From Back-to-School Nails to Burgundy, These Are the Best September Manicure Ideas to Try

As much as it pains me to admit, summer is coming to an end. But before we fully put away our linens and sandals, let’s remember that the season doesn’t officially end until the 22. That makes September the perfect month for those in-between manicures, when you can still have fun with pops of color and playful designs while slowly leaning into the moodier fall shades.From patterns ideal for back-to-school and the U.S. Open, to bright colors which are still very much having a seasonal moment, September’s nail trends are all about that summer-to-fall sweet spot. So, if you’re squeezing every last drop out of your favorite summer shades I know I am) or are already craving a rich burgundy, there’s a transitional manicure to match your mood.Ahead, the best September nail ideas to try before the official end of summer.Glossy Burgundy@raelondonnails@raelondonnailsA deep red is a nail artist favorite shade for autumn, and while I’m holding onto the last days of warmth for as long as possible, there’s no denying that a burgundy manicure is endlessly rich for September. Some of the best burgundy polishes to get the moody look are Essie’s Bordeaux and OPIBack to School@samrosenails@gellish.studioAs the first days in the classroom approach us, school-inspired nails are super cute and nostalgic. An apple fit for your favorite teacher paired with on-theme designs like plaid and stripes are ideal for ringing in the school year.Gemstone Everything@akikonails_nyc@nailsbyzolaPeople have been bringing whimsy back and bedazzling everything in sight—from coffee cups to their sheet masks—and of course, our manicures have to hop on the trend, too. Simply paint on a neutral base and place an array of your favorite colorful rhinestones to get the bejeweled look.Bright Blues@themaniclub@paintedbyjoolsTurquoise and teal were major end-of-summer colors, so let’s bring the poolside shade into the beginning of September, too. Because the season doesn’t officially end until the 22 people! A bright blue will look equal parts playful and chic come labor day, and some of the best bottles to get the look are OPI’s I’m Yacht Leaving or Essie’s In The Cab-anaU.S. Open Nails@overglowedit@iramsheltonThe final Grand Slam of 2026 has finally arrived in New York, and what better way to get in the sporty spirit than with a tenniscore manicure? Paint your nails in neon greens and yellows for an all-over look, or opt for tiny ball decals that look enough to serve.Colorful French@samrosenails@glossy.studiosStripes have been a major nail trend over the last year, and it’s an ideal transitional design as we go from beach towel stripes to cozy striped sweaters. Choose your favorite color combo and go for vertical stripes from tip to cuticle, or opt for a milky base and a striped French tip.Rainbow French@moenail_ny@statomdesignsSeptember is the perfect time to give your French manicure a colorful update before the classic fall shades take over. Swap the usual white tips for playful pops of color, like cobalt blue, butter yellow, and tomato red. You can even make the base shade a fun hue for an extra kitschy finish.Why Trust Cosmopolitan?Jasmine Hyman is the assistant beauty editor at Cosmo who covers all things nails—from the latest polish trends to new manicure trends.Jasmine Hyman is the Assistant Beauty Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she writes about the latest beauty trends and must-have products. Her most prized beauty possessions are a meticulous skincare routine and salon blowouts. You’ll also likely find her in bed reading a good book or endlessly scrolling TikTok (spoiler: it’s usually the latter) while listening to Harry Styles’ entire discography on repeat. Follow her on Insta to be inundated with pictures of her meals.