When the leaves begin to crisp and the air takes on that familiar cozy chill, is it not just the absolute perfect reason to have your manicure refreshed? I mean, we are trading in sandals and boots, so why not trade in our pastel summer colors to the golden appeal of fall? Whether you’re into bold autumn tones or soft seasonal touches, this year’s playful nail designs are seriously stealing the spotlight. And believe me, short, almond, square, or coffin, there is a bit of magic in this to suit everybody.
So what’s trending this fall? Think cozy sweaters in nail form. This is cinnamon spice, maple leaves, and little pumpkins that make you smile every time you look down. Keep swiping to check out all the autumn nail inspiration you never knew you needed.
Glossy Chestnut with Autumn Leaf Art
This deep chestnut brown is something comfortingly yummy. It’s warm, elegant, and feels like your favorite fall latte in nail form. The almond shape gives it a little drama, but it is the delicacy of the golden-orange maple leaves on two accent nails that really seal the look. The clear gel is made up of subtle droplets that resemble morning dew or soft rain- those little things make it seem like a fall painting that you get to wear.
To achieve this effect, I tend to suggest OPI That Shiggy Friend Are Thor as a base, it is so chocolatey and rich, but not one-dimensional. As far as the painting is concerned, you will require ultra fine detail brushes, detail dotting tool, and fall leaf decal or stencil in case you are not comfortable with freehanding still. And the final touch is a high-gloss top coat that should contain a little gel density to give out that ultra smooth finish.
You can totally try this at home. Begin with shaping and buffing, and, during the setting time of that, prime your leaf outlines with one coat, and as that is drying, apply your base color in two coats. I apply a thin brush and blend orange and yellow polish to make a soft gradient. Water droplet effect involves layering of clear builder gel dots and curing them fast before they flatten.
I had these on last Thanksgiving and people stopped me in the street to tell me where I had them done. This color is somehow grounding, it makes the world immediately fall into the rhythm of autumn. Warm, stylish, and totally November.
Muted Blue Meets Maple Chic
This ensemble is cool in stormy blue and neutral peachy-nude hues, but just the right touch of seasonal joviality in the form of subtle leaf patterns. The square shape with its short sides makes it clean and wearable, but the use of glossy waterdrop textures gives it a surprise dimension. It is as warm as a plaid scarf and a hot chai.
When I make this type of combination, I have been grabbing Essie in Stormy Skies and Zoya in Dot, as they contrast without being too matchy-matchy. For the leaves, you can try stamping if you want precision, or stickers if you’re feeling a little lazy (zero judgment). A thick clear top coat or even builder gel in case you have one handy makes the 3D effect easy.
Honestly, this one’s beginner-friendly. Once you have your base colors on, and they are dry, sketch where you want your designs. Leave your leaf accents and cure after which you dot on your clear gel droplets. But not too much or they will have the appearance of real raindrops rolling off.
What I love here is the unexpected palette. It is still quite fall, but not the traditional orange-brown mixture. It gives “rainy Sunday stroll” vibes. Such as you have a book in one hand and a latte in the other.
Minimal Maple with a Pop of Pumpkin
Orange doesn’t always mean loud—and this manicure proves it. The key is soft matte tangerine with two accent nails to keep it light and fun with maple leaf outlines on a creamy nude base. This combination is so nostalgic in a way that it does not scream October, but it does say October.
To achieve that velvet effect, you will require a matte topcoat-I am using Olive & June Matte Top Coat at present. That warm orange is Lights Lacquer in Slice of Life it is not neon it is just cozy. Leaves may be applied with a very thin nail art brush in fall colors such as burnt sienna or brick red.
This is quite idiotproof: dip two coats of color, then cure, then apply leaf art with brush or decal. Put on top coat (matte), skipping the accent nails in case you would like a little contrast. It’s actually a cute detail that they’re not all matte!
I wear this when I want something cute but not too cute. It works great on short nails, too. It makes me think of new cider and sun in the afternoon. Quietly perfect.
Pumpkin Spice & Sparkle
Tell me it is not the manicure version of your favorite PSL order. A short almond set is cheeky and chic and includes warm orange, glittery cinnamon red, and the sweetest little pumpkin design. It is playful but not costumy in the least–just enough whimsy.
Color-wise, I would recommend Sally Hansen Sweet Clementine and Orly Starburst in terms of the shimmer. The pumpkin detail may be stamped with a nail stamp or drawn meticulously with a gel pen tool. The secret to making it look classy is to use a nude as the base of the pumpkin nail–so the design stands out without clashing with the rest of the set.
I always do the glitter nail first so I can leave it to set and do the others when I DIY it. The pumpkin takes some patience, but it’s worth it. Add a shiny topcoat and you’re good to go.
This one gets a lot of compliments—especially from baristas. It’s flirty, a little festive, and super cozy. A perfect mood board moment for October.
Little Fox Vibes
Those November mornings that are cold, and you put on a bulky sweater and it all fits? That’s this manicure. This one is a little on the cute side, but with a mature polish: it has a statement nail in oxblood red and two statement nails with a minimalist fox and small lettering. Literally.
To get that same feel, use Essie, Forever Yummy or OPI, We the Female, to get that deep red. A nude gel base can be applied to the accent nails and vinyl decals or a stamping plate can be used on the fox and text. Square and short nails are ideal here, they make it presentable and wearable.
I never even considered that I would adore this design, and once I tried it, I cannot stop telling other people about it. It is a healthy change when you are getting bored of the same floral or glittery fall looks. Clean, clever, and honestly… a little bit foxy.
Wine Red Whirl with Autumn Speckles
It is so rich and wine-red that to me it screams fall. It is rich, a bit melancholic, yet, completely daily wearable. The creamy beige accent nails set the ideal contrast, particularly when accompanied by cinnamon and caramel-hued swirls and speckled flecks. It is very contemporary and hipster, yet also very seasonal- kind of like your go-to oversized sweater and gold hoops.
Malaga Wine by OPI has been my go-to color in this shade, super pigmented, super shiny. To achieve a cream base, DND has a product called Alabaster that will give you that blank canvas and the swirl can be filled in using nail art pens or liner brushes dipped in colors such as burnt orange and toffee. When the speckled effect is obtained with a couple of specks of glitter powder or also with a detail brush.
I like to map out my swirl with a super light pencil line (yes, really) and trace over it with a liner brush in one quick stroke. With the speckles, a small tapping fan brush is better than attempting to dab at it with a tool-less messy and more stylish.
It’s fun without being fussy. And to be honest, this is one of those designs that people think must have taken hours… but it did not.
Dark Florals in Bloom
The design takes that black velvet at a dinner party vibe to your nail game. The dark black base is already stunning in itself, but the hand painted orange and green floral work adds a new botanical touch. And the almond shape? Always flattering. It is quirky and secretive all at once, and there is something about it that reminds me of fall florals, but refined.
In order to replicate it, I would recommend a jet-black gel base like the Gelish Black Onyx. The flowers are done with a fine brush and the gel pots are pumpkin, marigold, and sage. Finish with a thin glossy top coat—no matte here. This look is all about shine.
The way it worked well to me was with the leaves first, then it is easier to fill the flowers around them. You do not need to be perfect in your petals as well. The abstract brush strokes are a little bit, but it does not look too desperate.
This one is what attracted attention at a fall wedding I attended. You might not be in the mood to eat pumpkins or foliage, but you want to embrace the season, this is your answer.
Vivid Foxy Focus
Okay, so a playful, seasonal and surprisingly bold mani, let us discuss. This orange ensemble is this balance between cute and tough. And yes–those super-realistic fox faces peeping out of the centre nails? Completely iconic. The symmetry is chef’s kiss. It is quirky and refined like fall fashion with a wink.
You will need a strong base color such as Essie Yes I Canyon or ORLY Tangerine Dream. The fox faces can either be done freehand (if you’re feeling artsy) or using high-quality nail stickers. The characters are brought to life and the orange is kept juicy with a shiny topcoat.
The tricky part here is symmetry—if you’re painting the foxes yourself, sketch a guideline with a dotting tool for the eyes and nose, then build from there. Or honestly, just print decals. No shame, same wow-factor.
I noticed this design trending on Pinterest at the beginning of this season, and I became obsessed. It gives your nails a personality, yet does not overwhelm your whole look.
Snoozy Fox and Autumn Branches
And here is another of the fox more romantic, lessbloody. The base is a warm peachy coral, which would suit every person who wants their fall nails to be a bit more delicate. The fox with closed eyes on one nail is so adorable and the accent of leaves makes it feel like a fairytale. It is a nail art version of a dreamy autumn walk.
I would choose the color Peach Side Babe by Essie as the coral shade, and the base of the fox and branch nails would be a soft nude. To design, you will require a very fine-tipped brush and neutral gel tones such as ivory, taupe, and clay pink.
Foxes are simpler than they seem–use a teardrop foundation and build up small triangles to form ears and almond shapes to form the eyes. The lashes with a curved line will suffice in the case of the sleepy eyes. I have discovered that a matte top coat on only the accent nails can make the pattern stand out even more.
I actually wore this set on a cabin weekend trip- it seemed like all my scarves went with everything. It is so cute and coy, and it leaves you somewhat whimsical.
Autumn Garden Meets Graphic Stripes
Beautifully balanced and very bold, this set combines two very different worlds, the bright orange and black stripes with the delicate florals hand painted. It’s unexpected, but it works. The stripes are a scream at the runway at fashion week, but the flower detailing helps the entire look to be tamed into something that can be worn. This style is that of the girl who wears combat boots with a floral dress.
In the case of the stripes, use something bright in orange such as Morrocan Flame by DND and a simple black gel liner to get the clean lines. The flower details are overpainted on a nude or cream background. You will need soft brushes and a strong hand. A glossy topcoat locks in the contrast.
I tend to paint the floral nails first, that is the mood of the moment, and then I go nuts with the stripes. If you’re worried about symmetry, striping tape is your best friend.
This design is a whole outfit on your hands. It’s artsy but not overdone. And when you want something a little daring? This is your moment.
Golden Leaves, Minimal Glam
This design feels like fall dressed in its finest. The dark espresso base on one nail and soft pink-nude on the other is really a side note to the embossed golden foil leaves. Clean, streamlined and exuding a kind of quiet elegance, this is the one that does not scream autumn, but rather sings it in a cool jazz number on an October evening.
I prefer the blackened brown of the base as Licorice by Essie and the pink as Ballet Slippers. The leaf designs can be fulfilled with metallic nail foils, gold leaf decals or nail stickers- brands such as Daily Charme or Maniology have beautiful metallic accents. Use a shiny top coat to seal it and keep it shining.
I have tried some variations of this, and what always works is that you put the gold foil on to some slightly tacky layer, not too wet, not too dry. That sweet spot enables the leaf details to be flat and shine. It is an excellent balance of low work and high style.
This would be my choice for Thanksgiving dinner or even a fall wedding, classic, clean but no way boring.
Maple Medley with a Hint of Sparkle
A little silver sparkle, bright leaves, creamy beige and taupe? Sign me up. This design incorporates all the beloved fall details into a wearable short. The maple leaves are hand-painted, the colors are comfortable yet not gloomy, and the glitter pinky sets that pinch of foreshadowing that holiday season.
Use a neutral such as OPI Taupe-less Beach and creamy nude on the accents. The leaf patterns can be freehanded with warm oranges, reds, and yellows or you can attempt layered decals as a simpler version. The glitter nail should be packed with a silver polish such as Zoya in Cosmo.
This one’s beginner-friendly if you’re using decals or stamps. It only takes a layer of base and a layer of leaves with tweezers. When you are freehanding–more power to you–then a fine brush and take your time on those curves.
I did this last November and it made all my cozy knit and cider feel extra. It is comfortable enough to wear every day, but what about those design accents? They bring it to life.
Harvest Gold & Pumpkin Pop
This would be the fall cousin of sunshine. Most of the nails are filled with a juicy gradient of golden yellow to tangerine, with one standout accent, which has a perfectly drawn pumpkin, with metallic gold leafing at the cuticle. It’s cheerful, bold, and playful without sacrificing style. In essence, your nail art is saying, I am an excellent pie maker.
With that sunny gradient, I adore applying ILNPs Golden Hour and Carrot Cake gel polishes with a sponge. You can paint the pumpkin detail with a fine brush and some gel paints or use a seasonal sticker in case you are pressed in time. These gold flakes can be tapped on with a flat brush, or even your fingertip and just seal with a clear top coat.
This mixing of colors is so much fun when you learn how to do it. Tip: apply pigment on the sponge by pressing it on a silicone mat and pressing it lightly on the nail. It softens the lines for that dreamy gradient.
Every time I wear this style, I swear people smile more when I hand them something—it’s got happy energy written all over it.
Matte Burgundy with Sunset Leaves
This is the same golden-hour look, but on your fingertips. Two accent nails of burnt orange, gold and maroon in dainty leaf designs break up the deep matte burgundy base beautifully. Some rhinestones in strategic places give some glamour- such as the final rays of light on the leaves as the sun goes down.
Essie Wrapped in Rubies will provide you with that deep winey burgundy. Add a matte top coat for the full effect. Then the leaf accents may be combined with ombr sponge brush and then also defined with the dark gel polish to form the veins. Nail glue can be used to apply rhinestones and seal the edges to hold them.
Doing a matte look at home? And just remember to ensure that your polish is completely dry before you apply the matte topcoat or it will streak. Also, matte reveals more texture, thus smooth buffing is of essence prior to color going down.
I had this exact vibe last October and it was like walking into a moody movie scene. In case you want something dramatic yet still subtle, this is it.
Royal Plum with Floating Leaves
Can we have a moment for this purple? It is royal, luxurious and a bit of a surprise of fall- which makes it even more perfect. This stiletto-like design really stands out when combined with floating leaves of maple in golden yellows and soft browns. Bold, but refined. Edgy, but poetic.
I would say you should try Zoya in Lael or Beetles Gel Polish in deep plum. The leaves can be made with nail stamps, press-ons or even a mixture of foil and hand-painted detail. What makes this appearance good is the overlapping of the lighter and darker shades of the same leaf to create that fluttering effect.
I would rather cure my leaves separately because I would layer and adjust without smudging. Put a sprinkling of glitter detail in the middle of one or two to get that luxe feeling.
Whenever I wear a purple like this during the fall, I receive where did you get that done? looks even by complete strangers. And thus, in case you are looking to make your nails do the talking this season-this is the set.
Autumn Forest Drama in Matte
Matte nails in fall are so moody and so satisfying, and this set is no exception. It’s the ultimate ode to falling leaves. Almond shaped and sharp enough to be sassy, yet soft enough to wear every day, this design is fun with earthy orange, deep plum and jet black in a completely wearable gradient. The foliage art is like golden-hour shadows in the woods- rich reds, sun-dried yellows, and coals-colored oranges over a matte black background, all meandering like trees.
I recommend the following shades to accomplish the accurate matte drama: orange base-OPI, Suzi needs a Loch-Smith; black matte-Zoya, Willa, burgundy detail-Essie, Swing of Things. You will also require a fine detail brush to do leaf strokes- and a good matte topcoat to seal it all up. Personally, I prefer the one by Orly; it does not wash out the color as some of them do.
Start by alternating solid nails and black canvas nails. Take your smallest detailing brush and when dry apply the shapes of the leaves with your lightest color first, and then your darkest to create depth. According to celebrity nail artist Betina Goldstein, you should sketch out the designs on paper first, in case you are doing it at home, it makes the strokes more confident and crisp.
When I wear a leaf design such as this, I get compliments at TJ, no joke. It is one of those styles that are slightly witchy, a bit artsy and yet office-worthy. Fall in nail form.
Espresso Glaze with Botanical Detail
Chocolate brown is also taking a serious comeback this season and particularly when it is glossy and deliberate. What brings this set to the next level is the shiny espresso color contrasted with pale fall leaves in gold, amber, and dull tangerine. It has a mature femininity about it, no glitter bombs, no sparkles just creamy depth and botanical softness.
I could reconstruct this by using Olive & June CN as the base color which is a creamy cocoa brown and then adding fall gel shades such as Madam Glam Rusty Red, Burnt Amber and Butterscotch. A no-wipe topcoat will leave you with that mirror-shine finish that says salon-fresh.
This one’s simpler to DIY than it looks. Apply the base and cure and then wipe away gently with micro liner brush to apply leaves. Top with a clear coat and cure again. Nail educator Julie Kandalec recommends using a shiny builder gel coat between art layers to add extra dimension to the design, and I can see that being a great idea here, too.
And in case you are the type of girl who lives in comfortable neutrals and adds some texture with accessories, then the design is your ideal match. It’s understated, elegant, and very Pinterest-core.
Cozy Fox & Paw Prints
Okay, how cute is this? It is somewhere between the burnt orange and soft gray, and this manicure is like a stroll through a crunchy-leafed forest in your favorite hoodie, with a hot chai in hand. The fox face gives it a bit of playfulness that makes the entire set feel intimate and friendly- like a small bit of woodland magic in your fingertips.
This can be replicated at home with DND 415 Pumpkin Spice applied to the oranges and OPI I Can Never Hut Up to the soft gray base. The fox and paw prints are most effective using dotting tool and fine liner brush. You can also use sticker decals or stamps if you’re short on time (no shame, I’ve done it!).
I prefer to use two solid colors, orange and gray, and construct the accents on top of them. Use a thin liner for the fox’s outline and a dotting tool for the paws. Paint a glossy topcoat on everything to keep the art crisp and unchipped.
This collection completely takes me back to the fall wedding a year ago of my best friend, she had very small touches of woodland in her decoration, and her niece had these fox nails. We all swooned. There are times when your nails are the icebreaker you never knew you needed.
Candy Apple Red Meets Fall Berries
There are times when no muted, moody fall mani will do, when what you want is something bright and juicy, like a candy apple just begging to be bitten. It is the right amount of sweetness in that this set has a deep red glossy base and a light branch of berries. It’s vibrant but soft, romantic but not overly fussy.
Here, you will want a really saturated red nail polish, so go with Essie Really Red or Dior Rouge 999. In the case of the branches, use a deep chocolate gel and a cherry red dotting gel. You can also use a nail art pen to paint the stems in case you are not confident about brushes.
Paint two coats of red, and then with great care paint the curved berry branch design on only one or two accent nails. Add tiny red dots (berries!) and seal with a topcoat. Jessica Harrington, beauty editor, once stated that red manicure is like red lipstick: classic, and confidence-giving. Couldn’t agree more.
I had something similar on in November and felt like the lead actor of the Thanksgiving dinner. It is a no-brainer, especially when you love your romantic classics with a twist.
Sunset Fade with Maple Accent
This fall is dreamy, how skies in fall are melting to golden peach to dusk. This gradient nail art conveys that very emotion-blush to orange ombr with a sweet single maple leaf as the statement. The shape is a softly squared acrylic which fits so perfectly with medium length nails.
Use a sponge application of OPI Infinite Shine Marigolden Hour on top of a soft nude base such as Zoya Avery. In the case of maple leaf, use a fall decal or hand draw with a fine art brush and black liner gel. Simply have one nail and it will feel balanced, not overly busy.
Use a base coat and paint your gradient with a latex barrier around the nail, so it does not come in contact with the skin. Topcoating, sponge-colouring and setting. Nail tech Savannah Walker recommends using a makeup sponge to apply gradients to get that blown-out look.
This one is so wearable. It has a small touch of a pumpkin patch during the golden hour without shouting at me. It’s low-key, it’s pretty, and I’m obsessed.
Juicy Rowan Berry Accent
This is one of those things where a bold orange and a subtle botanical element feel like October. The collection is all about contrast: the bright tangerine colors are contrasted with a smooth milky base, covered with subtle red berries and sage-green leaves that seem to be watercolor. It’s playful but still refined, perfect for medium-length almond shapes.
And the orange is all of it here- give DNDs Sunset Blvd a go with that syrupy finish and Gelish Light Elegant or any sheer neutrals as a base. The berries and leaves are most conveniently handled with gel art liners; Beetles Gel Polish Art Set has just the right autumn colors. Top with jelly gloss top coat to make the vibe soft.
When filling the berries, a bit of patience is required, but it pays off. I start with the leaves first (those need to look like they’re tucked under the berries), then build the berries with small rounded strokes and a final white dot for depth. It’s like nail painting but make it botanical illustration.
This outfit has grave fall market with a woven tote vibes. It is fantastic on anyone who wants to look cute but not all Halloween/ pumpkin.
Maple Miniatures on Short Nails
No short nails to get in the way for example: this light, maple-leaved instant. It is a quiet but efficient appearance, the ground being almost transparent and that maple ornament in warm yellow and burnt orange. It feels like a minimalist French with a seasonal surprise hidden inside. Frankly speaking, I adore a short nail that still gives something.
Stick with sheer whites like Essie’s Marshmallow or OPI Funny Bunny for the base, and then use ultra-fine detail brushes with yellow and sienna gel polish (or even watercolors sealed with gel topcoat). It is fragile and do not saturate your brush too much-lighter is preferable in this case.
This is a great beginner design. Next, apply your base coat and then draw the lines of the leaf using a thin liner. High gloss fill, cure and topcoat. According to celebrity nail artist Elle Gerstein, short nails are all about perfection, clean lines and minimalist art can do a lot.
Personally? I believe these are the ideal November nails: they are subtle, autumnal and they match every single outfit. Plus, if you’re someone who uses their hands a lot (typing, baking, hauling your life around), short doesn’t mean sacrificing style.
Merlot Elegance with Golden Leafing
Deep reds in fall? Always a yes. But this isn’t your typical cherry gloss. The design is a deep merlot base with golden leaf designs that have just the right amount of shimmer to make them glitter. It is posh, classic, and tastes like a glass of cabernet in a cashmere shawl. Essentially, it is what your autumn Pinterest board has been longing.
Use Deborah Lippmann’s My Old Flame or OPI’s Malaga Wine for the base. For the gold, you could go full foil (use tweezers!) or grab gold stamping polish and a leaf stencil. Or, if you’re brave with a brush, hand-paint the design using metallic gel liners like Born Pretty’s Gold Leaf.
The style suits oval or almond shaped nails, mid-length. Base and then mix in your gold on only one accent nail, less is more here. Topcoat (with no-wipe) should also be applied on foils as they seal and prevent tarnish. Editorial manicurist Miss Pop suggests layering gold leaf under sheer polish for a gilded-glass effect too, if you’re feeling artsy.
It is actually one of my favorite fall outfits of all time, it is so fancy-yet-not-fancy. Perfect for date nights or when you just want to look like you’ve got your life together (even if you’re in fuzzy socks all day).
Midnight Matte with Luxe Gold Flecks
In case you are a fan of contrast and cannot resist black by fall, this one is yours. These matte black nails with raw gold foil details are fashion editorial nails. They are daring, stylish, and totally unsurprisingly versatile, you can pair them with a leather jacket or an oversized knit and they simply work.
You’ll need a strong black matte polish (I swear by OPI’s Black Onyx with a matte topcoat like Essie’s Matte About You), and real foil pieces or metallic flake gel. Dot the gold on purpose with a dotting tool or tweezers and don’t overdo it.
Use your base and matte topcoat and apply again abstract foil gel. Press the foil on lightly and flat and seal the entire thing with a no-wipe top to make it extra durable. Nail pro Gina Edwards advises applying foil with a silicone tool–it helps the flakes stay crunchy.
I once wore a variation of this to a gallery opening, and I am not joking, the compliments did not end. It is the type of manicure that can communicate, without saying anything, that he/she knows exactly what he/she is doing.
Golden Apricot Branches
If you’re not quite ready to dive into deep browns or classic burgundy, why not embrace something golden and fruity? This design is light, bright, and so cheerful. The white centered accent nail with hand drawn fruit branches is paired with the golden apricot color. The feel is nearly vintage harvest- it is a retro jam jar label in a good way.
Warm yellow base is China Glaze Mustard the Courage or Sundays No.16. OPI Alpine Snow can be used to do accent nails and hand-painted with nail art gel or watercolors in orange, green and brown hues. To have that botanical detail crisp, you need a fine art brush.
Paint two coats of your base coat, cure and paint your botanical on the accent nails. Top it off with a super shiny non-yellow topcoat (ex: Seche Vite, Maniology Smudge-Free Top Coat). If you’re new to nail art, trace your designs lightly with a pencil before painting—it helps a ton!
It seems to be just the right thing to listen to in early fall, when apples are just coming into season, and the leaves are not yet at their peak. Make this your chance to do cozy-core, just in a less in-your-face nail way.
