@betina_goldstein
We love Thanksgiving, and not just because its an excuse to fly home and visit family members that we miss so much. Its not even because we enjoy eating as many mashed potatoes as we can possibly fit in our stomachs (although, we will be honest; thats up there). We love it because its an opportunity to pause the hustle and bustle of daily life, reflect on our current situations, and express real gratitude. By the way, regularly expressing gratitude is scientifically proven to make you a happier person, but we digress.
As with any holiday, our favorite way to get in the festive spirit is by channeling it onto our nails. Seriously, theres something about a fresh manicure that makes us feel a visceral sense of anticipation and excitement, especially if theres some sort of nail art involved. To clarify, were not talking about painting turkeys and cornucopias on our nails. No, were talking about sleek and subtle nail designs that channel the colors and the warmth of the season.Keep scrolling to see our 39 favorite nail designs for Thanksgiving or any fall occasion.
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Sweet Potato Fade
@themimid
One way to grab your familys attention at the Thanksgiving table is to match whats on it with your manicure. And lets be real, this pumpkin-inspired fade by celebrity and editorial manicurist Mimi D is nothing short of sweet.
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Cocoa Negative Space
@stunnanailz
If youre looking for a subtle switch-up, try sticking to one color (like this chocolate brown) and alternating between allover polish and a negative space design. The accents here, the thinnest of slivers at the tip and base, feel like a modern French manicure.
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Tartan Plaid
@ajackdannie
Thanksgiving is a time to eat, drink, and be cozy as can be. To project those good vibes, try painting your tips with this festive red plaid pattern.
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Coffee Colors
@thehotblend
Fall colors are all about the coffee hues. From milky latte to deep espresso to rich caramel, these nails are meant to accompany your plate full of pecan pie. Play with negative space by leaving exaggerated half-moons bare just above the cuticle.
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Black Florals
@naominailsnyc
Dark florals are a hallmark of fall and winter, which is why weve been ogling over this black rose design from nail artist Naomi Yasuda as of late.
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Nail Bouquet
Skip the floral centerpiece and paint a bouquet on each nail instead.
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Abstract Art
Cant decide what you want to wear on your nails? Why not rock a few patterns layered together in the name of abstract art? This colorful masterpiece is sure to turn heads.
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Gold Shimmer
@oliveandjune
The holiday season is right around the corner, which means all things glitter. Why not bring it into your beauty routine early by opting for this subtle gold glitter mani from buzzy L.A. nail salon Olive & June?
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Tortoiseshell Tips
These tortoiseshell nails play into the always-in-style pattern while offsetting it with bold pops of black. Were obsessed, and chances are your family and friends will be, too.
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Subtle Abstract
@amyytran
You dont need to go all out to make an impact. We love how these mostly bare nails get a major upgrade from the latte-colored corner accents and the subtle gilded brushstrokes.
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Metallic Gold Half Moons
@betina_goldstein
To keep your nails simple yet eye-catching, try a gold shimmer tip with a negative-space half-moon. For added allure, paint on a solid drop of slightly brighter gold at the arc of each moon.
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Neutral Slice
@themimid
Sometimes its as simple as pairing two complementary colors with a diagonal slant. Just look at these beauties.
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Colorful Details
@oliveandjune
If you lean towards pastel shades, even in fall and winter, then take inspiration from this colorful nail design thats fit for a harvest festival.
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Nude Florals
@oliveandjune
This manicure, which was also created at Olive & June, starts with a base of mocha-colored polish. The dainty daisy detail is thanks to the salons namesake Loveliest Day Nail Art Stickers ($8), which, FYI, are super popular and often sold out.
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Pumpkin Bites
@betina_goldstein
These tiny, champagne shimmer-lined, pumpkin-colored accents bring one thing to mind: Thanksgivings most popular pie topped off with a hefty heap of whipped cream.
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Graphic Fall Florals
These graphic fall floral nails have a unifying theme of black pistils, while each nail features a unique petal shade (or a combination of a few).
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Dotted Details
@iramshelton
Negative space nails are a great way to make a bold statement without using tons of polish—take these dotted cuties, for example.
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Jet-Setter
@oliveandjune
For many people, a large part of the Thanksgiving holiday is spent traveling home to see family and friends. If that sounds like your plan this year, paint your city on your nails as a little reminder of home. Its a very sweet sentiment, no?
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Geometric Nails
@chillhouse
This mani comes courtesy of the buzzy New York City nail salon Chillhouse. It encapsulates the colors of the autumn season by combining various shades of orange.
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Fall Greens
@oliveandjune
Deeper shades of green always make their way back into our style as the weather cools off, and this emerald shade is stunning enough to stand out on its own. A statement mani thats easy to DIY in no time? Were obsessed.
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Rectangular Accents
@paintboxnails
Match your solid sweater with a minimalist nail design like this one from Paintbox Nails. Simply start with a base of white polish before adding a matching cube at the base of each nail. Its simple yet chic.
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Tortoiseshell Halfsies
@betina_goldstein
Not ready to commit to a full bold nail? Try going halfsies with this negative space tortoiseshell print.
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Metallic Masterpiece
@paintboxnails
We have two things to say about this. The first is that this foiled manicure reminds us of fall foliage. The second is that it pairs extremely well with a denim jacket.
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Simple Wreath
@oliveandjune
This nail look is perfect for fans of nude nail polish. The exact shade used in creating this cute design was OPI Nail Lacquer ($9) in Tiramisu For Two, according to Olive & Junes Instagram account.
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Pumpkin Harvest
@nailsby_jasminecorinna
From PSLs to pumpkin pie, treats using falls signature squash are one of our favorite parts of the season. Youll look cozy and festive all at once with this solid-and-sparkly burnt orange manicure.
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All Shaped Up
Neutral lovers, rejoice! This three-toned nail look is bold in print and minimalist in shade, making it a great option for your Thanksgiving mani.
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Gold Foil
@basecoatnailsalon
Ever since Base Coat Nail Salon posted this image to its Instagram page, weve been completely and thoroughly obsessed. Black and gold are, after all, one of our all-time favorite color combinations.
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Apple Cider Gradient
@oliveandjune
Whether youre going apple picking, enjoying some hot cider from your favorite café, or sipping on an apple cider mimosa as you watch the parade on Thanksgiving morning, these cozy-chic gradient nails are the perfect finishing touch to your fall look.
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Holographic Champagne
@the_gelbottle_inc
Shimmery champagne is one of your most festive options when it comes to neutrals. This mani is sure to shine whether youre all dressed up for a gathering or having a cozy evening in.
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Cranberry Accents
@paintboxnails
Is there anything more beautiful than a bold autumnal berry color? We dont think so, especially when applied in a graphic diagonal shape.
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70s Curves
This nail art looks like the pattern of a 1970s painting, and its especially fall-friendly thanks to the warm palette.
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Abstract Faces
@yes_icanails
If you cant decide whether you want solid colors, patterns, or a fun design, why not find a way to feature all three? We love how white abstract faces bring a new energy to these half-tortoiseshell nails, which sit amidst a sleek manicure in varying tones of brown.
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Mellow Yellow
@themimid
This moody fall yellow is the perfect color for the season. We love a super-saturated, minimalist nail like this one.
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Burnt Orange Beauties
@paintboxnails
Feast your eyes on yet another foil-infused manicure from Paintbox Nails. It combines shiny gold with burnt orange for a nail design thats unmistakably autumnal.
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Pumpkin Spice Latte
If you dont want to stop at Thanksgiving color palettes, you can also go literal with tiny pumpkins. These seasonal nails might be very themed, but given the light backdrop and on-trend shimmer, they dont look over-the-top. Plus, the combination of glitter, milky swirls on the ring finger, and pumpkin sketches makes it impossible not to crave a pumpkin spice latte stat.
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Rich and Warm Chocolate
@amyle.nails
Bring the hygge vibes to your mani with a warm shade of chocolate brown, sure to pair well with your favorite sweater.
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Gold-Speckled Wine
Autumn feasts are simultaneously cozy and festive, and you can reflect the same in your nails. If youre always bringing the wine to the dinner party, this sparkly set will make you feel that much more put together.
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Pumpkin Patch
@gelessienails
You cant help but think of Thanksgiving when seeing these colors all together. Along with your classic fall hues like pumpkin pie and falling leaves, youve also got the green of harvest stems and green bean casserole. To mimic this holiday palette, finish each nail with a matte top coat.
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Gold Glitter Reverse French Manicure
@yes_icanails
Flip your favorite French mani on its head (literally) and give it a bit of sparkle by swiping a gold shade around the base after painting on your favorite muted neutral shade. This versatile look is sure to work no matter your Thanksgiving plans.