"Stained Glass Nails" Are the Must-Try Fall Manicure Trend

This fall season, we suggest leaning into the maximalist vibes and making nails look like mini works of art. While summer was all about fruit nails and pastel colors, fall 2025 is ushering in a new obsession: stained glass nails. The style gets its name from the glowing, dimensional finish that resembles a cathedral window by using colored, layered shades that catch the light in unexpected ways. The effect is basically fall fashion in nail form.

"Stained glass nails are perfect for fall because they capture the warm, cozy, and moody vibe of the season while still feeling elevated and artistic," says nail artist Tracy Lee Percival, who points to jewel tones like burgundy, amber, emerald, and gold as shades that stand out this time of year. To learn more about the nail trend, like how to get the look at home, keep reading.

Experts Featured in This Article

Julie Kandalec is a celebrity nail artist and founder of Masterclass Nail Academy. She is also a PS council member.

Tracy Lee Percival is a celebrity manicurist and entrepreneur.

How to Get Stained Glass Nails

This is a nail trend that you'll likely want to enlist the help of a professional for, but if you're adamant on going the DIY route, we have some tips. To achieve the look, layering is key. "The best way to get the effect is layering sheer jelly-finish gels or polishes over a neutral base on longer, clear nail tips, like the Kiss Nails Salon Full Cover Nails ($6). Holding them up to the light gives you a true stained glass look," says celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec. She recommends using fine brushes, like the Nail Art Design Brush & Tool Kit ($12). For polishes, we recommend Essie's Nail Art Studio Jelly Gloss Polish ($15) or Ella+Mila's Nail Color ($10).

Percival adds that drawing thin "veins" with black polish or metallics before filling in the panes with jewel-toned shades is what really creates the windowpane illusion. For the color itself, she turns to any color of the KBShimmer Nail Polish ($12), which offers metallics and iridescents to mimic the glow of real stained glass.

There's no one way to wear the look, and honestly, that's half the fun. Ahead, you'll find a few stained glass variations to try, but however you style it, your nails are guaranteed to be the accessory everyone notices this fall.