13 Cherry Mocha Nail Ideas for a Delicious Fall Mani

Cherry Mocha nails. — @iramshelton/Instagram

If you haven't yet tried on the "cherry mocha" nail trend, we'd be surprised. You've likely participated in fueling the nail color craze without knowing it—the hue has that much of a stronghold on the nail world. It can be traced all the way back in the '90s with the launch of Chanel's iconic Vamp polish: The maroon, almost purple-y shade was everywhere. Last year, the shade took over TikTok thanks to the app's obsession with DND's Cherry Mocha polish, and the somewhat red somewhat purple shade is still going strong. With co-signs from just about every celeb, the moody color is hands-down one of the most popular nail shades this fall.

Looking to try it yourself? We've rounded up 13 cherry mocha nail ideas to experiment with this season, from cutesy coquette details to chic gemstone additions.

01 of 13

Classic Cherry Mocha

The cherry mocha shade needs no extravagant details to stand out—it's that good. Recreate a similar manicure at home with DND's Cherry Mocha. OPI's Black Cherry Chutney, Essie's Wicked, or Chanel's Rouge Noir (the OG shade from the '90s) are also great options.

02 of 13

Cherry Mocha Tortoiseshell

Pair the '90s hue with another era-appropriate print: Tortoiseshell. The swirling amber and brown pattern pairs so well with the moody deep cherry color.

03 of 13

Cherry Mocha Bling

Micro-gemstones are a fun way to dress-up the purple-y hue without diving into intricate details and hand-drawn art. Simply paint on the shade and top with a tiny silver gem right in the center for some low-key shine.

04 of 13

Cherry Mocha Florals

Trendy blooming gel polishes can create the prettiest floral and croc details that especially pop with the cherry color. This manicure infuses the shade into French, floral, and croc designs with shimmering gold details.

05 of 13

Cherry Mocha French

Incorporating a trendy color into a classic French design is always a good idea. Try a cherry mocha mani in your favorite French style, whether it be micro, almond-shaped, or long coffin, for a chic nail look.

06 of 13

Coquette Cherry

Although coquette styles are often associated with baby pink shades, the cherry red hue fits right in and brings a grown-up feel. This manicure from nail creator Melanie Graves tries on a French style paired with a hand-painted bow-adorned cherry for some seasonal sweetness.

07 of 13

Cherry Aura

This cherry aura manicure looks like an optical illusion. The deeper hue is used for a base, and in the center, a lighter red shade is stamped on with a sponge to create the "aura" effect.

08 of 13

Cherry Sparkles

Cherry mocha nails, but make it bejeweled. Add some sparkle to the classic French design by popping on hand-painted golden sparkles. If you don't have a steady hand, nail stickers work just as well.

09 of 13

Cherry and Plum Shimmer

The deep red shade is sophisticated year 'round, but it hits a little different come the holiday season. Pair it with a sugar plum hue and a sparkly top coat for a festive and fun mani.

10 of 13

Double Cherries

The little cherry detail on this glossy manicure is so cute. Put a literal twist on the shade by painting on the fruit on a neutral base.

11 of 13

Cherry Croc

Crocodile print is the perfect maximalist pattern to be paired with the cherry mocha shade. Created with blooming gel, it's one of Dua Lipa's go-to nail looks and immediately adds a trendy feel to any outfit.

12 of 13

Cherry Mocha Chrome

The reflective shine of the chrome top coat adds a party-ready feel to the moody color. Pro tip: Create a multi-dimensional manicure by using a chrome powder in a blue or purple hue for an extra dose of color.

13 of 13

Vanilla Cherry Mocha

Cherry mocha paired with creamy vanilla hues is a combination that sounds just as good as it looks. Try the duo by styling it in a mismatched French, lining the rounded tips with the opposite color.