Can you even think of a better feeling than replacing your summer nails with something a bit more moody, darker, and insanely autumnal with falling leaves and warm chai lattes? When you are already looking at your closet and wondering when you can wear chunky knits and boots, your mani should get the same fall upgrade. But what is the current fashion this fall–and more to the point, what is new to you?
This post is a roundup of the dreamiest fall 2025 nail looks that I have seen recently. These aren’t just “on trend.” These are mood setters. Browse, pin what you adore, and perhaps, just perhaps, schedule an appointment or at last get your at-home set. Autumn is one vibe and your nails need to be as well.
Let’s break down the first batch of nail looks.
Wild Botanicals with a Burnt Sunset Fade
The soft orange fades into neutral blush here in a way that is at once hypnotic and like dried autumn leaves in a golden-hour haze. The real kicker? The fragile line art of black botanicals that seem as though they had been drawn in the margins of a dreamy nature journal. I like that every nail has its own little story, and the entire set is so coordinated. It gives wildflower-meets-witchy energy—in the best way.
To recreate this kind of nail art, you’ll want a base gel in a sheer nude-pink (think: Essie Gel Couture in “Fairy Tailor”) and a muted pumpkin-orange gel like OPI’s “Have Your Panettone And Eat It Too.” Superfine nail art brush and black gel paint are the best options to render the botanical detailing, no shortcuts there. If you’re not a steady-hand queen, nail stickers or stamps from Born Pretty can work wonders too.
First, you should apply the smooth color fade using a sponge and going down the tip and then cure. After you have your soft gradient, draw your florals and moons in with precision, seal it all with a no wipe top coat. Patience is a virtue here—but the result? So worth it.
I had a different version of this outfit on a weekend in the Catskills last fall, and I swear every barista or boutique clerk told me how great it was. It’s feminine but not frilly, edgy but still romantic. Most definitely one of those manis that makes your hands feel… poetic.
Retro Americana Meets Daisy Dreams
It is a contemporary retro design: poppy red, clean white, and deep navy blues, with daisy florals so insistent on being carried around with a hot cider or, come on, a PSL. The color blocking has been aggressive yet not aggressive and the daisy motif? Pinterest-core to the core, and yet somehow surprising as a fall look, which makes it cooler.
To get this playful look, go for rich creams like Zoya’s “Purity,” a true cherry red (Sally Hansen’s “Red-iance” is perfect), and a navy like “After School Boy Blazer” from Essie. With the daisies, you may hand-paint using dotting tools and thin brushes, or you may use pre-printed decals applied over a glossy top coat.
The first time I wore this style, I only did the navy and florals on accent nails, and kept the rest solid red, it was toned down just enough to wear every day but still made a statement. This is an excellent choice when you really like the fun nail art, but you are not ready to make it really wearable. Bonus: it looks fantastic on both almond and square figures.
Molten Spice & Firelight Flickers
Cozy flames and warm spice tones are taking center stage in fall 2025 and this mani embodies it all. Consider deep burgundy set beside a blaze of orange in a dance of swirled lines that almost appear to be candle wax or a smoky drip. The conclusion is shiny and excessive-but not to the point. Short nails suddenly feel like a moment here.
Here’s how I’d do this at home: Start with a solid burnt orange base (Orly’s “Terracotta” is a great one). Let it dry, then layer in burgundy (try Cirque Colors “Red Dahlia”) and top it off with swirling ribbons of white gel using a striping brush. If you’re confident, freehand the swirls. If not? Nail vinyls are your friend.
This design honestly surprised me. I also did not expect to love the shorter square nails as a fall trend, as I tend to be an almond nail girl, but this one made me change my mind. It is cool and classy, almost like an expensive velvet sofa in a trendy vintage shop.
Pastel Marble with a Cool-Weather Twist
All right, I get it, pastels are a spring thing to the majority of people, but think about this: when combined with cool undertones and soft matte finishes, they are the perfect thing to wear in early autumn. This swirl mix of light orange and light teal has cozy-scarf vibes without being a stereotypical fall color. It’s understated but endlessly mesmerizing.
The marble effect needs some finesse- put the drop wet blobs of polish on a palette, stir them with a toothpick, and then press a stamper into the mixture and roll it on your nail. It is sloppy, entertaining and like art school as an adult. Use shades like Olive & June’s “BE” (pale peach) and “WKF” (soft seafoam), then mattify it all for that cozy-fabric feel.
I even did it when watching Gilmore Girls reruns during a rainy day and it made me feel like that girl. It is a commitment-free appearance with a big reward, particularly someone seeking an alternative to the common dark colors.
Bronzed Elegance with a Minimalist Leaf Accent
This one is as though you are walking into a sunny fall morning where everything is gold and peaceful. The bronze shimmer is almost molten–it changes so beautifully with the light–and that one creamy white nail with its tiny leaf pattern gives the slightest contrast. It’s luxe, earthy, and grounded. This is to whoever needs their nails to be quiet, not loud, screaming, I am seasonal, yet fashionable.
To accomplish this, use a metallic bronze e.g. Deborah Lippmann Bronze Age or Essie Leggy Legend. For the accent nail, use a full-cover white gel (try Beetles Gel in “Snow White”) and top it off with a hand-drawn or stamped leafy motif in the same bronze or a soft copper foil. And you will need a shiny top coat to seal that jewel-tone shine.
My favorite thing about this manicure is that it is so wearable. It is edgy enough to wear at night but yet completely acceptable during the day, particularly when you are more inclined towards neutrals or earth tones in your wardrobe. And the almond shape adds even more elegance without being too much. It is the mani that takes your ensemble to the next level, without ever making a noise about it–yes, even your favorite knit sets.
French Revival with a Leafy Brown Twist
This is not your classic French. It is a contemporary remake that fuses classic style with autumn style. The clean-girl vibe is achieved with crisp white tips, but the real show-stopper here is the caramel-brown leafy swirl that has been applied on two accent nails. It has a good balance and is refreshing overall, like pumpkin spice but without the stereotype.
You’ll need a milky sheer base like OPI’s “Bubble Bath” and a soft white gel for the tip (try “Alpine Snow”). To detail the leaves, use a deep warm brown color such as “Espresso Your Inner Self” by OPI and a striping brush that has some flexibility to it. The combination of the matte and gloss finish here lends a touch of sophistication, so play around with top coat textures.
I have always been a fan of a cleaned square tip when it is well done- and this one is a very cool mix of clean and natural. It’s the gift of the girl who desires something seasonal but does not want to abandon minimal-chic style. It is not uncommon that you will be dressing to match your nails rather than the other way around.
Muted Matte with a Soft Orange Pop
This design is similar to putting your hands in a cashmere scarf- soft, neutral and not too bold. The nails are mostly in a butter matte nude, however, there is a vibrant splash of pumpkin orange and one nail that has fine abstract floral designs. It has a cozy girl autumn with a touch of art school style.
The trick to this appearance is to make it matte- use a top coat such as Zoya Matte Velvet Topcoat. As for colors, reach for Olive & June’s “EC” (a creamy nude) and pair it with a pumpkin tone like “Sweet & Spiced” by Lights Lacquer. That featured nail? Fill the swirl leaves with the detail brush of mocha and taupe and trace. A nail stamping kit is useful when you are in a hurry or lack patience.
This is what I turn to when I need something quick but fancy. Matte finish is amazing to wear during cool weather and it is very smooth. Even my friends have asked me where I got those press-ons, and then they are surprised when I tell them that it is all DIY.
Terracotta Leaves and Cozy Vibes
This one just screams fall foliage. The almond shapes are painted in shades of matte terracotta and beige, but, what makes this set unique are the sketched black leaves that seem to be almost tattoo-like. The design is balanced but not rigid- it has a flow to it, like leaves in the air.
To duplicate, base colors are Cirque Colors Spiced Cider and Hatch. Use a fine-tip brush and black gel paint (something like LeChat’s “Perfect Match” liner gel) for the leaves. The matte topcoat is an added touch that makes the entire look a notch higher.
This one makes me think of last year when we went apple picking in the orchard and I wore a sweater that matched the nail color and I had not even planned it. These tones just work with fall wardrobes. Soft transitions and wearable art is it.
Bold Monarchs in Pumpkin and Midnight
This mani? It’s drama in the best way. The saturated teal nails are a standout in their own right against the otherwise standout butterfly wing design on the orange bases- it is like fall florals but the teal is even more stunning. Its gold shimmer detailing also adds more movement to it, as though your fingertips are in the process of transformation. Literally and figuratively.
Use a dark teal such as Essie Satin Sister and finish it off with a dark pumpkin such as Holo Taco Orange Drink. With fine brush, outline and fill in black gel and metallic gold liner on the butterflies. People sometimes even use foils or stamping plates in order to achieve such precision- completely legit.
I had never imagined that I could do something so bold until I did. Honestly? It was a good icebreaker in every place–the coffee shop to my zoom meetings. This is an ambitious look, but one that does not feel like a costume, and that is why it is so bold.
Playful Sunset Dots and Electric Color
This would be the playful sidekick of fall. The matte orange, magenta, and purple nails are bright and stand out against the fun dotted accent nail, which feels like confetti on your fingertips. It has a retro, slightly funky feel and is completely unexpected in the fall, which is also why I love it.
Use gel colours such as the Sunset Drive by DND or Magentaverse by Orosa beauty On the dots, apply a dotting tool in neon yellow such as Orlys Glowstick. Put a matte finish on the whole thing to make it fun yet sophisticated.
It is a fun fall weekend kind of set-a cider festival, or a thrift store crawl. It also provides the protagonist with vigor and humor. And honestly? We all need a little more of that this season.
Layered Leaves in a Spiced Autumn Palette
This is a design of falling into a heap of freshly fallen leaves, layered, warm and impossibly rich. The shaping of the nails is almond-shaped with deep burgundy, burnt orange, and caramel leaf accents over a nude base, which gives it a sort of organic stained-glass effect. The shiny surface makes it stylish and contemporary, and the color scheme is fall all the way.
If you’re planning to try this at home, grab a warm nude base like Essie’s “Ballet Slippers,” and layer on rich hues like OPI’s “A Woman’s Prague-ative” (orange), “Malaga Wine” (burgundy), and “Sun, Sea and Sand in My Pants” (mustard yellow). On top of one another bend leaf shapes with a striping brush lightly. Pro tip: applying slightly transparent gels on each other will make the entire design appear more fluid and dimensional.
This was the design I wore for Friendsgiving last year and got more compliments on my nails than my dessert (and I really worked on that apple tart). The color palette is complementary to any skin type and looks amazing with gold rings and warm sweaters.
Graphic Neutrals with a Pumpkin Punch
There are situations when even minimalism can be more thrilling than maximalism, particularly when some straight lines and contrasts are involved. This appearance is a new twist on geometrical nail art and this look features big blocks of pumpkin orange, jet black and sheer nude on almond nail shape. It has a sort of energy that is both posh and athletic, almost like fall runway and streetwear combined.
You’ll need a creamy off-white like Orosa’s “Fog,” a high-shine black (try Lights Lacquer’s “Tuxedo Me”), and an electric pumpkin orange such as “Spice It Up” by DND. Get those clean diagonal edges with nail tape and allow each layer to dry then peel off and stick on the next one. And don t forget a slick clear coat to finish it off in polish-editor style.
I have worn this style to a work event and received that you look cool, but not too cool to be at work vibe. It’s edgy, but the nude balance keeps it wearable. In my case, it is a fall back that I turn to when I want something graphic but earthy.
Plaid Perfection in Mustard and Olive
It would be hard to make a more autumn design than this. The plaid accent nail gives back-to-school energy (in a chic adult way), while the mustard yellow and earthy olive polish set the tone for cozy coffee dates and oversized scarves. The geometricity of the square form gives the playfulness of the pattern a sense of groundedness in something clean and elevated.
To recreate the plaid detail, you can use nail wraps (check out ManiMe or INCOCO for ultra-precise ones) or freehand with fine brushes and layered stripes. Apply a mustard base such as the Olive & June Ochre and combine it with an army green polish, such as Cirque Colors Into the Trees.
I actually used this outfit one weekend when I was visiting Vermont, and every time I saw my nails around a hot cup of cider, I felt like it was a Pinterest pin in real life. The plaid makes it fun and it is surprisingly easy to match it with neutral or camel-tone outfits.
Short & Sweet in Deep Chestnut Brown
There’s something elegant—almost vintage—about this short square mani. The deep chestnut brown color is shiny, and thick, just what you need when you want a manicure that feels clean and fancy. The most subtle of seasonal accents is the light brown feather accent nail on a soft white. It is the type of design which you can wear when you are all about understated luxury.
To achieve this effect, use Zoya Louise or CND Fedora as the luxurious brown base. On the feather detail, a soft cocoa shade detail brush will work, or you can take the easy way out and use a small sticker or stamp. Then, whether you go light or dark, finish it off with a high-gloss topcoat so that it will be as shiny as possible on short nails.
I wore this during a weekend where I did not have anything fancy to do, and I still felt put-together. It is easy to maintain, is fashionable, and perfect when you require something that would look adult but still would be interesting.
Matte Cocoa Swirl on Almond Tips
This design is hot chocolate with extra whip: it is soft, creamy, cozy, and rich. A combination of beige, cream, and milk chocolate colors in the matte almond nails are covered with curved linear elements resembling the appearance of swirling steam or caramel drizzles. This is the one to have nails that are comfortable yet not boring.
Start with the least shiny products, i.e., matte gels like the Marshmallow by Le Mini Macaron and the Cocoa Bean by Modelones. Take a liner brush and make soft curving lines alternately in different tones. No negotiating on topcoat here, and that is a matte topcoat, giving the design that rich velvety look.
This has been my mani of choice when I just needed a palette cleanser after all the brights and glitters. It feels sophisticated but playful. Also? It is even more gorgeous when it is wrapped around a wool jacket or when it is holding a cinnamon latte.
Burnt Orange with a Wild Twist
Burnt orange is so fall-ish, right? It is comfortable, cozy, and will immediately bring your outfit to sweater-weather. On this manicure, that deep rusty pumpkin color is applied to all the nails with a high-gloss finish, with one exception: the negative-space leopard print that adds a touch of boldness to the otherwise cozy color scheme. It is that surprise touch that makes the entire thing appear chic rather than cliched.
In a shade such as this, I tend to go to OPI, the shade being It s a Piazza Cake or Essie, the shade being Playing Koi both of which provide that baked-clay warmth that goes so well with knitwear. The leopard detailing? I suggest dotting tool and shades such as Licorice by Essie on the spots, and clear nude or clear jelly polish on the bottom to give that transparent look.
The accent nail is done as follows, a base coat followed by two coats of sheer nude polish. Next, the irregular spots are painted using a dotting tool or fine liner brush. The perfection is not the aim, the beauty is in the imperfection. Put a shiny top coat on it and see the leopard speaks.
This mani gives me serious coffee-shop-in-October energy. I had something like it last fall on a girls trip upstate and all the baristas said compliments. Have you never experimented with animal print in your nail art? This is your entry-level design.
Matte Cocoa with Metallic Maple Leaves
This is the one that seems to be fresh air, multilayered knits, the first morning that you see your breath in the air. The fall foundation is matte cocoa brown, earthy, rich, low-key luxe. However, what takes this manicure up a notch is the fine gold leaf detailing – literally. The leaves are made of metallic maple and show a slight shimmer on the matte surface, as one would expect of a golden hour walk through a path of leaves.
I would base it with creamy matte polish such as Zoya, Louise or CND, Fedora. You may purchase maple-shaped foil stickers or decals that are produced by such brands as Whats Up Nails or Maniology. The trick is that you press them on the tacky layer and lock in with matte top coat, which is a staple in my collection Essie Matte About You.
Foil stickers are a godsend in case you like some nail art but you don t want to get the brushes and paints out. Simply cut them out, position them using tweezers and seal them with top coat. It feels fancy, but the effort is surprisingly minimal.
I love how this look balances elegance with playfulness. It’s soft-spoken glam. And, quite honestly, anything that will make your hands look like you just hopped out of a fall-themed editorial shoot? Yes please.
Pumpkin Spice with a 3D Charm
Pumpkin nails? Groundbreaking — but this version actually is. The creamy orange is that warm full-bodied color of the pumpkin pie filling but it is the 3D pumpkin charm on the accent nail that makes it next level. It is holiday-appropriate but wearable, and actually more versatile than you might expect, which is why it is fall nail art on the girl who is not the Halloween enthusiast but also wants to acknowledge the season.
For that creamy pumpkin base, “Kook-A-Mango” by OPI or Olive & June’s “Into the Trees” (a more burnt take) are great options. The charm? Amazon and Etsy are stocked with nail art sets that include seasonal items, but you can find metallic pumpkin studs or charms with a flat back that are easy to apply.
Start with shaping your nails (a medium almond works beautifully here), then apply two coats of your chosen polish. Put on some nail glue or a gel top coat and attach the charm to your accent nail. And in case you are concerned about wear, put another layer of sealing gel on top.
I have literally used this exact outfit to a fall wedding and felt so seasonally appropriate without looking like I was in a costume party. The little pumpkin detail? Total conversation starter.
Cozy Multi-Tone Neutrals
It is the manicure version of a capsule wardrobe: it is classic, simple, and infinitely elegant. The nails are all a different warm color, a cream, a cocoa, a burnt sienna, a deep plum. It is reminiscent of your favorite fall lattes, scarves, and boots, all in one bottled look. The glossy finish keeps it polished and modern.
The beauty of this look is its simplicity. You could get mini sets, such as Olive & June The Fall Set or assemble your own collection of full-sized bottles, such as Essie Angora Cardi, Chocolate Cakes, and Mochachino, with a creamy white such as Marshmallow.
No nail art necessary, as long as a thin layer of each could be achieved. Begin with the light to dark or randomize the positioning to create a less laborious atmosphere. And don t forget that glossy neutrals bring out flaws, so be sure to shape and buff first.
This is one of those manis that goes unnoticed and makes people do a double take. I used this combo last Thanksgiving, and even my cousin who never comments on nails made a comment. That’s how you know it’s good.
Olive and Amber Checkerboard
This one’s playful, unexpected, and still perfectly fall. The checkerboard effect achieved by alternate olive green and amber orange on short, natural nails has a contemporary feel that is reminiscent of the plaid flannels of the 70s. It is a lighthearted preview of fall color that does not take the route of tropes or glitz.
Try the olive by going with Suzi – The First Lady of Nails by OPI, and that amber glaze can be Fall-ing for Milan. These tones are even more appealing when they have a shiny finish and rounded short shapes. It is an ideal design to have when you want something that is not difficult to maintain yet very on-theme.
Alternately paint the rest of your nails in different colors, or get extra fancy and cut each nail in half and pattern the two colors in a checkerboard pattern. French tip or strippers.
This mani gives me major fall fair vibes. Such as apple cider in one hand and a knit beanie on your head kind of vibes. It’s approachable, wearable, and just plain cute.
Floral Drama in Deep Green and Burgundy
The design is as a fall bouquet to fingertips, moody, romantic, and a bit mysterious. The nails are painted with deep emerald and rich burgundy alternating, and hand-painted with roses and leafy stems. The luxe look is achieved by the gold studs embellishments at the bottom without being too much. Frankly, it reminds me of what you would wear to a fall engagement dinner or a snuggly date night bundled up in wool.
To pull this off, you’ll need shades like “Stay Off the Lawn!” by OPI for the deep green and Essie’s “Berry Naughty” for that lush burgundy. The flowers can be painted using a fine nail art brush or a stamping plate if you’re not confident freehanding it. I would also suggest matte topcoat to bring out the softness of the florals.
The secret behind these florals is the layering of the design. Start with the outline in a very light pink and darken the shadows. One can add leaf accents using small strokes of sage or olive green depending on the vibe you desire. On gold studs, which can be ordered online or bought on Amazon.
I have already spotted a variation of this on IG on nail artist @nailditbyalyssa, and frankly, it reconsidered my entire fall nail mood board. In case you can not decide whether to be pretty or powerful, this one is a winner on both counts.
Abstract Fall Foliage in Burnt Orange
This look is autumn, bottled up. It’s vibrant without being loud, playful but grown-up. Shiny burnt orange is combined with two accent nails with abstract leaves in burning colors sienna, amber, rust all outlined with the thinnest lines of black that provide contrast and form. It’s like modern art meets pumpkin patch.
You will need a deep orange color such as Orly, Lion Ear or Lights Lacquer, Desert rose. The leaf accents are best with sheer nude base polish (such as Bubble Bath by OPI) and over paint with orange, mustard and burgundy polish using a detail brush. The mini black pen will be used to sketch the outline of the leaves.
The placement of the leaves does not have to be overthought, just a couple of strategic strokes can simulate falling leaves. But do not trouble to make every nail the same; the beauty of the work lies in the stream of the pattern. And in case you feel like adding some shimmer, a bit of gold foil will not be amiss.
The design reminds me of the clear Saturday walks under trees which have just begun to turn. It is warm and lively and makes you feel as though you are a part of the season even when you are simply running errands.
Matte Chocolate Daisies
Brown nails for fall? Always. But add a little yellow daisies and a matte finish and you now have the sweetest soft fall mani on the block. It is sugary, surprising, and delivers the best of what cottagecore doing pumpkin picking looks like. The rounded short shape makes it feel effortless and wearable — like you didn’t even try (but you definitely did).
Use a chocolate topcoat like That?ifying What Friends Are Thorby OPI or Brownie Points by Olive and June. Use a fine brush or dotting tool to create daisy petals with a light cream or pastel yellow polish (Sally Hansen’s “Mellow Yellow” works beautifully), and finish with a matte top coat.
When you do this at home, make the daisies a little imperfect, it is more endearing. Put a dot in the middle and draw out petals, as a star. They are popping with a small dot of gold or amber in the centre of each flower.
I did something like this during a long weekend away upstate, and I swear I could not stop looking at my hands whenever I held my mug of chai. It is nostalgic but fresh, such as the pressing of wildflowers in a notebook when you are a child.
Golden Leaves with Sunset Ombre
If you’re craving something artsy but still subtle, this design might be your favorite. Think: golden-hour sunsets melting into your nails. There is a combination of mustard, orange, and sheer neutral bases that combine together, and the fine lines of black leaves fly on several accent nails. It’s painterly and poetic — like fall poetry in nail form.
Your base is a golden mustard such as Essie Fall-ing Line. To blend, apply a sponge to lightly ombr e yellow to orange and even some red. The leaf designs are meant to be added with a micro liner brush and a steady hand or even a black stamping plate to be precise.
Apply polish to the tip with a makeup sponge and blend down with it, but be sure to put a latex barrier or tape on the nails or you will burn your skin. And, lastly, use some shiny overlay on the watercolor effect.
Whenever I look at nails of this kind, I imagine late September afternoons when the light goes golden and everything becomes a little less harsh. It’s artistic but wearable — something that could totally live on your Pinterest “Fall Mood” board.
Minimalist Mocha Swirls
This design is what you’d get if a latte and a modern art print had a baby. Crisp square tips dipped in off-white turn out to be the ideal background to abstract mocha and espresso swirls and the thin black wave? Chef’s kiss. It is graphic, it is clean, and it has the right amount of attitude without being busy.
To achieve this effect, one should begin with a creamy foundation such as the shade of the color Alpine Snow by OPI or Marshmallow by Essie. In the lines, you will need thin nail brushes and caramel, beige, black, and warm brown shades. This design can be done using nail striping brushes or gel liners such as Beetles or Modelones.
On a palm on a table and on a pinky finger on a table. Draw your swirls slowly and build them in layers. Cure between colors if using gel polish. Make the lines narrow and intentional, less is more in this case.
It would be the mani you would sport with a trench coat, structured trousers and a sleek bun. And I will say it, I wore this on a business trip, and people complimented me in the airport security line. That’s the power of a good swirl.
Classic Maple Accent with Mustard Elegance
This appearance seems to be the golden hour of fall itself – mustard yellow glimmers on all nails, and one accent contains a well-placed maple leaf on a clean white ground. The simplicity makes it stand out even more. It is a contemporary update on seasonal nail art: classic, clean and distinctly fall.
To achieve that deep yellow, you can opt to use Mustard the Courage by Essie or Ochre You Glad by ILNP. Regarding the maple leaf, on Etsy there are sets of nail stickers with seasonal decals, and it is so convenient to achieve that precision without the bother of painting. The base should be a light white such as OPI Alpine Snow.
This is one of those designs that is easily achievable at home. Paint your mustard on all the nails, and leave your accent nail until the end. Put on two coats of white, dry, put on your maple decal with tweezers, then top coat it. Voilà — salon vibes, zero stress.
I wear something similar every Thanksgiving since 2022, it is my favorite I want to be festive, but I want it quick design. And the compliments? Consistent every year.
Cozy Mix-and-Match in Chocolate and Gold
It is a sweet little manicure that is offering hot cocoa by the fire. The nails all have varying cozy colors, milk chocolate to golden mustard to a leafy green that takes center stage. It is subtle, non-fussy, and it still appears that you have been planning it weeks before. The fall multitone is in, and this one nails it.
Reach for warm shades like “Over the Taupe” (OPI), “Butternut Blonde” (Olive & June), and “Sage You Love Me” (Sally Hansen). A leafy detail can be freehanded or you can use a stamping plate in case you are pressed on time, Maniology has some fantastic fall-inspired sets.
This one’s all about playing with contrast. Use a different shade depending on your mood dark on the outside nails, light in the middle. For the leaf, keep it soft and simple. Even if you’re new to nail art, this one’s a great beginner win.
This would be the manicure that I would wear on every coffee shop date in October. You feel like you have your life in order, even when all you are attempting to accomplish is to complete your watchlist in fall.
Harvest Garden in Olive and Pumpkin
This bold-yet-organic design is composed of olive green, pumpkin orange and deep brown. On one accent nail, there are hand-painted delicate autumn vines and leaves on the orange background. This appearance is an equilibrium of grounded colors with an element of quirkiness in it- it is ideal when you want a bold color but without being too fancy.
Try “Central Park” from Londontown or “Stay Off the Lawn!” (OPI) for the green, and “Sweet & Spicy” by Lights Lacquer for that creamy orange. A fine paintbrush and a firm hand will serve the art well in drawing the black vines and green leaves. Or use stickers if you’re in a hurry.
Use your base color and then use your fine detail brush and your vines upward starting at the base of the nail. The secret is light pressure and tiny strokes. A fine-tipped brush like Nail Labo’s #00 works wonders for intricate work like this.
This mani completely makes me think of a market visit at the end of October- apples, gourds, and fresh bread in your tote bag. It is seasonal and not basic, but it is well worth the extra effort.
Modern Autumn Botanical Mix
It is a design that looks like your favorite fall Pinterest board come to life, literally. Each nail varies, yet somehow they all get along: glittering copper, soft sage, deep red, and two nails painted with the muted tones of delicate fall leaves. It is artsy, contemporary, and funky enough to be fall appropriate.
Seek out colors such as ILNPs shimmer, Monarch, Olive & June Sagebrush, and a brick red such as Essie Spice it Up. The leaf patterns may be applied with nail stamping instruments or painstakingly drawn with fine gel liners. Nail decals are also a great shortcut if you’re looking to simplify.
Every nail is a story to itself so do not fret about symmetry. I prefer to set the detailed leaves in the centre, and the bolder shades on the sides as a frame. To keep the fresh-fall look, a top coat of shine will help.
It would be the mani I would wear to a gallery crawl or autumn brunch with friends, it feels trendy but not overly so. Definitely a scroll-stopper.
