The leaves aren't the only thing changing color this time of year. It's officially time to pack away your bright summer nail polish [1] and embrace the rich, moody hues of fall [2]. Gray [3], deep burgundy [4], and shades of brown [5] all become popular as the weather gets chillier, but one shade stands out as the color of the season — black. The deepest shade of them all is more versatile than you'd think. Whether on short nails [6], a coffin shape [7], or pointy stiletto nails [8], black nail polish can be an incredibly chic way to take your love for this time of year to the next level. It's almost hard to resist pairing your manicure with a pumpkin-spiced latte [9] and cozy knits this time of year.
Black nails not only work as a perfect canvas for stencil designs and nail art [10], but the shade complements any outfit by adding an element of sleek sophistication and edge [11] that transitions seamlessly from day to night. (And plenty of people think black wedding nails [12] are great.)
"As mornings and evenings grow cooler and fashion shifts towards fall, the appeal of a black manicure becomes more popular," salon owner Yukie Natori tells PS. "Though it may seem simple, black's depth is immeasurable and has its own uniqueness and charm."
Whether you want to transition to the dark side for fall or are looking for some fresh nail art [13] to mix things up this season, black nails offer endless possibilities for creating bold, stylish looks that stand out. Keep scrolling to see fresh black nail designs to inspire your next manicure.
Experts Featured in This Article
Yukie Natori is the owner of Yukie Natori Salon [14] in New York City.
Classic Black Nails
For a classy black nail design, look no further than a single-colored manicure. A classic never goes out of style. This simple manicure uses plain black polish as the base coat for a timeless look.
Black French Tip
Ideal for the minimalists, this simple style is the fall version of a french manicure, replacing the white tips with black for a bit of edge. Though it works on all nail lengths, it's a great example of short black nails.
Matte Black Nails designs
Looking for some matte black nail designs? This side-tip french manicure is perfect. The matte and high-gloss polish contrast nicely, making the design pop.
Black Nail Designs With Glitter
Recreate this sparkly manicure using a black polish that contains glitter for a special event or night out.
White and Black Nails
This manicure uses black and white polish to create a mismatched and french-like effect. Instead of doing the same design on all 10 fingers, you can mix it up for an added layer of intrigue.
Floral Black Nails
Florals for fall? Actually, groundbreaking! Daisy nail art over black polish makes for the sweetest black manicure.
Polka Dot Black Nails
Black and white polka dot nails are a timeless choice that brings a playful yet sophisticated touch to your look. The contrasting colors create a striking visual effect, perfect for adding a touch of fun to any look.
Checkerboard Black Nails
Have you ever matched your nails to your sneakers? This season might be the time to try it out! This eye-catching design offers a modern twist on a classic pattern, making a statement that's both edgy and elegant.
3D Black Nails
This embossed gel manicure features a textured, 3D effect that adds depth to classic black nails.
Aura Black Nails
Recreate this edgy ombré manicure by combining black and red polish. The final result is an edgy yet chic, aura-inspired look.
Metallic Web Black Nails
Capture the essence of the spooky season with this metallic web nail design. Go all-in with a full black base or dip your toe in with just your tips.
Witchy Black Nails
Channel some serious magic with this witchy manicure — dark, mysterious, and perfectly enchanting for the season. Gold nail art atop black polish? Consider us bewitched.
Starry Night Black Nails
Reach for the stars by replicating this fun manicure. Go with black polish on some nails and reserve the black french tip for others, but always add those adorable metallic stars.
Rainbow Confetti Mani
Celebrate the season with confetti nails. First apply a black base coat, then apply rainbow confetti polish directly over the black color. Remember to brush the confetti on in thin, even coats to distribute the confetti pieces evenly.
Cat Claw Black Nails
If there was ever a perfect manicure for the spooky season this would be it. Try out black cat-claw acrylics at your next appointment and be the cat's meow this fall.
Accent Nail Mani
Bold and sleek with a touch of surprise, this black manicure with a standout nail adds just the right amount of edge.
Stormy Black Nails
They say lightning never strikes twice, so run, don't walk to the salon for exciting lightning bolt nail art on your next black mani.
3D Snake Black Nails
Slither into the season with a sleek snake design using black polish across your nails.
Chrome Black Nails
Did someone say Futuristic fall? This black chrome set combines the ombré technique with metallic lining around the nail for an out-of-this-world effect.
Rhinestone and Bow Black Nails
This manicure is not for the faint of heart. Cute, whimsical trinkets will make your manicure stand out from the crowd. By the way, this design will work better on a longer nail shape like a coffin or stiletto.
Classic Black Nails With a Twist
Give your classic black mani a twist with an unexpected, geometric design by your nail bed.
Creepy Crawly Black Nails
Get your creep on with intricate nail art of all things eerie outlined in black polish.
Striped Black Nails
Bring out your fall rugbys and striped tees — we're matching them with this chic striped manicure. This look is perfectly coordinated and ready for the season.
Doodle Black Nails
Take your doodles from your notepad to your nails by choosing a few quirky designs to incorporate in black polish to your next manicure.
Alexandra Regueiro [15] is a freelance writer of Cuban descent based in Miami who covers topics from fashion and beauty to entertainment and more.