The official season of transformation is fall- and it is not trees only. Have you been gazing at your hands recently with the feeling that your nails just so required updating? Something comfortable, not dull; something celebratory but not so that you cannot go to brunch or a Zoom happy hour? Personality, packed details are the name of the game when it comes to cute and fun fall nails 2025 this year: burnt oranges, soft caramels and dainty gold leaves with little ghost or moon decals almost begging to tell you it is sweater weather. In this article, we’ll explore styles that feel like falling into a pile of crisp leaves with your PSL in hand—whether you’re into soft neutrals, Halloween whimsy, or something artsy and magical. Let’s scroll, swoon, and get inspired.
Glossy Pumpkin Orange With a Hint of Halloween
The design is aggressive and autumnial with a hint of mint Halloween. The spotlight on the stage is on the bright pumpkin orange on three nails two of which are glossy and the other with fine glitter that catches the fall light. One nail is painted a light nude color, with the fine lines of a spider web drawn on it, as well as the presence of an incredibly small black spider dead in the middle. Not only is it adorable but it is sassy too, and therefore ideal for whatever you have planned, be it seasonal glitz and a bit of spooky tales.
To achieve this very same effect I would use OPI, Pumpkin Spice Things Up, to give that rich, cozy orange. In the glitter version, ILNP has something similar with its You Up? having the same payoff in glitter. On the accent nail, a light neutral base such as Essie color Ballet Slippers makes an ideal canvas against which a small-line drawing will look beautiful. A gel liner that is jet-black and a thin art brush to fix it all together; never forget the glossy topcoat sealing the fun.
Begin with the nail preparation: shape, buff and push back the cuticles. Paint your solid and glitter oranges first-at least two to get them opaque. Wait until they dry or cure to begin the accent nail. Put a dotting stylus and slim brush to the spider web and small spider. Finish everything with a gel or quick-dry topcoat. Don’t rush the art step—it’s all in the details.
I wore a design like this last October to a late-night pumpkin patch outing, and strangers actually stopped me to ask who did my nails (spoiler: it was me). The idea of putting some character in it makes the manicure not only an accessory, but the talk of the town.
Sweet Spooky French With Ghostly Charms
This one is all that and that unforeseen balance of elegance and cuteness. Timeless skeleton structure is provided by classic white French tips, but the party starts soon after with the mini seasonal decorations: a small orange pumpkin, a ghost who possesses it and a web design wrapping a nail like a candy floss. It is not too gaudy as the design is light and playful and possesses the right amount of character which may make you smile each time you have a view of your hands.
The foundation polish has to be a pastel sheer nude- CND has a pinky-beige version called Beau. The French tips and webs I suggest using Orlys White touching. You also want nail art stickers or gel paints to do the characters. If you’re doing this by hand, Beetles’ Nail Art Kit (with micro brushes and colored gels) has everything you need to create those tiny ghosts and jack-o’-lanterns.
If you’re doing this at home, start with the base. Cure or dry and then tape or paint on your French tips using tape or French Nail Guide. In the designs of the accents, go slow–begin with the outlines and add the coloring. Protect it all under a topcoat of high-gloss to provide it with the salon-fresh appearance.
It is designed to be worn on those autumn coffee dates at the start of October, or on movie nights when you will be trick-or-treating. It makes you feel fancy yet its just leggings and an oversized hooded sweater. And honestly? It makes the old child come out in the most fashionable style.
Burnt Sienna Meets Abstract Autumn Leaves
This outfit is exactly on point, as far as late October vibe is concerned: warm, earthy, elegant, but with a touch of playfulness. As in the grounding of the palette, the polish burnt sienna, the accent nails tinker with a leaf-like pattern in amber, rust and wine. It provides a watercolor like effect, soft painterly but not sloppy. Where the boho style would become perfectly imperfect and applicable in apple cider moments, think of it as modern boho.
To recreate the colour combination, choose a deep burnt base, such as Zoya, Autumn, and an accent more of a neutral base such as Olive & June, HD. Dry brush or sponge with gel pots can make leaf patterns, and experiment with the fall line at Le Mini Macaron–that mixture of warm, muted colors.
Once your nails are shaped and prepared, add a little full burnt sienna to two to three fingers. The accent nails, you will take your nude base and use a fine brush or sponge to press-in leaf-like strokes using varying fall colors. Darken the layers with lighter colors, one by one dries. Top with semi-matte finishes to have a modern edge.
There’s something quietly luxurious about this kind of design. It doesn’t scream to be heard it just makes your hand look like it needs to hold a warm latte in the golden hour glow. I also did this palette once as a casual dinner with my friends and my group chat instantly became a nail inspiration board. It’s that good.
Gold-Leaf Fall Florals on a Nude Canvas
This design is soft, dreamy and kissed by gold to make your nails look like little pressed flowers on an autumn walk. Every nail has another variation of warm-toned florals and random golden flakes and infinity placed over a blush-toned nude. One is deep orange and the other deep cranberry–designs you would tear out of a scrap book.
You will require a soft beige base- Lights Lacquer Has a good choice -Matilda. In the case of the florals, a nail stamping plate or DND gel paints done by hand in red, orange and maroon are fabulous. You can press gold flakes into a tacky layer of gel polish- searching foil packs of Daily Charme or Born Pretty are good places to start.
Paint your base, then cure or dry fully. Build up the florals in layers allowing each coat to dry before you add detail. In the case of gold flakes, one should carefully place these with the help of tweezers. Seal it off on top with a high-gloss finishing coat to give it a neat feel of a glass nail.
There’s something peaceful about working with this much detail. I enjoy this whenever it is raining and it is on a Sunday like doing nails listening to a podcast in the background. It’s calming, like a craft project—but on your hands. And, in case you are into layering up and looking cozy yet sophisticated even in the cold seasons, this one is a dream.
Mini Maple Leaf Vibes in Sunset Orange
This manicure design is the cable knit sweater you love on your hands. The half of nails is painted in a rather warm and juicy orange and the rest of others are painted in light hand-drawn leaves in the same color of burnt orange and sienna over a nude base. Its leaf-like pattern is delicate- almost a hint rather than a decree- and this is what makes it so wearable. You may put this on till November and think yourself seasonally correct.
Apply that optimum orange tint using Essie in Playing Koi or Sundays No 27. Wear it together with Butter London, and “Murmur” or a pink nude by Olive & June. The mini leaves details require a fine brush or a stamping tool, they cannot be rushed, they add the charm of the look.
Vary your solid and leaf-accent nails to provide this type of balance that the design exhibits. The bottom should be painted and completely dried and then overpainted with the pattern. It is your choice to use freestyle your shapes of leaves or tracings using stamping tools to format it to a higher accuracy. Finally, seal it off with a glossy gel topcoat to seal it, and make the details pop.
This is the one I can envision spending a cute fall picnic in or upstate trip over the weekend. It is light, supple, and lends a sense of “thoughtfully executed” without yelling to make itself heard. It is the homely feeling of the cute and fun fall nails 2025.
Woodland Fox Fantasy in Rust Red
There is something very soothing about this appearance- it is like cozying up to a cinnamon latte and your favorite knit. The two portraits of foxes are accompanied with deep cranberry-red nails and golden-orange leaves. The whole palette is warm, near necromantic, as a pleasant stroll in the woods around Halloween time. The foxes are shown with sweetly smiling faces, which adds the entire design a gentle storybook look.
At home, you will want to use OPI in Malaga Wine, or Zoya in Courtney that perfect deep base tone. A nude-pink color such as Essies Perennial Chic creates the right blank canvases to display art. Fox decals can be found on Etsy, however, to create a custom hand-painted look, Modelones Fall Gel Paint Kit is the way to go-it contains that orange, black and white in a fiery combination needed to do character work.
Begin by getting your shapes, and filing these down before putting your solid colors to use, often two coatings to provide depth. When dry or cured apply or paint your fox design. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect; imperfections give personality. Apply via thin liner brush in facial features and leaves. Topcoat is a must to preserve detail and shine.
This is what I used as my default last Thanksgiving and my nieces went positively crazy over the little foxes. I loved the playful lightness of it but still completely wearable. To be perfectly frank, it rather went on feeling like a lump of folklore in my hands.
Classic French with a Pumpkin Pop
A redo of an old only requires one small twist once in a while. This mani is softer, more classic with timeless French tips on naturally filed nails-but then adds a slight twist with one, smirking pumpkin. Such a little orange flash will do to alert to fall without taking it all the way to costume party. It is clean, minimal, and quite frankly an incredible transition show in September when you are leaving summer mode.
As a base color, use OPI or Essie nude-pink, check out OPI Bubble Bath or Essie Mademoiselle. The tips, always come through crisp as Orly has “White Tips”. On the pumpkin either a small decal or Le mini Macarons Pumpkin Gel Paint can be used with a micro brush to do hand detail.
Without guides, French tips are tricky, so don’t miss them unless you are very sure of your technique. In your ring finger paint the pumpkin accent- a small orange oval then the vertical lines on it and a skimpy black stem on top of it with a smile on it. Just make it a bit light hearted and don t forget that shiny topcoat that brings in the finishing touch to the whole look.
It is the style that I would like to wear to a parent-teacher meeting, or a fall wedding that was not formal. It is practical, a bit irreverent and makes you seem like you actually care… without trying too hard.
Golden Swirl Glam Meets Fall Citrus
And fall does not have to be all about autumn leaves and pumpkin, sometimes it is about texture and movement. These nails include stick bright orange French tips and they are decorated with dainty, gold sculpted swirls and stars. This editorial, bordering on a jewelry-like effect is achieved by the combination of abstract shimmer with the structural design. It is sophisticated with a bite- delicious prosecco on a cold rooftop evening.
I would duplicate this with Olive & June Bright & Focused on the orange tip and CND Shellac Be Demure as the base. The gold accents should be filled with Apres gel-x art gels metallic gold or gold stickers/charms can be bought in 3D gold at Born Pretty. An intense gel topcoat is essential in this scenario to have everything sealed and smooth.
This look is best done with builder gel or a sculpting base if you’re working with add-ons. Apply orange French tips and once done lay your metallic decals or apply gold swirling lines with a fine brush. Apply pressure on small jewelled stud or charms when topcoat is still tacky.
This design isn’t for blending in. I was at a late October dinner and wore something like this and I kid you not the hostess literally interrupted the speech mid-sentence to take my hand. They are silly, snazzy, and somewhat flashy-they know.
Halloween Bold: Jack-o’-Lanterns With Attitude
Full-on Halloween energy, no holding back. These nails are painted in a saturated pumpkin orange, each one featuring bold black jack-o’-lantern faces—some smiling, some scowling, and some just saying “boo.” It’s youthful, fun, and made for the Halloween-obsessed. The large, high-gloss effect is glossy like vinyl and it comes out with the fall pieces like a cherry on top.
In order to go so bold you, will need a gorgeous base such as an orange as OPI with its colours like its Orange You a Rock Star or Beetles Spice Up. The jack-o ladders can be sculpted with a black stamping polish such as Maniology Straight Up Black; they can also be drawn by hand with a gel liner.
Once all your pumpkins have a base coat followed by 2 coats of orange use a dotting tool or brush to add the expression upon the pumpkins. A top tip from celeb nail artist Julie Kandalec? Let the paint on one layer thoroughly dry before putting details on it or the black will smear into the orange. Finish with a glossy topcoat for maximum shine.
When I had no intentions of going to a Halloween costume party but I still wanted to dress up a bit, I would go with this. It says “I am holiday-y” but it also says “don’t expect me in a cape.”
Mini Pumpkins and Boo Buddies All Over
Playful? Yes. Cheesy? Not even close. The cuteness factor of Halloween is added to this set in form of alternating pumpkins and ghost faces which are small, expressive, and not so close that they seem imbalanced. It is a creamy blush nude on the bottom that makes the look presentable and up to the present day. It also is to the girlies that enjoy fall and cartoons. I mean, why choose?
You’ll need a soft pink base—try Lights Lacquer’s “Rosie”. Gel nail pens or stamping kits will simplify the lives of the pumpkins and ghosts. You can find Halloween nail stickers or do the all hand-drawn with the Makartt Nail Art Brush Set and small pots of orange-, white-, and black gel.
Once you have your base layer in place, consider how you will spacing your characters so they will remain playful, rather than chaotic. Start with pumpkins (they’re more detailed), then layer in the ghosts. Paint small smiles, eyes, and stems with help of a fine brush. Lock it all in with a no-wipe gel topcoat.
It is so cute to be an October pick of those that live to follow the seasonal decor. I did this for a girls’ night out at a pumpkin painting party, and I swear it made me feel like the theme queen of the night. In case you fancied getting cute and fun fall nails 2025, this is quite literally it.
Monarch Magic on Almond Tips
The set reflects the silent beauty of the autumn butterflies which are in the process of flight. Kingfishers are daubed in bright orange and black and sit on a creamy nude skeleton. Off setting that with a full solid orange nail and white accents of sparkle, the look is lighter, but still earthy- like that late fall sun peeking through the trees. The almond shape gives it extra elegance and is not too precious.
Begin with a milky nude such as the thing called “Bare My Soul” by OPI. For the orange, try Lights Lacquer’s “I’ll Be Home”. Black and white gel liners should be used in the wing details and starbursts–Beetles Gel Liners are great to use in this type of sheer. A dotting tool will help with the sparkle details.
In order to achieve the butterfly, draw the outline, and fill in oranges. Add the white accents last to keep them crisp. Soak and cure one layer at a time and add a high-luster topcoat. Not to lie, this one is also a time consuming project, but it is a mini small art project to wear on your hands.
This appearance gave me the impression that I could take a piece of nature everywhere I go. I had something vaguely like this on in early November when the leaves were just that ideal rusty orange. It’s a showstopper, but in a poetic way.
Chocolate and Cream Floral Minis
This design shows that there is no need in bright colors to bring fall manicure to the next level. Partial nail design is soft beige and delicious chocolate brown in alternating fashion over the nails with little flowers on neutral backgrounds blooming softly. It has a sort of cashmere sweater quality in nail form which is subtle, refined, and just a touch sweet.
Take Essie or Olive & June topcoat in colour Topless & Barefoot or HD to cover the bare nails. For the chocolatey tones, try OPI’s “Chocolate Moose”. The flowers may be drawn by hand with the help of dotting tool or mini-brush and white and brown gel paints.
Before these layers are finally dry, dab on five petals and pull them toward the center a bit. Add a contrasting dot in the middle for depth. Make each flower different in size to maintain a playfulness. Seal with a quick-dry topcoat and you’re golden.
I’d also found an outfit that was pretty close to that to go on a coffee date with and wound up matching my latte. Totally unintentional, but kind of perfect. This set’s low-key elegance fits literally any fall outfit.
Pumpkin Patch Neutrals
This one’s as adorable as it gets. The neutral shiny nails are crowned with small and adorable mini pumpkins, a size that works out as lovely rather than comical. The colors are pastel and peach, which is ideal early fall when you want to wear that first cardigan of the year.
A mellow beige or a peachy base such as in the DND color peach beige is fine. In the case of the pumpkins, I adore Le Mini Macaron Pumpkin Gel Paint, and a dull green on the pumpkin stems. You will require small layering brush to curve those little lines.
Put on your base and allow it to dry or otherwise cure. Next, place a dotting tool or brush and paint circular pumpkin shape at the bottom of each nail. Put in some lines of definition, and finish it with a wee leaf or a curl. A glossy topcoat keeps it clean and shiny.
If you’re into fall baking or just a full-on pumpkin person (guilty), this one will feel like a wearable version of your favorite season. I have worn this outfit to a pumpkin carving party and I got compliments, literally everyone.
Plaid Perfection With French Twist
This one’s made for the cozy-core girlies. Think pumpkin spice meets Pinterest-worthy flannel. One of these is a typical French manicure with a twist adding a splash of orange and one nail highlighted with a thin check print with a small bow on it- almost an ornament to a wrapped present. It’s cheerful and neat, without going full kitsch.
Go for a base like OPI’s “Bubble Bath”. On the French tips and plaid, there is Zoya Sawyer and Essie Tart Deco that gives that right orange-pink mixture. The plaid lines will be assisted by a striping brush or nail vinyls. Make the mini bow with a sculpting gel or sticker.
Start with your base, then paint the French tips. To achieve that gingham effect, on your accent nail alternately apply horizontal lines followed by the vertical ones in back and white colors. The bow may be applied finally with nail glue or with the gel encapsulated. Top off with a shiny coat so it will stand out.
This one screams “fall brunch with friends.” It is preppy and soft and I can definitely envision myself wearing it with a scarf, holding coffee, boots clacking on the road.
Stargazer Garnet Glow
This is the nail design that replaces when days are shorter and darker. Scattered, fine gold stars jitter on a glossy rich deep garnet red base. It looks like a velvet sky at dusk, just before night truly takes a toll. Graceful, starry, a bit witchy.
Use OPI’s “Malaga Wine” or Beetles’ “Spiced Plum”. The gold stars can be done with foil stickers (Maniology and Daily Charme have great options) or stamped with a metallic gel.
Choose garnet two coats of polish after your nails are prepared. When dry, stamp or lay gently some gold stars on each nail–various sized and randomly placed may make a night-sky effect. A glossy topcoat gives it that luxe shine.
It is built as one of those styles that immediately makes me feel as though I have myself put together. Me, I graze down the store and feel like a fall goddess even though I don-t have a basket. These are adorable and amusing fall nails 2025 which will do during the day, or at night, a working day or weekend.
Molten Red Marble With Fall Sparkle
This mani is pure autumn decadence. A combination of crimson, rose-nude, and pale shimmer makes a marbled texture that is both glamorous and down to earth at the same time. Some will have deep red nail polish with others having artistic twirls and micro-glitter which gives the light only a bit of reflection. The almond shape brings sophistication and this one is the perfect item to wear out–or back at work on a busy Monday.
Deep red color will be provided by the DND Spiced Sangria and the overarching neutral base will be OPI You Sustain Me. To do the shimmer swirl it you can use either Cirque Colors luna or a sheer metallic gel. A detail brush will enable you to have the fine marbling lines.
I usually start with the nude base first. After it dries a little I slightly swirled the red and shimmer gels around each other and swiped it across the nail with a brush with alcohol on it to give it that even blend. It’s more abstract than precise—just how I like it.
I had this mani and it felt like I was drinking red wine by candlelight in a velvet armchair. If you want a dramatic look that doesn’t feel costume-y, this one’s a favorite.
Caramel Cream With Subtle Florals
Soft colors and subtle patterns never fail to come into autumn. The combination of caramel brown manicure and the cream complementing nail with white foliage decoration forms this manicure. It makes it the nail hand equivalent of a vanilla latte with oat milk, cozy, relaxing and yet refined but not too in your face.
Try Essie’s “Clothing Optional” for the caramel tone. The white can either be achieved with Beetles White Liner Gel or stamping plate of foliage patterns. A detail brush is key if you’re free-handing.
This is beginner-friendly as well, it involves putting the caramel base on each nail then putting the floral on one or two accent nails. Keep your lines thin and flowing. A soft, blurred spec can also be achieved with a matte topcoat which will look really spectacular here.
I used this very palette during a small mountain cabin vacation. It provided a taste of the season inculcation without being excessive. Here are the adorable and playful fall nails 2025 that simply preach, such little things matter to me.
Peachy Petals With a Pop
These nails are sunshine wrapped in sweater weather. The polish is a vibrant orange against fun playful florals seen on the accent nails which are done in white and orange translucent polishes. The combination of daring and sensitive is what makes this set a highlight, even when you do not want to give up summer yet.
You will need a good orange (such as Olive & June Oleganju is “Clementine”), and a sheer pink or clear base on the flower nails. Apply with a dotting tool the flowers consisting of Sally Hansen in Insta-Dri in “White on Time” and “Peach, Please.”
Alternate solid and floral nails for visual interest. On clear base nails start with dots of petal then lightly swirl towards the center to provide them that bloomed effect. End off with a topcoat so that the floral details are clean.
I adore this type of outfit on the first weeks of fall when the weather goes back and forth between sunny and cold. It is your dream transitional woven piece in your wardrobe on your finger tips.
Tiny Pumpkins, Big Cozy Energy
This design wins the award for most awww-inducing. On a shiny blush underpinning, miniature pumpkins are arranged very carefully to provide that touch of soft autumn without any sound. It’s sweet and nostalgic—like your childhood Halloween, but chic.
Try CND “Romantique” for the soft pink base. With pumpkins, either use Modelones Pumpkin Patch Kit or draw you own with orange and green gels. A detail brush or nail pen will facilitate the attainment of that detailed outline.
Paint your base and allow to fully dry. Take a dotting tool to the round shapes of pumpkins, then trace some soft curving lines up and down to give depth. And a just a weeny little black stem to finish off like a cartoon bit. Seal with a high-gloss topcoat.
I did a close match near October again to a very casual weekend at my parents house, and my mom could not stop thinking about it. It s fun but not obnoxious like fall nail art that is somehow still mature.
Marbled Mocha Swirls
Fresh, liquid and pleasantly surprising this mani is an abstract piece you can wear. The nails are painted in earthy brown and creamy beige lines and with a hint of black here and there. It is ideal in the case that you are in the mood to lean into your artsy side without stepping out of the comfort zone of fall colors.
The swirl has been made of OPI (Espresso Your Inner Self), Essie (Vanity Fairest) and Beetles Gel Black. A dotting tool and a small liner brush will make work easier when it comes to manipulation of the lines.
The swirls may be freestyle or wet-on-wet-add drop polish to a still wet-base and pull lines using a needle tool. Each nail becomes its own canvas. No two should look the same.
This ensemble provides power to the notion of the trendy girl at coffee shop types of writing novel. I took it to a local market on a weekend and it completes my thrifted outfit immediately and it gives me a more put-together look. Love when nails do that.
Cocoa Blossoms With a Touch of Dot
Here, creamy cocoa and light floral are combining in a rather sophisticated manner with a sprinkle of romance. One half are in deep, caramel brown, the other creamy white petals rimmed in soft mocha with dots of tiny black decorations. It is such a wreath of wasted blossoms On a knit blanket.
That brown base is in Reach for Essie s “Cliff Hanger” or Olive & June s “JJ”. One can bring the floral details by using either white and tan gel pills. One of your best friends here will be a dotting tool and a thin brush.
Paint the solids first. The floral nails can be started with the creamy base on which layered petals are to be painted. Use random placement of drop black dots to provide the design movement. All the other colors are brought together by a glossy topcoat to maintain the florals clean.
I used this palette following a weekend pottery course and the colors were just the right amount. It adds a natural, artistic feeling at a non-cringe level that is very fall core.
Harvest French With Leafy Vibes
Drama is added to flamboyant orange French tips that have a seasonal bend as little green leaves are hand-painted sticking out of the bottom. The juxtaposition is succulent and crisp, like oranges trees in the fall. The mix of traditional structuring and childish detail make it light hearted and comfortable to wear- even when you aren t particularly fond of classic pumpkin designs.
The orange is with Zoya, the base- Sawyer and bare Chemise of CND. The Beetles Gel Art Liners may be applied in the green color to add leaf information.
Design your French tip shape by using stencil or by hand. Then, you should take a fine detail brush and paint towards the top to use the leaves. Vary the direction and curve to mimic real foliage. Top it off with gel topcoat in order to keep it sealed and nice.
I love this look to a casual fall festival or farmers market errand- it looks bright but still sleek enough to wear to work the next day. It looks: also super cute wrapped around a hot apple cider.
Chestnut Sparkle With Autumn Branches
This design is pure elegance. A smooth almond driven nail is done in shimmering chestnut brown with one of the accents showcasing the nail in white with a few fall leaves and branches on the nail. It is the nail equivalent of a golden morning woodland path.
Pick up OPI, Shimmer Me Timbers or DND Brownie Points to achieve that glow brown. In case of white base, I will always choose Essie in any of its white colors, in this case, it is “Blanc”. The branches can be filled in by brown gel liner and microbrush.
Apply the base coats, letting the shimmer fully set. In the branch design, it will be painted with several slanted lines, and afterward, the mini oval leaves will be drawn. Vary the placement for a natural, organic effect. Seal it all in with a glossy topcoat.
I used this style to attend a book club evening and I immediately felt more pulled together. There is just something about that contrast of glitter and nature that just hits different during the shorter days.
Blush Meets Denim in Doodles and Hearts
It is one of those cute surprise sets that combines lite whimsy and cool contrasting coloring. Rose shades collide with matte denim blue, and hearts, dots and abstract lines are scampering on a few statement nails. It is girly in a not-sugary way; its fun, but not obnoxious (like those big jean jackets and lip balm you love so much).
Apply the denim tone the Olive & June polish called JM and the blush one by Zoya named Brigitte. A fine brush and Beetles White Liner Gel is the best to use on the white details. Foil or metallic studs give it depth at a cost of a touch of gold.
To begin, paint each nail in a different solid base. Afterward, play with hearts, dots and silly little squiggles with a fine brush. Don’t overthink it—the charm here is in the imperfection. Seal everything in with a gel topcoat.
I would wear this during the fall on a day or weekend out to an art museum. It is completely scroll-worthy in selfies and simultaneously subtle enough to wear every day.
Golden Leaf Tips on a Nude Base
The nails are fine fall-colored leaves in copper, red and gold, which are lightly flicked onto the nail tips giving the impression of leaves blowing along a gentle watch-stand. The nude bottom makes the design look clean and wearable but the shine of the leaves is just the pop that is needed. It’s minimalist, but in the most magical way.
Either that nude base is Try CNDs Field Fox, or Essies Sheer Luck. With foil leaf decals on leaf decals or hand-painted born beautiful Fall Metallic Gel Set you will nail the glittery detail.
Start with two coats of the nude base. Stamp on with a tool or hand-paint with a tiny brush leaves on or near the free tip of each nail. Blend a few colors together to mimic nature’s variety. Finish with a glossy topcoat.
This is the outfit I would put on, to a cozy dinner party or even at one of the fall weddings. It is insidious yet so breathtaking- it is the design that does not scream but talk in a low tone.
Golden Star Charms on Spiced Almonds
Angular almond tips burnished by burnt orange tinged with nude bases and stunning golden highlights-this is a stellar, literally, combination. It’s glam but grounded. Some of the nails are topped with small golden stars or crescents to make it heavenly and a heavenly feeling at all sounds right in November during those dark evenings.
To get the orange you will require OPI Have Your Panettone and Eat It Too, the nude base will require Essie Topless & Barefoot, and some metallic 3D gold 3D decals or nail jewels. This kind of design is my success with the Born Pretty Gold Charm Set.
Once you revamped your nails into almonds, apply the nude base. When it is dry, apply orange with the curved brush to the tips. Apply the gold accents with nail glue or press into a wet gel topcoat and then cure it. Use no-wipe gel finish to lock everything down to long wearing.
My favorite to only go out, but also cozy night out and to make your nails feel like little accessories. It’s elegant with edge—and yes, very selfie-friendly.
Neutral Pumpkin Spice Medley
Fall is all my favorite things on my mani in one design. The color-blocked scheme of muted terracotta, creamy nude, and a chunk of copper glitter combines into a color scheme that is not alienating, though it seems to be contemporary in vibe. The nails are all slightly individual, and that sort of asymmetry makes the appearance full and interesting.
In the tones, I would recommend DND tones Cinnamon Stick, Essie Vanity Fairest and ILNP Copper Top: that glittery accent. Fear not adding more than one size of glitter to add dimension.
I would suggest doing one color on each nail at a time, l to s, so the glitter nail is last so it can go clear. To apply chunky glitter I add sponge to it and pack it in without soaking the cuticle then smoothing with topcoat.
This is something I did before a fall road trip upstate. The tones were just like my suitcase, my scarf and even the leaves on the pavement. It is that type of a look that just fits in the season yet makes an eye contact.
Bronze Leaves and Smoky Shine
It is a combo of foil, shimmer, and botanical art that screams editorial fall. Designs are sprinkled with glitter bronze tips and full coats in some nails, and painted or foiled leaves in gold and silver in others. The foundation hues remain down to earth creamy taupes, dark mochas, and warm whites.
Apply Zoya color 048 Chanelle and OPI color You Don Don Jacques as well as warm white such as Lights Lacquer color Mrs. Darling. One will do foil with either Daily Charme Leaf Stickers or freehand metallic gel liners.
First make up the base colors, then just tastefully place your accent leaves on. I prefer a short stiff brush and pressing the bits of foil into a slightly tacky layer- then coating them with a thick topcoat seal. You may even apply glitter overlay for balance to a single, or two nails.
This is your chance, in case you are going to a wedding or a formal dinner this season. Enough luxury but not too much of it–which I also seek around this time of year.
Moon Garden on a Cloudy Day
This one has major fairytale energy. Black and white botanical swirls, little gold stars and crescent moons are added to soft creamy nudes. The dark and soft, matte and shimmer combo makes this mani like in a dream (possibly a tarot-deck).
Wear Essie in Ballet Slippers as the base, Beetles Black + White Art Gels and apply a star/moon decals or use hand-drawn details. Those curvy branches can use no other type of brush than a super-fine liner.
Apply a sheer foundation to the base and start there building your botanical art. Add moons last to layer over the design. It is easy with a steady hand and a small amount of patience and the reward is beautiful. Top with a high-gloss coat to keep everything protected.
I would have this on a grey day when I am feeling a bit moody with both a knitted sweater and a long walk. It feels thoughtful, magical, and totally in season—especially if you’re into cozy nights and candlelight rituals.
Autumn Gold Dust Fade
This manicure is a combination of a soft feel of neutral colors along with a touch of glitter. Those on the two hands are loosely dusted with golden glitter which is beginning at the base of the nail making it appear as though they are dripping or gradated, the others remain streaked to creamy and caramel. It’s subtle, soft, and wildly flattering.
As far as the color base is concerned, use DND in Spiced Rum and CND in Cream Puff. Blend upwards with a fine sized glitter gel or with Mooncats High Priestess glitter.
Apply the base first. Dab the glitter on dry with your finger on the base or lower area and pull away to look like the fade. A sponge works wonders here. A smooth finish should be done using two coats of topcoat.
This is an appearance that literally can go to places namely work, dinner and weekend escapes. It’s so wearable and elegant. I wore it during a dinner party and totally matched the amber lights and the candles on the table–just ambiance.
