These Instababes’ Preppy Nails Will Inspire Your Next Mani

We’ve tried some crazy nail designs in our day. While glass nails and Japanese wedding nails were pretty rad, we’re taking a simpler route this season by embracing a few classic styles sure to bring out our inner collegiate girl (we’re looking at you, Blair Waldorf). Chic, preppy nails are making a strong comeback. Decked out in stripes, flowers and classic red polish, your nails will look like they just popped out of a Kate Spade lookbook — and trust us, there’s nothing wrong with that. Scroll on to see how these 14 Instababes are strutting this preppy trend.

1. Subtle Stripe: Love a little bit of pattern but don’t want to go too crazy? Make one accent nail the center of attention by painting it a cute, preppy pattern, and give the rest of your digits a simple finish.

2. Smooth Sailing: Whether you’re sailing the open seas or enjoying the perfect brunch, this black-and-white design lends the perfect nautical touch. Customize this mani by swapping in your favorite color combo.

3. Polka Time: Capture those girly vibes with this colorful polka-dot mani. Use a stencil to recreate this picture-perfect pattern to complement your already-preppy ensemble.

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In honor of National #ScrabbleDay

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4. Catch Phrase: Say how you really feel by letting your nails do the talking. Whether you love to play Scrabble or talk with your hands a lot, this design will give your look the unique finish you’re after.

5. Geo-Tastic: This mani is proof that with a little bit of patience (and a few bottles of nail polish), you can create the perfect look for any daytime adventure. Pair with a summer-ready frock and an on-point blowout and you’ll be ready to take over the world.

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Pink on pink on nude

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6. Ombre Magic: Wear your favorite shade multiple ways by recreating this ombre effect. Whatever color you choose, this design will give your nails major cool-girl vibes.

7. Flower Power: Forget the polka dots and stripes, and say hello to your favorite new mani with these psychedelic petals. The contrasting colors add just the right amount of ’70s flair for festival season.

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Red nails ❤️

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8. Simply Red: There’s nothing wrong with going the classic route, especially when your nails look this good. Wear a matching red lip and a LBD to spice up date night with your S.O.

9. French Twist: Put a new spin on the classicFrench mani with this cool drip effect. Low-contrast hues will keep things visually interesting while still keepin’ it classy.

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Fresh manicure got me like...☁️☁️☁️

A post shared by CHER BAI | 雪兒 (@chermycloset) on

10. BoldGold: Add some class to your minimalistic mani with a stripe of gold across your nail. Pair it with some complementary jewelry and a rad #girlboss all-white suit.

11. Pastel Fever: Embody that classic spring palette with these killer pastel nails. Choose a matte polish for a fresh, funky finish — and don’t forget the coffee.

12. Diamond Edge: Like a bit of punk with your prep? Add a few spiky details for a rebellious take on a sweet mani.

13. Triple Threat: Rock two trends at once by adding a preppy twist to negative-space nails. This futuristic French half-moon design is easy to recreate, and will majorly turn heads wherever you go.

14. Throwback Chic: Let your ’90s-obsessed prepster flag fly with some blingy nail accents. We’d suggest limiting the hardware to one digit to keep this look wearable, but hey — you do you.

How do you wear the preppy trend? Follow us on Pinterest for more nail inspo.

October 31 may seem light-years away, but if last-minute Halloween costumes stress you out, then you know it’s never too early to start planning for a killer getup. Makeup and hair are a given, but the perfect costume isn’t complete without an amazing mani. This year we’ve pulled out all the stops with a mega-roundup of the scariest, spookiest, and all-around amazing Halloween nails ever. From black-cat French tips to pumpkin-face nail art to the most stellar sugar-skull nails we’ve *ever* seen, here are 40 manicures that are basically costumes for your nails.


DIY Halloween Nail Art To Try

Brit + Co

Snakebite Nail Art

Okay, technically these have a little bit of red on them. But we think you’ll forgive us and our favorite nail artist SF Party Nail AKA Taylor Watson.

Bellacures

Red Blood French Tips

Your decision to dress as Jason Vorhees for Halloween won't be complete with these red blood french tips. They're the perfect complement to the faux bloody machete you'll be carrying.

Brit + Co

Golden Ratio

Perfect for the lazy-girl nail artist who wants to hit two holidays with just one mani. Do this on Halloween day and then carry it all the way into the New Year!

Brit + Co

Cute Cat Ear Tips

This is a great mani option for anyone and everyone who wants to be on the couch with their cats at any given moment. Just use a thinner brush to make the triangles for the ears. You can use another brush or even the tip of a bobby pin to dot on the eyes!

Bellacures

Burgundy Nails With Gold Flecks

Craft a sweet witch's brew to match your burgundy nails with gold flecks.

Keiko Lynn

Black + White FTW

We’re loving this multimedia version of *all* the Halloween themes.

Bellacures

Black With White Spider Nail Design

If you don't have a fear of spiders, let this white spider design help you craft the perfect Halloween treat.

Depois Dos Quinze

Stitch of Lilo & Stitch

Let these Hawaiian nails add some fun to your Halloween costume. Don’t worry, they won’t cause as much havoc as you think.

Bellacures

Black and White Spooky Halloween

Your scary Halloween costume won't be complete with this black and white nail design.

Bellacures

All That Glitters

If you love all things glam, you don't have to wait until New Years to go crazy with the glitter. Pick darker colors to make this mani extra moody.

Halloween Nail Art Inspo

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Liza Waitzman on Instagram: "I hope these skeletal nails helped with her anatomy exams 🤣🤣🤣🤣 💀💀💀 • • • #anatomynails #anatomy #skeletalnails #skeletonnails #skeleton #lizawaitzman #dasnailhaus #nailgamestrong #ntnaliza #sandiego #sandiegonails #nails #nailart #dopenails #nailsonfleek #love #ilovemyjob #notd #nailsdid #nailsifinstagram #nailsmagazine #nailsmag #allhandpainted #handpaintednailart"

Bony Gal

Keep your Halloween digits looking eerie with a skeleton design scattered along your nails. A matte black and red polish underneath looks even more appropriate for the holiday.

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• B R I T N I E S U E • on Instagram: "Natural almond shaped nails. Yes... NATURAL! Files By Less keeps the integrity of your natural nails in mind at all times! . . . Model: @j_me_katherine 🕷🕷 . . . Use code: brit05 at checkout for an additional 20% off PLUS FREE SHIPPING! #nailsbybritnie #handpainted #utahnails #naturalnails #marblenails #spidernails #gelpolish #blackout #dualcoat @nailpromagazine @unitednailcommunity @filesbyless"

Feelin’ Spidey

Scare the ish out of all the arachnophobes with your spooky spider nails.

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Ashley Cristobal on Instagram: "👻"

Spooky Minimalist

A ghostly manicure instantly puts you in the Halloween spirit. Plus, if you’re more of a minimalistic gal, this simple design will ring true.

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Cactus Blossom Nail Studio on Instagram: "Client #nailie! Nails for the Sturgis Rally! #gelpolish #gelmanicure #sturgis #sturgisrally #skullnails #bikernails #chrome #chromenails #floralnails #stripenails"

Sweet Skulls

Even if you’re not a fan of Halloween, these designs let you take part in October fun without the spook factor. This manicure is trendy and colorful and will match any outfit you pair it with.

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Brittney aka Nailgazms ✨ on Instagram: "My client decided to change up her shape and go BOLD! #nailgazms #halloweennails #halloween #mattenails #nailfoil #pointednails #stilettonails #nails #nailart #nailtech #nailsmagazine October.23.2016"

Mixed Finishes

You don’t have to deck out your digits in skulls and ghosts to be festive. A fancy orange and black mani gives you just the right amount of edgy flair.

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Rebecca McParland on Instagram: "I see you 👀 #handpaintednailart #handpaintednails #orangenails #summernailart #summernails #nailtrends #shortnails #coffinshapenails #shortcoffinnails #eyes #eyenails #eyenailart #weirdnails #cutenails #creepynails #lovenails #nailartist #nailartqueen #nailart #naildesigns #nailideas #bestnailtechs #bestnailsalon #awardwinningsalon #blueeyes #nailstyle"

Orange Evil Eye

The evil eye can mean a curse in many cultures around the world. What better way to celebrate the spooky holiday than with protective nails featuring these talismans?

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Madeline Poole on Instagram: "@sally_hansen cuticles :)"

Twist on a French

Pair your black polish with a simple white to elevate and invert this classic, yet very Halloween-appropriate, finish.

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Shimmer and Spiders

Statement nails featuring sparkles and spider webs turn the dial up on Halloween glam. Balance it out with a neutral gray shade as your base color or keep it negative with a bare nail layered with a top coat.

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✨ on Instagram: "In Loveeeeee ✨ #biancascantina #chicagonails #chicagonailtech #littlevillagenails #nailsofinstagram #cateye #purple💜 #nailed #nails💅 #nailart #nailporn #nailswag #naildesigns #nailsonfleek #nailsaddict #nailgasm #ombre #ombrenails #blacknails #blackombrenails #blackandnude"

Scratch It Up

Destroyed ombre nails feel spooky but still stylish. Achieve this jagged mani look by coating your nail with black and using a scratcher tool to uncover the natural hue underneath.

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Sarah Berry on Instagram: "Super cute black cat 🐱 Halloween nails for Lisa! I couldn't find the artist's name, but the inspo was found on Pinterest! 😽 #berrygoodnailz #nailart #freehandnailart #nails #blackcat #blackcatnails #halloween #halloweennails #halloweennailart #catnails #catnailart #cateyes #gelish #harmonygelish #blacknails #opiproducts #opi #gelnails #naturalnails #portland #portlandmaine #maine"

Spooky Kitty

Instead of opting for the scary nail art route, go spooky. Cute, pointy-eared kitties are purrfect for Halloween.

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Chillhouse on Instagram: "For the inner artist in you 🎨 Tier II Design “Matisse” by @dawasnailart."

Squiggly Black Lines

Start off with a neutral base coat, then get funky with dark and random squiggly lines.

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𝖛𝖆𝖑𝖔𝖗𝖎 𝖇𝖔𝖘𝖘 on Instagram: "Blood in water for Ciara💉♥️ . . . #gaudyoctopusnails #thenailroomslc #bloodynails #bloodnails"

Bloody Nails

This spine-tingling nail art will give you all the holiday feels this October. Drip polish down from your cuticles, and clean up your skin with a nail polish remover-soaked cotton swab. Done and done.

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Moody and Matte

Feel like sporting your artsy side? Paint an entire creepy scene onto your nails for a unique mani. Adding a matte top coat lets the designs be seen even better.

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Marble Print

This looks tough but is actually fairly easy. Begin by using black nail polish and a small brush dipped in acetone, draw on lines with the polish and then blur them by swirling with the brush.

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Paintbox on Instagram: "This graphic, black + white mani is a minimalist’s dream."

Art Dark-O

One small black line from top to bottom of your nail bed makes for an artsy addition to a skeleton-inspired Halloween look.

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Candy Corn

It’s easy and it’s a classic. Just a warning: You may have to resist the urge to nibble your fingers!

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Natalie Pavloski on Instagram: "Lewks for @_toandfrom_"

Shattered Nails

Give your fingers some sharp angles to give the illusion of jagged nails.

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Natalie Minerva on Instagram: "MATTE + GLOSS by @natalieminerva 💅🏼✨✌🏼to book an appointment with Natalie at NAIL SWAG #dtla please call/text 213-458-5989 or book online at NAILSWAG.COM #gelnails #nailart #nailswag"

Matte and Glossy Meet

Spice up the typical matte nail with a glossy French tip.

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Delia on Instagram: "It’s Summertime for the Monsters! I’m still feeling the Halloween manis with a summer spin, so what do the monsters do in the off season? Wear pastels and eat ice cream, of course! I was SO inspired by @superninjaflyingmonkey’s recent pastel pop art Frankenstein mani that I immediately started planning my own version. Since I do not have the fantastic Frankie eating ice plate Jolene used, I had to get creative. This mani was so fun to do! The down side is that I literally spent my entire day yesterday working on it! I’m quite proud that I managed to use a completely different color combo on of my 10 fingers! That probably had a lot to do with how time consuming it was! 😅Not to mention the tiny details in the ice cream and popsicles almost killed me! And a double layered reverse stamp, too. You better believe I’m keeping these on ALLLLL week, ha. I will try to get some help taking pics of my right hand later. Anyway I hope you guys like my Frankie and his bride pastel pop art mani! #frankensteinnails #popartnails #uberchicbeauty #BMS201 #essieblossomdandy #chinaglazelimeafterlime #chinaglazewhipitgood #fingerpaintshueknew #salonperfectbellini #sallyhansenpinkblink #summernails #halloweennails #everydayishalloween #reversestamping #advancedstamping"

Frankenstein Stitches

We’re already haunted by this funky, yet totally appropriate Frankenstein pop art.

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shoreditch nails on Instagram: "Loooving these Picasso inspired nails for @francescasaffari #shoreditchnails"

Picasso Line Art

Halloween doesn’t have to be all about zombies and mummies. Instead, try a fine-art approach that’s still wacky enough for the holiday.

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Olivia Gordon on Instagram: "#nightmarebeforechristmasnails #nightmarebeforechristmas"

Halloween Collage

Can’t decide which Halloween fave to go with? Use a different nail for each October 31 icon so no one misses out.

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Maddie Paulson on Instagram: "It’s a classic. And it’s my favorite. #jackskellingtonnails #mattenails #nailsarefriendsnotfood"

Jack Skellington

We love this black, white, and sparkly tribute to a Halloween classic.

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Disney Princesses

If you can’t decide which Disney princess you want to be this year, then just be all of them! This mani shows off their goofy side because even a Disney princess knows how to have fun too.

Halloween Nails You Can Buy

Dashing Diva

Dashing Diva Glow Potion Gloss Palette

Add some magic to your nails with a glow-in-the-dark set that features all your favorite Halloween motifs with a fun color palette.

Etsy

Black Bat Halloween Nails

Switch up your base color every time you add one (or multiple) of these stickers, and you'll get a different look every single time!

Etsy

Black Spider Web Press On Nails

The coolest part about these Halloween nails is the two-in-one finish they have. Even though they're monochromatic, the glossy and matte textures provide some unexpected contrast. (via LilyNailsArt/Etsy)

Etsy

Ghost Nails

The detail on these tips stand out against the simple base, and add a spooky touch to all your fall outfits!

Glamnetic

Lady Web

Give your spidery web nails a cute update with these press-on nails! The glitter will make them less spooky as you brew one of your famous Halloween cocktails.

Walmart

Salon Perfect Matte Checkered Cat Nails

Witchy nails are meant to be as chic as they are thrilling. Lucky for us, Salon Perfect understood the assignment when they created these cute matte checkered cat nails!

Walmart

Salon Perfect Black Moon Ombre Nails

Dressing up as a mysterious and sexy tarot reader for Halloween? Don't forget to add these black moon ombre nails to your costume.

Want more Halloween nail art and beauty inspiration? Be sure to check out our Pinterest page!

This post has been updated.

This edible crescent-roll cornucopia is our way of making a normal cheese boardmore festive — and definitely more fun — during the holiday season. Our go-to this time of year is a massive cheese plate that can stand alone and be the main attraction, or the starter for a larger meal. Press on for the surprisingly easy steps to braid a breaded cornucopia.

Chris Andre

Materials + Tools:

  • 1 roll of tin foil
  • 2 packages of crescent rolls
  • 1 egg (for egg wash before cornucopia goes into the oven), optional

Chris Andre

Instructions:

Start by sculpting tin foil into the shape of a cornucopia (it looks like a cone with an upturned tail). Pro tip: Lightly pack tin foil so it's easier to remove later from your baked cornucopia. Crescent rolls should be buttery enough that this shouldn't be difficult.

Chris Andre

Your tin foil mold should look a little something like this.

Chris Andre

Pop open the crescent rolls and cut the triangles into strips. Pinch together the ends of strips to make strips longer.

Chris Andre

Braid crescent roll strips. You can make these as fancy as you want. Not a braiding pro? Skip this step and leave those strips alone.

Chris Andre

Wrap tin foil cornucopia with braids/strips. Make sure you cover all the tin foil. Leave a little wiggle room at the opening of the cornucopia, so that when you’re done baking you can pull some of that tin foil out.

Chris Andre

Use any extra dough to cover the bottom of your cornucopia. Pinch the sides and anchor those braids/strips in.

Chris Andre

Brush on egg wash before placing your cornucopia in the oven. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. Take out of oven and cover spots of cornucopia that are already golden brown with extra tin foil. Bake for another 20 minutes at 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

Chris Andre

Let it cool down until it’s easy to handle. Remove tin foil.

Chris Andre

Place cornucopia in corner of your cheese plate. Arrange cheese on your serving tray.

Chris Andre

Add crackers — we like to have two or three options.

Chris Andre

Don’t forget to fill up your cornucopia. It's called "the horn of plenty" for a reason. Fill with fresh fruit like grapes, apples, and pears.

Chris Andre

Add nuts like walnuts and pistachios to fill in any empty spaces. Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary and sage to finish it off.

Chris Andre

Voilà! Invite over your friends, open a bottle of wine, and dig in!

Chris Andre

A cornucopia cheese board will become your new favorite holiday tradition.

Show us your crescent-roll cornucopias on Instagram and check out our baking classes (and our Easy Thanksgiving Desserts piece) for more holiday food inspo!

DIY Production and Styling: Paris Fried

Paris Fried: Paris loves any excuse to celebrate and throw a themed party. She loves experimenting in the kitchen and has a terrible sweet tooth. When she's not crafting in her studio, she's at the farmers' market buying seasonal produce or at her favorite local theater watching double features.

This post has been updated.

My French manicure has overstayed it's welcome, but it's only because I've been so busy saving fall nail ideas to my Pinterest board for next season. I've officially checked out of summer because there's almost always a daily heat wave or run-in with a pesky mosquito that thinks it's discovered liquid courage within my legs' veins. I'm over it, and more than ready for fall!

Do you need some new autumnal options too? Good, then get in because we're going shopping! Get ready to take as many screenshots as your phone can handle because the fall nail ideas are going to make sure you're ready for cozy weather and spooky season.

Stylish Fall Nail Ideas

KISS

Kiss Voguish Fantasy Press-On Nails (Unbroken Love)

Whether you've got fashion week or pumpkin spice season on your mind, these nails have fall written all over them. Okay, they technically have 'love' and cute French chrome accents on them, but you get what I mean.

They're subtle enough to match fall's cozy vibes without fading into obscurity and it's the type of thing I love. I'd personally wear this nail idea as soon as fall starts to show my gratitude for my favorite season.

They serve as the perfect transition between two seasons so you could actually get them a few days before summer ends!

Jasmine Williams

Black And White Abstract Nails

Don't count abstract nails out because there's still a way to make them work for fall. Opt for a black and white color palette to serve as your base while letting the hand drawn designs do most of the talking.

This is still one of my favorite sets to date because it went with everything outfit I chose to wear. Athleisure? No problem. Cowgirl status? You bet!

Bellacures

French Metallic Nails

Love the first couple of fall nail ideas, but want to focus on a chrome French manicure? You've come to the right place!

Similar to the first idea, these nails can be transitional because they're ambiguous and aren't beholden to any rules. You can request these at your nail next appointment or you can wait to debut them after fall's been around for a month.

They'll go with plenty of the fall fashion ideas you're saving to your Pinterest board.

Target

Chillhouse Chill Tips Nail Art Press On Fake Nails (Gone Glamping)

I know you plan to go glamping this fall, so let your nails match nature with a pop of forest green! It's arguable whether you should wear press-on nails in the great outdoors, but no one said you had to do any of the heavy lifting.

If you plan to keep existing in your soft girl era, these press-on nails from Chillhouse are a cute fall nail idea to take on your overnight trip in the forest.

Paintlab

PAINTLAB Tortie Press-on Nails

If you don't buy these press-on nails, I surely will! I love anything tortoise shell — I'll run up the hill towards it every time. It's this close to replacing my love for leopard print, but that's TBD. The point is, these nails are another great fall staple to have.

The only fall rule I have is that varying shades of brown and black together create the best fall neutral. Once you pair it with a rounded almond nail shape, you have one of the best fall nail ideas out there.

I could tell you to stop scrolling because you don't need anymore options, but there's still so much more to explore!

Cozy Fall Nail Ideas

Target

Olive & June Press-on Oval Medium Fake Nails

If you're taking a break from nail art, focus on getting basic nail colors! You can still wear press-on nails this fall, but you'll look like a chic Editor from Runway magazine with these oxblood nails.

You'll be able to secure them with non-toxic and on-damaging glue which is a relief. No one said anything about cute fall styles and damaged nails!

Londontown

Londontown Posh Forever Metallic Nail Polish

Give yourself a gorgeous gel manicure at home with Londontown's metallic nail polish! Thanks to the amazing formula of proprietary kur care, you'll receive a nice dose of strength, moisture, and cute fall nails with each brush stroke.

Also, it's obvious that this nail polish is a must-have for anyone who's been counting waiting to order their drink from the Starbucks fall menu. As you can see, it looks gorgeous against a cream rib knit sweater! You can also pair it with neutral matching sets while you're at it.

Ella + Mila

Ella + Mila Bags Are Packed Blue Nail Polish

Jewel tones are so fall, so go for a true blue nail polish like this one by Ella + Mila. It doesn't contain any animal-derived ingredients which is great for anyone who prefers vegan beauty products. It also dries really quick and claims to be chip-resistant. That's a great feature if you use your hands a lot!

Bellacures

Peek-a-boo Black Nail Polish

Classic black nails will always be in. You can call these nails moody, but it doesn't change the fact they're going to be the most versatile idea you wear this fall.

Since there's no additional rhinestones or nail designs associated with this idea, you can actually recreate this at home. It can be your way of saving money so you don't have to choose between toilet paper and wine à la Shonda Rhimes.

Spooky Fall Nail Ideas

Glamnetic

Glamnetic Sandworm Press-On Nails

"Look! You've been to Saturn! I've been to Saturn! Whoa, sandworms, you hate ’em, right" is one of my favorite unhinged quotes from Beetlejuice that match these press-on nails perfectly.

Since we're finally getting a long-awaited sequel to the cult classic, it feels fitting that I include these beauties in the fall nail ideas roundup. They mix a bit of the sandworms' design with the classic Beetlejuice suit I love to see Michael Keaton wear so I think this means you just discovered your Halloween costume. 👀

Walmart

Salon Perfect Halloween Press-on Nails (Orange Pumpkin)

The first movie I think about when I see these nails is Scream. That's one of my favorite teen slasher films that I still watch to this day so I love how these designs seem to pay homage to Ghostface.

The pumpkins and orange crochet lines are an added touch that takes the edge off the 'killer' aspect which may make some people feel more comfortable looking at your nails. Then again, it doesn't really matter if other people don't get them.

Bellacures

Spooky Spider Nails

Undoubtedly someone doesn't have a fear of spiders and I applaud you for having the courage I don't. So, if you're trying to think of your next spooky Halloween costume, let these nails be your guiding light.

They're deliciously witchy and seem like you can conjure pumpkins to break out in a jubilated song.

The current season isn't over yet so check out 33 summer nails we love!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Header image via Bellacures

Though Black Friday is traditionally the official start of the holiday shopping season, we argue that it’s been kicking since mid-October. We know, we know: it still feels extremely early to start thinking about the holidays, but they’ll be here before you know it! Plus, many brands and retailers are already promoting their holiday goodies with plenty of sales and discounts available right now.

If you’re ready to embark on your holiday shopping journey, but still need answers to questions like ‘when’s the best time to shop?’ and ‘where should I shop for gifts?’ and even ‘how the heck do I save money this season?’, you’ve come to the right place. Consider this your go-to guide for holiday shopping in 2024.

Scroll on for our best guidance on navigating this busy time of year and finding the best gifts possible!

When's the best time to do holiday shopping?

Kaboompics / PEXELS

The best time to do holiday shopping really all depends on your personal shopping goals. Do you want to get a jump on items you know will sell out soon? Do you want to save the most money possible? Do you want to focus on handmade, personalized gifts? These factors will undoubtedly influence your holiday shopping schedule.

Cottonbro Studio / PEXELS

Shopping early can be advantageous for all of the aforementioned goals. A lot of retailers start promoting their holiday products early on, giving you ample time to snatch up that limited-time lip kit or fancy water bottle you’ve been eyeing way before the holidays.

Plus, some of the best deals for holiday shopping happen ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday – in 2023, Experian observed a surge in early spending in October, thanks to early discounts, a trend likely to continue in 2024.

Finally, shopping early can be especially helpful if your plan is to focus on handmade or personalized gifts, giving the artisan you buy from (or yourself, if you’re DIY-ing your gifts) plenty of time to craft the item with love and care.

Gallup reported in 2023 that one in four shoppers start shopping as early as September, a trend likely to continue in 2024 – so you might already be embarking on your shopping spree!

Mikhail Nilov / PEXELS

If right now is just still too darn early for you to start holiday shopping, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are some of the best times to shop since so many retailers offer their largest discounts of the entire year. Plus, the late November-early December timeline can feel a bit more appropriate for the gifting season opposed to late October-early November, when everyone’s still recovering from Halloween.

The only thing to consider during this time is the shipping timelines for the items you purchase – but most retailers will typically advise their specific shipping schedules, so you don’t risk your goodies arriving late.

Where should I shop for gifts?

Ron Lach / PEXELS

You have three main options when it comes to where to shop for holiday gifts: online, in-store, and via our amazing gift guides. Of course, each method has its advantages and disadvantages.

Shopping in-store offers a tangible experience: the opportunity to hold specific items in your hands and gauge exactly what they’ll be like when you give them as a gift. The pitfall with shopping in-person is that it typically requires a commute and journeys through potentially very busy malls and shopping strips, which can add to the already-stressful holiday experience.

In-store shopping can be more physically exhausting, but it’s all about preference! Sometimes strolling through the stores that get all dolled up for Christmas is the best part of the season.

Andrea Piacquadio / PEXELS

Per Google, 65% of those planning to shop for the holidays say they will shop online more. Shopping for gifts online can be super helpful since you can centralize your findings in your browser’s bookmark tab or via virtual cart(s). Plus, shopping online can pose more opportunities for saving some money: lots of retailers typically offer discount codes for online users, especially if you sign up for their digital marketing channels (like email and text) and make a purchase.

Shopping online isn’t just shopping, either. The internet can be a stellar research tool to help you vet whether certain products are worth it, where they can be bought, and when they’ll be available. In fact, Google reported that more than half of U.S. holiday shoppers who went into a store last year say they looked up product reviews online and/or located an item in-store by checking it online.

Kaboompics / PEXELS

Last but not least, scrolling gift guides has to be our favorite place to shop for gifts – and not just because we write and publish them.

At their very core, gift guides help streamline the holiday shopping process, alleviating the stress that bubbles up when you’re wondering what the heck to shop for in the first place. Our gift guides are backed by real people, real experiences, and real opinions from our editorial team. We only promote products that we really love and believe in, oftentimes ones we’ve tested and reviewed ourselves.

We have gift guides for just about everyone on your list, with more on the way! Check ‘em out:

What are the best kinds of gifts to give?

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The best kinds of gifts to give are thoughtful gifts that consider the giftee’s interests, wants, and needs. These gifts can be sentimental, practical, or both simultaneously. What matters most in a gift is that it’ll be meaningful to them past just the holiday season, whether it’s helping them get through daily tasks, reminding them of a memorable trip or event, or giving them small doses of joy.

“Shoppers are increasingly looking for personalized and unique gifts that reflect the recipient's personality and interests,” says Mia Anderson, Owner of ChicSew. “With the rise of online shopping, many consumers are opting for curated gift boxes or experiences that add a special touch.”

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Gift boxes, personalized items, books of interest, self-care goodies, and even gift cards can all be thoughtful gifts depending on the recipient. If you have no clue what your giftee is into, it’s not a bad idea to ask them what they want the most!

“My idea of a great gift is something that is in tandem with the recipient's interest and offers something new to the person, be it learning a new skill, enjoying a calming activity, or simply spending quality time with the family,” says Alfred Christ, Sales Manager & Marketer at Robotime. “This season, we encourage shoppers to shift their focus on quality and the memories their gifts will create and not just merely material aspects.”

When is Black Friday?

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Black Friday is always the Friday after Thanksgiving. This year, Black Friday lands on November 29.

When is Cyber Monday?

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Cyber Monday is typcally the Monday after Thanksgiving. This year, Cyber Monday will land on December 2. Oftentimes, retailers and brands extend their online offers through the week (coined Cyber Week) after the event. Salesforce reported that 67% of shoppers in 2024 plan on shopping during Cyber Week!

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The holidays at Starbucks are creeping up on us, people! Peppermint Mocha season will return on November 7. If you’re a die-hard Starbucks fan, you know Red Cup Day is a whole holiday in itself – the frenzy for a free reusable cup is truly no joke. There’s even an entire website dedicated to counting down the madness! Even though there’s no official word on when Red Cup Day 2024 will be, there are several clues that cue us into the annual event. Scroll on for details!

What is Red Cup Day?

Starbucks

Red Cup Day is Starbucks’ highly-awaited annual event that marks the start of holiday beverage season at the coffee chain. For one day only (and while supplies last), customers who order any of Starbucks’ holiday drinks will receive a reusable red cup that features a bespoke design for the respective year.

Starbucks

Here’s a list of all the drinks rumored to be available on the Starbucks holiday menu starting November 7:

  • Peppermint Mocha
  • Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha
  • Caramel Brûlée Latte
  • Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte
  • Chestnut Praline Latte
  • Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew
  • Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai

What do the red cups look like for 2024?

Starbucks

Starbucks hasn’t officially announced when Red Cup Day will be for 2024, let alone what the famed red cups will look like this go-around. The one obvious point is that the cups will be red! They’ll also likely feature some festive motifs that echo the holiday season. Last year’s red cups boasted playful white and green stars and ornament-like shapes.

Why should I participate in Red Cup Day?

Starbucks

Red Cup Day = freebies, which can feel really rewarding if you’re really into receiving free goodies. Plus, it’s just a fun way to lean into the holiday spirit. The red reusable cup keeps giving beyond Red Cup Day, though! Every time you use the reusable cup for future Starbucks orders, you get a 10-cent discount as well as 25 bonus stars toward your Starbucks Rewards account to save up for more discounts on drinks, food, and merchandise.

When is Starbucks' Red Cup Day 2024?

Starbucks

Again, Starbucks hasn’t alerted us on when Red Cup Day will be for 2024, but based on previous Red Cup Days, we can infer it’ll land on the third Thursday of November. In 2022, Red Cup Day happened on November 17, and for 2023, it was November 16. The third Thursday of November in 2024 hits on November 21, so mark your calendars, everyone!

Additionally, check back here for official info as Red Cup Day approaches.

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This post has been updated.