Suppose your nails are already saying fall when you haven t yet reached for your first PSL? This fall, nails are quieter in their inspirations, so it comes less about screaming loud and more about a quiet sophistication EM, or earthy tones, thoughtful details and a hint of shimmer to capture the magic of the golden hour. So what exactly is the on-trend of nails in 2017?
In this post I have collected the most beautiful fall season nails tips I could find – think warm caramels, swirly chocolates, burnt oranges, and comfort minimalism. Each look is wearable yet high-impact, the kind that makes you want to show off your hands more often (IYKYK). Take that space blanket, and spend some money on an overpriced candle and let me stake you by nail through the best looks of the year.
Cinnamon Swirl Meets Golden Hour
Warm, golden cinnamon, pumpkin, and melted chocolate emanate a certain unirresistible quality which instantly makes one think about fall. This is a perfect representation of that same vibe and that combination of rust-orange, peachy nude, espresso-brown results in a choice understated tonal masterpiece. And the gold foil? It is not an accent, it is intimations of luxury, a bit of the sunlight of early autumn on an old favourite leather bag. This one screams crisp leaves underfoot and oat milk lattes in hand — the kind of vibe you want on your nails when you’re slipping into your coziest knit.
To reproduce this color field, I would pick up a color such as OPI Nail Polish in My Italian Is a Little Rusty to capture that burnt orange, Zoya Nail Polish in Jack to capture that neutral-peach and Essie Nail Polish in Wicked would capture that chocolate tone. For the metallic foil, Ciaté London’s Gilded Gold Leaf gives that scattered shine without overpowering the whole vibe. if you want to keep on the subtle side a fine-tipped detailing brush will be useful in regulating the placement.
Personally I adore layering colors with the so-called skittle colors: every nail a different shade in the same color group. It keeps things visually dynamic without screaming for attention. I usually do two coats of each polish, cure (if you’re using gel), and gently press the foil into a slightly tacky top coat. Seal it all in with a glossy finish. Painting pro tip, courtesy of the celeb nail artist Tom Bachik: Pressing foil flat should be done with a silicone tool, instead of your fingers, where you have less control.
What I mean is that these nails are like, early October to me, when it isn t actually that chilly yet and you brunch outside with optional scarf. Last year I wore this to a harvest market when I was stopped by people three times to be complemented. I’ll be doing it again this year, no question.
Maple Spice & All Things Nice
This collection is as though it were your fall capsule wardrobe, as nail art. And imagine latte tinged browns, creamy beige and a glittery copper that almost buzzes when the light hits it. It’s clean but festive, grounded but glam. I think of this look as “neutral party girl”—the kind of person who wears monochrome but always has a statement accessory (in this case, that glitter bomb ring finger). In case you prefer versatile and a bit extra nails, this is the time.
To bring this to life, I’ve used Olive & June’s “CNH” (classic camel), OPI’s “Bubble Bath” for that creamy blush nude, and Orly’s “Rise and Shine” in metallic bronze. or short the glitter, either; get something nice like ILNP that will go on in full coverage and not flake off. Put the chunky glitter polish on only when your base dries completely or otherwise you will smudge everything.
On occasion I will isolate glitter nails to one nail when doing glitter nails at home to keep chic. I use sponge to put the glitter on to focus the sparkles, then I layer a gel top coat to seal it. Something I learned watching NailPro magazine: Look at your nail under the light to cure it — any gaps in the glitter means that you need to add another fine layer.
This is my favorite one in the early fall during weddings or dinner parties, the necklace has been very complementary on gold jewelry and earth tone outfits. I received a similar compliment (he was telling me my nails looked like fall in a cup) when I wore something similar last year to have a barista. I’ve been chasing that high ever since.
Classic Pumpkin Latte
It is adorable, homely, and vintage– but also refined, like the best of pumpkin spice. The dark pumpkin color combined with one cream-colored pillow with a fall tree leaf design is quiet but dramatic. It is seasonal, but not cliche, the manicure version of cinnamon bread that you make on a cold day. The thing is that it is not lashed out, there is a softness here that does not strive hard, and this is precisely why it functions so successfully.
Essie has a nail polish called Playing Koi that you go to to get that warm pumpkin color. For the creamy base, try Sally Hansen’s “Sheer Vanilla”. Another leaf design can be painted by hand with Dotting Tools or stamp using fall-themed nail art plates made by Moyou London. I adore doing detail work with a rust-orange stripolish such as Color Club,s Canyon Road.
I miss the base color on the design nail back until I do the artwork =I think it gives me more control. Next I drape a sheer base over the top, put on the leaf pattern, and finish it all off with a matte or gloss top coat according to which vibe I want to create. According to nail artist Julie Kandalec, precision work where a cool line is required always requires a thin brush, with just a bit of stiff bristles, but it truly does make all the difference.
It is one of those manicures that I play every year. It’s nostalgic. Comforting. It brings me to the images of Sunday ambling through a park, holding a cup of coffee in my hand, a scarf on my face all the way up to my chin. It is the type of design that is simply home like.
Molten Chocolate & Gold
Rich, deep chocolate brown meets fragmented gold leaf — this look is for when you’re in your dark academia, “cozy in cashmere” era. It’s dramatic in the most grown-up way. Its shininess communicates the patent leather look of the glazing, and, with the manner in which the gold leaf interrupts the nail? It’s giving gilded sophistication with a touch of rebellion. This is that type of manicure that you put on when you go out wearing big coats and a layer of oxblood lipstick.
LeChat has had a “Dark Brownie” that is dark and saturated to have that glossy brown. Nail foil flakes can be used to apply the gold leaf manually or ready foil sheets- I have used the Beetles Gel Gold Foil Kit and been very happy. Just remember, placement is everything. Random = chic. Overdone = disco ball.
The only one thing I can always advise doing when using foils is putting it on after the second coat, but before the last one top-coat. It keeps them locked in and in no way loses the texture. Then always seal with a non- wipe gel top coat- this stops them fading out of it. Pro tip Nailpro magazine: when a part of your foil is sticking up place an orangewood stick on it and tap it down before curing.
I wore this last November to a gallery opening I wore it with a dark green blazer and vintage rings. People legit stopped to ask if they were press-ons (they weren’t). This is grown woman glam, no question.
Espresso Swirl Chic
This one is pure art. An abstract swirl of coffee, cream, and caramel collides into a nail art design that looks equal parts modern and playful, but not maximalist. This is the cool girl mani, to me which means liking neutrals but knowing to make a point as well. The matte effect mutes the entire appearance and it is ideal in pulling off familiar knits and hefty rings.
To recreate this, you’ll need at least three tones: a deep mocha (try Butter London’s “Broody”), a soft camel (Deborah Lippmann’s “Naked”), and a creamy off-white like Essie’s “Marshmallow”. A swirl tool or a super-fine nail brush can be used to draw the colors into whatever shapes you like. I suggest working fast the gel polish blends better once a bit moist.
But judging by my experience, swirl nails are not really as complicated as they may seem- I figured this out after almost watching hours of tutorials only to realize that they proved to be tricky. Simply put the colors in lines or blobs, swirl around using a toothpick or detail brush. I prefer to finish with matte top coat- this finishes off the entire look and dulls the color to give it that hazy autumn atmosphere.
I love this set for late September into October. It is quirky, surprising, and yet doesn!t clash with anything. One of my friends refers to it as the latte art of your hands and she is not mistaken.
Cocoa Cream Neutrals
Carefully spoken, this is the language of fall itself. Pale latte, beige, and mocha shades are mixed in simple nail art look that seems highly sophisticated and contemporary. It has the simple grace that can be strong but understated a la clicking to hot coffee when you might have ordered with iced without a thought. It is that mani which can match anything, in particular layered knits and soft scarves.
This look is all about tone-on-tone shades. I personally love Olive & June’s “MM”, Essie’s “Topless & Barefoot”, and for that one rich, chocolatey accent nail, OPI’s “That’s What Friends Are Thor” hits just right. To get that fresh-out-of-the-salon kind of finish at home, I find that, no matter what mani I do, I use a ridge-filling base polish first; it evens everything out and makes any neutral growl.
Accent nails are not something I always create, but when I want to I like to make it a darker shade. It gives the set just enough edge. To apply, I apply with a medium-width flat brush and make the coat thin and even; neutrals tend to streak easily, and even the light shades. The top coat is important Don;t leave out the top coat or it will need a super-glossy finish to make these soft colors show the lights in their loveliest way.
It is one of those sets that seem like low investment/high reward. It’s very “girl with her life together” — even if you’re totally winging it (like I usually am before coffee). Certainly going in my own fall season nails concepts 2025 mood board.
Butterscotch Minimal
It is that wonder one shade you did not imagine you could not live without. It is warm, buttery and slightly caramelly as a single-tone manicure, it is a warm hug. The shade lands somewhere between golden toffee and soft chestnut, unusually versatile and thus rather wearable. This is the manicure that I gravitate towards when I know I want to look cool but not have to think about it really hard.
Depending on your undertone, I think of Sundays Studio, No. 44 and OPI I Cannoli Wear OPI. To ratchet it up a bit warmer, Zoya has a product called the “Autumn” that has subtle shimmer but not the vibe. Make the shape rounded rather than square as that can be pigeonholed a touch too precise with this color.
This is my go-to when I’m pressed for time but still want polished (literally) fingers. It goes on smoothly in two coats, dries quickly and never conflicts with an outfit. I put on a glossy top coat, a set of gold rings, and I am off the door-there is no nail art required.
My favorite is the way this shade literally draws warm into your palms particularly with soft cream sweaters or textured scarves. I have worn this to both job interviews and coffee dates and it has even been worn to weddings. It sounds like LBD of nail polish colors it is always reliable but never dull.
Amber Glazed Perfection
And this is how to tone down sparkle and head into fall without entering holiday category. Major golden in October vibes come in the form of a soft copper-brown base topped with amber-toned shimmer. Pleasantly toasty and warming yet not too cold, it is ideal during that in between period of time when the weather is cool but not yet cold. The creamy glimmer reflects the light so outstandingly photogenically: no ugly glitter, just the unmistakable glow of the fall.
I would once again take ILNP Golden Hour or Zoya Autumn as it has a shimmer payoff which is a built-in factor. The trick to a glassy finish is a gel-effect top coat- Essie will do it with their “Gel Couture Top Coat,” providing you with that smooth finish without the UV lamp. The shimmer effects better in two coats and you can layer on a thin coating of amber polish to add subsequent depth.
Honestly, this one feels luxurious even without nail art. It takes me back to newly baked cinnamon rolls and hot cider at the window it is an understated extravagance. I have something similar what I wore last year during Thanksgiving and I received endless compliments from even the people who said that they really never notice nails.
Chocolate Marble Swirl
Let’s call this one “mocha marble fantasy.” It is audacious, detailed, and gracefully free flowing with swirls of chocolate, nude and cream that all mix together in the ideal mocha latte. If you’re into nail art but not into anything cartoonish, this design delivers texture and movement in a sophisticated way. You’ll be staring at your own hands more than usual (don’t say I didn’t warn you).
This kind of swirl pattern requires a steady hand- or a very good nail artist. However, I have succeeded at home with Modelones Gel Polish Kits to give a creamy finish and Makartt nail art brushes to give precision. I simply add some dots of each color and swirl with the fine liner brush where the polish still is wet. Don’t overwork it or the shades will muddy — less is more.
Such an appearance will make me think of cafe-tourism in the city in October. It is artsy, a little edgy and so luxe with a matte trench or big blazer. Cinnamon brown crossbody bag goes next. One time I wore this mani with one and people on the subway stopped me asking about the deets. It’s a vibe.
Berry Bloom Drama
Here we have the romantic side of fall. Dark cranberry red is contrasted with light dovegray and hand-painted flowers that are wine and blush shaded. It is aloof, whimsical, and completely surprising the ideal combination of classy and artistic. It is not the ordinary floral–it is deep, dramatic in a way and full of personality. And the red nails tie everything together so beautifully.
A creamy off-white base will be needed, such as Lights Lacquer, which is called, “Matilda”. Couple with a rich cranberry polish, such as OPI, named, Malaga Wine. In the case of the florals, you want to approach it with the micro-dotting devices or the short detailing brush and build the petals up gradually, I find that layering gives them more depth and seems to prevent that pooling of color that gives florals a flat look.
This kind of floral design always takes a little longer, but it’s worth it for the compliments. The key is patience — and good lighting. Mei Kawajiri, a celebrity nail tech, has stated, in the past, that floral nails are floral nail art, as far as makeup on your fingertips is concerned: each hit must be calculated. I couldn’t agree more.
I think I look like I am in an old bookstore romance novel. It’s ideal for crisp November dates or fall weddings — or, let’s be real, just because you’re in your “feminine power” era.
Modern Mocha Florals
A brilliant mash-up of clean design and soft femininity, it could be described as a more modern take on the fall expression of feminine, floral and earthy colors, cool French tips and delicate lines. That soft floral line art, the pinky-nude base and the deep brown French, so much personality of a custom painting. It is not simple and noisy but it is not austere either. All the nails are a small framing in a gallery of their own.
To do this you will require a soft blush base such as Essie in Hi Maintenance, a deep brown such as OPI in That;s What Friends Are Thor, and a supremely fine detail brush by which to work the line work. The key here is doing them in layers: ensure the one component is dry and add another like with tips and drawing; it is wise to ensure a component is dry before applying a different one. On top of the art is a thin coat of sheer nude gel so it does not appear flat.
This is my favorite type of set to wear in early fall when you feel that it is too early to leave summer behind, but time to have your nails say, Yes, I do actually have three knit cardigans. This one certainly falls under the chic creative line–her Pinterest board is over-the-top on just about everything and she smells like vanilla and cedar all the time.
Golden Leaf Press
It is your preferred autumn candle in manicure form. Carmel-like shades are encased in a print of a golden leaf to shine like the sunlight through the trees in late afternoon. It’s grounded, but just sparkly enough to feel dressed-up. I consider this set easily elegant it will fit you to work, to meet a girl somewhere over coffee, to Thanksgiving supper and never feel out of place.
To achieve this I would suggest applying some DND DND Brownie to achieve that cocoa look and a base of a rose-beige color such as Zoya Rue. The nail art foil/ decals can be done on the gold leaves- I simply use Born Pretty Leaf Foil Stickers and seal with a no-wipe gel top coat so that they do not peel.
Though it does not make an effort, this look does not fail to impress. I wore something like this to a gallery night last fall and got asked if they were press-ons (they weren’t — just lots of patience and cuticle oil). It’s ideal for anyone craving subtle glamour.
Hazelnut & Champagne
Rich hazelnut combines with rosier nude and some glitter-it is elegant and wearable, and quite versatile in fact! The majority of the nails remain in a creamy chocolatey color but that one nail with glitter on it? It changes everything. It smartly walks the line between elegant and glamorous, just wearable enough but no longer childlike- with statement earrings just like a comfy outfit.
A rich brown should be OPI Chocolate Moose and nude, something like CND Vinylux Powder My Nose. This glitter tip is achievable through the use of Glitterbels Champagne Shimmer along with a detail brush then holding the brush against the tip of the nail and sweeping it across. It can even be aided with the use of tape in the event that you need the ideal curve without the free hand tension.
I love how this set plays with contrast. It is warm, comfy, and a bit luxurious, I did something like this when going to a cabin weekend and it paired so well with flannel and an oversized scarf. Would 100% wear this for a fall wedding, too.
Cocoa Sketch Lines
This is graphic and sleek but leans into minimalism with an edge. Dark brown foundation is contrasted with white sketch-like lines similar in appearance to modern art. The impact is both designing and gentle as is the case with the almond shape. It is serving edgy espresso with milk foam designs, but on your fingers.
In order to make this, use a rich brown polish such as Gucci Glossy Nail Polish in Miriam Chocolate and a clean white nail art pen such as The Maniography Fine Liner. The trick is to ensure that the foundation dries completely prior to making lines. Do one nail at a time and make the shapes organic- i.e., wave, not ruler shape.
This set is one I keep coming back to. It is sophisticated yet slightly cool-girl, minimalist yet in no way basic. And pair it with leather boots and a trench, then it is a whole vibe. When I did this mani last time I was 10x cooler – and didn t even change my outfit.
Mini Mocha Daisies
How cute is this one? The fall color palette adds some soft creamy nudes, warm browns of mocha, and daisy floral sprinkled here and there to the lightness of the palette. It is festive, but not perky, flowers are loose-lined, the curves are a bit slack so it looks a bit hand-drawn or a cafe-style drawing notch. I consider it as cottagecore goes to a coffee shop.
Apply a milky nude such as “Tuxedo Mask” by Lights Lacquer and spot flowers with Dotting Tools in brown and warm beige, perfect matches would be OPI, Espresso Your Inner Self and Essie, Clothing Optional. I can tend to do a couple of check dots on foil prior to use on my nails just to ensure the balance is ok.
It is only a bit extra effort beyond a simple nude mani but it makes such a huge difference. I went on a pumpkin patch date in it last October- had a latte, wore a cream sweater and felt like I was in an Instagram reel. A soft girl would turn to this when she still loves polish and detail.
Matte Cocoa Botanical
Dull cocoa brown and matte finish are fall as is already and delicate gold foil floral on them– something extra special. The tone is soft-edged and royal tinge is present in the foil which makes this design extremely graceful but down to earth. It’s giving nature walk meets antique gold jewelry. This is just what the quiet confidence type of woman needs who lets her nails do the whispering.
Begin with a matte premier coat Its the same old story I use OPI matte top coat over OPI over the taupe or Zoya Louise. Then press on gold foil stickers (I’ve used Maniology Botanical Decals in the past) before sealing just the foil parts with a glossy top coat to create contrast. It’s subtle, but it pops.
The combination conjures up in my imagination late dusk light on olde time hardwood floors, or a tablecloth of linen with the eucalyptus dried thereon. This design just feels premium and there is a deliberateness to it. I went to some form of this on a lazy Sunday brunch and random people would stop me and ask me where I got done at the salon.
Fall Lava Glass
Bold. Glossy. Unapologetically vivid. This is a molten rainbow swirl with punch–just what we do not want to do to turn beige even during autumn. The futuristic texture of the glassy finish and the movement called the lava-lamp in each nail merges into a design with some warm colors such as amber and plum with a touch of scarlet. This one is for you, if you are the type of girl that dyes her hair depending on the season.
To best do this you want a jelly polish set, like Cirque Colors Jelly Collection or Beetles Gel Transparent Rainbow Kit. Layering is key here. Instead, apply very thin layers and go gradually to obtain those semi-sheer, dimensional looks. Facilitate the examination of colors using a dotting device or small brush before being cured using UV light.
I did a variation of this one time when I was going to a music festival, it felt like an art piece that I was wearing. You wont be shocked when a person will take your hand to see it better. This is pure statement nail status and you know I adore that in fall.
Heart Graffiti Glow
Fun and sophisticated, this high-gloss orange and peach design is edged with glam graffiti hearts. Unexpected and a bit crazy, but at least has one foot in the realm of seasonal thanks to its pumpkin-tinged color sense. It even has a 90s streetwear vibe an edge to the art, think kind of early Halloween but something you can easily wear in the daytime.
Your base is bold creamy ones such as Essie: Meet me at Sunset and OPI: Crawfishin for a Compliment. Now outline the hearts and grid of the graffiti with nail art pens Sally Hansen Nail Art Marker in white and pink are perfect. I always advise sealing such designs with a high shine gel top coat to give it a just out of the salon look.
That is one of those sets that make me feel immediately more fun. I actually put it on when I went to a pumpkin patch with friends and this guy actually called it Halloween Barbie. It was the ultimate compliment.
Soft Lines & Nude Gloss
This is a minimalistic one, those sheer blush pinks combined with slim white geometric lines is clean, modern and wonderful how to match it in any situation. It is essentially that pair of nude heels that you love but it is in nail-form. Look great whether you are going on a date or to the office with this sophisticated-looking yet non-labored mani. It also so turns out to be extremely lengthening to the fingers.
I apply OPI mica called Bubble Bath or Essie of Ballet slippers. Depending on whether you are after precision or not, the stripes can be drawn freehand or using striping tape with The Maniography Nail Art Brush Set. The secret though in painting the lines is to have the brush almost dry, otherwise it floods.
And this is my in-a-hurry-so-I-look-pulled-together outfit. It suits all and does not go out of fashion, as well as it looks great with denim jackets and gold jewelry. When in doubt, this design never fails me.
Champagne-Flecked Neutral
This is one of those that lovers of the twisty classics will enjoy. The foundation colors of soft taupe and dusty pink are at the center but the sprinkling of the gold foil gives the entire appearance a luxe and celebratory feel. Its soft enough to wear everyday as well as glam on an occasion. The gold reflects that light at the right amounts- not too much, not too little.
Use creamy shades like Zoya’s “Leigh” and OPI’s “Taupe-less Beach”, then press on gold foil (I always keep a roll of Gold Foil Transfer Paper from Amazon in my kit). It is even possible to press it in with your finger to achieve the slightly imperfect organic look. Seal it all by spraying with a nice slick top coat.
This is what I’d call “elevated cozy.” I would have it on at a dinner party or when I am curled up with a book and a candle. It adds that extra touch of magic to it The gold makes it as though it is a little bit crazy -the manicure that makes a simple sweater into an entire get-up.
Cider Bloom Chic
There is soft blush and terracotta palette paired with delicate hand-painted florals this design looks like the kind of pretty that does not need to demand attention, it simply does. The florals are dotted and kind of vintage-y and finished freshly-cut. Assuming “feminine fall” is a brick board, this is what it would look like in the middle. Warm, charming, and endlessly wearable.
Here I normally use a base of Essie Clothing Optional or Zoya Chantal. The nail dotting tool or even a thin bobby pin is good in the floral because they can be used to form the daisy petals. I use darker centers topped with lighter petals by contrast- something like burnt sienna and soft white. Top it off with a slick coat polish it up as much as you can.
I am wearing this identical ensemble to a fall family dinner and had it complimented by my Gen Z cousin as well as my grandma. That’s when you know it’s a universal hit.
Harvest Bloom Statement
In case you adore florals and prefer them loud and center stage this combination is the one to splurge on. The hand drawn orange blossoms look striking against the creaminess of the nude base, with full on fall fantasy but with a glamorous nudge due to the little mini gem accent pieces. It is about providing a sense of “elegance and personality” such as an exquisitely fitted trench jacket having a surprising leopard-lined lining.
To base, my favorite polish happens to be the ever so lovely “Be There in a Prosecco” by OPI and to paint flower art, a detail brush and deep/medium shades like Essie in bold “Playing Kois” and Black Licorice. The mini crystal accents may be applied by Preciosa flat-back gems and a bit of nail glue or builder gel will anchor the gems.
I put designs such as these aside to use when I need to feel that little bit more together. They work incredibly well with camel coats or wide-leg trousers or even a comfortable knit dress. It is the floral moment that does not go into the background.
Cinnamon Marble
This effect of marble has warm tones of cinnamon, chocolate brown and dusty pinks blending together to form a swirl that is rich and hypnotic. It’s warm without being flat, playful without being busy. The almond shape adds a little elegance to the design and the swirling tones prevent it to be too sweet. Think: PSL meets espresso martini.
The staggered look in nails is easily done by dabbing various shades of polish right on the nail and swirling it with a toothpick or fine brush and then once cured. I would suggest to do it gel polish one at a time (I got it to work with Modelones Cinnamon Nude Kit).
There’s something about this set that feels powerful. It’s not loud, but it’s bold. It provides you with the excuse of I have places to do even it is only a local cafe around you. I wore them last fall on a day trip and was asked over and over again where I had them done.
Daisy Core Meets Cocoa
Chocolately brown and crisp white daisies is fall floral fabulous. The directness of the pattern undoing the solid color under it generates contrast that is fresh, contemporary and refreshingly childlike. The daisies have that nostalgic sweetness which is then balanced out with the moody background. Perfect for anyone who’s soft but not basic.
Begin with the Sally Hansen bittersweet or OPI that is Thor. Next, apply white polish such as Essie polish in the shade Blanc and dotting pen to make daisy petals. It is perfected by a small yellow or copper dot in the center. If you’re using regular polish, let it dry fully before applying top coat to avoid streaking.
I prefer to use this set on more elongated almond shapes it is balance to the sweet florals. I once went on a coffee date in this and it literally sparked an entire conversation about 90s flowery prints. Nails that start conversations? Yes, please.
Mini Autumn Field
Orange, cinnamon, nude with some micro-florals- the season is fall and the garden party is on your fingertips! It’s full but not crowded, colorful without being neon. The orange shades are perfect to wear in early November and October, when you can wear them with toned down knits, or with leather jackets. It has some light whimsy and yet it is still realistic.
The way I would recreate this would be to choose the nude base of Zoya as her Chantal and shade it with orange florals of OPI pick color Have your Panettone and eat it too. Use black and Brown stems or accents using a micro brush. The flowers do not have to be patterned, the space between is irregular and they appear more natural.
Here is one, which is ideal to use on long walks, picking apples, or any situation when you want to take a fall-like photo. This set was done at a fall market and I had someone ask me if they were nail wraps. No, nothing but a cup of tea, and patience next to me.
Chocolate Swirl Energy
The swirl design that creates contrast and uses curves is something hopelessly hypnotic. The beautiful combination of nude and chocolate with the free running molten effect makes you feel like swirls of hot cocoa on a colder Saturday morning in autumn. The almond shape balances the fluidity of movement with the design and the high-gloss finish offers a bit of drama in a balanced dose. It’s equal parts retro and futuristic—basically, the perfect vibe for the transitional weeks between September and November.
My favorites to use gel polishes to do this type of gradient design are polishes by Beetles such as Brown Gel Set because they last smoothly and cure incredibly glossy. For the nude base, OPI’s Bare My Soul works wonders, offering a clean, warm-toned background that lets the brown really pop.
In case of do-it-all by yourselfers, apply the chocolate squiggles in free-hand form by a careful sketching design in advance or use a fine line brush or nail art pen and then cure it. To approximate that professional flair precisely, the secret is to drag the brush lightly over the surface-not so heavy-handedly. A celeb manicurist named Elle Gerstein once told an interview with Byrdie: As seen in an interview Elle Gerstein told Byrdie: All the flaws in the swirl make it look cool and intentional. Totally agree.
This one gives me major 70s-boho-in-a-modern-coffee-shop vibes. It’s artsy, cozy, and unexpectedly wearable. It also works on longer nails, and it is my fallback design when I want something pretty but not because it is full of glitter or crystals.
Matte Mocha Garden
A matte brown polish is not usually the desirable base for floral nail art but here it proves an wonderfully discreet background. The colors of this series are a deep matte mocha with translucent accent nails that blossom with cocoa colored flowers and teensy rhinestone centers. The whole vibe is a dark and dramatic arrangement of flowers on a harvest wedding- half sweet and half sexy.
To get that buttery matte finish, I usually recommend OPI’s Matte Top Coat. This would primarily reproduce with Chanelle (creamy medium brown and a surprisingly flattering undertone) by Zoya. With the floral, you are going to need a semi-transparent foundation, either nude or pink, and something to put dots on with like sable dotting tools or Anastasia Cosmetics which is a pigment and is a wonderful dotting tool. The rhinestones? I secretly have Amazon nail art wheels to help my cheap-ass gleam.
This manicure looks best layered the florals can be done first add depth with the vines and finish with the accent colors. Once everything’s cured, seal the florals in with a glossy coat (only where needed) and finish with matte top coat around it. That mix of finishes creates depth and makes the entire feel very ultra luxe.
It’s so romantic in a non-obvious way. Like, not roses-and-hearts romantic, but cozy-date-in-a-bookstore romantic. The flowers show just enough to make a presence and not be obnoxious to the story of earthy color.
Rose Gold Mirage
When you marry the almond shaped tips and rose gold, what you end up with is refined beyond reproach but not too rigid. Reminiscent of the amber glow of autumn sunsets, this metallic manicure has a blush-ish bronze tinge about it. The sheen is soft, softer, here making it less party-glam and more everyday-luxury. Picture “pumpkin chai in one hand and a hardcover novel in the other” vibes.
Candidly, what a mani like this really needs is an MVP product like Essie Penny Talk or Olive& June Obvi. Or you can add on top of it a sheer shimmer such as ILNP Rosewater to add even more depth. Metallics cannot be overemphasised over a ridge-filling base coat hence the base coat must not be skipped.
These metallics take a little finesse though- brush marks run easily, and very lightly apply in even, straight swipes with little overlapping. To make it have more staying power, use the trick of the so-called, double top coat method: cure a layer, layer another and seal the edges.
Ive never felt as put together as when putting on this one. It’s subtle but sophisticated and pairs perfectly with chunky knits, gold jewelry, and just a hint of fall drama.
Cabernet Gloss
It has classic but the brassy vampy burgundy nail and there is definitely something timeless and bold about that. The deep wine glossy looks astonishing upon long squared tips bringing gloomy nights of November and red glasses clinking at warm dinner. It’s elegant, classic, and always in style.
In this shade my eternally favourite is OPI Lincoln Park After Dark or Essie Wicked. These both bring you the luxe burgundy payoff in full-on high-shine finish. Then the glassy finish is locked in with a long-gestating top coat such as Seche Vite or CND Vinylux.
It is not only one of the simplest designs to replicate, but also one that does not involve art materials at all other than precise application of polish. Nothing makes the entire look better than a good nail file and cuticle prep. Essentially, it is this sort of color that requires a clean edging and a perfect shape in order to shine.
Maybe you are the type to prefer minimal with your outfits but have some drama–then this is the nail color I would always mention. It provides a fashion editor off duty whatever dresses you put on.
Warm Chocolate Accent
Single-coloured, yet fun, such is the spirit of this warm chocolate manicure with a single accent nail highlighted with pretty detail. A heart pattern and a small 3D ornament rest in a muted background which makes a slight, sweet twist to an otherwise clean-cut appearance. This is gentle, romantic and can be worn as part of any fall snuggling agenda.
This would be replicable on DND Gel 626 as the warm chocolate color and a peachy nude like Modelones Peach Beige as a base. Use nail decals or charms that may be found in any art set to make the accent nail stand-out. The sparkle makes a subtle but stylish statement.
I prefer doing the charm once the top is cured- use builder gel or nail glue a sparse amount then cure again to set. It’s easier than it looks, promise. The heart uses a thin nail brush or if not fancy pens available then even a doer tool does the trick.
A perfect set to use when you desire something sweet but not too careful. It was this one I wore on a coffee date and the barista complimented me. That’s how I know it’s a winner.
