Autumn is here! The temperatures are dropping, Pumpkin Spice is in the air, and brunch is more about the atmosphere than the chilaquiles. And like every year, the September question remains; why should my nails remain unapoligetic during the paradigm shift to cozy, earthy slush? I don’t think anyone will argue that olive green is in style. It’s everywhere, and for good reason. It’s much more versatile than the other more common shades of the season. So, how can you take that trending shade and make it your own? Let’s figure it out together, shall we?
French Twist with Olive
This version with olive green on the tips is the perfect seasonal upgrade to the classic French. The olive tips contrast seamlessly with the nude polish, while the marbled green accent on one nail gives the set movement. The almond shape slims the fingers and adds polish, all the while elongating each nail to create a refined, put together look. I find it remarkable how there is a perfect bridge to the traditions while adding a hint of cool that is ready for the hint of chill that approaches.
For this look, I would use OPI’s “Olive for Green” for the tips and mix it with Essie’s “Ballet Slippers” for the base. A single thin liner brush with some white polish will create the delicate marble accent. If you would want an elevated finish, adding a very high shine top coat will seal in that salon look.
Doing this at home isn’t too scary. Start with a clear strengthening base. Use tape or French guides to create that perfect tip line. For the marble, swirl olive and white polish with a very fine brush like celebrity nail artist Betina Goldstein suggests in her tutorials. You want to focus on gentle strokes to mimic the soft curves and imperfections of a natural marble stone.
To me, this manicure has a subtle story: classic with a little fun. This would be perfect for a downtown weekend walk while sipping a latte, because it’s stylish yet not overly formal.
Glittered Olive Accents
Olive nails with glitter seams nails bring an imprint of joy. These nails are perfect for someone who wants to attend office as well as an evening dinner. It feels festive but not too fancy. The squared shape helps the structure nails hold while the glitter stripe helps in the playfulness.
A polish like Zoya’s Shawn acts like a creamy olive base while dynoprod is a loose glitter powder or orly’s halo glitter polish helps in the polish to sparkle. It is better to apply with a thin striping brush as it ensures a neat line.
When I line glitter details I work with a sponge to tap, then I seal with a gel top coat. This prevents them from chipping during busy weeks. Seal twice, then let it dry to lock in that mirror shine.
This is the type of design you can wear for fall parties or thanksgiving parties. It lightly sparkles under light when you hold a glass of wine. The nails are just the right “wow” factor.
Golden leaf Details
Shimmery gold leaf graphics wrapped around deep green, burnt orange, and nude nails covered like a blanket in autumn earth tones and cocoons of luxury. The coffin nails further accentuate the illusion of length and the gold elements take the earthy tones to new heights.
Essie has the perfect orange shade for this manicure, “Fall for NYC”, Zoya has a great olive colored polish, “Sage”, and a good nude is “Beige Babe” from Sally Hansen. Golden decals may also be applied using make transfer foil and golden sticker decals which are surprisingly easy to do for newbies.
The trick is to have patience. Apply the base colors and allow them to dry properly. Use the tweezers to very carefully place the foil. Lastly, choose a finishing top coat, glossy or matte. Nail artists say that metallics pop more when sealed under gloss and that matte gives them a more subtle finish.
These nails always remind me of the golden leaves that shimmer under the sun in late autumn. Such a wonderful pick-me-up when I am wearing a sweater and in the need of a gold accent on my nails.
Botanical Lettering
Here’s a playful spin: soft cream-tone nails with olive leaves and olive with detail lettering designed with “flora.” It’s artsy, nature-inspired, and somehow new. The rounded almond shape makes the design a little softer, with a whimsical nature.
To create something like this, I’d combine a polish with a cream finish like OPI’s. “My vampire is Buff” and detailed olive accents are painted with a nail art brush. Lettering is done easily by stamping kits or nail decals, available for those who don’t have steady hands.
In my experience with nail art words, I have found that the easiest way to approach the design is to keep it simple. One accent nail is plenty, as it feel more intentional and not as overwhelming. Nail experts often say less is more with lettering, as it can become clutter fast.
For me, this design looks flashy and screams of individuality. It is the kind of mani that people will notice detail on, and feels so much like art, that it is as if you are wearing it on your hands.
Olive With Luxe Contrast
This fall nail design is most dramatic, in my mind, and bold, chic, and a little mysterious. Dark olive with a glossy finish and detailed leaves and black leaf designs is quintessetially olive with luxe contrast. It’s still glossy and detailed, perfect for stepping into the season with confidence.
This would include Zoya’s olive “Hunter.” Just make sure to pair with Deborah Lippmann’s gold glitter, “Boom Boom Pow.” Gold leaf art can easily be created with black nail art pens and stamping plates.
To get the best results, black and gold should be placed over a lighter, more neutral base. The balance here is key, and Julie Kandalec’s, “let your art breathe,” is perfect. Fall is the season, and beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
My go to is fall, and this, for the leather, is powerful and eye catching with gold. The black and deep black go together to contrast with olive and gold, and balanced with still more gold, but with the earthy side.
Matte Olive with Metallic Accent
Matte finishes paired with a metallic accent nail certainly offers an elevated level of sophistication. The muted olive base with gold chrome harmoniously balances with the almond shape keeping the overall silhouette soft. It’s a striking design under autumn sunlight!
OPI’s “Suzi – The First Lady of Nails” with an Essie matte top coat works excellently for the chrome. The Born Pretty and Daily Charme brands provide perfect chrome powders for the intensely metallic finish. A smooth silicone tool gives a smooth and evenly reflective finish.
Simple and precise could not be more perfect. With gel polish, simply chrome cure your matte olive shade. Black gel base applied on accent nails and then chrome powder provides the meticulous shine. The no wipe top coat technique seals the chrome for a perfect mirror finish.
I love the sophistication and the drama of the look above. The gold leaves whisper elegance and wink luxury. The look above will pair nicely for fall evenings with an oversized blazer and gold cocktail rings.
Olive And Nude With Leaf Art
The nude and olive are glossy and separated with olive leaves intertwined with gold stripes. The almond shape of the nails really pulls down the design and lets it woosh without feeling claustrophobic. The earthy green and beige feels modern and feminine and autumn.
For this look I would use Zoya’s ‘Wyatt for olive, Essie’s ‘Vanity Fairest’ for nude, and then some gold pole for the tip or metallic gold. To get the leaves, use a fine releif or stamping. Even if you are not the best at nail art, its so easy to use a gloss and outline the leaves.
For designs that use a combination of nude and other colors, the key is to keep the edges clean and sharp. Use tape or French guides to achieve symmetry, and then remove the guides while the polish is still tacky to avoid any chances of broken or jagged lines. Many nail professionals and even celebrity manicurist Jin Soon Choi, believe that sharpness with the details is the most sophisticated and elegant way to finish it.
I personally would call this the ‘’Coffee Date Manicure than anything else. It is elegant, soft, and very friendly but it is the leaf designs that makes it special. I could see this being worn during fall weekends when nails should be on the seasonal side, but still very flexible.
Minimalist Olive With Gold Stripes
It’s perfect for you if all you need is very minimal design and you are bored of plain olive manis. This design in particular is perfect for you. It combines blush nude nails with matte olive and adds the extra touch of nicely tapered gold stripes on the sides. The almond shape is flattering too, and the matte finish is soft and cozy, perfect for the fall season.
For my base color I used OPI Olive for Green and Essie Spin the Bottle. For the gold lines I recommend using foil striping tape or Ciaté gold nail art pen for the technique. The gold striping tape works well for thinner gold lines.
To keep the shine down I suggest a matte top coat. The technique is fairly simple. After the base color is applied, striping tape is applied down the center of the nail, where the top coat is applied. If you are painting your nails and are a little shaky, support your wrist and forearm on a flat surface. Manicurist Sarah Bland has great tips for this.
I would wear this design to the office for a no drama day. The design is simple, yet makes a statement. The color scheme is polished down, making the nail art design office friendly.
Olive With Feather Motif
Olive nails become creative through a streamlined green base as a canvas for bold feathery accents in metallic silver and black. Detailing gives an artisanal element to the design. The square shape is rounded and allows for versatility and comfort. The beauty of the comprehensive design feels as though you have jewelry on your fingertips.
For the base of the design, Zoya’s “Hunter” and Essie’s “Win Me Over” have convenient options. For the feather, chrome stamping powders or silver gel liners create the metallic design beautifully. The Domaine of black polish diluted works with a fine paint brush to create feathering dimension.
When creating this design for the first time at home, I like to outline the feather accents with light strokes of polish. Feather like accents in metallic polish, in layers, works the best and creates an effortless look. Nail artists recommend thin layers so it gives a painterly effect, and feels light, rather than overdone.
This design reminds me of November, and the chilly afternoons where you could go for a walk. November is when a lot of the beautiful leaves change color, creating a crisp atmosphere. I would walk through the park, the leaves crunching beneath my feet. My fingers were cold, but I could still capture a glimpse of my manicure every so often in the sunlight. This time of year is when I notice it the most. It’s complex, and beautiful.
Olive Marble With Gold Accents
The nude polish blending into the rich green base with marbled swirls of gold accents creates the final look. The gold marble detailing is both trendy and sophisticated, and the square shape of the nail adds dimension. It’s a timeless look with a contemporary twist, and is sure to attract compliments no matter where you go.
The marbling is done using a thin liner brush dipped into white polish and swirling it on the nail. The base colors I’d recommend for the greens is Essie’s “Off Tropic” and for the nudes, OPIs “Bubble Bath.” The design is further enhanced by adding a gold foil strip or Etching with Orly’s “Gilty Girl” polish.
The art of marbling nails can be overwhelming for some, but the secret is NOT overworking the polish. Its more pleasing to the eye when busy patterns are not the only thing that can be seen and a much more relaxing look is presented. Just like many other artists, Tom Bachik, suggests diluted polish or alcohol ink to incorporate that smooth texture.
To me, the design is catchy. At the same time, it contradicts and captures the beauty of fall. It is charmig and minimalist. I would wear it with gold accessories and a big knitted sweater on a dinner out.
Short Olive Elegance
Nails polished to muted olive color adds both elegance and style. The practical side of the rounded square adds practicality to the style while still keeping the nails short. The olive green shade of the nails adds a modern refined touch with a muted decorative appeal.
Short manicured nails polished with gell olive green may also be the perfect balance. It is OPI’s “Infinite Shine Olive for Green” that is best for this style of polish. Short nails and overlapping OPI polish with a gel top polish achieves the desired high shine result.
Home editions of this style begin with a strengthening base coat of polish. Follow this with two thin coats of olive gel polish with a top coat. Once each coat of base nail polish is dry, the remaining coats may be applied. Celebrity polishers recommend nail polish be applied in thin layers to avoid bubbling.
They’re so easy to maintain, and when painted in a nice color, they look so beautiful. Whenever I wear this, I think of brunches with a soft sweater, where everything is neatly thought of.
Nature Inspired Olive Art
It’s artistic, but not a lot which is amazing. It achieves a particular minimalist and detail balance. The outline of the square compliments the outline of the leaves, making the overall art look more soft and feminine.
Zoya’s “Sage” is a nice color to use for the olive, and leaves can easily be painted with a brush and a white gel polish, Gelish’s “Arctic Freeze” works great. The sheer pink and beige base coat help in making the design look more extra as they enhance the transparency effect.
It’s easier than most people think to create the leaves. Just draw a little stem line and attach some angled strokes to make all of the little leaves. It seems the biggest problem when this design is done is the spaced the art is.
This look is calming. The softness of the earthy tone color reminds me of autumn. I can already picture the design. I feel as if I’m walking among the trees while I’m immersed in nature.
Matte Olive Geometry
This nail is striking and combines all the elements of the Fall. It’s long coffin shaped and filled with olive polish and strikes of gold intersecting on the nail and glowing. It’s so stylish. The polish is so contemporary. The gold touches on the nail give the utmost splendor.
Suzi-The First Lady of Nails with Essie matte top coat. For the gold detail she will need gold nail art pens and thin metallic striping tape. The long coffin tips will let the striping designs shine on the nail.
This design does require a steady hand. Slowly pour matte polish and let dry. Next striping tape is applied diagonally. Finally a top coat is applied to seal the design. Cuts and precise tape laying surfaces are done by professional manicurists like Tom Bachik.
This design reminds me of the autumn night outs— so chic and sassy, and slightly over the top. Great for a person who loves their nails to be their own piece of art.
Olive With Dark Abstracts
Here we see the moodier version of olive transformed and swirled with thick gleaming black glossy swirls over a glossy green base. The almond shape of the design boldly softens the pattern, making the design a very artistic piece to wear. It is modern and edgy chic for the person who loves nails as a statement piece.
Essie “Win Me Over” or OPI “Olive for Green” will give you a strong base and black gel liner will sketch the strokes. The abstract strokes entice the thick glossy top coat which captures the dark swirls and deep green.
When I create abstract designs, I find it easier to let go of perfection. Lines of different thickness capture grandeur of intentionality. Nail experts argue that abstract nails should mimic the core diffused strokes on the canvas, not the machine made veneers.
This nail design takes me back to chilly mornings when we used to wear big jumpers and would sit and draw or fill out journals while sipping something warm. It has character and elegance while also being different for this time of the year.
Olive With Rose Gold Glam
This design elegantly merges a glossy green and blush nude base, kissed with a sparkling rose gold edge while, the olive meets romance in the design. It gives a sophisticated, warm feel with the shimmer line and squared tips that add a modern twist. It’s one of the glamorous, yet, subtle choices that is perfect for the season.
You might also need OPI’s “Olive for Green” and Essie’s “Mademoiselle” for nude, while the rose gold “glitter striping” can be created with Orly’s “Rage”. It has a lengthening and dimension illusion due to the glitter along the clean, diagonal line.
Start with the base colors and then fill with the striping brush dipped in glitter polish. It’s a staggered line that goes diagonal. Always finish with 2 top coats to seal the glitter polished nail. Manicurist Betina Goldstein is known for her technique of layering glitter to create a highlight without covering the whole nail.
It’s one of my most loved combinations for autumn. The warmth and oliveness of the rose gold is not only romantic but festive too. It gives the vibe of the holidays. It brings you down to earth and is perfect for this time. I would gladly wear this type of manicure for festive celebrations.
Matte Olive With Golden Leaf Accents
Matte olive+golden leaf accents is chic and tastesful. Muted base with the shiny golden accents gives the illusion of fall leaves and sunlight. Half and half is unique enough to grab attention while not being overly flashy.
If I were to recreate this, I would use gold foil sheets and gold foil glue as the accents along with Olive for Green from OPI. A top coat seals it all while ensuring it’s trendy and fresh with no excess gloss.
The trick is to work in layers, the base color goes down first, followed by the foil with no order or pattern, and finishing with the top coat. They recommend the irregularity as it gives it authenticity. It makes the leaves look more organic and real.
My favorite part is how this design makes my hands feel like they are accessorized, even while I wear a comfy sweater. It adds a subtle sparkle, like jewelry for your nails. What a treat it would be to see this design on a chilly morning while sipping on coffee!
Olive Almond With Botanical Gold Highlights
Nails with glossy olive polish and almond shape, decorated with golden plant designs. It is a balanced feeling that is modern and romantic at the same time. Like wearing a cashmere shawl with colorful bold gold earrings or the classier equivalent of that.
To achieve this look, you will need to use a medium almond acrylic base for a more elongated look. Combine Essie “Win Me Over” and Zoya “Goldie” polish to achieve a perfect gold olive blend. With a fine nail brush, simple leaf shapes are sketched, then outlined in gold. It is oddly meditative.
Nails get dry and need more polish, so think in layers. Cured nails featuring an olive base can be polished with beige polish. Celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec once said, “contrast makes the drama” and this design is a perfect blend.
To me, the addition of the polish to the base, makes this look even more fancy than the rest and is perfect for a fall wedding or a winter festive party. This does not creep into the overused range of reds and dark wines that most people consider using.
Glossy Olive Square With Gold Veining
Nails that are daring but not over the edge can be a little challenging to come up with. This square and glossy verde olive with gold detailing is the perfect solution. The gold and dark green combination is flattering and gives a modern vibe. The gold in the middle also helps to soften the concentration of the green in a beautiful way.
I would start with a gel polish for the base and add a gold metallic lacquer for the marble onto the green. Gelish is perfect for this and gives a powerful shine. With the base ready, add the veining. With the base ready, add the veining. Try to have a loose but flowing design that wavers freely instead of sharp edges within the gold outline. The overall image should look more marble but within green tones.
I do understand that to create this is a lengthy process, especially if you are the one sketching. However, the main beauty of this design is with the veins and how they are not cohesive. This design focuses more on the artistic movement.
That specific style gives me a confident feeling as if I am wearing a sharp accessory. I think it’s a shape that goes just as beautifully with a casual pair of jeans as it does with a stylish blazer for the office. How great is it that nails can show that versatility?
Golden Leaf on Olive Coffin Tips
The olive shade of nails tipped with foil golden leaves is dramatic in the best possible way. The coffin shape is fierce while the shape is more subtle. It’s the type of polish that transforms a lady into a real conversation starter.
For this, I would suggest beginning with the coffin acrylic extensions. Once cured and shaped, go in with a base olive polish and foil the tips with golden leaf metallic.
The Allure is the magazine where I first found this the later tips of the polish should always be applied with tweezers to avoid spoiling the foil and to avoid oil that will dull the shine. These details make the difference.
I wear this set on special evenings like holiday dinners and fall nights out because it makes me feel like royalty. Honestly, even when paired with simple gold rings, it looks like you tailored the whole outfit just to go with the nails.
Modern Olive French With Matte Finish
Taking a traditional French Mani and sprinkling on some matte olive nails is so refreshing! The neutral nail bed keeps it classic, while the olive tips give it a dash of fall. It’s fun and playful, yet still luxe.
This is one you can do yourself in the comforts of your home. Grab a neutral base polish, my personal favorite is Essie’s “Ballet Slippers”, some tape, and some matte olive polish. A fun variation would be to seal just the tips in matte and the rest in gloss!
This technique revolves around symmetry. Don’t rush the line work. If your hands shake, Correction brushes dipped in nail polish remover will save the day! Like a polish hydrator.
I wear this manicure fairly often. It’s fun enough for brunch with friends but still polished for work. Also, every time I look at my fingers, I am reminded how delightful it is to put fun modern spins on classic, minimalistic designs.
Olive Almond with Glitter Accent
One of my top choices to make olive green nails pop is to add a nail with a bold glitter accent. Here, the olive green nails are much thinner than the glitter nail, thus more elongated, creating a gentle almond shape. A single nail boasting a chic black stripe along the edge, as well as glittering gold, adds some edge to the look. It is a beautiful balance of natural elegance: as if you were to finish off a soft cashmere with a statement necklace.
When recreating this, I would suggest applying a base of gel polish such as OPI’s “Olive for Green” and finishing off with a solid glitter gel polish like Orly’s “Gold Rush.” A black stripe may be made with nail art liners using polishes such as “Licorice” by Essie. Don’t forget a glossy top coat to blend everything seamlessly and protect the glitter from dulling.
There is always a beautiful contrast, as this manicure is all about the bold olive base and the textured sparkly accent. Tom Bachik, a nail artist, often comments that one accent nail can ‘set the tone for the whole hand,’ and this design applies that perfectly. It’s daring, but still very soft.
In my opinion, this outfit can be worn for either a festive dinner, or a night out on the town. The glitter is a nice touch and add some pizzazz without weighing down on the entire outfit. Everytime I glance down on the set, it reminds me of holiday lights sprawled out across the evening sky.
Olive With Golden Leaf Pattern
The olive’s rich base almost feels as though it is autumn captured right at your fingertips, especially with the golden leaf detailing attached. The repeating leaf motifs add a touch of warmth and comfort, and keeps the design elegant through the almond shape. It feels as though you are surrounded with fall foliage and you are walking through a park, except the beauty is captured right on your nails.
For this, I would suggest using a deep olive gel polish for the base, and for the designs, I would suggest using either metallic stamping plates or gold foil polish to hand-paint the designs. The intricate leaf patterns can be easily purchased from stamping kits by brands such as MoYou London, which is excellent for those who can’t draw freehand.For this step, consider coordination like the placement of the leaves on the various nails. Jin Soon Choi, Manicurist, emphasizes, ‘the sophistication comes from the repetition of the design,’ and I, too, believe this.
This style is so noticeable, I always get positive comments when I have them on. It is easy to wear, yet it is so far from the ordinary. It is the ideal manicure for the fall as it matches effortlessly with gold jewelry and knitwear. It remains feeling special despite it being an everyday manicure.
Minimalist Olive and Nude Mix
At times, the phrase “less is more” does truly apply. The olive and nude minimalist style is almond nails with a hint of metallic shimmer. It is an ideal modern low maintenance style. It feels like a gentle nod to fall trends without being too overdramatic.
For the nails, use Essie “Win Me Over” for the olive, Zoya “Rue” for the nude, and Essie Mirror Metallics “Penny Talk” for the shimmery neutral accent. Using all 3 colors is my favorite because they all work together effortlessly. You don’t have to worry about extra details, because the palette does all the work!
Just alternate the nail polish colors, putting on two coats on each nail for opacity, and end with a glossy topcoat. Apply the cellophane sparkle on one nail for balance. Celebrity nail artist Julie Kandalec refers to the combination of a shimmery tip with a cream base on the rest of the nail as using “finishes.”
This nail design suits me best and allows me to look effortlessly polished without having to go to the nail salon too often. It goes with anything from a pair of jeans to office attire and makes me feel complete.
Olive Coffin Ombre with Black Gradient
This manicure is coffin-shaped and bold, with the olive color taken to new heights by seamlessly blending in black tips. The dramatic length and sleek shape are balanced out by the eye-catching gradient. The olive coffin tips exude confidence, like one would feel in a dramatic statement coat.
These nails can use either an airbrush machine or the sponge ombre technique. Black lends beautifully to the ombre and can be done with CND’s “Black Pool” over an olive like OPI’s “This Isn’t Greenland.” The key is patience. Dab layers until you achieve the natural effect you crave.
The art of nail ombre can be scary to some folks. But as nail educator Sarah Nguyen often states, the answer is to work in sheer layers while curing each layer to eliminate the muddy blend.
This is the type of manicure you save for a night out or a time you desire to impress. It is fierce and in your face while unleashing your inner most bold and confident self with nails screaming for attention.
Shimmer Olive Almond Glow
This almond shaped design iin olive green undergoes a complete transformation with the shimmer and the metallic sheen. The luminous olive shimmer with the added highlighter effect dances and reflects capturing the light, spinning and rotating while moving. It’s a delightful highlighter effect that suddenly glows the nails even under dim light.
All you need is Zoya’s Giada Olive Shimmer polish or Essie’s You Know the Espadrille metallic green polish. Simply apply two coats, and finish with a high-shine top coat for even more reflection. Easy enough, but the shine is enough to make it feel special.
Another reason I love this design is the low effort for high impact. Forget foils and intricate designs; the right polish will get the job done. As a bonus, nail experts will tell you that shimmer shades actually disguise chips better, which is a bonus for everyday wear.
Of this design, I would choose it for the weeks that are transitioning between fall and winter. It is fun and festive, but doesn’t lean toward holiday red or gold, and looks great with a chunky sweater or even for evening wear.
