As the seasons change and the layers are finally brought out, our beauty regimens begin to desire a slight change as well, beginning all the way down at our toes. But fall doesn’t mean fading into neutrals (unless that’s your vibe). Whether it is soft earthy tones or striking botanical prints, this seasons toe nail art is all about quiet statements, unconventional color mixtures, and small details that pack a large punch.
Wondering what shades are in? What design looks fresh but still fall-forward? Whether you’re deep into gel polish or just want to DIY something cute at home, I’ve pulled together my favorite pedicure ideas for autumn 2025—each with its own mood, palette, and little bit of magic.
Glossy Espresso With Golden Leaf Accent
It has a quality about it that is so rich, almost espresso-brown, that it reminds you of the initial taste of your favorite fall latte. It’s luxurious, grounded, and timeless, but then—bam!—that delicate golden leaf detail on the big toe completely changes the game. It is discreet, sure, but it adds a glow, an end of golden hour before daylight savings. This is the one I grab when I need an adult fall pedicure but with just a hint of cuteness.
In order to do this, I opt to use a gel polish such as DNDs Black Cherry or Spiced Brownie. For the leaf art, gold nail stickers work beautifully (especially if you’re not ready to freehand), or you can use a fine-tip brush and metallic gel like Born Pretty’s “Gold Foil.” You can never negotiate on top coat when it comes to getting that salon shine.
Clean, polished nails and one good strengthener. Then two coats of the dark polish are put on–care here, to prevent streaking. When it has dried, the gold leaf pattern can be placed on by tweezers or delicately brushed. Slather on a gel top coat, cure, & your ready for that goddess glow up. Bonus: it goes with gold toe rings and warm-colored sandals.
Personally? This is the type of design that I revisit annually. It is a must when I want to shift the bright summer mood into something warmer but still want that touch of glamour. Even my mom (who’s usually neutral-only) copied this look for Thanksgiving last year. No regrets.
Olive Swirl With Gold Leafing
When green meets gold, especially in fall, it’s like leaves turning mid-transition—organic, layered, and moody in the best way. This pedicure is a different kind of soft olive base and abstract golden swirls. It is reminiscent of strolling through Central Park in late October the wind blowing your scarf, everything gold and grounding at the same time. Sophisticated, but not trying too hard.
For the base, I’m obsessed with OPI’s “Suzi – The First Lady of Nails” or Zoya’s “Leif” (which leans a little more sage). The gold? You will need a detailing brush and a decent gel paint Madam Glam has a classic one called Gold Rush. Seal with a glossy top coat and you’re done.
Paint on the flowing gold shapes with striping brush or dotting tool after applying two thin coats of your olive polish. Keep it asymmetrical for a more natural, organic vibe. This design is actually forgiving, so it’s ideal if you’re not a pro but still want that “just came from the salon” finish.
It is the one that I reach to when I feel like my toes need to be in the season, yet can still be worn with neutrals and black boots. The earthy green flatters every skin tone. And in case you never used olive polish on toes–begin here. You won’t want to take it off.
Orange Pop With Playful Speckled Detail
Okay, this one is pure dopamine. A juicy, warm orange that does not spoil the mood in a second, and then these black dots are so chic? So unexpected. It’s the pumpkin spice version of fun, but elevated. That type of toe appearance that causes you to grin when you get it in the shower, or when you get out of your boots after an extended day.
Take DND Tiger Lily or Essie Yes I Canyon as the base orange. The speckles are best done with a dotting tool and black gel paint (Modelones makes a great one), or you can even use a micro detail sponge if you want more texture.
The secret to this is to allow every coat to dry completely before you put your dots. As a fun ombr effect, I prefer to put the dots in groups, clustered around the ends. Top coat seals it in, and honestly, this look lasts way longer than you’d expect on toes.
I was wearing something like this on a weekend in Vermont in October. The atmosphere was crispy leaves, cider donuts, and this pedicure peeking out of my Birkenstocks. All girls should be able to experience this type of protagonism energy at least once.
Mint Meets Safari Chic
Soft mint green and wild child-a.k.a. the ideal combination of clean and surprising. This is for when you’re craving something playful but still want to look polished. The combination of neon green and traditional leopard print is very 2025: eccentric, but not by mistake. I adore it when it comes to transitional weather wear- cardigans, denim and statement accessories.
Take DND, Mint Cocktail or Green Tea as color. The leopard is most easily applied using a dotting tool and a tan base polish. You’ll also want a good black detailing gel (try Nail Addict LA). With a touch of magic top coat and you are ready to go with a look that shouts out creative confidence.
I prefer to begin with the accent nail when doing animal print. Place uneven blobs of tan, then outline parts of them with the black gel—don’t overthink it! You’re going for texture, not perfection. A detail brush gives you more control.
It is one of these looks that make me feel younger at once. I had people in Pilates ask me who painted my toes- spoiler, it was me with a podcast on and a glass of wine. Highly recommend.
Classic Leopard With Autumn Warmth
Leopard, but make it cozy. This version swings towards caramel browns and toasty undertones the kind of palette that goes with your knit sweater and that cinnamon oat latte. Leopard is essentially the new neutral and when it is done in these warm fall shades? Game over. Your toes are going to look expensive.
OPI chocolate moose or DND cinnamon toast will do it. Use a sandy nude for the background (like Sally Hansen “Bare It All”), and layer the leopard spots on top. A high-gloss finish keeps things luxe.
The process is all about layering. First, your base nude. Let it cure or dry completely. Then put caramel-colored spots, and finish with dark brown or black outlines. Random placement = more natural. Seal with a top coat.
Honestly, this one’s for the girls who get it. Leopard toes in fall just work. I paired this with sheer tights and loafers last season, and I felt 10x more styled than I normally do. It’s quiet confidence with a bit of bite.
Midnight Black With Foiled Gold Touch
In doubt, go black, make it fashion. This design is an ode to sleek, minimalist drama. The black base is pitch-black and the gold foil decoration on the big toe? That’s where the magic lives. It has the texture of a luxe leather jacket in nail form, confident, cool, and deeply autumnal.
To achieve this polished and crisp finish you will need a highly pigmented black gel polish- think DND black licorice or gelish black shadow. In the case of the foil, I vow by gold transfer foils or foil flakes such as Daily Charme. You will also require foil glue gel so that it can stick perfectly.
I begin by putting on two coats of black polish, and hardening them in the lamp. Then, I dot foil glue where I want the metallic to be shiny. Apply pressure to the gold foil, cover it with top coat and you are good to go. It is not that hard to imagine, but the outcome is right off a runway.
It is my favorite combination when I am in need of something that can suit both stilettos and boots. It is universally flattering, unabashedly bold, and we are being honest when all things look better in black and gold.
Gunmetal Mirror With Teal Edge
This one? She’s futuristic but make it cozy. That mirrored gunmetal finish is like chrome dipped in starlight, and then—surprise!—there’s that pop of teal outlining the edges. It exudes cool girl vibes, in an unassuming I-don-t-even-bother manner. This is the metallic spin you need to love the metallics but still have a seasonal twist.
You will need a chrome base powder or metallic polish-Cirque Colors Steel or Born Pretty mirror pigment is a good choice. The teal outline can be done with a liner brush and a gel like OPI’s “Stay Off The Lawn!!” or DND “Teal Envy.”
Paint your chrome pigment on top of no-wipe black and then with a fine brush, edge out the lines with teal gel. It is also good to keep a cleanup brush close to be accurate. Then seal it off with a water-based top coat to preserve the chrome effect.
I wore this once with a navy trench coat and ankle boots, and to say the least I felt like a Pinterest board come to life. It’s clean, bold, and cooler than your ex’s playlist.
Modern Art Deco Neutrals With Metallic Accents
This pedicure is a literal work of art. The base is muted neutrals, and then clean lines, geometric shapes, and flashes of gold make it look intentional and elevated. Think art gallery meets holiday glam. It is formed in such a way that it is not stiff at all, and it is ideal during the transition period between the summery warmth of fall and the holiday glitter.
I reach for a range of polishes for this one: a creamy nude like Essie’s “Ballet Slippers,” deep espresso like Orly’s “Faux Pearl,” and a touch of gold foil tape or gold gel paint (Beetles or Makartt are perfect). It’s the combo that does the talking.
You can make this any way you want, I begin with the neutral base and add striping tape or hand painted lines. The trick is layering, do not be afraid to allow each layer to fully dry before proceeding. The negative space makes it contemporary, and the gold makes it soft.
Honestly? I feel expensive every time I do this one. Such as the type of woman who reads hard cover books and vintage jewelry. It is not a pedicure, it is an aesthetic.
Zebra Detail on Jet Black Base
Animal print never really leaves the chat, does it? Here it is more polished: smooth black toes with only one striking zebra element. It is the right amount of fun without being too crazy- like a leather jacket and pearl earrings. Unexpected, yet effortless.
Use a rich black gel (I love DND’s “Black Hole”) and for the zebra, either hand-paint it with a thin brush and white gel or use nail stickers if you’re short on time. Both ways go, matte or glossy top coat, it just depends on your vibe.
Once you have applied your base black polish and allowed it to dry, then add the zebra stripes on the big toe very carefully. Leave the lines curvy and apart in order to create that zebra look. I prefer to make it a little sharper with a silicone stamper or decal when I am short on time.
It has that faintly nostalgic vibe of those statement looks of the early 2010s, but with 2025 minimalism. Pair it with denim and a cropped knit? Instant cool-girl vibes.
Merlot Red With Glassy Shine
This deep, sensual hue of red is like the feeling you get when you put on your favorite cable knit sweater and have a glass of Pinot in your hand. It’s classic but bold, romantic but grounded. The color does the work itself, you do not need glitter, designs, anything. Just that gliding, nearly glassy finish, that takes the light in the manner of the candle flickers.
Find OPI Malaga Wine or Essie Berry Naughty. These are deep and dramatic as fall should be. A gel top coat, such as Seche Vite or Gellux will give you that glass-like finish.
It’s the easiest at-home pedi ever. Buff, base coat, two coats of polish, top coat. Done. The color does all the heavy lifting. It is the ideal reset button when your toes are coming off a summer of wild brights.
I go to this shade whenever the air begins to bite. And it is that one reliable look that will never go out of fashion. Timeless, elegant, and honestly? Kinda sexy.
Yellow-to-Mint Leopard Gradient
Talk about wild with a twist! This pedicure is a reverse of the traditional leopard print, with a surprise base because it is a gradient that changes color with zesty yellow to soft mint. It’s bold, bright, and surprisingly wearable — especially for early fall when we’re clinging to the last bits of summer warmth but craving something fresh.
You’ll want a set of gradient sponges, yellow polish like DND “Buttercup” and mint like OPI “That’s Hula-rious!” To do the leopard spots, I would suggest a fine dotting tool and black gel polish. You can even use a nail art pen in case you are fancy.
I apply a clean ombr base to which I am mixing the yellow into mint with a sponge. When that dries I freehand the leopard spots, which are just random blobs with no even outline so it looks real. It assists in drawing the larger spots first and then fill the gaps with the smaller spots.
This one just makes me smile. I used it on a hot October hike and it was like my toes were in the sunshine. It is a statement, but why should fall pedis be demure?
Minimal Botanical & Monochrome Chevron
Clean, sharp, and creative. The laid-backness of hand-painted greenery is united with the drama of a heavy black-and-white chevron. The negative space and very limited color narrative prevent it being too busy. It’s ideal for those moments when you want something interesting, but not overpowering.
Take a white base gel such as DND White Bunny and forest green such as Essie Off Tropic on the leaf. With the chevron, tape or a stencil is your best friend, or go freehand, if your lines are steady. Black gel polish or acrylic paint is good to use in precision.
My favorite thing about this one is that it is so easy to make personal. You might reverse the pattern, put in more green, or make it really minimal. It is sort of a neutral slate on which to project your personality, only organized enough to feel put together.
This is my go-to for travel season. It looks gorgeous with neutral dresses, boots, even flat shoes at holiday parties. Chic without trying.
Blush Nude With Delicate Rhinestone Halo
This would be the pedicure of quiet luxury. A nude, with some blush, a touch of rhinestones on the base of the nail. It’s soft, feminine, and polished without screaming for attention. Whether you’re heading to a wedding, a fall dinner date, or just want to feel a little extra — this one’s a win.
You’ll need a nude base like OPI “Dulce de Leche” and mini rhinestones (Swarovski or glass) with a good rhinestone gel or nail glue. Tweezers and a dotting tool help with placement.
Once you have applied your base color, and it has dried, carefully place the rhinestones one by one at the edge of the nail. It’s meticulous, but so worth it. Tap them down and cover with a non-wipe top coat.
These are the pedi I wore to my friend engagement party last fall, and I had more compliments on my toes than on my shoes. It is not over the top but classy in a non-obnoxious way and, to be frank, I felt a bit like a royal.
White Porcelain With Gold Leaf Vines
This one is like autumn poetry in nail form. A clean white foundation sprinkled with hand painted golden branches. It is delicate and sophisticated yet still has the light playing on it in the dreamiest manner. As those gold tree-shadows on cloud-skies–utterly fall-coded, yet with a light, airy touch.
I use a porcelain white gel like Gelish “Sheek White” and a gold foil liner or nail art foil pieces (check out Leafgel or Daily Charme). Those delicate strokes of vine can be helped by using a super thin detail brush.
This isn’t one to rush. Paint the underpinning, and then allow your fancy to sport with the branches. I prefer making each one slightly different so that it is more natural. Another option that looks lovely here is a matte top coat in case you want that porcelain look.
It is the type of design I make when I am in need of something soothing and quiet-like soft jazz to the soul. Totally wearable, but somehow a little magical.
Holographic Silver Shine
Is it winter frost? Is it fairy dust? No, it is this chrome holographic pedicure which seems to have been dipped in light. The silver moves with the motion and picks up lavender, blue, even pink. It’s futuristic, but soft. This one glows under the cooler light of fall, particularly on shorter days.
You’ll want a chrome powder (like Born Pretty’s “Aurora Holo”) applied over a silver or light grey gel base. Rub the powder into a no-wipe top coat using a silicone applicator and then apply a final glossy top coat.
Clean lines, short toes, keep it simple, the color does the work. I tend to wear this one with warm knits or big scarves. It gives the right touch of glamor when all other things are slightly dulled down.
I honestly feel like I have little disco balls as toes with this pedi- and that is in the best possible way.
Olive & Gold: Luxe Meets Leafy
Something about a deep forest green pedicure is unexpectedly rich, particularly when it is combined with flashes of gold. This design is providing silent luxury that is not dull- ideal in fall 2025. The green is made to pop by the gold foil-like accents, almost the last farewell of the autumn sun on the trees. The glossy finish catches light just right. It is not flashy, but the sort of pedicure that will make a person roll to a halt mid-boot zip to inquire where you had it done.
To achieve this effect, I would begin with a creamy, opaque olive gel nail polish such as, “DND 571 Olive Grove” as the base. With the gold, use foil flakes over glitter, such as Del Sol Beauty Gold Leaf Foil, and use a little clear gel to place the flakes where you want them. Add a shiny gel top coat to finish off to make it have that glassy salon look.
This kind of toe design is surprisingly DIY-able. I normally apply the base color, LED cure, then carefully tap the foil into a sticky layer using a silicone nail tool or tweezers. Seal it in with a thick no-wipe top coat. A trick I learned by celebrity nail artist Elle Gerstein? “Apply foil with a little randomness. That is what makes it have that feel of being touched by nature.”
This is what I wore to a dinner party last October and it was paired with brown leather clogs- very fall capsule wardrobe vibes. It was so effortlessly elevated, which is actually my sweet spot. It is suitable to anyone who wants to apply a tad bit of gold glam without the glitter bomb.
Matte Slate & Daisies: Cozy Cottagecore With an Edge
Whimsical and sophisticated at the same time, this daisy design on a muted slate gray background is ideal. It is cozy enough to wear on a fall day but graphic enough to have people notice it peeking out of your clogs or suede flats. The matte finish balances the lightheartedness of the florals, so it works well on women that like nail art but want to make it more grown-up. I tend to describe it as the cool older sister of cottagecore.
To get this effect, go with something like OPI “Steel Waters Run Deep” in a matte gel, and hand-paint (or stamp, if you’re like me and sometimes lack the patience) daisy petals using a fine-tip nail brush or stamping kit. The addition of a little drop of orange to white gel paint in the middle adds the cute punch to those flowers.
This design can also be layered: put your matte gray on, cure, then put daisies on in fine lines so the design does not come up too much. Matte top coat goes on last, always. Believe me, the matte seal is what makes the entire look complete.
I have been into matte finishes this year and I had no idea how much I liked the contrast of matte and floral until I tried this. It makes me feel like the crisp fall days when the sky is overcast but the world is soft and romantic.
Earthy Green With Daisy Accents: Grounded and Playful
This would have been the signature pedi of fall 2025. I am getting all of the pumpkin-patch-and-Pinterest-board vibes with a muted, earthy green ground and the whimsical white daisies. It is comfortable, as when you take a sweater in a cold wind. There’s something super wearable about this look—it’s floral, yes, but not sugary. Just fresh and slightly nostalgic.
Use “Essie Expressie – Precious Cargo-go” or “DND 653 – Sage Whisper” as your base, and dot on little white flowers with a dotting tool (super easy) or go full hand-paint if you’re feeling artistic. A center of burnt orange or golden will provide the contrast but not too much and will not interfere with your palette of fall colors.
You don’t need pro skills to pull this off. Frankly, it was the first time I have ever attempted a floral toe at home. I used the daisies with a dotting tool-five dots in a circle, and one in the center. It was strangely cathartic and appeared much more professional than I anticipated.
And to anyone who might not be ready to wear florals in the colder weather, this is your entry point outfit. It is earthy, friendly, and looks equally good with plaid as with denim cutoffs and comfy socks.
Zebra Edge With a Golden Twist: When Classic Meets Wild
French tip who? This audacious zebra print with a gold separator and blush-pink foundation is serving something much more editorial. It’s animal print, but not loud. Luxe, but not pretentious. The thin line of gold between the blush and the black and white zebra makes it go from safari to September Vogue in a flash.
You will need a pale neutral base- I used CND Shellac in Powder my Nose- and then stamp or freehand a zebra pattern over the tip. That luxe gold divider is done with thin gold striping tape or painted by hand with gel lines. It’s a tiny touch that changes the whole vibe.
The trick to making this wearable (and not costume-y) is balance. Not all the way to safari, keep zebra on the tips. Then allow the pink to show through, and the eye has a place to rest. You can use foil or metallic gel polish to apply gold, but the tape is the way to go in case you need surgical precision.
This is a look my best friend wore on a weekend getaway to Sedona, and her pedicure got more compliments than her new boots. This is to the girls who want a variation on the traditional French- she is artsy, perhaps a bit wild, but always sophisticated.
Orange Crush & Daisies: Fall’s Boldest Bloom
This is the perfect amount of loud to be a fall rebel in this bright orange base with cartoon-like black daisy. It is not the pumpkin spice atmosphere that majority of people want to see, it is citrusy, fiery and shamelessly mischievous. Consider: smoldering autumn leaves, orange-red sunsets and that one person that will always order something hot off the menu. Bold, fun, and totally fall 2025.
A bright orange such as DND 406 – Bright Tangerine and black stamping polish or a fine nail pen would be needed to do the flower outlines. Yellow for the centers, obviously. You could even invert this color palette for a matching mani if you’re feeling extra.
It’s a quicker design than it looks. After you put down the base, the floral decals can be stamped or stuck on basically foolproof. And you do not have to have every toe detailed–only the big ones to make an impression.
I attempted a variation of this last fall after it was in a Refinery29 post. I was initially worried it would be too much, but I found myself adoring how much life it added to every ensemble- coffee runs, date nights. You understand how you sometimes need a pinch of rebellion in your routine? This is it, in nail form.
Sage Green & Silver Heart: Minimalism With a Tender Touch
Sage green is a certain kind of calm, like the first gulp of fresh autumn air as you go outside in your coziest knit. This pedicure plays into that vibe perfectly. It is a muted, soft and sophisticated shade with the small silver heart on the big toe being the detail that makes it feel special. It’s clean but not cold. Romantic, but not fussy.
I would use DND 687 – Eucalyptus Leaf or Olive & June WKF to achieve the look. The charm is a metal heart that you can get in minimalist nail art packs or as stick-on decorations–so easy to add on top of your top coat or to bury in gel should you be going that way.
If you’re doing this at home, keep it simple: two thin coats of sage, cure between each layer, add your charm with a dab of nail glue or top coat, then seal it all in. The trick is clean cuticle work and patience– with this one, less is more.
This design brings me back to those first days of September when I begin to use the vanilla candles again and replace iced coffee with lattes. It’s subtle, wearable, and incredibly soothing to look at. A little heart for your toes—because why not?
Whimsy Meets Soft Neutrals: Fall’s Artsy Mood Board
This is a toe pattern plucked straight out of a cozy, fall Pinterest board. Imagine buttery pastel colors, the accent of the daisies and a striking contrast of yellow-black leafy elements that make it artsy at first sight. The whimsical arrangement of color and design is relaxed, but purposeful- the lighthearted aspects of fall that aren’t everything pumpkin spice. It is handing out creative weekend in Brooklyn and I am all in.
You’ll want a mini palette here: soft blue (DND 456 – Blue Grey), blush nude (OPI “Bare My Soul”), lemon yellow (DND 571 – Banana Cream), and jet black for the leaf motif. The daisies will be easier with a dotting tool and the black detailing with a fine brush or nail sticker.
It is best to do this patiently-one toe per character. I would advise using color sections one at a time curing between and then adding detail layers such as daisies or the leaf on top. Seal with a gel top coat for durability.
On a personal note, I adore pedicures with a story behind them- and this one reads like the first tentative rays of fall sunshine, old-fashioned markets, and not taking color too seriously. It’s low-stakes fun and seriously photogenic.
Lime Leaf Gloss: Bold Botanical Energy
This glossy lime-green pedicure is a show stopper when you need to be bold but still feel seasonal. The deep olive painted botanical accent adds a sense of nature to a high energy ground and makes it feel fresh instead of fluorescent. It is a contemporary version of fall green–lighter than olive, darker than chartreuse. A total mood-lifter on chilly days.
This poppy base can be accomplished with DND 543 – Neon Avocado or Beetles Gel in Lemon Tree. For the leaf, either hand-paint with a fine art brush in hunter green and black, or use nail decals for a cleaner result if you’re short on time.
Put on two coats of the lime color, and cure thoroughly. Then paint your leaved branch on the big toe–think soft, not hard lines–and seal it with a high-gloss gel top coat to give it a candy-coated look.
I have done this last year when I wanted something loud and fashionable. I was amazed at how much earthy clothes it played with, camel coats, chunky knit socks, even my standard black boots. It is evidence that green can be made interesting when properly done.
Marble Swirl & Gold Foil: Cozy Meets Chic
This is the gemstone of fall. The uneven, warm gold flakes against cool-toned gray marble swirl will provide you with contrast and class without the effort of trying too hard. It’s the kind of pedicure that feels perfect for crisp fall mornings when you’re sipping coffee and wrapped in a thick scarf. It is luxurious yet earthy in the delicacy of the marbling and the metallic sheen provided by the gold foil.
To start, use a soft slate gray such as Essie Master Plan. On the marble, swirl a little white gel polish in a detail brush, then cure. Gold foil can be tapped in towards the base or edges to imitate fallen leaves trapped in stone.
It can seem complex, but you do not have to be a professional. Apply the white polish into the gray in a dabbing-like manner when it is still slightly wet and then blend with a thin brush to give that marble effect. Place foil on with tweezers and tamp lightly and seal with a thick glossy top coat to smooth everything.
I spotted it on an IG of a manicurist in Portland and was immediately obsessed. It was comfortable, a little bit mysterious, and refined–not yelling, I tried too hard. The best kind of fall energy, honestly.
Neutral Meets Gold: The Fall French Reboot
This one’s for the neutral lovers who still want a hint of glam. The warm nude and chocolate brown combination on the toes with the gold foil on the big toe is the elevated-casual vibe. It is subdued yet not dull and completely fall 2025. It is an adult version of the traditional French tip.
You will need a nude, such as OPI Samoan Sand, on the large toe and a warm chocolate such as DND 424 Cocoa Bean on the others. The nude nail has a touch of the artisan in it since the gold foil flakes are lightly pressed into it after curing, resembling gold leaf on clay pottery.
This is an easy one: Paint, cure, foil the accent nail when the top coat is still tacky, and seal again. I tend to press the foil with a silicone pad so I have a natural break in the pattern- nothing too symmetrical.
The most beautiful thing about this design is its flexibility. It suits all types of skin, does not clash with your wardrobe, and puts a little bit of sparkle in your eyes that especially goes well with gold jewelry. I’ve worn it on repeat since early September.
