The air becomes crisp, pumpkin spice is in the air, and our wardrobes slowly transition to warm layers. But what about our nails? If you are like me then pedicure season does not end when you put your summer sandals back in the closet. October seems like the right time to experiment- be it with somber autumn shades, striking prints, or Halloween references. The true question is how are you channeling your vibe this season: earthy elegance, vibrant fun, or statement-making art?
To help you plan your next October toenail art, I have compiled a list of the latest October toenail art ideas in 2025 based on the trendiest colors and the most innovative designs. All of the looks are unique, but they all add autumn vibes to your pedicure collection.
Sage Green Minimalism
Dark and pale shades of green are perfect winter morning colors. This sage green pedicure is subtle but fashionable, achieving the right balance between minimalism and seasonal freshness. The glossy finish is a bit shiny but not too much so the overall vibe remains natural and calm, but still on-trend in fall 2025.
My recreation would be a mix of Essie’s “Can Dew Attitude” or OPI’s “Sage Simulation”- they are both close to the grounded green without crossing over into neon and the overly dark. A high-shine top coat is a must here and I would normally recommend Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat to give a salon-like finish that lasts.
When painting, I always start with a ridge-filling base coat (trust me, it makes the polish look smoother and last longer). Apply two thin layers of color, and allow each to dry thoroughly. As celebrity nail artist Jin Soon once told Allure, patience between coats is the key to the difference between chic and messy.
I prefer to wear this color with thick knit socks or even peek out of sleek leather mules. It has a bit of a luxe vibe and people tend to look twice when they see the soothing hue. Sometimes the quietest color says the most.
Metallic Marble in Emerald
October is all about drama, and this swirling emerald marble pedicure will surely make you crave it. The combination of the deep green and the glimmer of metallic shades is hypnotic, almost like the gemstone nails on your feet. It is glamorous, but not showy, which is ideal for holiday parties that begin to sneak onto your calendar in late fall.
To nail this look (pun intended), you’ll want a deep metallic polish like ILNP’s “Evergreen” or China Glaze “Emerald Fitzgerald”. The marbling has worked well with a thin nail art brush that is dipped in a lighter color green or even black to swirl across slightly wet polish. Left with a shiny sealing coat so the glitter really glimmers.
It’s not as tricky as it looks! I tend to leave two colors on the nail at a time and then I drag a fine liner brush across them in soft S-like movements. According to nail artist Betina Goldstein, the trick to marbling is to have less rather than more: the effect can be ruined by overmixing.
Every time I’ve worn marble nails (even just on my big toe), friends have asked if I got them done at a high-end salon. It is the charm of this style, it appears complex but can be done with some practice. It is my staple when I want to make my pedicure feel like jewelry.
Bright Chartreuse Pop
Not ready to let summer brightness go? A bold chartreuse pedicure is the perfect transition. This zesty yellow-green is an instant reminder of sunshine and is a surprisingly good match with fall deeper tones such as brown, navy, or charcoal. It is fun, slightly subversive, and perfectly on trend with 2025 in love with neon accents.
Shades like OPI “How Does Your Zen Garden Grow?” or DND Gel #671 Lime Martini give that juicy punch of color. I really like gel formulas when it comes to keeping such bold colours looking good longer as chips will be more noticeable.
I typically base coat with white before applying neons- this makes the color pop more, almost like turning up the contrast. Pro tip: celeb manicurist Tom Bachik says the key to neon looking true on nails is white underlay. He told me that once, on a red carpet breakdown, and it altered how I deal with brights.
Personally, this shade is just something that makes me smile whenever I look down at it. Even when I have to be covered in a trench coat, my toes remind me that fun is not dependent on the season, but on the mindset.
Fiery Orange with Animal Print
Orange in October? It would be a crime to pass up the opportunity to wear this fun color, and leopard accents take the entire pedicure into playful, fashion-forward territory. It feels festive (hello Halloween) but also chic enough to rock all autumn long. The orange glossy sets the scene, the accent toe adds character.
The orange, with Essie’s “Yes I Canyon” or Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in “Trick or Treat” both provide a bright, orange leaning orange. For the leopard spots, you just need a dotting tool (or even a bobby pin) dipped in brown and black polish. Finish with a top coat to smooth everything out.
I tend to begin with two layers of orange, then apply irregular circles of beige on one of the nails and outline them with black and dots. Nail artist Chaun Legend always posts on Instagram that imperfection is the beauty of animal print, so do not worry about perfect spots.
The best conversations I have had were when I was wearing animal print toes. People can see, they remark and all of a sudden you are sharing nail art at the coffee shop. It is pedicure that doubles as a conversation starter.
Deep Chocolate with Leopard Accent
To up the ante on animal print, I enjoy doing a deep chocolate brown with only one or two leopard accent nails. It’s sultry, polished, and feels made for fall. The print and the brown make it look warm and cozy, but the brown is so rich that it makes it look rich as well.
The dark chocolate shades such as PIs Espresso Your Inner Self or Zoya Dee are beautiful, glossy and deep. With the leopard accent, the same brown-and-black dotting technique is used, but on the nude base it really pops.
I am always extra careful when doing darker pedicures by prepping with a base coat to avoid staining. I have discovered that that step is particularly important with brown polishes as when it is omitted, nails tend to appear duller after removal.
This design feels like autumn nights by candlelight. I have paired it with strappy heels to a dinner party and to be honest, my pedicure polished off the whole look. It is an indication that nail art is not only fun but also can be classy.
Classic White with a Rose Gold Accent
White toenails are simply elegant, but one rose gold glitter nail will instantly change the whole thing into glamorous. The starkness of clean white polish with a single glitter nail makes it feel current, fresh and ideal for October nights when you want a bit of extra sparkle. It’s minimal, but it never feels boring.
To achieve this look, I would apply OPI Alpine Snow and then top with a rose gold shimmer such as Zoya Astra or Essie Penny Talk. The secret is to ensure that the white polish is opaque- two or three coats normally suffice. A glittery accent is best paired with a fine shimmer formula so it does not feel chunky.
I normally begin with the white polish on all nails, leaving the accent nail to the end. I apply the glitter polish by carefully packing it on using a flat brush in two thin layers. Nail pro Sarah Gibson Tuttle, founder of Olive & June, likes to layer on fine glitter rather than one heavy coat to keep the finish smooth and elegant.
I had a version of this at a fall wedding one time, and it was the best pedicure. It was glamorous in sandals but also very elegant with closed-toe shoes. I love how clean and elegant the combination of white and glitter feels yet it is just right as we approach the holiday.
Deep Ruby Elegance
Every October I always feel like I need a deep jewel tone, and ruby red pedicure is the definition of classic. It is not excessive but at the same time elegant and impressive. This shade of grey is vintage Hollywood style but can easily fit in current fall fashion, especially when worn with jeans, sweaters or a trench coat.
I would recommend Chanel Le Vernis in Rouge Noir or Essie Bordeaux to achieve that wine like effect. These are creamy and high-shine so the color looks deep and luxurious. If you want a gel version, DND #473 Ruby Red is a gorgeous pick for longer-lasting wear.
To apply I prefer to use a base coat of ridge filler first as the darker colors will highlight the flaws. The next step is to apply two thin layers of polish with a glossy top coat that gives it the mirror look. Manicurist Deborah Lippmann once told Vogue that dark reds are always in style, only they change with the times, and I couldn t agree more that s why I always go back to dark reds in the autumn.
Personally, I always feel more polished when I have a ruby red pedicure on. Whether I wear it in my casual sneakers or fancy heels, it makes me feel like I am carrying the essence of a quiet glamour with myself.
Black and Gold Geometry
This black-and-gold design is where elegance meets edge. The striking black polish, interrupted by negative space and a slim gold line, is a geometric design that makes a statement all its own. It is bold, trendy and perfect to wear during October nights out when you want your pedicure to be noticed.
On the base, I would use OPI Black Onyx, and on the metallic stripe I would use Essie Good as Gold or even nail tape in a silver foil finish. The negative space effect is best done with a sheer nude polish such as Zoya Adel applied underneath to keep the design clean.
When I duplicate this type of design, I use striping tape to isolate the nail prior to painting it black. Once I have removed the tape with care, I paint the gold stripe and top it off with a glossy finish. Celebrity nail artist Naomi Yasuda has repeatedly claimed that striping tape is a lifesaver when it comes to clean, graphic nail art, and she is so right.
I have worn a variation of this in the past on vacation and people actually stopped me to ask where I had it done. The beauty of geometric accents is that they are catchy in the most sophisticated manner.
Midnight Black with Crystals
There is no October glam like crystal-studded jet-black toenails. It is deep black at the base, which creates a mood, and the rhinestones reflect light to provide a little glamour. It is half street and half sophisticated, which is why it is one of those styles that can be worn both to a Halloween party and a fancy evening on the town.
My go-to for this look is OPI Lincoln Park After Dark (a cult favorite) or Zoya Willa for a true inky black. In the case of crystals, Swarovski flatback rhinestones or even nail art gems on Amazon will do the trick. The trick is to keep them in place with nail glue or a strong gel top coat.
It is easy, just polish all your nails black and then using a dotting tool dipped in glue, place rhinestones at the base of the big toenail. Apply another coat of gel top coat to seal. Nail artist Tom Bachik, who has worked with celebrities, has said that even the simplest color can be brought to couture status with the help of tiny embellishments, and this design proves it.
Whenever I wear black with crystals, I always feel like my pedicure was an accessory on its own. There is no need to wear any additional ankle chains or toe rings–the nails speak volumes.
Striped Candy Red
Striped candy red toes are the best bet for the ones who are fond of a playful twist. The bright red foundation with white stripes is a whimsical, almost candy cane look, but there is a fashionable twist that allows it to be worn beyond the holidays. It is whimsical, surprising, and ideal in case you want to add some liveliness to your October outfits.
I would apply Essie Really Red or OPI Big Apple Red as the base. The stripes are painted with a thin striping brush loaded with OPI Alpine Snow or any opaque white polish. Patience and a steady hand are key here.
I normally paint the red base, allow it to dry thoroughly, then apply the stripes by freehanding them with a striping brush. You can also use striping tape in case you are precise. According to nail artist Julie Kandalec, contrast stripes are a simple way to make a manicure look complex, and this design fits the description.
This style is what I associate with holiday spirit but can be perfect with a more relaxed fall look as well. The stripes are cheeky and bold and I like them instantly uplifting the mood. Sometimes it is good to have your nails be the fun part of your outfit.
Soft Peach Glow
A gentle peach pedicure is like a ray of sunshine in the chilly October weather. This is a light shade but that is what makes it refreshing and not so bright to the point of being neon. It is that ideal in-between tone, which is playful enough to wear during fall weekends but refined enough to be worn daily.
I tend to use Essie Peach Side Babe or Zoya Wendy to achieve this look. Both tend to be creamy peach that goes on evenly with no streaks. I think peach shades are best with a glossy top coat to make them look more juicy and fruit-like.
My favorite technique when I paint peach nails is to use a base coat to even out the ridges and then two coats of color using careful and even strokes. Peach tones, as Rita Remark once said in Elle, are neutrals with a personality, and that is exactly how this looks on the feet.
I love it with sandals in the sun in the fall. It makes my skin look brighter and feminine. It is so subtle but it always makes me feel a bit more radiant.
Neon Pink with Zebra Stripes
If you find October to be a time when you want to rebel against muted tones, then neon pink with zebra stripes is a statement pedicure. The hot pink foundation catches the eye immediately and the black stripes provide the right amount of edge. Bold, daring and not at all shy, a look that tells you to just shut up and listen to your toes.
For the neon base, China Glaze Pink Voltage is a cult favorite, while DND Gel #426 Neon Pink works beautifully if you want longer wear. Any true black polish with a striping brush can be used to provide the stripes.
I normally begin with painting the neon pink base followed by drying. I then apply thin, wavy black lines on the nails with a striping brush. As Miss Pop has explained before: animal-inspired designs are about movement, not precision, and that allows you to relax and take the pressure off of making every stripe look exactly the same.
I have tried neon toes before, and I cannot lie, it is a confidence booster. Even in the fall, it makes me feel as I am taking summer energy with me into cooler months. This is the kind of pedicure that guarantees compliments.
Golden Chrome Shine
Golden chrome nails are the liquid metal on your feet, and in October, they sparkle even more on the background of darker wardrobes and cozy knits. It is dramatic, striking, and entirely impossible to miss- jewelry on your feet. This is the type of look that makes even the most basic outfit feel fancy.
To achieve this effect I suggest using a chrome powder over a gold gel base. Such brands as Born Pretty Chrome Powder or Daily Charme Mirror Chrome offer such a highly shiny effect. To maximize the chrome effect, the base color must be a warm metallic gold.
They normally require a gold gel polish to be applied, which is then cured, followed by a chrome powder being rubbed on the nail using an applicator sponge. A no-wipe gel top coat is a must to seal the mirror-like shine. Nail artist Eunkyung Park (known as Unistella) often shares that chrome finishes are “the fastest way to make nails feel futuristic and luxe,” and I couldn’t agree more.
When I had golden chrome on last time, it reflected in the light every time I moved and people actually thought I was wearing metallic nail wraps. It is one of those designs that never fails to make an impression.
Black with Red Hearts
Funny and sexy, this black foundation with little red hearts says a lot without uttering a word. It is Halloweenish with a romantic touch making it one of the most fun designs in October 2025. The dark background and the vivid red make it solid and memorable.
When it comes to the black base, the OPI Black Onyx is a fail-safe choice. The hearts are best done with a dotting tool or stamping plate and a real red like Essie Really Red.
When I attempt this design, I apply two coats of black and then dot the red polish into little hearts. Stamping tools are a good shortcut to you, however. Celebrity manicurist Mei Kawajiri is fond of posting wacky designs on her Instagram, and she shows that nail art should not be serious.
This is a style that I would wear on Halloween nights or dates–it is playful and daring. Whenever I have used heart patterns, I have smiled each time I have looked down at my feet. That’s the kind of joy a manicure should bring.
Monochrome Polka Dots
Sometimes simple designs are the most striking. White dots on black nails are slightly retro, almost childish, but at the same time quite modern in 2025. Polka dots are very versatile- they can be classy with a little black dress or playful with casual jeans. It’s a design that never goes out of style.
I would paint Zoya Willa as the black base and OPI Alpine Snow as the white dots. The best is a dotting tool, but really even a bobby pin or a toothpick will do in a pinch.
The procedure is simple, two coats of black polish and then using a dotting tool, dipped in white polish, place dots on the nail. I reload the tool every dot to keep them uniform. Nail artist Julie Kandalec says that dots are the easiest nail art to do: They suit everyone, and even professionals can still wear them.
The same style felt retro and refreshing once, when I wore it during the fall. Polka dots are always so cheery and timeless-I love them!
Spiced Orange Waves
There is a mesmerizing quality to bright orange and black- a combination that immediately reminds me of Halloween evenings and dancing candlelight. Here the design is based on curved orange lines over a glossy black foundation with a solid orange accent on other nails. It is graphic enough to feel festive, but not over-the-top in costume territory.
To achieve this, I tend to use a rich black like OPI black onyx and a juicy orange like Essie Tangerine Tease. A fine striping brush is the deciding factor in keeping those wavy lines straight yet natural looking. It’s surprisingly simple once you’ve got the right tools.
In an Allure interview, celebrity nail artist Julie Kandalec claimed that bold pedicure colors are a good way to experiment with trend colors that you may not want to put on your hands. I couldn\t agree more, this is ideal when it comes to dipping into seasonal orange without overthinking.
Autumn Leaf Elegance
Bright orange once again steals the show but the design is toned down with a slight black leaf detail on the big toe. It makes me think of the curling of leaves as they fall–so light and yet so graphic, so much nature and so much boldness. The matte finish gives it a more contemporary and high-end look, almost like a statement piece.
I would use a matte top coat by Zoya to bring out the velvet effect, combined with an orange base such as DND Bright Pumpkin. The easiest way to do the leaf detail is with a thin detailing brush or even a nail art sticker if you feel too intimidated to paint it freehand.
When I wear designs such as this, I feel like they automatically fit together with cozy autumn outfits, such as chunky sweaters or even something as basic as jeans and loafers. It is not big but makes you feel like you planned it without making an effort.
Classic French Revival
This variation of the French tip is not exactly new but it is refined and smooth enough to go with the month of October. A mild pinky-beige nail with a thin white line is a chic addition to any outfit, whether it is a neutral trench coat or an evening dress. It is not trendy, but classic-the kind of design that works all through the season.
The secret to a sharp French tip is a steady hand (or tape guides). I normally suggest OPI bubble bath as the base and Essie Blanc as the clean white. The glossy top coat seals it all in.
One nail pro told Refinery29 that the French manicure serves as a visual palette cleanser between more dramatic manicures, and I could not agree more. It is a refreshing change after weeks of Halloween-themed clothes.
Metallic-Edged Minimalism
This design is very discreet- soft nude color with metallic chrome outlines. It is futuristic without being flashy, and something you can only appreciate at close quarters and that is precisely what makes it luxurious. It is the ideal step between the minimalism of summer and the glitz of the holidays.
To recreate it, you’ll want a neutral gel base (something like CND’s “Romantique”) and a chrome powder in silver or rose-gold. Outlining is a bit of patience work and it requires a fine nail art brush.
The fact that it feels like jewelry on your toes is my personal favorite. It is subtle but it has the same feel as wearing a smooth gold anklet or a delicate ring. It is also a great idea in case you are the kind of person who prefers a design that does not appear too fancy but still expensive.
Golden Twilight Matte
Here is where the drama comes in: a matte black platform punctuated by the airy accents of metallic gold. It has that ideal October feel-moody but glam, in a chic version of Halloween with nary a pumpkin to be seen. The matte finish is the magic ingredient here; it dulls the black and allows the gold to shine through;
The stage will be set by a good matte black like Deborah Lippmanns Fade to Black with a matte finisher on top. Gold foil or even metallic gold polish with a sponge will have that scattered, imperfect luxe effect.
I have also used this style at night functions, and it has never failed to get compliments. It is like candlelight on your toes–surprising, sensual, and so very October. As nail artist Jin Soon Choi told Harper Bazaar, black is the most neutral color, it adds sophistication and confidence to any outfit. This design proves it.
Minimal Chic Geometry
There is a subtle loveliness about pale pink shades and the most minimal geometric embellishment. The foundation is a light blush tone, with one sharp black line on the big toe, and a touch of silver shimmer on the rest of the nails. It is minimalistic, but it has enough character to be distinguishable. I adore the freshness and emptiness of this design, as though it is a well-polished outfit where every accessory serves a purpose.
To achieve this contemporary contrast, I tend to use Essie, Ballet Slippers as the light base and black nail art pen as the sharp line. One or two accent nails in metallic glitter polish, such as OPI’s “Silver On Ice,” will bring the look into a harmony between simplicity and glamour. It is an uncomplicated pairing that is far more refined than I would expect.
As editorial manicurist Betina Goldstein puts it, negative space and linear designs are always fashionable as they resemble the lines of fashion. That understanding makes so much sense in this case- the small black edge feels like an architectural element, a detail that adds class without dominating.
Personally, I think that this type of look is perfect to wear in transitional fall. It is a discrete statement that is casual enough to wear on a daily basis but still elegant enough to be seen under a pair of stylish fall sandals or heels.
Playful Rainbow Pop
Not every October pedicure has to be gloomy and dark-themed-sometimes, a bit of candy-colored is what you need. The design is unashamedly playful and each nail is painted in a different bright color: pink, green, orange, yellow, blue, purple. It is a bit like having a small palette of happiness at your feet and it goes perfectly with the otherwise darker tones of fall outfits.
To achieve a smooth shiny finish, you should use high-pigment gel colors. Brands such as DND and Gelish have very bright colors that do not fade away easily. The vibrancy is sealed and the appearance remains cheerful with a glossy top coat that keeps it that way for weeks. The best part is there is no right way, you can choose your own rainbow order based on what resonates with you.
As celebrity nail pro Tom Bachik has often pointed out, nails are the best fashion accessory because they can be changed instantly. I think, this is precisely why such a design would work in October- it will leave you with a possibility to lighten up your mood, regardless of how gloomy the sky can be.
I always feel like a pedicure with the bold multi-color is an easy way to make it look like I have a style. Even a pair of old jeans and sneakers suddenly becomes a part of a fashion moment, and that is the energy we all need in the heart of autumn.
Muted Floral Whispers
You can also bring the florals to fall by toning them down to muted colors and streamlined patterns. The color scheme of this design is soft mauve as the base with white and berry colored flowers on the larger nails. The general mood is tender, almost old-fashioned, but so appropriate to October due to the slightly dark color scheme. It is feminine, but not too sweet, with the in-between-season appeal.
I typically use Essie’s Angora Cardi as a dull mauve base coat with white polish to create the petals of the flower. A fine brush or dotting tool can be used to maintain a crisp shape in the floral forms. The finishing with clear topcoat adds soft shine to the design without taking away the dainty nature of the design.
According to manicurist Miss Pop, in an interview with Byrdie, floral details always appear timeless but the choice of the color defines the season. The decision to go with muted pinks and purples here makes what would be a spring motif into something distinctly autumnal.
This is my favorite kind of design when I need something that is not too flashy but still elegant. It is the type of pedicure that would be made on purpose, something you would wear on a brunch date or a relaxed dinner, but still keeping in line with the more melancholic colors in October.
