. We love this diamond-embellished design from Chummy Nails that combines chocolate tones with cherry reds and fall-inspired leaf tones.
Cat-eye tortties
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Cat-eye nails just got a major fall upgrade: a melted cat-eye polish that makes the negative space between the animal print glow like amber flames.
Maple leaves
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Brown nails are one of the biggest fall trends for 2024 and Marnie’s decision to combine this beautiful chestnut color with a minimalist leaf design and shimmering gold flecks is inspired.
Pumpkin spice
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Thanksgiving is officially the start of the Christmas season and to me that means any excuse for a little sparkle. Created by Eleanor Szejner, this cat-eye manicure is packed with perfect fall tones, from deep copper and burnished brown to pumpkin orange and rose gold.
Structured tones
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3D nail art might seem like a bold choice for dinner with friends and family, but Melanie Graves’ use of sombre berry tones and warm gold tones gives this manicure a really soft, dreamy feel.
Merlot red
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Red nails look good year-round, but there’s something about the darker, more sultry end of the color spectrum—I’m talking cranberry, burgundy, and Lauren’s deep red wine shade—that feels like a choice for a special occasion.
Merlot Chrome
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If you want something even more wintry, consider an extra layer of pearl chrome, like this frosty set from Charlotte Herberts.
Apricot ombré
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If maximalist nails aren’t your thing, then these dainty ombré tips from Iram Shelton are for you. The way the orange fades from an opaque tip to a natural nail is a chic and subtle nod to the holidays.
Checkered cat eye
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Featuring a shimmering silver base and glittering silver accents in a cozy check design, Ramon Duran’s beautiful cat eye creation will take your nails from Thanksgiving to your winter festivities.
Forest green
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There are so many brilliant nail art inspirations out there, but sometimes a simple manicure does the trick. Els Gels’ simple, deep green manicure — complete with color-block nails and cute dots — is polished perfection.
Red velvet
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Queenie Nguyen’s shimmering burgundy manicure is so shiny that it’s sure to turn heads this Thanksgiving. Simple but incredibly effective.
Cranberry flowers
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On paper, Pearlie Pressed’s combination of berry French tips, pearl accents, and blooming gel petals sounds a little messy. In reality, it creates a winter floral manicure that is chic and serene.
Autumn set
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Combining all of the Thanksgiving colors in one gorgeous set, Rylee’s fall nail design uses greens, oranges, browns, and golds to create a mix-and-match manicure that’s guaranteed to earn compliments.
Mocha shine
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This simple chocolate brown manicure from Julia Diogo is simple, elegant and sophisticated. Infused with hints of warm copper and swirls of soft gold, it transforms a simple nail look into something truly special.
Burnt orange tips
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The gold and silver star details added by Pearlie Pressed give this burnt orange French tip set a truly festive flair.
Do you like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness here?
Brittney Boyce on the coolest nail art for fall
Abercrombie & Fitch’s fall sale includes jeans and sweaters
The only vanilla perfume I’m wearing this fall
