The Fall Nail Designs 2025 are offering mood, texture, and color that are cozy, confident, and completely wearable. But which trends are worth trying this season? Whether it is deep chocolates and contemporary swirls or surprise citrus and old-fashioned reds, this year the autumn manicure scene is all about self-expression with a bit of the right amount of class.
Whether you’re a gel-x loyalist or a DIY-at-home kind of girl, these designs will inspire your next nail moment. So we decided to deconstruct the trends you will see all over your Pinterest boards and perhaps your next manicure.
Unexpected Harmony: Mauve, Green & Polka Dots
It is almost rebellious to pair the berry pinks with a deep forest green, and then interrupt all that with a cool polka dot accent. It shouldn’t work—but it does. This combination is a nice balance between cute and sophisticated, and is the ideal palate cleanser of the fall. It has a bit of a glossy finish over the short almond shape, which makes it feel polished and modern, and, frankly, it is a breath of fresh air in a world of monochrome sets.
To get this effect I would use olive and June into the trees polish to get the green and OPI pompeii purple or suzi needs a locksmith to get the pinks. The polka dot design requires a detail brush or dotting tool and all you need is a white base such as Essies Blanc and applied carefully with black dots using a gel liner or stamping tool. Top it all off with a high-shine top coat to give it that mirror-like seal.
If you’re trying this at home, paint all nails with two coats of your base colors first. For the dotted nail, wait until it’s completely dry before applying the white, then the dots. Toothpick can also be used as a last resort in case you do not have a dotting tool. Always have a cotton swab dipped in remover on hand, accidents happen, and they are half the fun.
I had something like this in the fall on a weekend trip to a pumpkin patch and people said more about my nails than my jacket, and that was a good jacket. It is one of those sets that people smile at when they see them. Stylish, slightly cheeky, and totally you.
Peach Luxe with Gold Foil
This set gives autumn a fresh twist. The peachy tone is the last kiss of summer, but the gold foil takes us right into autumn. It’s soft and warm without being sleepy. I like how a single nail becomes a miniature work of modern art- a nice touch that does not shout out the world. That has a little bit of confidence in it, which I support.
You will need a peach gel; I would use the Lights Lacquer Tangerine Tease, which is very similar. When it comes to the foil, you should use real gold foil sheets instead of stickers provided you can deal with the mess. They catch the light so much better. Neutral jelly base or sheer pink foundation helps to make the foil stand out without being over the top.
Foil placement is about rhythm and restraint. Put a little bit of foil glue on the accent nail and stick the pieces on with tweezers. The top seal it with a gel top coat and cap the edges. You’ll get longer wear and a smoother finish.
A friend of mine, one of my best friends, wore this style to a fall wedding in Charleston and wore it with a dusty rose velvet dress. It did not dominate the look but gave her that dash of opulence that we all want when the air is cool.
Cozy Hearts for Chilly Days
There is nothing more likely to make you fall in love with fall than little hearts shimmering over a creamy almond nail. It has a dreamlike quality to it, the kind that goes well with hot cider, long walks, and perhaps a little flannel. The combination of red, pink, and orange hearts makes this cute to curated, so it does not look too childish. It’s fun with a touch of grown-up intention.
This set is compatible with a milky jelly base such as Cirque Colors Pink Cloud. As far as the hearts go, I dot using different size and shade dotting tools such as OPI in colors of Big Apple Red, Mural Mural on the Wall, and Don,t Tell a Sol. You can finish it off with a glossy paint or make it velvet-matte, which is softer.
It requires no ability, only patience,–you may draw them with a heart-shaped sticker guide, or with a fine brush. The secret is spacing. Group the hearts into the middle or diagonals so as to avoid clutter. Never put on the second color until the first one is perfectly dry.
I did something like this last February and to be honest I did not want to remove them in March. Heart nails are just so innocently charming, they just beg to be talked to, bonded with and complemented all the time.
Chocolate Matte with Molten Waves
This one’s for the statement-makers. Deep, matte chocolate nails with a glossy gold swirl? Yes, yes, and yes. It’s like a mocha latte wrapped in couture. Dramatic, but not loud. Elegant, but totally wearable. The almond shape makes it longer, and the contrast of matte and metallic is simply delicious.
To get this effect, apply deep brown such as Espresso Your Inner Self by OPI as the base. Then apply a matte top coat over everything. When dried, use a striping brush and free hand your gold swirls using a chrome gel or using a fine line gold foil pen. Cure, seal, and done.
According to celebrity nail artist Tom Bachik, the matte textures are in a high-fashion moment, particularly when a contrasting texture is added on top. I couldn’t agree more. The combination of matte and metallic exudes luxury without having to use rhinestones or stickers.
I wore a variation of this to an art opening in the fall, and it was not the art that people wanted to know about but the nails. It is personal and a bit edgy, which is a difficult balance to find. This one nails it—literally.
Dark Roast Minimalism
High-shine, dark brown polish, rich in color, it is the definition of quiet luxury in nail form. Its short square shape makes it wearable and not so heavy, but the color does all the work. It is the kind of mani that looks good with trench coats, buttery leather bags, and that one cashmere sweater that you do not borrow out.
This one’s all about polish and prep. Apply a warm, espresso-toned polish, such as J.Hannah (probably the best brand ever), which does have a color called Carob, or Sally Hansen, Bittersweet. Trim your nails short and square shaped with a soft file, and then smoothen the surface so that the shiny top coat can appear as a piece of glass.
No nail art needed here. It only took two coats and a top coat of gloss, and some details. I also cover the ends of my nails with the top coat to prevent premature chipping- which is great when typing or doing dishes all the time.
There’s something ultra-satisfying about the simplicity of this set. It gives confidence, not chaos. In fall, when you are unsure, go dark and short, and you can never go wrong.
Molten Fire: High-Impact Orange & Black Waves
There’s no denying it—this manicure owns the room. The bright orange ground yells pumpkin patch stylish and those curvy black accents are like velvet ribbons waving through flames. This is fierce, but not so intense, thanks to the high-gloss finish and almond shape of the frame. It’s a manicure that flirts with Halloween energy but elevates it with grown-up polish (literally and figuratively).
I would use Gelish, the Orange Cream Dream, as the base and a very pigmented black gel, such as Blackout by LeChat, to do the line work. The fluid, uninterrupted curves will require the use of a long liner brush as well. Top coat with a gel top coat that is as glossy as possible, think Seche Vive or anything no-wipe to get that glassy shine.
I had a rooftop bonfire party-like outfit. Amidst the fresh air, the fire crackling, and my orange mani reflecting the lights of all the phones, it was giving main character energy all night. Want a splash of color watered down courage? This is it.
Cherry Red with Gold Leaf Art
Fall is not only about browns and gloomy nudes, sometimes it is about a warmer version of warmth. This mini almond mani is a deep cherry red with gold botanical accent and a touch of shimmer. It is romantic, soft-spoken glam that makes me think of drying fall flowers on a windowsill. The play of textures on the nails is not loud but enough to keep it interesting.
To re-create it you can begin with Rouge Puissant by Chanel or Berry Naughty by Essie. To design, apply either gold foil or gold stamping polish and a leaf-pattern plate, or go freehand all the way using striping brush and metallic gel. The pinky shimmer is a combination of nude polish and chrome powder sprinkled lightly on top.
These types of mixed-style manis may be a challenge to do on your own, but with a steady hand, you can go ahead and do it. Otherwise, press-on kits with botanical patterns are surprisingly good right now (Check Olive & June or Static Nails).
There’s something timeless here. It is like old-fashioned wallpaper or a baroque tapestry-lush, reassuring, and sort of poetic. I would definitely find this in a dark wine lipstick and a silk scarf knotted just the right way.
Sage & Lemon Swirl
Who said fall has to be all deep tones? This dull green and lemon almond tint is cool, as the light of morning looks through the clouds. The rounded blocks of color are running down the nails with the all-but-old-school, soft smoothness, but the matte-ish effect makes it still current. It is a bit surprising to be in autumn, but this is what I love about it.
In order to achieve this, I would suggest such shades as Sage Advice by Holo Taco, Sun Bleached by Cirque Colors, and an off-white cream shade such as Coconut Milk by DND. The shapes of the colour blocks may be guided by fine detail brush or French manicure sticker guides. This one definitely takes advantage of a semi-matte top coat that has some sheen left to it.
It is a perfect set in that Indian Summer window- those days when you are in your knit sweaters and still drinking iced coffee. The transition was a flawless one between late summer and full fall. And, green nails are a big trend this year, and this one feels like the softest way to do it.
Crimson Laurel Drama
Drama, but make it luxe. These gold laurel-decorated wine-red almond nails are high-glam to the max of fall. The depth of the crimson ground combined with that light, regal gold trim makes this set couture-like without being fussy. It’s powerful and feminine at the same time—and it wears beautifully with everything from plaid coats to satin dresses.
Put on gel top coat Madame Gram or Essie Diva or Bahama Mama to start. For the detailing, nail stickers can work, but if you’re comfortable with gel stamping or hand painting, gold leaf or chrome pigment will give a more elegant finish. The color is sealed with a shiny gel top coat to retain the glitter of the gold.
I always feel most elegant with red nails, yet the laurel motif gives it an element of originality, something less classic French and more editorial. I wore a version of this to a jazz night last October and it matched my lipstick so well it looked planned (it wasn’t—but I totally took the credit).
Olive Minimalism Meets Architecture
It is an architectural fantasy nail pack: narrow, pointed and outrageously cool. Matte olive green and milky nudes and soft French diagonals are out of a Pinterest mood board named Fall Fashion Week. Its high-impact, sculptural appearance is made up of the sharp square tips without being overwhelming.
Use dark olive matte you know military green by Bio Seaweed Gel. Accent nails should be a neutral pinky beige, like the Zoya in the color Taylor. Nail tape can be used to create the French diagonal in case you feel you are not good at the freehand technique. The top coat of matte is the key–it will bring the entire ensemble together like a designer belt on a plain dress.
I gave something very similar to this a go last fall and was unable to stop gawping at my own hands when I was holding my coffee cup. It is the mani that tells the world: I have my life in order, when you are wearing leggings and forgot to defrost the chicken.
Golden Mustard Shine
Yellow for fall? Absolutely—especially when it’s dipped in gold. This style provides us with a mood-enhancing mustard yellow base and a full-glitter accent nail that incorporates all the shine without sacrificing its coziness. The almond shape makes it look classic, and the matte mustard combined with gold flecks is a rich and surprising twist. This is sunshine filtered through golden hour leaves.
A good yellow such as Marigolden Hour by Olive & June or Ochre the Moon by Essie will be what you want. The accent nail can be done in a chunky glitter nail polish such as ORLY Golden Rule, or a clear base with gold leaf applied on top. To seal the glitter and prevent flaking, a layer of gel top coat is put on.
This one’s easy to DIY, too. You can just apply a smooth layer of glitter- a sponge can dab at it when required. This look is my favorite to wear during Thanksgiving or any other intimate dinner party where you want your nails to shine when clinking glasses.
Citrus French Pop
Sometimes fall calls for something clean and zesty. A twist to this traditional French tip sees the addition of sunny yellow crescents that immediately make your entire mood sunnier. It is a neutral but still soft base that allows the tips to shine and take the center stage, minimalistic with a touch of optimism. It’s one of those sets that says “fresh start” without being overly sweet.
Choose a matte base Like Essie Mademoiselle and use a curve French line of Olive & June Zesty or Lights Lacquer Electric Daisy all over your tips. Here, French tip guides come in handy to achieve that perfect arc.
I even had a variation of this on when I was not quite ready to surrender summer-and, yes, it did help. It also is a good option in transitional weather or travel when you want your nails to feel clean but not dull. I am always amazed at how yellow can be a happy color, even when skies begin to gray.
Marble Mocha & Pearl Accent
This set is fall elegance with a twist—literally. These swirls are dark brown and combine with caramel and beige colors to resemble marble stone with its rich depth. This mani is a piece of art, paired with a clean white nail and a single golden pearl, this is a statement mani. It is ideal when you are in need of a neutral palette that is not basic.
You could experiment with colors such as Espresso by DND, Cocoa Bean by Essie and a cool off white such as Alpine Snow. Marble effect can be best created by dragging the striping brush or needle through semi-wet layers. Put on a little pearl decoration with nail glue and seal it carefully with top coat, leaving the top coat off the pearl itself, to preserve its shine.
This design feels a little fancy without being loud. I would wear it to a work party, a gallery opening, or even on a date. It speaks of luxury and stays long enough to see you through the entire week with a composed look.
Cherry Red Meets Modern Linework
This is a contrast mani, but not in the sense of a stark contrast. No, it is a contrast in the sense that most of the fingers are a deep, dramatic cherry red, and the rest of the nail is a neutral color with one lovely black wave. It’s artsy, structured, and very now. I adore how this design conveys attitude without a sparkle or gem to be found, it is all about shape and shade.
Take OPI Big Apple Red or Lights Lacquer Shinjuku. To get that smooth line, use a striping brush loaded with black gel. To conceal the nakedness, one can think of either Ballet Slippers or Be There in a Prosecco. It is a new version of an old concept- almost abstract calligraphy in the palm of your hand.
This mani is perfect for when you’re heading into a new week and need something that says “I’ve got this.” Neat, crisp, and with a wee bit of creativity–it is the nail equivalent of a fine blazer and a red lipstick.
Muted Swirls in Mushroom & Cocoa
When you have spent months in your taupe sweater and chai is your drink of choice, this is your manicure. The creamy nudes are so effortlessly covered by the soft swirls of mushroom, almond and cocoa colors. It is a place of balance and calmness, such as fall mornings when there is no one to go anywhere. It’s soothing just to look at.
Select such tones as Modern Taupe by Revlon, Chai Latte by Nailtopia, and nude base such as Topless & Barefoot by Essie. The swirl design is soft, almost like brushstrokes. A nail art pen or a long liner brush will give you that ribbon look, but remember to keep the pressure light and flowy.
There is some sort of restful deliberateness to this design which I long after in the cooler months. It is beautiful when it is wrapped around a coffee mug or when it is coming out of sweater sleeves. Quiet luxury, but approachable.
Burnt Orange Waves with a Hint of Retro
Earthy tones have a certain magnetism when the air begins to crisp, and this mani? It delivers. The swirls of burnt orange, deep red, and jet black dance across a pale nude base with the kind of effortless energy you’d see in a ’70s scarf print. The design is on the edge of abstract and controlled, which makes the manicure feel modern, yet steeped in autumn nostalgia. It is a small almond shape, ever so timeless, elongating, and flattering on every hand literally.
To recreate this look, you’ll want a precise striping brush (don’t skip this!), plus opaque polishes in orange rust, glossy red, blackest black, and a soft nude. My own personal best luck is with OPI My Vampire is Buff as the base and Have Your Panettone and Eat it Too for that spicy orange effect. Add a matte top coat if you’re feeling moody—keep it glossy if you’re chasing that glazed finish.
The trickiest part? Getting those curves to look balanced. I prefer to outline the flow of every swirl with a super fine detail brush and then fill it in. Any wobbles can be cleaned up using a fine liner with acetone. Nail artist and founder of Nail It!, Betina Goldstein, suggests that to keep things balanced, you should get asymmetrical by repetition, that is, not matching all the fingers, but having the pattern flowy and echoed throughout the hand.
I wore this design to a pumpkin patch date last October, yes, basic and proud, and not a single person failed to comment on it as they handed me cider. That is the thing about these warm retro colors- they are flirty yet mature. To be frank, it prompted me to trade my trench in with a vintage leather jacket.
Matte Olive Minimalism with Botanical Texture
The fall neutral is muted olive green in case you want something earthy yet not the same. This manicure is on the minimal side but not dull- two fingers are embossed with a delicate botanical leaf pattern that reminds me of a mini-garden in an otherwise minimalist collection. The coffin silhouette makes it slim yet robust, and the monotone color scheme also allows it to be worn with everything, whether a knit sweater or a pair of dark jeans.
I would suggest a matte olive green gel polish such as Essie win me over or Olive and June WKF to achieve this vibe. The leafy texture will require a silicone stamping plate or embossed gel tool, but you don’t need to worry, it is simpler than it seems. And even in case you are visiting a salon, take the inspo and tell them, matte olive with minimalist embossed detailing. They’ll get it.
It can be a meditative process to create the texture at home. I have made it with a thick builder gel and a fine point brush-draw the leaves, cure quick, then lay the same color over the top to keep it monochrome. Celebrity nail artist Mei Kawajiri has said, “Minimal doesn’t mean simple—it means intention,” and this set lives by that rule.
I wore something super close to this for a friend’s intimate fall wedding—low-key but so chic. And I felt like my nails were talking class when they need not speak. Pro tip? It is also an olive that covers chips splendidly in case you do not enjoy bi-weekly re-touching.
Soft Sage Circles with Micro Line Art
And what of this dreamy little square in soft sage green? That is that sleeper hit look that attracts the light and your eyes in the most subtle and fashionable manner. The difference is in the fine concentric circles of the white linework on some accent nails, which creates a soft, architectural feel that is almost like fingerprints, but in a good way.
Sage is the new cool girl neutral of the last two years, and this fall, it shows no signs of letting up. I find ORLY Olive You Kelly or ILNP Sweet Pea to be my go to green base. A gel liner brush and a steady hand are your best friends to achieve the white detailing. Wait till your polish is quite dry before you even go anywhere near the lines–on that you can rely.
The application technique is all about control and restraint. You’re not filling space; you’re suggesting it. I start drawing with a dot in the center and then gradually working out the curves. It is a relaxing procedure when you are in the groove. The mani marker pens by Nails Inc are a game changer when you lack control over your brushes.
It has a meditative quality to the tones, something about it makes me want to curl up in a windowsill with a matcha latte and a wool blanket. I have been wearing this outfit when spending time in a cafe and working remotely, and yes, I was caught by someone taking a picture of my hands on their laptop camera. You’ve been warned.
Electric Blue Meets Sunset Swirl
Bold. Playful. Absolutely unapologetic. This mani is the fall version of the summer brights that we are not yet ready to give up. Some nails are painted a polish of electric blue, others have been painted into miniature canvases of orange, teal, and blue waves swirling and crashing into each other like sunsets into sapphire oceans. It is daring yet wearable and the almond shape makes it a bit less daring.
When you desire that deep blue, grab Sally Hansen or Deborah Lippmann, both in Pacific Blue. When it comes to the sunset shades, the trick is in layering the colors: create your orange and aqua tones using a semi-sheer polish, and enhance with a fine-tip gel brush. I prefer shades of the Bio Seaweed trio called Tropical Sunset.
I have attempted to re-create a similar set with painter tape to get cleaner lines, but quite frankly? The imperfect hand-painted swirls look better. Nail pro Tom Bachik once remarked, The style is in the movement when colors come out like this. So don’t overthink symmetry—embrace the chaos.
This is a manicure that wants to be seen. I wore it for a weekend girls’ trip to Santa Barbara, and I swear it matched every golden hour selfie. If you’re feeling the early signs of seasonal gloom, this kind of mani might be your little hit of serotonin.
Forest Green & Foil Gold Mix
Autumn is sometimes beautifully and poetically out of life. This brief fingertip manicure plays up somber forest green and throws in a bit of clear-nude nails with sprinkles of gold foil on top-an almost literal pressed autumn leaves under glass. It is the combination of the soil depth and the metallic glaze that creates a luxurious yet not flashy sensation.
To achieve this combo, you’ll want a deep green polish like Zoya’s “Hunter” or Essie’s “Off Tropic,” plus gold foil flakes (you can find these in most nail art kits or online). Paint the green on your accent nails and put the foil on your bare or nude-colored nails with the help of a base coat and tweezers. Apply two coats of top coat to avoid catching of the flakes.
This set is easier than it looks. I have done it at home using a simple gel kit and time. The foil is deceptive, you should just press in lightly with a silicone tool, and not drag it. One of the best tricks I learned on Olive & June blog: apply a sheer nude-ish gel base like EC to create a hint of warmth beneath the foil.
This design looks to resemble a walk in the forest just after the rain-quiet, earthy and a little bit mystical. This one is my second-favorite, and I have worn it multiple times throughout the week of Thanksgiving, and every single time, it gets a couple of wows because people ask me whether I did them myself.
Bright Heart Tips with a Playful Edge
Almond-shaped and downright flirtatious, these nails are the cozy-sunset-meets-cute-vibe manicure I had no idea I needed this season. A sheer pink background establishes the background of super-clean orange hearts that fit perfectly at the tips like love notes. It’s graphic, yes—but still super wearable. And that mellow orange is the perfect tip of the hat to pumpkin spice without yelling it.
I used a sheer pink builder gel in this mani to make sure that glassy base stays clear and natural. The heart shapes? They are actually simpler when I use a dotting tool, just a couple dots and then drag the polish down to a point, and there you go, a heart. I applied Butter London in Tiddly to the orange, it is warm, soft and looks amazing on any skin.
My biggest challenge was to create symmetry, and pro tip: do the hearts first, then the outline. After placing them, take a thin nail art brush to trace their shape and give it that dipped tip. Nail artist Park Eunkyung (aka Unistella) recommends using gel paints instead of regular polish for this—thicker formulas give you more control for sharp lines.
I wore this on a weekend coffee date and the barista is not the only one who complimented me that day. These nails just radiate good energy. And they are not too sweet, just like a PSL with a chili rim.
Matte Mix: Red Meets Hand-Painted Blooms
This one’s for the maximalist in a minimalist coat. An alternating nail matte red base is coupled with hand-painted florals over a dark moody navy, with one clean white nail thrown in to balance out the look. The design is reminiscent of fall florals in a dark romantic painting; elegant with a lot of character. And those clean square tips? They refine the entire appearance into something powerful and editorial.
I tend to go with OPI in the color of Big Apple Red in matte topcoat as the deep red, and in the shade of navy, Essie with Booties on Broadway is practically made to be flowered. In the case of hand-painted daisies, I prefer to use gel paints and a micro detailing brush again, you want those petals and leaves to be crisp and purposeful.
Starting in the middle of the flower and putting layers out is the best way to do it. Place the leaves as the final touch to avoid getting in the way of your flower shape. Nail educator Julie Kandalec explains it best by saying: “It should feel like you are telling a story with nail art, and never be in a hurry.” I couldn’t agree more.
My Thanksgiving week mani last year and it did not disappoint through chopping veggies to clinking wine glasses. It was like a party on my fingertips without going over the top, and it went with all my comfy outfits.
Whisper Green French on Blushed Base
And in case you always wished your manicure to be a silent October morning- here it is. An almond silhouette texture with airy nude-pink bottom, and sage green French ends. It’s clean, sophisticated, and super wearable. The kind of mani you see after a beat, such as a fine touch on a luxe sweater.
This kind of design is based on a polish I have used with “Ballet Slippers” by Essie so many times I have lost track. With green tips, there is something like Olive & June WKF which is light enough to feel fresh yet seasonal. French tips are difficult, so I would suggest using guide stickers or freehand with a flat nail brush and gel to have more control.
I have read in Allure once that soft green shades such as this one indicate calmness and wellness and, to be honest, that is how it felt on me. I had them on a slothful weekend alone, and I kept peeking at them during brunch. There’s something satisfying about a color that soothes.
These nails remind me of a cup of hot tea, fresh sheets and strolls on the turning trees. Low-key chic is forever in style.
Harvest Orange with Metallic Leaf Art
Now this is autumn on nails. A creamy orange French tip look is taken up a notch with metallic leaf decals in copper and silver shades. There are also clear-nude nails with soft gradients and holographic powder that resembles a sprinkling of frost- it is perfect fall, yet somehow slightly glitzy.
Start at home nude sheer jelly at home. In the case of the orange, I would suggest a Bio Seaweed Gel of the Sunset Citrus. The foil decals are not as hard as they sound- press-on foils or sticker sets such as Maniology are a miracle. In case you would like that frosty glow, add a layer of iridescent chrome powder on the pinky and thumb.
I think it is easier to balance to do the French tips first, then the leaf decals. Apply the decals using tweezers, coat them with top coat and you are good to go. According to nail artist Elle Gerstein, autumn is all about layering, not only when it comes to clothing, but also on texture and shine, and this look is no exception.
This is what I wore to a dinner party with friends in October–with a copper eyeshadow and an oversized blazer. It felt just right. Seasonal but stylish. Cozy but glam.
Cherry Matte with Butterfly Accent
Matte cherry red manicure is so eye-catching, particularly when the single accent nail has a soft pink base and a light black butterfly. It’s romantic, slightly vintage, and a little mysterious. The little round shape gives it a clean and wearable feeling and the contrast of the matte finish with the glossy art? Chef’s kiss.
I was wearing OPI Malaga Wine with a matte top coat to give that plush velvet effect. The butterfly decal was from a nail art sticker set I ordered on Etsy (highly recommend digging through the indie sellers there—you’ll find some gems). A light nude such as Essie Bare With Me does the trick as the accent base.
The key here is contrast. And when you use stickers, you can use them before your top coat and press them down and seal. I have caught celeb techs like Tom Bachik doing the same type of accent with gold foil or tiny jewels–have fun with it.
I did this mani when the leaves were at their peak and it almost captured all of the things around me, the deep reds, the soft golds, the passing beauty. It was not by accident, a love letter to the season and not a word was spoken.
Golden Ochre & Caramel Micro-Color Blocking
This is what I call a “pumpkin-patch-core” manicure. No glitz, no glamour, just five little, very shiny nails with alternating warm chestnut caramel and deep golden ochre. It is simple, tonal, and so simply seasonal. It is the color combination that does the heavy lifting, the leaves that have fallen to the ground and the golden-hour sky.
The deep caramel was OPI Squeaker of the House and the yellowy ochre was OPI Sun, Sea and Sand in My Pants. These two shades together are warm but grounded. You can do this effect in either gel or regular polish, just make sure to finish with a top coat of high gloss. That is what makes this minimalistic design luxe and done.
This one is not very complex, to be honest, and that is also its charm. File your nails short and rounded (super flattering on all hands), apply two coats of each color in alternating order, and finish with a glossy topper. Want to be bold? Do this in a matte finish and you are playing a whole new game.
This is my weekend mani when I spent some time upstate. It was amazing with all my knits that I packed, all my lattes that I drank and even the corn maze that we lost in. Uncomplicated? Yes. Boring? Absolutely not. It is as good a stew – warm, comforting, and just right.
Olive Gloss Meets Zebra Cool
Here’s a manicure that’s equal parts earthy and edgy. The olive green is deep and rich, ideal for fall, and the black and white zebra print gives it a little extra oomph to make it seem on-trend. The contrast is unexpected, but it totally works. The silhouette is squared off and short, with that contemporary, utilitarian edge that looks so right with chunky boots and multi-layered silver jewelry.
In the case of the olive, I love Zoya, Scout, it has that right amount of green without being too yellow. I find the zebra stripe to be more manageable using nail wraps or stamping plates, though I have also painted it freehand using a fine striping brush and white + black gel liners. However you do it, just make sure you end up by sealing everything in with a top coat.
The key here is balance. Two zebras and two solid olives make it neither too much of anything. I remember spotting something like that in a Milan street-style roundup in Vogue, and it has stayed with me: earth tones with crazy prints? Genius. If you’re worried zebra might feel too bold, trust me: it becomes wearable when paired with fall’s favorite green.
I wore this design to NYFW last year, okay, just to watch the shows on my couch in sweats, but still, it made me feel like I was front row. That’s the power of a good mani. It changes your energy, even when your schedule doesn’t.
