Brown manicures are a fall classic. Whether it's a reddish cinnamon shade, a melting caramel color, or a decadent cocoa one, I think they look so rich and sophisticated. It helps that brown is a neutral, so it's easy to match with autumnal wardrobe basics (jackets, sweaters, boots—you name it).
This year, though, my love of brown manicures has developed into a full-on fixation. That's probably because my Instagram and TikTok feeds are full of them, and top nail artists seem to post new ones every day. Ahead, see 14 manicures I've personally saved to my "nail inspo" folder on Instagram. Then, shop a smattering of my favorite fall-coded brown nail polishes that feel especially fresh this season.
The Best Brown Manicure Inspo
This melty milk chocolate color is stunning.
If you prefer dark chocolate, you'll crave this sophisticated manicure.
This watercolor design evokes the image of milk swirling into a cup of coffee.
Speaking of coffee, a deep, dark, and glossy shade of espresso is so elevated.
Simplicity is elegance when it comes to this rich, dark-brown manicure.
I love the color combo here. A skinny, brown French manicure is so chic.
This nail color, which is equal parts mauve and brown, is so elegant.
I love the white-and-chocolate color combo and the negative space design.
Rich, brown colors look so sophisticated on long, almond-shaped nails.
Mark my words: I will get this cool, frosted chocolate mani before fall ends.
If the previous mani was frosted, this one is rich, simmering, hot chocolate.
A simple, cinnamon-colored set never misses.
I love a standard brown French manicure, but when you add tortoiseshell? I'm obsessed.
I love mismatched manicures. This one is elevated and eye-catching.
Shop the Trend
Other classic Chanel brown nail colors—such as Faun ($33) and Spirituelle ($33)—are currently sold out. Luckily, you can still snag this chic taupe-brown shade.
This is the most luxurious shade of espresso.
I don't know what I love more: the name of this nail polish or its shimmery finish.
Here's another shimmery shade I love. It contains bright copper-colored flecks.
This rich brown shade is a mainstay in my collection.
This nail polish shade, which is inspired by the Italian dessert of the same name, marries the color of creamy vanilla ice cream with rich, simmering espresso. It's so pretty.
Essie's Gel Couture line lasts as long as gel nail polish but can be applied like traditional nail polish. It's the best of both worlds for at-home nail artists.
This soft-brown shade is cozy, sophisticated, and so perfect for fall.
You can't go wrong with the classic, creamy color.
Midnight Mocha is the perfect name for this dark and delectable brown.
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Forget Red—Experts Say These 10 Chic Nail Trends Are Taking Over This WinterCelebrity manicurists spotlight moody hues and textured designs.
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This Viral Nail Polish Brand Is So Good I Bring It to the Salon With Me—My 17 Top ShadesMy manicure will never be boring again.
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I've Finally Tired of Pink Nails—This Is the Chic Polish Shade I'm Wearing for the Foreseeable FutureEarthy tones are in.
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This Has Been OPI's Best-Selling Fall Nail Color for Decades—TikTok Says It's Especially Relevant in 2025Search volume has grown 83% month over month.
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Heads-Up: Every Stylish New Yorker Is Already Wearing This Rich-Looking Manicure TrendNot burgundy, not black.
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It's Official: Dua Lipa's Red Halo Nails Are the Coolest Way to Wear a Fall-to-Winter ManicureIt's simple and chic.
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I Searched Instagram for the Most Elegant Autumnal Pedicures—5 That Made Me Hit SaveClassic! Chic! Timeless!
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My Milky-Pink Nail Polish Is So Perfect, People Assume It's a Custom Combo—Here's the RevealHint: It was seen at Sandy Liang and the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.
