The air is not quite fresh yet, but the sweaters are beginning to creep out, as is the seasonal color palette. September is that transitional month when summer seems like a dream, and fall is not there yet. So what’s a girl to do with her nails? Go pumpkin spice already? Hold on to sorbet shades a little longer? Or maybe flirt with something brand new?
I have gathered the nail shade trends I am most stoked on this September and they are all overlaid with that slight change of mood we all are quietly embracing. Imagine warm color sceneries, soft to coarse contrasts, and an elaborate detail that will want you to book the next gel set ahead of your next latte. Let’s dive in.
Terracotta Leaves and Cozy Neutrals
The combination of the earthen terracotta and airy leaf accents is something immensely grounding. The nails are almond and have a shimmering rust base that shouts early fall. The most striking thing about this design is the intricate leaf art- yellow and orange maple patterns on an accent nail in a creamy white background. It balances playfulness and polish, which makes it so wearable, whether you’re apple-picking or power-walking into a meeting.
To replicate this I would recommend applying OPI Infinite Shine in My Italian Is A Little Rusty as your base. In the case of the white, something such as DND French Tip will provide that blank canvas of the art. And by the way, about the leaf details, in case you do not like to draw freehand, water decals will be your best friend- they have improved since 2010, I promise you.
For a DIY version, start with a strong base coat (I love Orly Bonder), and then go in with two coats of your terracotta. As that dries, pre-treat your accent nail and either trace or stamp the leaf decoration. Seal it all in with a top coat of high-shine such as Seche Vite. And when you are doing gel, all the better–this design comes out beautifully with a glassy finish.
Honestly? This is the type of manicure I would have when I want my mom and barista to say I look beautiful. It is pretty, slightly fanciful, and it makes me want to take a swig of something cinnamon-flavored right now.
Sunset Gradient with a Pop of Red
This mani provides big fall foliage vibe without a single real leaf. It is a cropped, curvy pair with an amazing five-finger ombr that ranges between deep cranberry to fiery orange to rich yellow. The glossy surface reflects light perfectly- as the golden hour does at the right moment. It is a rich color without being obnoxious, so it is ideal in the event that you are just starting to wear bolder hues in the fall.
This is completely achievable with the Fall 2025 collection by DND, their reds and oranges are highly pigmented and they go together wonderfully. Seek such shades as Spice It Up, Harvest Flame, and Golden Glow. They can be used in gel or dip powder whichever you desire.
Begin by painting all the nails with one color, and start with the darkest. Here, the main thing is the consistency in the polish texture, thus drying at a similar pace. I prefer to complete this type of look with a UV top coat, preferably in gel, to make it last longer than a regular pumpkin shelf-life.
It takes me back to the drives I took in early September through upstate New York-leaves just beginning to change, sweater sleeves over my hands, and this same palette of color catching the late sun.
Glossy Flowing Lines in Burnt Sienna
Swirls are still in hard in 2025, but this one seems refined, less psychedelic, more poetic. These are short almond shaped nails with abstract curves in warm neutrals burnt sienna, creamy peach and a touch of metallic gold. It’s painterly without being messy, and so versatile it could work with a beige trench or a rust-toned scarf.
I would apply a gel palette to this, such as Beetles Gel Autumn Series. You will need a precision brush to achieve those clean curving lines. And if you’re not super steady-handed, a dotting tool can help map the flow first.
Apply a neutral base coat (a soft nude works great), then layer your swirls using a thin liner brush. For the gold accents, go for CND’s Brass Button or a chrome foil if you’re feeling extra. Seal on top with a shiny layer.
It is the sort of design that is luxurious and discreet. I would wear this to an early fall wedding- or actually, just a coffee date where I want to feel like I tried but I really did not.
Muted Leaf Art on Nude Base
This one’s a soft whisper of autumn. The short nails are matte and oval and painted in a subdued nude-pink base, which is polished but not too pinky. Orange-yellow leaves are hand painted on each nail and seem to fall down, light, airy, utterly swoon-worthy.
At home you will need a satin base polish such as Essie Wild Nude, and a set of micro nail art brushes. Colors? Seek OPI Suzi Needs A Loch-Smith and Sunrise Up to get the orange and yellow respectively. The shades can be creative, the trick is to keep the tones soft.
Celeb manicurist Julie Kandalec suggests: If you do a leaf: Anchor your design with a center stem first, it looks more proportionate. I tried this, and yep, game-changer.
This one simply sounds different, it is light, artistic and makes me feel like I am wearing a knit cardigan, drinking chai tea and watching the world turn slowly golden through the window.
Matte Mocha with Creamy Botanicals
Let us discuss how underrated brown is on nails. This ensemble is a strong argument in favor of chocolatey matte colors, covered with hand-painted botanical patterns in ivory. It is almond-shaped, and the impact is contemporary, down-to-earth, and, yes, just sufficiently artsy. It is a neutral that says something.
Use DND’s “Cocoa Dust” for the base and a matte top coat (I swear by OPI’s Matte Top Coat for a velvet finish). You should probably use a small liner brush and a good off-white polish such as Zoya Purity or gel paint to do the leaf designs.
I would suggest layering curing when using gel- particularly when painting over matte polish. You will have to take a little more finesse so that the art does not appear raised. But when it’s done right? Total wow moment.
I don?t know what it is about this look that makes me want to light a sandalwood candle, curl up with a book and not look at my email for hours. It’s serene but powerful—and very September 2025.
Espresso Chrome and a Love Note
In case you have been itching to have a nail look that is both comfy yet somehow cheeky, you have hit the right note. Long coffin-shaped nails are painted in a rich espresso brown that nearly resembled melted chocolate with a shiny top coat. The standout? A white accent nail with a red heart and the word Love stamp in the middle. It is a playful twist that makes this set not too serious.
To the brown, OPI has something called Espresso Your Inner Self and this is almost tailor-made. I would combine it with White Swirl by DND to get that pop of white on the accent nail and a nail sticker or stencil to achieve that perfectly clean Love detail, without the hassle. Apply a gel formula to have it last until well into October.
The secret to this is contrast-never miss a good foundation base coat, particularly under white. Paint two coats of each color and cure, after which high-gloss gel top-coat is applied. That shine is non-negotiable.
Brown in September has a certain underrated, super luxe thing going on. Throw in some unexpected romance and all of a sudden it has personality. I had a stranger last year ask me where I got these done, whilst I was queueing to get a coffee. Instant mood lift.
Maple Mauve Meets Pumpkin Cream
This is a moody multi-shade mani, and I adore it when you want to see how a bunch of fall colors look all together without having to commit to a single one. It is a combination of bold black, dusty plum, and peachy orange over short almond nails. The result? An outfit that can be worn and that is compatible with early sunsets and late-blooming dahlias.
To nail the vibe, grab DND 2025 Fall Collection, which has the best cream formulas in the colors of “Velvet Fog,” “Pumpkin Pearl” and “Raisin Reaction.” No nail art required- this is the power of that color combination.
Simply use two coats of both colors, and allow them to complement each other in a natural way. Finish with a glossy or satin top coat depending on the mood you’re in. My personal favorite is a satin finish–that candle light look.
The look brings to my mind the layering of knits and silk in September. It’s tonal, but textured. And in the event you are into capsule wardrobe logic with your nails- this is your fall starter set.
Peachy Nude with Leopard Accent
The leopard print never goes away, but in September it is particularly apt. This mani is staying current by having four nails in a creamy peachy nude and one accent nail with the perfect balance of leopard. The almond shape is fancy, and the denim background provides that casual feel we all want to pursue during this season.
I would use Essie in Clothing Optional as the base, and do the leopard print with a nail art pen or an ultra-fine brush. For spots, use a combo of Zoya’s Louise (chocolate) and Sally Hansen’s Terra Coppa (copper shimmer). It doesn’t need to be perfect—just playful.
You’ll want to paint the accent nail last. Allow your peachy bottom to dry completely, then apply organic spots, imagine comma shapes or wonky circles. Apply a clear gel or quick-dry topcoat and you are golden.
I love this look for early fall brunches. It is slightly flirty, but at the same time, it goes as well with a blazer as it does with a messy bun and lip gloss.
Matte Pumpkin with Fine-Line Flames
Short nails, big impact. It is a matte, bright, and slightly edgy design. The majority of the nails are painted in a bright pumpkin orange, with one accent nail having a minimalistic flame drawn in black on neutral background. It is spicy yet clean like a person who takes chai and drives fast.
DND is easy to apply this look with the shade of “Tangerine Flash” and OPI is easy to apply this look with the shade of “Put It In Neutral”. For the flame, go freehand with a liner brush or try a flame stencil (they’re everywhere on Etsy right now).
Start by painting the pumpkin shade on four nails and letting it dry matte (skip the glossy top coat here). Apply your nude base on the accent and then slowly outline your flame using black gel polish and cure using the LED light. Finish only the accent with a matte top coat.
This one’s just fun. It’s bold, it’s wearable, and it reminds me that nails can be a little badass without needing to be extra. Want to get out of your comfort zone of neutrals? Start here.
Black and Lilac with Gold Foil Drama
And last but not least, to the girls who like a bit of glam, even in September, this is your time. The nails are oval and alternate shiny black and lavender, and two statement nails are covered in gold foil. It is stylish and a little bit mysterious, as a person who understands how to combine a smoky eye with a silk blouse.
You are going to need a super opaque black nail polish such as DNDs Licorice Swirl, and the lilac is gorgeous with Olive & June Lavender Smoke. The gold foil flakes can be used on a tacky gel polish or lightly pressed into the still-wet regular polish and sealed.
Use your alternating colors, cure with gel, and then tap the foil on two nails with tweezers or a silicone tool. Seal by the top coat that is glassy, which levels the texture.
The design has a first dinner party of the season feeling about it, with dim lighting, gold additions, and a deep purple wine. It’s feminine, but elevated. I’d wear it in a heartbeat.
Mulled Wine Velvet
An intense burgundy mani in a high-shine finish is nothing short of early fall. These almond-shaped nails are rich, glossy, and moody, as the first glass of red on a Friday night. The color is striking but still wearable, and it works beautifully with jeans and oversized knits (which let’s be honest, we’re all living in come September).
To achieve this tone to perfection, use OPI Malaga Wine or DND dark cherry delight. A dark berry-red gel or lacquer with a glassy top coat will prevent that wet-look shine to wear off too quickly.
To be honest, it is one of the simplest manicures to achieve at home. Trim nail to an angled almond shape, apply a super fortifying base coat and then stack 2 coats of your preferred polish. Cuticle oil is not optional because this color does not look good on sick skin.
When I put this on, I feel like I am in a fall indie movie that is slow-paced. It’s quiet drama, and I’m obsessed.
Orange Pop French Tips
It is time to give the traditional French manicure a small 2025 update. This version maintains the clean nude foundation but replaces the white tips with the lusciously tangerine-orange that nearly glows. The squared nail shape is still modern and fresh, and the color is not too much spice so that people can make a double-take.
My favorites to use on this bright tip are DND Neon Orange or OPI Hot & Spicy. You should also have a sheer pink or nude base- Essie in Ballet Slippers or CND in Be Demure are lovely.
When you are doing this yourself, I would recommend tip guides to that crisp line. First paint your base and make sure it is dry before adding the orange tip. This will be your best friend here, a thin nail art brush in case you are doing it freehand.
I adore this when summer is not really over yet, but you are already creeping into fall shades. It is daring, it looks good on every single skin tone, and it smells like citrus zest on a cashmere scarf.
Soft Matte Meets Graphic Edge
This is an ideal combination of warm and cool design. It is matte and provides three colors: jet black, dimmed peach, and a smooth embossed accent nail with a light leafy pattern. It is squared, but the contrast of the colors makes it feel graphic and modern.
I suggest using OPI in black onyx matte formula and DND in peach blossom on the soft center nail. The embossed leaf texture may be achieved using 3D gel or stamping plates in case you like that raised appearance.
Apply your matte colors and harden them (in case of gel). To design, take a transparent stamper or raised silicone. If you’re doing traditional polish, press while it’s still tacky—then finish with a matte top coat over everything (including the design) to tie it together.
This mani would be the one I would put on to attend a collective opening of an art exhibition or a wine night on a rooftop. It is trendy without being fussy it is a must-have of the cool girls.
Modern French Redux
French tips have returned, but this one makes it classic. Squoval nails, short, soft pink base, that clean crisp white line – sometimes less is more. This style is as effortless and perfect as the silk blouse of manicures: manicures that are right.
Seriously, you can never go wrong with OPI Bubble Bath on the base and Zoya Snow White on the tips. Whether you’re doing gel or polish, the key is a steady hand and a good brush—or French tip guides if you’re more the press-and-go type.
Paint the pink base and allow it to dry completely then apply the white. Wipe off any wobbles with a fine brush dipped in acetone and seal it in with a top coat with a high gloss.
I turn to this appearance when I feel unsure but still want to look together. It matches everything, even a September mood board with a lot of neutrals.
Marble, Gold, and Neon Drama
This last one is for the maximalists. Imagine: orange, gold glitter, white marble and rhinestone sparkle- all somehow getting along together. This is what happens when you’re not ready to let go of summer but still want a little fall drama. It is providing the best energy to September birthday girl.
For that orange? Go for DND’s “Solar Flare”. The stone effect is done using OPI Alpine Snow marbled with gray polish with fine liner brush. Gold foil, glitter polish, and rhinestones seal the glam.
Start with a layer of base color- then add the marble on two nails using a swirl method and use a small detail brush. Tap foil when polish is tacky, add few stones with nail glue or gel builder and top it up with a thick sealing top coat.
This is not a daily style, but it is a memorable one. I would use this to go out at night, have a daring birthday, or even travel where I want my nails to take a bit of attention.
Warm Bronze French: The New Fall Neutral
It is an uplifting, metallic French tip that is hard to resist. The foundation is a translucent nude-pink, extremely shiny and highly workable, and makes the transition to September less overwhelming. But the twist? A tender curve of bronze glitter at the ends, in a dim candle-light. It’s delicate, but it demands a second glance. This manicure is on the edge of subtle and styled, and I adore how the metal provides autumn depth without being too heavy.
You will need a base of milky nude color, e.g. OPI Put It In Neutral, and a detail brush to work on that metallic tip. To the shimmer, DND Copper Glaze or Bronze Foil 674 provides that warm rich edge that is so fall in a cup. It is an ultra flattering option on short almond or gel short nails, perfect to wear in the early part of September when it is warm outside yet you are thinking about wearing sweaters.
Apply a base nude in two coats followed by the application of bronze polish on the tips freehand or by using French guides. I suggest covering it up with a shiny top coat. According to manicurist Tom Bachik (who does J.Lo’s nails, by the way), “Topcoat isn’t just about shine—it’s what keeps everything wearable and luxe for longer.”
Individually, this was my look, which I used when I needed something simple and yet not monotonous. It works great with gold jewelry and cream knits, and to tell the truth, I received more compliments on this mani than on any full glitter set I have worn all year. Sometimes, less really is more.
Soft Dot Microdesign: For the Minimalist with a Twist
This nude-and-white dotted manicure is the time when you wish to keep it clean, and yet you must still whisper, I care. The bottom is that old-fashioned ballet pink–smooth and finished–and above it a design of little white dots. It’s charming without being childish, structured but still soft. The dots are a bit too subtle and practically merge into the nail at a distance, yet close-up? So chic. This is what I would term an elevated nude with a slight touch of fun.
To replicate it, begin with a barely blush such as Bubble Bath by OPI or Barely Blush from DND. To the dots, you will require a dotting tool or even the end of a bobby pin. Employ a really white polish, such as Essies Blanc, which is legendary. This decoration is fabulous on either the natural nail or on short gel sets.
My dotting style is to tap once per row and have them evenly spaced to achieve a patterned-but-not-perfect appearance. A matte topcoat will add a velvety feel to it should you prefer that soft-focus look, but I prefer mine shiny so that it feels porcelain.
It was, in fact, inspired by a friend who wore it to a September wedding, and yes, she was not the bride, but you would have thought she was with how many guests asked her about her nails. Quiet luxury? This is it.
Candy Pink Simplicity: When You Just Want to Feel Cute
Who said pink’s only for spring? It is a cheerful, confident, somewhat nostalgic candy pink with a mid-tone and a slight blue undertone, which is reminiscent of the gloss you used in 2005 but in the best way possible. It is creamy, bright, and shiny, and it does not contain any glitter or shimmer. It is one of those I woke up and wanted to feel pretty colors that shocks everyone in early fall. And that’s kind of why I love it.
OPI Pink Flamingo, or DND 500 Hot Pink Dream, they are both punchy without being neon, and both work on all skin tones. That shine on top is essential to the freshly painted effect. This style flourishes with short nails and preferably square or rounded tips.
I would recommend applying a ridge-filling base coat to get the smoothest canvas in order to nail the application. Apply two coats of pink, waiting in between coats. Celebrity nail artist Gina Edwards is reminding us in her pro tips on fall nails longevity that thin coats always wear longer.
Honestly? I wore it on a rainy Monday in September and it totally changed my mood. It provided main-character power to a grocery store and was cute around a pumpkin spice latte. Some colors just do that.
Graphic Chic: Black, Red & Nude Lines
Okay, this one is to the girls who are all about drama, in the best, most fashion-forward manner. Ultra-thin black and red graphic lines are placed on a nude base and sharply line and frame the nail edge. It’s architectural, edgy, and editorial. Paris Fashion Week but you can wear it on your own short square nails. This design screams confidence and works especially well with fall’s darker palette and layers.
To achieve that sharp contrast, use DND 626 Cream Puff as a base. Then stripe in jet black and a cherry red- some professionals prefer to use gel striping polish or thin nail art brushes to achieve such precision. Red Carpet Manicure and Orly both have fantastic kits.
Working one nail at a time is the simplest way to go: apply your nude base, cure or leave to dry, then gradually paint the black edge, and finally the red accent. Topcoat those lines to make them clean and bold. Nail artist Betina Goldstein just told IG that the color blocking trend is ideal to wear in the fall, adding, “It feels powerful, not dainty.”
Individually, I personally wore this look at NYFW in September and was stopped twice at a coffee shop inquiring who my manicurist was. The answer? My own kitchen counter and a steady hand.
Teal Velvet Tips: Fall’s Unexpected Power Color
When you have not yet experimented with teal nails, then this is your call. This nail polish is more metaled, almost velvet-looking, and it has a slight bluish-green to plum color-change in different light. It’s magical. Moody but not gloomy. It is as though it is early sunsets, walks in the wind, and leather jackets. I can’t think of a more on-point tone for September 2025.
To achieve this chrome-y sheen, you want to find a polish such as OPI Turn Bright After Sunset or DND Blue Slate Pearl. Other dip powders such as Azure Teal Chrome 2025 are also trending hard to achieve longer lasting finishes. It works great on almond shapes and longer tips.
Application tip: You can apply a dark base to make the teal appear. Then layer your shimmer or metallic shade over it. A sponge can help intensify the color payoff if you’re working with chrome pigments. Allure fall beauty rundown suggests that rich jewel tones are the new neutrals, especially with minimalist outfits.
Last September I wore this color to a dinner party and it immediately made me feel put-together when I was literally in leggings and a trench. It has that effect. A little moody, a little glam—total win.
Ocean Breeze Swirls on French Tips
It is a combination of a traditional white French tip and active swirls in seafoam tones which remind me of a fresh breath of air in September. It is bright, fresh and somewhat hypnotic, the type of manicure that is stylish yet not too busy to be stylish. The long square form is given a touch of class, the teal-green lines a hint of summer that has not yet blown away.
You’ll need a sheer pink base (think OPI’s Bubble Bath) and a clean white polish for the French. To work on the swirls, use a striper brush and a turquoise color such as the Minty Teal or the Aqua Haze by DND. The movement and shine will be retained with a topcoat of soft gloss that will not dominate the artwork.
When I reproduce this look I swirl the color lightly on a fine-tip brush first to map out the swirls and then I layer the color on. Less pressure equals better curves. As nail artist Brittney Boyce once said, negative space and color blocking are a recipe to modern mani magic, and this design shows exactly why.
This one is definitely for the detail-lovers. It feels calming, cool-toned, and unexpected for September—but that’s exactly what makes it feel fresh.
Grey + Gold Foil: Cozy Glamour
Grey is not blah when combined with gold as in this case. There is a dull, nearly slate-coloured grey over the nail, but close to the cuticle? The rich, irregular gold foil is peeking through like an unexpected surprise under soft cashmere. It is both luxurious and relaxed, as if the nails were wearing a designer coat over their hoodies.
Utilize a base as Stormy Grey 732 by DND, dar OPI’s Suzi Talks with Her Hands. The foil can be nail-specific (like UNLEASHIA’s Gold Leaf Sheets) or torn from actual foil sheets with tweezers. The rounded short design is ideal to anyone seeking Fall 2025 dip powder inspiration or something professional yet high-fashion.
Apply 2 coats of grey polish, allow to dry and then lightly tap foil on slightly sticky topcoat towards the bottom of each nail. Press down with a silicone tool to set. Finish with a protective top layer. Nail tech to the stars Elle Gerstein advises to sandwiched foil between a thicker gel topcoat to avoid flaking.
This mani surprised me. I was anticipating that it would be too quiet on me, but it actually became my favorite workweek manicure. It completes everything, and the gold reflects candlelight in the most beautiful manner.
Playful Hearts in Moody Fall Tones
This one is for you, if you are into charm and color and you still want it to feel fall-appropriate. The nails are all crisp nude with one puffy heart of a different color (green, black, mustard, and aubergine). It’s flirty but not loud, playful but surprisingly editorial. The focus of this design is on the individual pop, and short, natural shapes make it earthy.
Apply matte nude or pink based foundation, such as DND Soft Petal. In case of the hearts, dotting tools and thicker gel polishes will assist in producing that lifted, candy-like design. The shades such as Amazon Green, Charcoal Smoke, and Golden Mustard are trendy this season, particularly in short almond and square shapes.
Honestly, this design makes me smile. I tried it in early September on a mountain vacation, and it was a little too well-suited with my sweater collection. People always asked, “Wait, did you paint those yourself?” (Answer: Yes, but also… it took an episode of Only Murders in the Building to finish.)
Yellow & Black Botanical Drama
Talk about statement nails. A transition between clear to a pale white with lively sunflower yellow tips and delicate black botanical lines, this is one of the most editorial looks of Fall 2025. The lines move, color is contrasted, and there is a bit of wild beauty to the overall vibe. It is ideal in case you wish to wear nail art as a conversation.
Lemonade or Sunshine Pop by DND will give you that creamy yellow base and a long-liner brush filled with classic black will allow you to draw those beautiful leaves. I propose to make the shapes of almonds or longer tips so that the leaf motif could truly open out.
A little patience is required–sketch in the shape of your leaf, then fill it in with feathered lines started at the center spine. Thuy Nguyen, a nail artist based in LA, explains that one of the most popular trends is botanical lines since they are in line with nature, yet have an edge.
For me, this design felt like a September reset. I wore it when I changed my closet out of tank tops to trench. It matched the seasonal shift perfectly.
Matte Noir with Neon Pop
This manicure is bold, modern, and unexpectedly playful. The nails are mostly covered in a velvet matte black, however two statement accents feature razor sharp hot pink and white stripes, cutting through the darkness like runway lights. It’s minimalist… but not. Chic… but cheeky. The design works well in that transitional time of the year when you want your nails to be strong.
You’ll need a rich matte black base like OPI’s Black Onyx paired with a matte topcoat (Zoya’s is a fave). With the accent nails, just use striping tape to help you with the line work- DND Electric Pink and White Linen are ideal to accompany this.
After the black is completely dry, use tape to cover your stripe area, and paint the bright colors on lightly with a fine detail brush. Peel tape before it dries fully. Only accent nails need to be topcoated in order to have a difference between matte and gloss, it is a small detail that makes a huge difference.
Every time I wear this mani, I feel like I am entering an art gallery or a late dinner in a rooftop bar. There’s something “fashion editor off-duty” about it. When in doubt, go matte.
Sunset Fade with Tribal Details
This aesthetic comes with a gentle white-orange gradient that is just like the golden hour in September subdued, comfortable, and somehow spicy. The foundation is smooth as it transitions to warm pumpkin orange, and black organic details bring an edge. It is a bit of an abstract leaf silhouette but a soft ombr effect. It’s fall, but make it stylized.
Use a gradient sponge with a soft white (like OPI’s Alpine Snow) and a rich orange like DND’s Tangerine Zest or DND 582. You will need a gentle latex shield that will safeguard your cuticles during mixing. A creamy black polish or gel liner and a fine nail art brush would suffice in the case of the black detail.
I prefer to do the ombr in layers, so that each layer dries a bit before I do the next fade. Then in with a light touch on the black lines less is more in the way of flowy movement. Sarah Bland, a nail artist once said that a bit of contrast on ombr is what makes it feel purposeful rather than pretty.
I did this one on a weekend of harvest markets with my chunky boots and a wool trench. It provided that right-amount-of-artistic-vigor which had baristas and strangers exclaiming, “Wow, those are cool.”
Pumpkin Patch Pop Art
Nothing says early fall like pumpkins, but this pumpkin design is a fun, 3D-cartoon twist. Four fingers are coated in a shiny burnt orange (rich and cozy), while one accent nail features hand-painted pumpkins with green leaves and white polka dots, all on a soft nude base. It is nostalgic, festive, and has the cottagecore vibe without becoming all Halloween.
Begin with a warm orange gel, OPI My Solar Clock is Ticking, or DND Orange Sunset 470. With the pumpkins you will require a small brush, a dotting tool and shades such as mustard, sienna and olive green. The base should be a matte nude polish a nice polish to use would be DND 631 Ivory Blush.
Paint your foundation colors and then put a dot of paint over your pumpkins, then a curved line and little stems. Put the last leaves and dots of white with the dotting tool. This type of detail work is therapeutic in itself and you can cure as you go with gel to prevent smudging.
This is my mani of choice on the first day of sweater season. It goes best with a cinnamon latte and your first visit to Trader Joe when the fall stuff comes out. Totally seasonal. Totally adorable.
