8 Press-On Nails for Anyone Who Makes Fall Their Whole Personality

There is no shame in the game: We’re fall-obsessed and have fully committed to the season being our interim aesthetic—even our nails will be serving accordingly. For three months, we’ll be sporting as many muted, autumnal shades as possible (reserving the end of October for a Halloween design or two), and press-on nails make it so easy and affordable.

Why press-on nails? Our salon budget was cut between the daily pumpkin spice lattes and that recent chunky sweater shopping spree. Who has the patience to sit inside a salon when you could be soaking in the crisp air anyway? 

You know we’re tapped into the biggest fall 2023 nail trends—and, even better, we recently tested the best press-on nail sets. We found that most sets on the market are affordable (especially compared to the cost of professional manicures), can last up to two weeks, and offer salon-grade nail art without any stress or mess. So we went back to our favorite brands and reviewed their latest fall drops to find the best seasonal styles that last, won’t wreck your nail beds, and are on budget—perfect if you're buying a beauty gift.

Static Nails Tortoise Shell

Hot chocolate nails are on trend for fall 2023, and the rich brown tones of this tortoise shell set from Static Nails definitely hit the mark. Plus, the classic design is very in line with the “quiet luxury” style that we can’t get enough of à la Sofia Richie Grainge. As for the nail fit, we love how this manicure looks natural (we found that Static Nail’s sizing was impressively accurate)—the press-ons are also waterproof, reusable, vegan, and cruelty-free and apply in seconds. When putting other Static Nail sets to the “sink test” (i.e., washing our hands with hot water and soap three times, then drying them before giving each a wiggle), we were impressed by how each nail held strong and continued to last for almost two weeks. 

Price at time of publish: $18

Chillhouse Gone Glamping

Whimsical, swirly nails were a hit all summer long, and this set pulls the trend right into fall thanks to the muted forest green and blue-gray colorways. Chillhouse says that the “Gone Glamping” set will elevate the cuteness factor of your upcoming trip upstate, and we couldn’t agree more. When we put the brand to the test (we also tried out other sets), their nails proved to be a strong choice, gaining a 5/5 sink-test rating—none of the nails loosened or popped off mid-scrub. The glue was a bit messy upon application and left a residue after we took them off, but overall, we thought these were a great buy.

Price at time of publish: $16

Dashing Diva Bad Blood

Yes, you can wear nails that look like they're dripping in blood, and no one will bat an eyelash because it's officially Halloween season. (Note the subtle heart droplets that signal: We're sweet, but don't mess with us.) This set stands apart from the rest, but not solely due to the bold design. The brand's nails are semi-cured, which means they apply like a sticker and require an LED light to adhere to the nail. While this may sound inconvenient (the LED is unfortunately sold separately from the set), we found this approach to be super easy and effective, as these nails are long-lasting without the glue-related sticky mess.

Price at time of publish: $14

Paintlab 70s Show

If your fall uniform is a vintage chunky sweater, these nails will perfectly complement your signature look. Paintlab’s 70s Show set looks like they were sent from another decade, thanks to their mid-century modern aesthetic and colorways. Muted green, blue, orange, and yellow hues make for a bold manicure that’s still toned down autumnally. And if you’re picky about your nails, know that Paintlab’s high-quality product will meet your salon-grade standards. The colors and pattern alone are luxe, and the nail sits naturally on the nail bed. 

Price at time of publish: $15

Glamnetic Maple Glaze

The viral chrome nails you saw all summer long are not a thing of the past. We're keeping the look alive and refreshed thanks to these Maple Glaze press-ons from Glamnetics. The earthy yet luxurious manicure is fit for any fancy or casual autumnal occasion, as the glossy finish, chic hue, and short almond shape make a subtle statement that's beautifully timeless. The short nail community can rally behind these press-ons because they won't be in your way or get caught on everything in sight. And if you're loyal to neutrals but want an elevated look, this manicure does both.

Price at time of publish: $20

Kiss Voguish Fantasy Halloween Nails Howl-a-Ween 

French tips check another fall 2023 nail trend, and we love that these are a theatrical twist on the traditional style. Between the white-and-black tips, glow-in-the-dark finish, and thematic details (i.e., spiderwebs and bats), we’d say these transcend the classic silhouette in the best way. Don’t have a costume planned for that last-minute Halloween party? Toss on all black and pop this set on. We even challenge you to re-create a matching makeup look. 

Price at the time of publish: $9

Paintbox The Right Angle

Another hot chocolate nail to add to your seasonal repertoire, Paintbox’s The Right Angle set (which is part of the brand’s first press-on nail collection) pairs warm brown with copper orange to create an artful design that’s subtle yet impactful. The set looks and feels luxe, as the color quality is top of the line, and the nail itself is strong while having a natural fit. What really stands out about this set is how it comes with two adhesives: glue and gel tabs. We’d recommend trying these if you’re rough on your nails—chances are using both adhesives together will provide you with the longest wear yet.

Price at the time of publish: $28

Olive & June Fall Groovy Swirl

Shopping consciously isn’t always easy, but with Olive & June, you’re doing just that. The brand’s nails are made from 94% post-consumer recycled materials, which is pretty amazing. Sure, they aren’t the most natural-looking set on the market, but they are long-lasting compared to competitors, and how fun is this peach-and-gold design for celebratory fall moments? And if you’re loyal to gold jewelry, look no further. These are the perfect complement to your favorite accessories—especially if you’re picky about mixing metals.

Why Trust Byrdie

Lauren Pardee has worked as a writer, editor, and content strategist across several major media brands for over eight years. Her latest role: testing beauty, fashion, and wellness products as a Senior Commerce Editor at Byrdie. She’s made it her personal mission to find the best press-on nails on the market, as she can’t stand a manicure chip and doesn’t love the hours it takes to get a fresh salon set. For this article, she took all product recommendations to heart and only shared the very best.