Simple Fall Nail Ideas 2025 to Try Now — From Almond Shapes to Autumn French Classics

With the air getting crisper and the sweaters being pulled out of the closet, it is officially time to change your mani. However, what do you want when you want something simple, seasonal, and really adorable? The fall nail designs of this year are all about warm colors and round shapes and fuss-free details that are still luxurious. Whether you’re into almond tips, autumn French twists, or short square classics — I’ve gathered the best looks to inspire your next salon visit (or DIY evening in). Ready to find your perfect fall vibe? Let’s get into it.

Spiced Maple Swirl with a Hint of Spark

It must be the coming change of season, but I am suddenly finding myself in the mood to warm up my color palette and the textures of my life, including my nails. This model, with a velvet almond form, is a combination of burnt orange, toffee beige, and dark chestnut with a hint of silver trim that makes me think of the glint you can see on leaves after it rains. It is a typical fall color palette but with a twist-it is like the little flames dancing around your fingertips, sophisticated, yet very comfortable to wear.

I applied OPI, My Italian is a Little Rusty, Essie, Sandy Beach, and Orly, Chocolate Martini to achieve this design. With the silver micro-line, I used a fine-tip striper brush and CNDs Silver Chrome to get the precision I needed but not turn the entire thing into a holiday manicure. The opposition is what is at stake here: glossy or matte, flashy or understated.

If you’re doing this at home, start with a buffed almond shape—ideally filed to a smooth taper without going overly sharp. Begin with your base color and just like painting with a detail brush, add one color at a time on a diagonal. In case of that silver wave, lightly trace after everything is dry so as to prevent smudging. Celebrity nail artist Julie Kandalec always says: “Use a detail brush like you’re sketching eyeliner—you’re outlining beauty, not painting a wall.” That advice helped me finesse the swirl.

This design became my go-to during late October. I even wore it to a local harvest market, with a pumpkin latte in one hand and cinnamon donuts in the other, and I got more compliments on my nails than on my outfit. It is glam, but in that low-key I-don t need to do anything to be stylish kind of way that we are all trying to emulate in the fall.

Cherry Flame Tips with a Futuristic Edge

This design feels like power dressed up in polish. The foundation is a sheer pink milk but the sharp crimson curves put this look in the present. It is vampy siren meets runway-ready minimalism- just what you need on crisp fall nights when you need to pull on your leather jacket and go somewhere slightly mysterious. The shape? Almost stiletto, but with just a little taken off to be chic-drama almond.

To achieve that clean base, you will need a jelly base polish such as Butter London, Sheer Wisdom in Rose Petal, and the deep cherry swipe will be OPI Big Apple Red or Essie, Rock the Runway. Make sure you have a nail art brush that you can control but not overly rigid, particularly when it comes to those wavy, curved lines.

I used a long liner brush to freehand the swoops on the application, after applying a nude base. A little tip? With a dotting tool, mark the high and low points of the flame curves–it is symptomatic training wheels on symmetrical flames. According to editorial nail artist Betina Goldstein, “Negative space plays best when it’s purposeful,” and that idea changed how I approached minimalist nail art like this.

Honestly, I wore this set for a friend’s fall rooftop party in Brooklyn, and someone actually stopped me mid-conversation to ask where I had them done. It is edgy enough not to be over-the-top, but no less the red French tip with a twist that does not scream, but speaks nonetheless.

Matte Olive Elegance

Sometimes, simple is all we need. This dull olive matte manicure is so demurely in that clean girl space, delicate, sophisticated, and so right with fall knitwear. The short almond shape is what keeps it up-to-date and the finish? Utterly velvety. I think of walks in November, when the trees are bare, and you are well on in scarf-wearing time, when you are drinking something warm and spicy.

To achieve this very tone, I took Zoya Scout, a muted Khaki olive that looks good on all skin tones I tried it on. Top it with a velvet matte top coat (OPI’s Matte Top Coat works wonders) to tone down any shine. The key here is finish. Gloss would take this into summer territory. Matte? That’s fall whispering in your ear.

At home, I did this look with a short, rounded almond shape and 2 thin coats of polish so that I would not have bubbles under the matte top coat. Wait at least 3 minutes between coats (yes, I timed it—this part matters). Tom Bachik, a celebrity manicurist, has once revealed that the trick behind a smooth matte finish is thin coats and a fan, rather than heat, to dry. That stuck with me.

This is a look that makes me feel put-together despite the fact that I am wearing a huge sweater and have not even brushed my hair. It’s understated but intentional, like you’re not trying too hard—but you clearly have taste.

Yellow Pop & Cotton Candy Clouds

Alright, listen, yellow is a fall color when it is used properly. This mani gives “end-of-summer sunshine meets cozy-day playfulness.” The yellow nails are bold, and the marble is pastel blue-pink, which makes it that time of the year when fall is still dancing with summer heat. It is playful, sentimental and appears like happiness in a color bottle.

I used China Glaze’s “Happy Go Lucky” for the yellow and a swirl of OPI’s “It’s a Boy!”, Essie’s “Fiji”, and Zoya’s “Blu” for the marble. Marble nails trick is water or brush swirl technique. I like a small detail brush with a white base: it is less messy and easier to control.

If you’re trying this at home, sponge on the base shade, drop dots of color while it’s still slightly tacky, and swirl them with a needle or nail tool. Then quickly top coat it to preserve the texture. According to Allure nail coverage in 2022, marbled nails are not going anywhere until 2025 but with a candy-colored twist instead of thick metallics.

I wore this look on a weekend trip to Vermont (yes, during leaf-peeping season), and it felt like I’d bottled the sky and the last warm sunrays into my mani. It’s not for every occasion—but for a playful weekend? Absolutely.

Botanical Lilac & Sage Accent

It is a sort of soft poem to your hands–sage green, dreamy lilac, and dainty hand-painted leaf accents that remind you of those few garden flowers that are still clinging on before frost. It is feminine yet earthy and the design is so flattering on almond-shaped nails. Certainly the more artsy side of fall manicures, however, still wearable.

In this duo, I employed Olive and June, which is Sagey and high-pigment and Essie, which is Lilacism and creamy. The leafy accents were hand painted in Aimeili Nail Art Liner white and olive, but decals or stamping are also excellent alternatives in case you do not like to paint.

I won’t lie—this one took patience. I applied a dotting tool to the placement of the petals and a fine nail brush to the vines. If you are a beginner with botanical designs then begin simple, perhaps a flower on one nail on each hand. The fact is that nail artist Mei Kawajiri has a habit of saying that imperfect details are what makes your nails more interesting- and that is the attitude that I took in.

Wearing this mani gave me soft, artsy main-character energy. Such as I would turn the pages of a poetry book in a cafe, under a plaid scarf, and most likely overthinking what I want to order. Which, honestly, I was.

Glossy Espresso & Crystal Detail

It has something to do with brown nails never going out of fashion after the leaves start falling. This design is skewed towards deep espresso shades with a light neutral base on a single nail with small rhinestones to frame it. The shape is short almond, and the effect? Effortlessly glam. It is one of those manicures that tell you that you are the type of person who always has their life in order even when the coffee is half-cold.

I took OPI, which is called That s What Friends Are Thor, a glossy deep coffee color with a rich brown tone. As far as the accent nail, I used Essie in Ballet Slippers, which was soft enough. The crystal border? I applied small nail art rhinestones that I ordered on Amazon and glued them with Makartt Nail Rhinestone Glue Gel and sealed it with a thick no-wipe top coat to make it last longer.

Creating this look requires a bit of patience if you’re doing the crystal work yourself. Start by painting all the nails first. After your base color has completely dried, add a thin coat of rhinestone gel around the edge of the nail, set the stones using a wax pencil and cure it under a UV lamp. Symmetry is not everything, says celebrity manicurist Elle Gerstein, who says, “As long as the crystals follow the contour, let them move a bit, it looks more luxurious that way.”

I personally wore this style to a Sunday brunch date. It was the perfect amount of glam to a casual knit sweater that did not feel over the top. It is like a kind of jewelry on your nails – and who does not want that?

Matte Moss & Earthy Neutrals

This matte short square look is muted but strong, combining three colours, mossy green, khaki and a dusty charcoal brown. What comes out is an earthy fall palette that is low-key elevated. The nails are all contrasting shades to give a tonal narrative that is not screaming but changing with the light. It is subtle, though do not be misled, this is the type of manicure that draws attention.

The gradient I used was Zoya, Scout, Essie, Win Me Over, and OPI, Rub-a-Pub-Pub. The trick to this collection is finish, a matte top coat such as Sally Hansen Big Matte Top Coat converts these dulls to something very quiet and elegant.

The application is ridiculously easy, and that is why this kind of mani is the one I like to suggest to DIY novices. All you have to do is prepare your nails, apply two thin layers of each color, and seal it with the matte topcoat. No tools, no tape, no struggle. It’s the ultimate minimalist manicure.

I love the way this look works so well with the fall fashion. When your closet is leaning towards cuddly wool jackets and knit cardigans, this mani fits right in the mix, but still stands on its own. Sometimes less really is more.

Red & Gold Leaf Accents

Classic with a twist—that’s how I’d describe this one. The bright cherry red nails are contrasted with two accent fingers with gold leaf art on a soft blush foundation. It’s giving timeless glam meets seasonal art. Its form is a small rounded square, which is ideal to wear every day, but it still has the wow factor. Think of date nites, holiday meals or to make your Tuesday extra extra.

To this I applied Essie A-List to the red nails and OPI Bubble Bath as the base of the accent nails. The gold leaf was added using transfer foil (from a set I found on Etsy), pressed into slightly tacky polish, and sealed with CND Shellac No-Wipe Top Coat to lock in that shine.

Gold foil designs can look intimidating, but honestly? They’re one of the easiest ways to fake a pro-level mani. Paint, press, seal. That’s it. Miss Pop, a celebrity nail stylist, uses foils to create drama in a hurry: she swears by them and says, “You don’t need to be precise with placement and random looks more luxurious.”

Wearing this mani, I felt like I had jewelry on my fingertips. I matched it with an old coat and bright lipstick and I can tell you- it all fell together. It’s festive without being overdone.

Pink & Pistachio Geometric Chic

This manicure adds some new flair to fall a sugary combination of baby pink and pistachio green in strong, geometric lines. Its matte finish and long square shape give it a very editorial feel. It’s giving early ’90s color blocking but softened for modern wear. Ideal for days when you’re feeling creative but still want your nails to whisper “cool girl.”

The perfect shades here? Olive & June is releasing a Lavender Milk and Zoya is releasing Jace, a pretty pink and a slightly dusty pistachio green that is fall-ready but still fun. I used a fine striping brush to paint clean lines and capped the look with OPI Matte Top Coat to give it that soft, velvety look.

To do this at home, use tape or vinyl stencils if you’re not confident with a freehand brush. Put on the pink base in two coats and then add the green diagonal carefully. Finish it off by matteing everything down to be most sophisticated.

This outfit made me feel like I was in a Pinterest mood board. I had it on when I went to a small gallery opening and someone said to me, Your nails look like they are out of an ad campaign. Not mad at that!

Monarch Magic in Navy & Orange

Colourful, creative, and a bit crazy, this design appeals to that late-October deep orange and inky blue that we all hanker after. The best part of this is the monarch butterfly wings, which are painted on two accent nails in a fashion that seems daring but subtle. The shape is a natural circle, and the drama is in the color and design, but not the length.

I would recreate it using OPI Suzi Needs a Loch-smith on the orange and Essie After School Boy Blazer on the navy. The butterfly has been hand painted with Beetles Gel Art Liner Kit in black, white and metallic orange. There are also butterfly nail stickers available online in case you do not want to hand-paint.

It does take a little patience, at least when it comes to painting the wings yourself. Using your accent nails as the base (the orange color), using the black gel liner and white dots draw the wing so that you can get the illusion of the monarch pattern. Editorial artist Steph Stone once said, “The secret to detail is giving yourself time—you can’t rush beauty.” I felt that.

I actually wore this set to a Halloween party and had people asking me more about my nails than my costume. It is the type of design that is casual, sentimental, and yet sophisticated. And to tell the truth, it gave me a smile every time I had a glimpse of my hands.

Mustard Base with Burgundy Dots

Polka dots, but make them fall. This small, circular shape is a combination of a matte mustard yellow background and impeccable burgundy dots. The juxtaposition is decidedly autumnal and retro fall-like, like a 1970s sweater, going apple picking, or walking through crunchy leaves with a cinnamon latte in the hand. It is playful, it can be worn, and it immediately adds some color to a neutral-colored outfit.

I applied Zoya Honey as the base, and the dots were OPI Malaga Wine, an actual deep wine red that never fails. A medium dotting tool or even the flat end of a bobby pin can be used to keep the circles even and the same size and distance apart.

I started with a coat of the yellow and left it to dry well, then I put on another coat. I then dotted on the burgundy, lightly, otherwise you will have wobbly blobs. Finally, apply a topcoat finish to give the design some depth. Steph Stone, a nail artist, constantly says, when it comes to bold color combinations, make the structure of the design very clean. This one proves that’s true.

I sported this manicure during Thanksgiving weekend and every aunt of mine wanted to know how I did it. A novice can do it, but it has the look of purposeful charm that is always the best place to be.

Tangerine Gloss Pop

This will make you see that orange is not just a Halloween color. Bright tangerine nail polish on long almond nails is sunshine, even on the grey days in November. This bold main-character energy is emitted by the intensity of this shade, and when combined with gold rings or warm textures, it makes heads swivel in the chicest manner.

I used Olive & June JLR-a juicy orange that surprisingly looks nice on different skin tones. It’s punchy, but not neon. I did not do any nail art on this one since the color was the highlight, and I did not want to overdo it with some nail art; I wanted the glassy effect to do all the work.

Application-wise, long almond nails are best done with the polish at an ultra-smooth level. I would suggest to smooth it out and apply a smoothing base coat. Then, apply your polish in thin coats with a minute or so between coats. Use Seche Vite Fast Dry Top Coat to complete it and make it mirror shine.

This was my mani when I needed a pick-me-up in a cold snap. I wore black, and this contrast to this bright orange made me feel energized immediately. Do not underestimate the power of a great color, it may really affect your mood.

White & Butter Swirl Marble

With creamy white nails and a soft yellow marble swirl, this design reminds me of the warm inside of a butter croissant. It is sweet, straightforward, and slightly surprising, considering fall, which is why it works. Rounded short nails make the look down-to-earth, and the marbled detailing brings a sense of movement.

Essie Blanc provided me with that white canvas, whereas Opi Sun, Sea and Sand in My Pants introduced that buttery tone. I put a little of each color on a palette and dragged a detail brush through it, then swept across the nail in light curves to make the swirl.

You have to be swift, when the polish is still wet, to achieve that dreamy marble look. Be careful not to mix too much, you should be able to see the contrast between the colors. Soft marble nails are also back on the scene but in lighter, creamier tones as opposed to the darker, moody hues that we have seen in previous seasons, according to Allure 2025 nail trend preview.

This was my favorite surprise of the fall. I used it during a comfortable week of remote working and felt fresh even when in pajamas. I mean, there is nothing like white nails when the weather is getting cool.

Blue-Tipped Chocolate French

Yes, brown is back. However, this time, it is combined with some surprise blue tips to create a French manicure that is fall and progressive. This design is contrasting: the warm, shiny brown nails have an electric blue French tip. The pop of color is keeping it contemporary, and the short square nails are what makes it wearable.

I applied Essie Partner in Crime as the chocolate base and OPI Tile Art to Warm Your Heart as the blue tip. A sharp curved French line was achieved using a fine nail art brush, which avoided the extra paint.

However, first paint two coats of your brown polish. You have smeared all your French tip with blue stuff. And be sure to allow the brown to dry thoroughly before you put the accent on–otherwise you will pull the color. A steady hand makes a huge difference here.

This is the one that surprised me in the best of manners. I saw something along this line on Pinterest and tried it out and loved it. The blue tip gives a subtle touch of defiance to an old-fashioned fall nail base. It’s simple… but absolutely not boring.

Rusty Floral Story

A love letter to autumn itself. These almond-shaped nails are a mix of deep burnt orange and thin hand-painted flowers in amber, sienna, light yellow. The art is disoriented and even yet balanced, such as wildflowers in between the pages of a journal. Romantic and whimsical, with a warm vintage soul.

In this one, I applied Zoya autumn and OPI Alpine Snow as a base. The flower detailing was achieved with a small brush and Aimeili Gel Paints in yellow, burnt orange and rust. The secret? Allowing your base to dry fully and then covering it all with a glossy topcoat.

Florals are scary, but in reality, they do not have to be perfect. It is as simple as dotting five petals in a circle and you are good. According to celebrity nail artist Hang Nguyen, when doing florals, allow the brush to dance a bit. Looser strokes look more natural.”

I wore this set to a fall engagement party and I felt like a walking Pinterest board, I swear. It was the proper combination of prettiness and artsy-ness–something you could get married in or wear to a fall wedding or wear because it is pretty.

Modern Caramel Stripe Revival

When neutrals are soft and caramel stripes are perfect, it feels so good. The design is about manipulating space: thin white lines against a deep toffee color, all on a sheer pinky-nude color. It is bare-bone but with a touch of rhythm, almost like your favorite fall playlist but in polish form. The almond shape is just enough to avoid the too casual look. It is the kind of look that can be paired with a blazer or with your favorite cardigan.

This design is not too complicated: a base coat (I would use Essie Ballet Slippers), a narrow nail art brush, and two polishes (I would use OPI Samoan Sand as the base and Orly Caramel Body as darker tones). Always remember the high-shine top coat so that those lines are crisp and glossy.

Put down the base coat and two coats of the nude color. Make sure that dries and then you can move into stripes. Use striping tape if freehand lines make you nervous (I’ve been there), then alternate warm caramel and ivory lines. Once dry, seal the entire thing with a top coat that is glossy.

This is the type of manicure I tried once on a lazy Sunday and it got more compliments than I expected. It is retro and modern in just the right amount, and it is, in fact, a bit addictive -like pumpkin bread fresh out of the oven.

Swirled Spice Shortie

This one? It’s giving spicy pumpkin, cinnamon mocha, and crisp walks through piles of golden leaves. The dramatic curls of amber, cream, black, and deep brown are all over some of the accent nails, but the rest of them are kept simple and elegant with that snowy white. The square shape is short, which makes it super low-maintenance but still incredibly intentional, proving that length is not necessary to make a serious impact.

To recreate this, I like starting with OPI’s “Alpine Snow” and mixing in warm hues like “It’s a Piazza Cake” (a spicy orange), “Espresso Your Inner Self” (deep coffee brown), and a clean jet-black polish. A small brush or even a toothpick may help in the accuracy of the swirl. Matte top coat? Optional, but highly recommended for that velvety, fall-ready finish.

I never just swirl the colors together on the nail because they will become muddy. I always allow my swirl colors to sit a bit before dragging them into each other. It’s a patience game, but so worth it. Imagine coloring cinnamon into foam, you do not want chaos, you want contrast.

The last time I wore this, a barista actually asked me what salon I go to. (Spoiler: my kitchen table.) It’s bold but cozy, and every time I look at my hands with this set, I feel like I’m wearing a cashmere scarf and sipping chai.

Cobalt Crescent Edge

This one is a little out of season but that is the reason I like it. The electric blue crescent detail is crisp and feels like a gust of cool air on a late September morning. It is contemporary, fun and super wearable, especially on almond nails where that curved shape resembles the shape of falling leaves. The negative space adds a touch of polish (pun fully intended), and if you’re someone who can’t commit to full color, this is the perfect in-between.

I have put on Essie’s “Butler Please” on this lock, it is a bright, durable, and the kind of blue that looks good on any skin color. Combine that with an opaque neutral base like Zoya in Bella and a top coat that is high gloss. A silicone nail art stamper can be used to press those ideal crescents in case your freehand is not up to par.

One time celebrity nail artist Betina Goldstein explained that negative space designs are ideal in transitional seasons as they allow your nails to breathe visually, but still keep things elevated, and I couldn t agree more. You get longevity without the grow-out guilt.

There’s something quietly powerful about this manicure. I styled it with a camel coat and combat boots and felt like the protagonist in a somber autumn film. Try it — you’ll see.

Matte Pine Whisper

This design resembles a forest retreat in the form of nails. The big attraction is matte pine green, offset by the dainty white frond on two slightly rounded nails. It’s calm. It’s minimal. It’s seriously chic. If you’re into earthy tones but want something slightly more elevated than just a plain polish, this design strikes that sweet spot.

To get this finish, I recommend using Olive & June’s “Into the Trees” for the green (it dries beautifully matte), and a fine liner brush with a stark white like “Blanc” from Essie for the leafy detailing. You also need to have a matte top coat as well- I use the one by OPI because it does not streak.

The secret to matte polish is to have a really clean base – buff and shape your nails before you paint, since any ridge or bump will be super obvious. And leave it time to dry And then upon the white apply. Think languorous, as a walk in the morning under the eucalyptus.

I wore this one to Thanksgiving last year and I literally did not want to take it off. It is calm but not dull it is just right when you want your nails to feel like a quiet and understated luxury.

Deep Forest Gloss

If you think minimal but still want that pop of color you are in luck because this moody, glossy forest green is it. It is the equivalent of a dark green trench coat in nail terms, being understated, sexy and always acceptable. I have always been a big fan of a simple almond shape with a loud monochrome polish like this one. There’s confidence in the simplicity, and it pairs so well with every gold ring I own (just saying).

I always come back to a dark green like Central Park After Dark by OPI, or a truer green like Hunter by Zoya. Prep like your life depends on it, push back your cuticles, clean up your nail beds, and two thin coats plus top coat to seal it all in with a glassy finish.

It is the kind of mani that can be worn to work meetings, dinner parties and even when you are just lounging on the couch in your cozy socks. It’s uncomplicated but dramatic in the best way.

I wore this shade last season with a rusty-orange oversized sweater and got stopped twice on the street. Sometimes the simplest choice makes the loudest statement.

Color Pop & Candy Stripes

It is the fun little secret of fall, a cross between old-school candy-corn brightness and new-school bold blue. It is a surprise, fun and completely wearable as the weather gets cooler. The almond shape makes the bright colors more softer and the striped orange and solid blue alternation makes it interesting without being too much. It is the mani that makes people talk– believe me, it does.

To make this one work I suggest using Zoya in Dory to get that punchy blue and OPI in Pushing My Luck as the orange. A sheer nude base like “Beige Milk” from Lights Lacquer under the stripes helps the look stay polished (pun intended). To get those clean candy stripes, nail striping tape or reusable nail guides are just the thing.

I find this one super approachable — even if you’re not a DIY pro. You can just tape your design, press down, and swipe vertical lines and remove carefully. Always let your layers dry a bit between steps or you risk bleeding edges (been there, sadly).

It’s such a dopamine mani moment. I wore them to a fall fair and a teenage girl actually stopped me to ask where I had them done. It made me remember why nails are my favorite accessory because they tell the world what you have to say.

Lime Fade on Soft Almond

This green-yellow gradation is like a puff of fresh apples. It starts soft at the base and grows into this near-neon tip making it look futuristic. The ombr on the natural nail almost appears to be floating. It is not edgy but elegant because of the almond shape, it is quietly bold and surprisingly versatile in fall, in case you have a warm neutral-colored wardrobe.

I applied the ILNP Sundance and a clean sponge to achieve that airbrushed ombr blending. You’ll also want a translucent pink base (OPI’s “Bubble Bath” works beautifully) to keep the fade soft and flattering. A gel top coat makes everything melt together and seals the finish.

Ombr e is always a bit more delicate, begin by painting the sponge and softly dabbing on the layers until you like the gradient. And top coat it all over. Nail artist Hang Nguyen suggests small cosmetic sponges to achieve a more compact blend with no muddying of the transition – a game changer.

This one caught me by surprise too- I wore it as a just-cos look and kept it on almost two weeks. It’s that perfect in-between shade: fall-adjacent, but still fresh. A pinch of citrus, a pinch of sunshine, loads of compliments.

Matte Maple Majesty

These matte navy blue nails with copper foil maple leaves are promising cool sweater weather, early sunsets and fresh cider at golden hour. It has a kind of royal quality about that dark ground, it allows the metallic leaf to stand out in the most sophisticated manner. This is square and short, which makes it seem adult yet not serious. It is a traditional autumn beauty in a bottle of a manicure.

You will need a pigmented navy polish like the After School Boy Blazer by Essie, and rose gold foil or stickers to do the leaf detail. I topped it off with a non-glossy top coat Cirque Colors. The matte/metallic contrast? Chef’s kiss.

For a small tip: When putting on your metallic decals, do it over your final coat of polish, then squeeze down on them with a silicone stamper. Lastly, finish with the matte top coat so as to keep the shine.

I have in fact worn this outfit to a dinner party in November. I matched it to a navy knit and copper hoops – it just worked without it being too obvious. Honestly, it’s one of my all-time fall favs.

Spiced Leaves on Milk White

This mixture of cinnamon brown and milk white with maple leaf decorations is to hang out to have a latte on a rainy day. The foliage is not literal, more like wind swept brush strokes, which makes it feel more like an art work than seasonal kitsch. The small rounded form contributes to the I just naturally have amazing nails look. It’s quiet luxury, but with pumpkin spice.

I applied cinnamon kiss by Sally Hansen and Vanilla Whip by Orly to make this. The leafing is aided by a fine-tip brush, but there is no precision involved, it is all about the flow. Glossy top coat keeps everything looking cohesive.

First, a white base and then use brown to freehand some soft leafy lines. Put in a couple of dots or flecks, should it feel skimp. As editorial nail artist Julie Kandalec taught me, art done with warm polish will always remain flattering and never overly stark.

This collection is more like a narrative, a little poem about November in your hands. And when I wore it to my friend book club, someone actually called them little leaf paintings. That says it all.

Molten Bronze Gradient

Warm metallics are always in fashion, but this mix of copper, soft nude, and champagne shimmer is the PSL of fall manicures: cozy, glam, and always correct. All the nails have their own moment yet they form a polished gradient that is chef kiss. Its almond stiletto shape is sleek and the tones are buttery and seasonal.

To achieve this richness, you will require three polishes, namely: Bronze Ambition by Deborah Lippmann, Bare With Me by Essie, and something of the sort like Sparkle On by Dazzle Dry to add the shimmer. Add a glossy top coat for that almost-metallic reflection.

I did not stick to a specific gradient scheme here, but I just allowed each nail to be its own color and somehow it all came out amazingly well. Celeb manicurist Tom Bachik told Vogue, that tone-on-tone looks are flattering and easy to wear, and this is an excellent case study.

And when you have always wished your nails to be as warm as metallic knitwear, this is the look. I was wearing it during a holiday shoot and it was so beautiful in the pictures, particularly when I was holding a mug or champagne glass. Try it — and thank me later.