Autumn Nail Color Ideas 2025: Cozy Fall Shades & Trendy Short Designs to Try Now

Why do we get the desire to change during fall? Is it the crisper air or that first PSL on your lips, but there is something magical about this season that practically requires a new look. And nails? They’re the easiest place to start. Autumn nails in 2025 are an all-about mood, moment, and a bit of mischief, but whether you are going soft with muted tones or full glam with gold foil and earthy tones, autumn nails are all the rage. Ready to explore? Now it is time to explore the fashions I am currently infatuated with.

Muted Blue with Crimson Branches

autumn matte blue somehow feels earthy This appearance embodies a quiet calmness almost as though it is just before the wind blows and shakes the leaves off the trees. The light slate blue is balanced with the beautiful crimson vine decoration that can add a slight movement without being exorbitant. It is fashionable but delicate, short and square- the kind of manicure that makes your rings shine but has character. I believe it is a nice break of the more saturated pumpkin color we are accustomed to.

To accomplish this tone, I would use Essie, Denim Patch or Olive and June OMG. For the vine work, a fine-line brush and OPI’s “We the Female” (a deep cranberry) do the trick. Top it all with a matte finisher — Zoya’s Naked Matte works beautifully without clouding the color.

You do not have to be a nail art expert to do this, simply apply two layers of blue, allow it to dry, and then with a paint detail brush, draw a few thin lines of leaves in curving movements. It is all about the small moves, not so much about the perfection, but about the rhythm. In case the very thought of doing it freehand is daunting, there are also botanical-themed stamping kits that simplify this method.

To me, this look says “chill Sunday walks” with coffee in hand, maybe a long cardigan and oversized sunnies. It’s minimal, but moody — and I love how it balances between playful and sophisticated without trying too hard.

Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice

This design is peak fall girl energy. Consider hayrides, hot apple cider and that one friend who is always excited when the PSLs come back into rotation at Starbucks. These creamy nails are decked out in mini pumpkins, falling leaves, and playful typography (“Golden Hour” — I mean, come on!). The foundation is a muted nude that makes all the orange, amber and brown accents stand out like candy corn under October skies.

Honestly, nail stickers are your BFF here. Both Dashing Diva and Maniology, as well as Whats Up Nails have seasonal sticker sets that are so shockingly cute and so easy to apply. Butter London Mum`s the Word is also my favorite sheer base that does not wash the skin out.

The trick to nailing this at home (pun totally intended)? Use your base, allow it to dry and then use tweezers for sticking on your stickers. Once sealed with a thick top coat (I like Seche Vite for serious shine and hold), the whole look feels like you got it done professionally — even if you were just binge-watching Netflix in your PJs while doing it.

This is a manicure that will make people smile. You will wave more than ever before and who can blame you?

Harvest Glow Meets Modern Art

This one’s for the bold. I named it Harvest Glow, but with a runway angle. You have warm mustard yellow, punchy coral, and abstract swirls mixing the two on top of a foil-like gold leaf pattern that screams art-gallery. The figure is almond-shaped and lengthens the hand, making everything look elegant in the playful mess. And in case you were ever holding back on wearing bright nails in the fall, this is your reminder to do it.

You’ll want vibrant lacquers for this. My favorites are Cirque Colors Kumquat and Orly Blazing Sunset. For the foil? Nail art foil or metallic transfer leaf they can be found in stores such as Sally Beauty or Amazon. Simply, ensure that your base color is dry when you lay them down.

Layering is key. Start with the bright solids, then apply the swirled design using a thin nail brush (or even a toothpick if you’re in a pinch). Apply some foil when the topcoat is still tacky and seal it all up. This is a brilliant starter set if you haven t tried your hand at mixing finishes before glossy, metallic, matte all in a set.

To me, this mani says “I’m not done with color just because summer is over.” And honestly? Neither am I.

Olive Greens and Burnt Caramel

Grounded and high-rise – a mix and match of matte olive and warm caramel mixed with gold botanical stamping. it’s all about vast comfy knit pieces, driftwood forest strolls and cozy candle lit dinners. The long square shape gives it the right amount of drama but not too flashy. And when autumn 2025 rolls around you want to go more earthy, less rooty but you don t want to look like you ve fallen into the burgundy rut, then this pair is worth saving.

As far as colors go, I would use Zoya in Charlie as the caramel color and Essie in Win Me Over as that deep rich green. Stamping polish in gold — like Born Pretty’s metallic line — brings those leaves to life. A rectangular stamper and leaf plate is really helpful here when you are not comfortable with freehand.

It’s all about layering color with intention. Reinforced edges, level coats, stamp on dry board and shiny top coat. Ensure that the gold pops and it does not smudge. Tape tip: after using your stamper, clean it between uses with tape instead of polish remover to make it tacky again.

I had worn something pretty much the same last Thanksgiving and received more compliments than on my actual outfit. It is a head-turner yet completely wearable especially with olive trench coats or tan boots.

Peachy Neutrals with Embossed Detail

This square mani is your moodboard when you want to do soft glam over seasonal novelty. Peachy nude colours are contrasted with embossed white botanical details that are textural without being shouty. You know, it is as though your nails are saying, yes, I am cute and I am aware of it. Honestly, it is an excellent option during transitional weather when you are not ready to indulge in deep tones yet, but still, want something new and fresh during fall.

You will need a nude base that compliments your skin tone and I have used OPI, Bare My Soul which is such a soft peachy color. For the embossed effect, use a white gel paint (like Mia Secret or Beetles Gel) and a silicone brush to build the design slowly. It is pressure and control, tapping lightly will provide that raised texture.

This is certainly a look that belongs more to gels, as the embossing must be cured in stages. The payoff is, however, stunning, especially in soft light. It is stylish, low-key, and provides that vibe of, I have my life together, even though you are currently in the process of panic-booking a hair appointment and ordering groceries at 2 a.m.

It takes me back to that first cool day when you replace the iced lattes with hot ones. Subtle, but such a vibe.

Golden Sunflowers on Midnight Matte

There is a chill in the air and it needs deeper coloring, and this design has it all. The matte black base is dramatic but the golden sunflower embellishment is what makes the whole look soft. It is like a sunflower field at twilight, big, majestic, and not trying to prove anything. The square is short enough so that things are wearable, and the overall effect is a statement piece in autumn that is not a scream.

To recreate this, you will want to use a true matte black – OPI has an excellent Black Onyx which with a matte topcoat is perfect. For the sunflower details, look for metallic gold stamping plates (Whats Up Nails has floral plates that match this perfectly), or try gold foil decals. I have also seen chrome powder pressed into stamped gel outlines, and wow, the payoff is amazing.

Stamping tools are a bit of a challenge to use the first time: Do apply the stamping polish to the plate, scrape off the excess, lift the design using a silicone stamper, and roll it onto your dry nail. Topcoat quickly, but gently. It can be done, it just takes some getting used to.

This is the one that always makes me feel a bit more cool, like the girl in leather jackets in October who still takes photos of leaves. Low effort, high impact.

Rose Gold Foil & Metallic Cocoa

Glam meets nature — and I’m totally obsessed. These almond-shaped nails are metallic bronze, creamy off-white and rose gold foil-like leaves. The combination is sophisticated and luxurious but not yet holiday-like. Perfect for early fall evenings when everything starts to sparkle again (even if it’s just the lights in a cozy restaurant booth).

To achieve that metallic glow, I have used Essie Penny Talk, and for a soft and milky color base, I have used Zoya Jacqueline. The foil itself? Rose gold foil nail art sheets or stickers – they are so thin and easy to press into a sticky layer of polish or base gel.

To do to self apply your base, then pressing glitter foil confetti into wet polish. Use tweezers to get more control over the foil, which is really sticky to everything. To make the pieces sit smooth, add a thick gel topcoat to the top. I occasionally do two topcoats of foil nails purely because I love the glass look.

This is a gold pendant on cream cashmere. Elevated but totally wearable, especially if you’re heading into a date night or even just want your hands to sparkle holding a hot chai.

Soft French Fade with Warm Taupe Detail

This mani is probably my favorite to wear to work, but still have some style to it. This is a contemporary version of the French tip, softly blended butter yellow tips on a nude base with one accent nail in matte taupe with a gold foil stroke. It is understated and elegant and yet it has just the right amount of asymmetry. Like a neutral outfit with one killer accessory.

The best way to do this is by applying a thin, pinky-nude base, either Essie Ballet Slippers or Cote No. 11. The yellow? Sundays No. 34, which has that soft butter tone that is fall-appropriate without being screamingly summer-leftovers. A soft sponge can assist you in achieving the faded tip effect in case you do not freehand it.

Apply the taupe accent nail last (I used OPI’s “Taupe-less Beach” once and got a very similar vibe), and while it’s still slightly tacky, tap in the gold foil flakes. To get a warm-matte effect, go with a semi-gloss topcoat.

It is the type of design that you can wear to any meeting, brunch, or even a wedding. Low-key, but every detail is intentional. And who does not like a design that works well with gold jewelry?

Matte Maple Blue

This one is such a vibe. Dark matte navy nails with clear orange maple leaves on each finger- a walk in the park in Central Park during fall foliage season. The contrast is wide but not glaring, and the short rounded-square shape makes it totally everyday-wearable. It is fun, retro, and a bit melancholic, in the most positive sense.

You should have a real matte navy – OPI has a really nice one called Russian Navy with a matte topcoat or Zoya has one called Ryan. To do the leaves, your best friend is orange stamping polish like Hit the Bottle’s “Pumpkin Spice Latte” and a detailed leaf plate. Or, if you are a gel professional, brush them in with a liner brush.

Stamping here is simplest – less mess and you end up with clean edges. Make sure your navy base is dry enough before applying the leaf detail so as to avoid smudging. And always put a smudge-proof matte topcoat over it to keep your design in focus.

I have worn versions of this during Thanksgiving week before and it is such a crowd pleaser. “Is that a tiny maple leaf?!” Yes, yes it is. 🍁

Cinnamon Gloss with Glitter Accent

Here’s where we lean into warmth. These dark cinnamon gel nails are glossy and intense, but then there is the surprise: the single nail with a glittering overload that looks like autumn leaves swirling in slow motion. It’s cozy, it’s spicy, and it works on every skin tone. Ready to have it all when it comes to fall without going old school burgundy? This color story is just what you need.

Seek out shades such as the Bio Seaweed color, Spice it Up or the DND color, Cinnamon Toast. The glitter nail would be more glitter mixed glitters in warm amber and gold like ILNP Autumn glitter topcoat, which would blend well on a burnt orange base.

To use: three layers of cinnamon gel polish to give it depth, cure between coats and then apply the glitter nail by either dabbing with a sponge to give it density or lightly brush over it to give a scattered effect. The topcoat is thick and would seal everything into it and give that shiny, candy-like finish.

This is my favorite when I need something easy but still fancy. It provides the “crunchy pile of leaves meets girls night” and it will fit your pumpkin pie, that much is guaranteed.

Muted Multitone with Line Art Accent

When we say it is fall, the color palette moodboard would likely be something like this. This manicure is a combination of matte black, soft dove gray, creamy nude, and a hint of golden mustard with one abstract line of the leaf on the ring finger. It is balanced, breathable and just right neutral, with a hint of depth. It also provides me with “art school meets Scandinavian autumn” and I mean that in the best way.

The most important part of this is a good matte topcoat, OPI Matte Top Coat and Zoya Velvet Matte are both proven. You’ll need polishes in mustard (like Essie’s “Fall for NYC”), stone gray (Olive & June’s “GH”), and true black. The fine-line art may be created with a detail brush and gel paint or simplified with nail stickers of minimalist botanical prints.

Personally, I love how effortless this feels. When you do not want the typical oranges and reds, but still want something comfortable to wear in fall/winter, this is your style. It matches well with bulky sweaters, dark coffee and songs on replay.

Olive Ombré with Gold Veining

This design is full-on fall goddess. Green in several shades, light sage to deep pine, is combined in an ombr swirl with subtle veining of fine gold alluding to leaf stems or fine vines. It has an almond-like shape, and it is coated with an ultra-glossy finish, which makes it look polished and editorial. It is the type of manicure that will attract attention yet remains connected to nature.

You will require two to three shades of green – Beetles Gel Polish has an awesome earthy palette – and a gold foil liner or metallic gel paint. You can use nail tape or ultra-thin brushes in case you are not sure how to draw those flowing lines by hand. There is no hurry here, thin elegant lines are what will bring the entire appearance to the next level.

This is the one that is like that time in the beginning of November when everything is golden and you are still holding on to the last remnants of warm weather. I had something like it on with a trench coat and was getting compliments all day, in the grocery line, at work, even when I was walking the dog.

Matte Evergreen & Merlot with Ink Feather

Fall doesn’t always have to be brown or orange — and this palette proves it. A lavish unpredictable turn is a combination of dark forest green, semi matte merlot, and fluffy beige in liberal quantities. The accent nail with the feather motif gives a touch of vintage tattoo flash, a touch rebellious, yet elegant. It has got that soft self-assurance I like to put on when I am myself again at the end of the long summer.

Use matte topcoats in this case, that is what imparts the entire thing that suede-like texture. ILNP’s “Central Station” (a deep green) and OPI’s “Malaga Wine” are perfect base shades. To the feather, stamp or a super fine brush with black gel paint, one stroke at a time.

I believe this outfit is created to be worn on cold mornings and thick wool scarves. It is not too fashionable, not too conventional, it is simply cool but with a very subtle style. It also looks great on any nail length, which is always a plus.

Graphite & Mustard with Retro Stripes

Okay, this one is just plain fun. Moody charcoal gray is brightened up by stripes of bold orange on two accent nails. The rounded square brief form keeps it in the present day, but the atmosphere is completely light-hearted, a cross between 70s roller disco and pumpkin patch. It’s definitely an unexpected fall pairing, but it works.

To use as a base, use Sally Hansen, Grease Lightning or Essie, Now and Zen. The stripes can be done using striping tape or a flat nail brush — just make sure your orange pops (DND’s “Tangerine Dream” is a fave). Finish it off by sealing it with a gel topcoat to achieve that luxurious and glassy finish.

This is the best one to wear in case you love the concept of color but not the complete orange nails. I did wear something like that to a harvest party at a friends house last year and people were complimenting me on my nails who don not even pay attention to nails. It’s playful, wearable, and totally Insta-worthy.

Copper Lines & Smoky Neutrals

We are ending on a high note – and this is one is to all those minimalists who still want to have a touch of shimmer. Swinging back and forth between shiny rusty colors, smoked neutrality and negative space, this abstract design incorporates thin copper lines to connect it all together like a jewelry. The forms are leaf-like but abstract enough to be chic all year round. The whole thing screams modern elegance.

This one will need a steady hand, or super fine striping tape. I would suggest the deeper tones, CND, and Zoya, which are Clay Canyon and Tasha, respectively. Add copper gel foil or metallic striping gel (Beetles makes a great one) for the line work. If you have never tried geometric styles before, practice on a swatch stick first, you will be grateful you did.

It is the type of mani that is breathtaking when bundled on a mug of mulled wine. It is not stuffy, but at the same time sophisticated enough to be equally at home in an art gallery and in your favorite coffee shop. Definitely one of my top picks for 2025.

Soft Gradient with Botanical Flair

The tone-down pistachio and pale lemon with dusty mint are calming, and the minimalist botanical swirls in black are not overwhelming the muted palette. The gradient effect is rather elegant and makes me think of the moment right before the golden hour, when everything is gently glowing. This design is light, but still has a hint of fall with the glimmer of gold glitter in the cuticle arc.

To get this look, I would use Olive & June’s “Sweet & Gracious” to get that soft pistachio, and Sally Hansen’s “Mellow Yellow” to get that warm pastel punch. A thin nail art brush is your new BFF when it comes to drawing on those smooth, curvy botanical lines. And be sure to finish with a shimmer top coat like Seche Vite Crystal Clear to make the light catch just right.

I have discovered that it is easier to apply the shades together when the polish is still wet with the help of the sponge to create that smooth ombr e effect. And be sure no coat doth dry before A coat of fine swirls doeth put on Stickers are also good, especially on the fingers of those who are not confident in their freehand game, just seal them with a high-gloss top coat.

On a personal note, I adore this grouping at the beginning of September, when you are still trying to hold on to the remaining days of summer, but you are starting to play with cable knit sweaters. It feels optimistic, transitional, and soft. My best friend wore this palette to a harvest picnic and matched it with a sage green wrap dress. It was chef’s kiss.

Spiced Amber & Glitzy Bronze Swirls

Okay, this one? A full-on fall fantasy. It is rich burnt orange, glowing copper glitter, brown chocolate, and the silver and bronze waves. The nails are unique in their character, but they still blend with the most beautiful autumn palette. The almond shape and rhinestones add a retro-glam kick without being too kitsch, and it keeps it luxe.

The hero here? OPI’s “My Italian is a Little Rusty” for that burnt pumpkin shade, and “Turn On the Northern Lights!” for the glittery shimmer. Metallic striping tape and small glitter gel polish like Kiara Sky Moonlight will help you achieve those curvy accents. You should also have a solid gel base to anchor rhinestones.

This design does take some patience. I start by applying a base color to all of the nails; brown or orange or glitter and then I add the accents using a fine nail art liner brush. Gel glue can be used to place rhinestones and be fastened using LED light. Do not snag them by pressing them to the ground slightly before curing.

I wore a similar set to a friend wedding last year in the fall and it got more compliments than my heels. It is a vibe when you want your nails to make a statement and believe me, they will. It’s confident, fiery, and unapologetically festive.

Short Square with Autumn Leaves

This is the design of the girlies who do not want long nails but still want the maximum seasonal effect. The combination of taupe-gray, soft nude, and hand-painted maple leaves is screaming to go out and have a fall foliage walk with a hot cider in hand. It also has one silver glitter nail to add a little flair without overwhelming the comforting theme.

Jana by Zoya will give you that gray-taupe background and Vanity Fairest by Essie is perfect as the creamy neutral. When it comes to the leaves, you may experiment with red, yellow, and orange colors such as “Clambake,” “Sunset Soiree,” and “Playing Koi.” A dotting tool is useful in that painterly effect on the leaves should you feel daunted by freehand.

This would be really easy to DIY, but if you’re short on time, you can use water slide decals. I would seal with 2 top coats to give it extra dimension. One of my go-to tricks? Apply a matte top coat onto the leaf nails only- this will make them look like paper and is so pretty during the autumn months.

I love this design for weekday wear. It’s subtle enough for the office but still festive. One of my friends wore this with an old camel trench and black jeans, and it was the most subtle flex, and honestly? Nails like these are the new statement earrings.

Bold Matte with Butterfly Accent

This set gives me all the crisp-leaf-walk-in-the-park energy. Deep olive green combines with a soft terracotta orange in matte perfection, and then a butterfly. It’s almost like fall’s version of a mood ring. The stiletto shape is striking but the matte finish gives it a more natural feel and makes it look down to earth.

To this, I would use ILNP’s “Cameo” as olive base and China Glaze’s “Life’s Grimm” as a juicy orange. Matte top coat is non-negotiable. The butterfly can be painted with detail brushes or applied via sticker if you’re going for a cleaner finish.

This is my tip: the matte finish should be the last step, but you can leave the butterfly nail without it to create a contrast between the matte and glossy. It makes it luxe-like–suede and silk on the one hand.

It is a look that makes me think of being cocooned in a thick knit, drinking something cinnamon-flavoured and reading in bed. It’s earthy, artsy, and gives major transitional energy.

Classic Fall Palette with Sweater Texture

Dark chocolate is creamy with a knit nail art? Literal fall perfection. The quirky little script in the maple leaf is cute and funny, and the high-gloss finish against the cable-knit texturing is a warm contrast that you just can resist.

I add a gel polish here to create the texture of a sweater–I like The GelBottle Marshmallow and Chocolate and a thin builder gel or 3D gel to create the raised knit. Use a fine layer between coats then apply a matte top coat to make the texture.

This is the third year I have done this design as my first cold day manicure. It just tastes like it is soup season coming up One tip from celebrity manicurist Elle Gerstein? “Texture can be wearable if it’s balanced—add it as an accent, not the whole set.” And she’s right—it’s cozy without being costume-y.

It is the type of set you will want to display with your favorite mug or using a pumpkin at the farmers market. Seriously, it’s that cute.

Retro Pop Meets Modern Art

This is a light-hearted mixture that is aimed at those of us who enjoy a touch of whimsy in our fall. The matte teal and juicy orange are warm and saturated, and the accent nails have an abstract doodle and micro-lettering playfulness that is reminiscent of a sketchbook. It’s giving “Sunday morning at a local café” energy. The short round shape keeps things approachable and wearable—even if you’re just doing errands or sipping something spiced.

The orange will need something daring and creamy, such as Olive & June color “Maren” or Essie color “Meet Me at Sunset.” In the case of teal, China Glaze has it with Cactus What You Preach. The doodles, stamping plates are lovely, or you can play with a fine detail brush and a little practice.

I tend to do two coats of solid polish, dry it completely, and then do the linework in black stamping gel. If you’re doing it freehand, go for clean, confident strokes—hesitation shows! Use matte top coater to make it warmlike a chalk board.

This type of appearance brings me nostalgia about art school notebooks and old-time enamel pins. It is light, playful, and has a lot of character, which makes it the ideal nail polish to wear by those who want their mani to be a topic of conversation.

Golden Mustard Simplicity

Who said fall nails have to be moody? This matte mustard yellow ensemble is loud and subtle, but, undoubtedly, autumnal with the sketch of a leaf. The general effect is satiny and soothing, a little like that stillness just before the leaves begin to fall. The square shape that is short gives it a neat and polished feel to contrast the bold color usage.

To create this effect, you can use Daisy Know My Name? by China Glaze, but add a drop of ochre to dull it a bit. Combine with a matte top coat (OPI Matte Top Coat is a good one) and black stamping gel or stickers to get the line-art leaves.

My favorite is line art with gel pens, yes, art pens, but you have to wait until your polish is completely dry. Then seal it in with a non-smudging top coat (try Young Nails “Stain Resistant”).

This look is ideal for transitional weather when you’re not ready to let go of brightness but still want something fall-friendly. I had something similar on a hiking trip in Vermont and I felt that my nails were in tune with the turning leaves.

Painterly Strokes in Blue & Rust

This look feels straight out of an art studio. There are sharp white nails painted with the free brushstrokes of navy and rust orange like a mini modern picture on each fingertip. The rounded square nails are short and round, and this makes it crisp and modern without being too hard. Frankly, when I look at this, I want to put on a blue knit sweater and bake something with cinnamon.

I can be wearing a non streaky white polish and I have on OPI Alpine Snow. Then pick up rust like Essie Playing Koi and a dark navy like Arctic Night by Lights Lacquer. Load a fan brush or a flat detail brush and swipe upwards in a quick stroke to make the brushstrokes look. Don’t overthink it—it should look spontaneous.

I skip tape or stencils for this one. Leave one layer of color to dry before applying the next and make the strokes parallel to each other. No need to top coat right away—let the texture live a little if you’re feeling bold.

I have already tried this before a weekend at a mountain cabin, and I can only say that it went well with plaid flannel and oat milk lattes. It’s expressive, yet clean. Effortless, but impactful.

Classic Pine with Flecks of Gold

Deep forest green is the new neutral this fall. This small, round-shaped set is given a higher touch with small specks of gold that appears like falling leaves trapped in the polish. It’s minimal, yet festive. A bit like a turtleneck and gold hoops, easy and strong. This shade makes me think about pine needles in the spring and the fireplace.

This look works perfectly with Zoya hunter or Essie off tropic as the green base. Top off with a sprinkle of gold glitter polish such as ILNPs Empire around the tips or cuticles to have a scattered effect. A clear top coat seals everything in.

I prefer to use the gold with a fine dotting tool or even the end of a bobby pin to make it subtle. A sprinkling of a few specks,–more than that, and you will lose that fine reserve.

I believe this is the ideal outfit to wear when first autumn chill comes in air in October. It’s timeless, a bit moody, and endlessly versatile—like a manicure version of your favorite forest green trench.

Orange Pop with Golden Foil Leaves

Chic, grown-up tangerine has been enhanced with gold foil leaves on a neutral ground. The combination of shiny orange and subtle metallic details is contemporary and not too holiday-like. It is the kind of manicure that can be used on brunch as easily as it is used on an after-hours dinner date.

Paint light nude polish such as OPI in Bubble Bath, and add over it, tangerine hue Esie in Tangerine Tease. You’ll need gold foil leaf pieces (they come in jars, trust me—it’s addictive), tweezers, and patience. Put a thin layer of sticky top coat and press the foil on it.

Pro tip from celeb nail tech Miss Pop: “Gold foil always looks best when it’s not symmetrical. And then let it flutter a bit–as though it had settled there by accident.” Couldn’t agree more.

This was worn to a dinner out with friends in early November and I was stopped twice on the subway with compliments. That gold? Catches the light like nobody’s business.

Maple Spice & Latte Gloss

This look is like October bottled into a manicure. The terracotta color is rich and has warm undertones, which is perfectly balanced by the cool white nail art design that depicts a detailed maple leaf. The coffin shape adds length without sacrificing elegance. It’s classic fall—but elevated. Imagine knitwear, woolen scarves, the first morning when the cold coffee is changed to hot.

In this set, the burnt orange base is nailed by OPI or Orly with the name of the nail polish being “Yes, We Canyon” or Terracotta respectively. The accent is just right when it comes to a creamy white such as Blanc by Essie. The leaf detailing can be done with fine brushes or use high-quality decals when time is limited. A top coat with a lot of shine brings it all together and makes that leaf pop.

A trick I have with detailed nail art is to paint the design over a thin coat of matte top coat on the base- it stops you getting smudges and makes your lines stay sharp. Apply a top coat of gloss at the end to revive it all.

It is one of those sets, that I always revisit, it is nostalgic and cozy, like a fall candle that you love, or your favorite pair of boots. It is wearable, adorable and very on trend with sweater weather.

Espresso Leopard Drama

This one is something delicious and bold, latte nudes and espresso browns with a touch of sharp stiletto nails and glossy leopard print. It’s fierce, confident, and definitely a little wild. But rather than being summery, the color scheme anchors it in that autumn vibe, almost like a leather jacket in mani-form.

Start with a beigey-nude like Be There in a Prosecco by OPI and top it with dark chocolate Fedora by CND. The leopard spots will require a dotting tool and nail art brush, and a combination of burnt orange and black will give you that classic pattern. I would recommend gel polish in this design so you have time to play before you cure.

Leopard prints are just that, everything in balance, too much and it screams, too little and it holds back. I prefer to do full print on no more than two nails and to balance the rest with solid colors or negative space. Top with glass top coat–this one must glimmer.

This outfit brings me back to those in-between times in the fall when the atmosphere changes- when the ballet flats are replaced by the boots and thin scarves by the striking coats. It is slightly edgy, slightly glam and very seasonal. And honestly? It makes me feel unstoppable.