Fall is always a kind of soft reset, right? The air becomes chilly, the leaves turn and before we know it, everything around us, our clothes, our choice of nail design, all of it, is heading towards a darker color and a warmer feel. What is even more exciting about fall 2025, however, is how manicure trends are blending coziness with whimsical elements. Round nails are the new trend this season, and they are both fashionable and functional.
Have you ever been on Pinterest and were not sure which appearance suits your mood: elegant and sophisticated, or playful and trendy? That is what I will help you figure out here. Starting with shiny metallics and ending with fragile fall art, I have collected new designs that are not only fashionable but can be worn in day-to-day life. Think of this as your mood board before your next salon appointment (or DIY nail session at home).
So pull out your favorite latte, get comfortable, and we can talk nails, because round fall manicures this year are more than just a seasonal change. They are the trifles on your fingertips, which you can compare to your clothes, your plans and your mood.
Deep Burgundy and Pumpkin Charm
Fall makes me desire deep, velvety colors and this design reflects that. The burgundy nails are rich and immediately classy, and the pumpkin accents are playful and do not seem excessive. The red wine color and the creamy background with glitter-filled pumpkins juxtapose to make the manicure look glossy and seasonal, almost as though the drinker is sipping on mulled wine during the cold October night.
To replicate this, I would recommend using a good quality burgundy polish such as OPI Malaga Wine or Essie Bordeaux to give that glassy look. In the case of the pumpkins, a soft ivory or nude color is used as the base and then a coppery glitter such as Zoya Autumn can be applied to create that glow effect within the pumpkin outline. The stems and leaves will be much easier to paint using a thin brush and dotting tool.
It is not as simple as it sounds but this appearance can be created at home. To avoid staining, first apply a nourishing base coat to your nails. Then put on two coats of your burgundy polish on the majority of nails. Paint your nude base on the accent nails and allow to dry completely before drawing pumpkin outlines using dark brown polish. The design is completed by filling in the center with glitter and putting in small green leaves at the top. The advice that pro nail artist Betina Goldstein frequently repeats is, “Don’t hurry the drying process hat’s the secret to clean nail art,” and that is the rule that I am following here.
Personally, I adore the fact that this manicure is comfortable to wear every day and at the same time special enough to be worn at the Thanksgiving dinner. It is one of those designs that get compliments at the checkout counter, but it never feels like it is screaming to get attention. Subtle but festive that’s my sweet spot.
Pop of Teal Bright Pumpkins
Fall nails do not necessarily have to be moody. This collection demonstrates how playful orange pumpkins may appear when combined with unexpected teal and fiery red-orange. It is light, young and immediately happy, like the time when the first pumpkins are at the farmers market. The manicure is celebratory with the dotted details surrounding the pumpkins almost like confetti.
The key to this appearance is a saturated orange nail polish such as China Glaze Orange Knockout, and a teal such as Essie Go Overboard. In the case of the pumpkins, I would use a fine detail brush to apply a lighter orange over a darker base and form those dimensional stripes. It must have a glossy top the gloss makes it have that candy-coated look.
I would begin with two coats of teal and orange on the nails alternately. On the accent nails, a sheer nude or milk base is applied and then the pumpkin outlines are created freehand. Apply darker orange on the edges, lighter on the center and finally apply a curved green stem. The dotted work may be done with the tip of a bobby pin dipped in polish. Nail artist Miss Pop once said in an interview that contrast is everything in nail art, and I believe that this design supports her statement very well.
I would wear this design to a fall festival or pumpkin patch, it is cute yet still cool. It is the type of manicure that makes me smile when I look down at my hands, and that is precisely what we need when the days become shorter.
Yellow Sunshine Meets Rainy Day
This is a fall design that does not follow the pattern. The bright yellow nails are matched with one accent with a black base with yellow umbrella and raindrops. It is a winking reference to the erratic autumn rains when you go out in the sun and by lunchtime you are standing under an umbrella. The yellow makes it not too dark, and the accent nail gives it character and narrative.
In recreating this, I would pick up OPI Sun, Sea, and Sand in My Pants to get that bold yellow. The umbrella nail would require a pitch-black polish such as Sally Hansen Black Out, and a nail art pen or very fine brush to paint the umbrella in the same sunny yellow. In the case of the raindrops, a pale silver or white polish would be best to make them stand out.
I really like the fact that this manicure is done in layers, with yellow on most nails first, then the umbrella and raindrops built carefully over the black accent. Stability in the hand is important, but the beauty is in the narrative the nails are telling. I agree with editorial manicurist Jin Soon Choi who has repeatedly stressed the ability of a single accent nail to transform an entire manicure into more editorial.
This design seems to me like a warm sweater on a rainy day, it is comfortable, entertaining, and useful at the same time. A small reminder that beauty does not need to be serious, it can be light-hearted as well.
Sunflowers with a Modern Twist
Sunflowers in autumn? Yes, please. This manicure combines subtle sunflower accents and bold black and yellow solids to balance light and heavy florals with heavy simplicity. It reminds me of late September days when the sunflowers are in full bloom and they are tall in the face of shorter evenings. The floral details appear fresh, and the black nail provides a grounding element that is modern.
To make this design work, I would apply a creamy white base polish such as OPI Alpine Snow on the sunflower nails. The petals are best done in a sunny yellow polish like Essie Hay There and the centers in a deep chocolate brown. In the case of the contrast nails, there is a true black and the same yellow that holds everything together.
I would suggest two layers of white paint at home, allow it to dry and then use a fine brush or even nail stickers to paint the sunflower petals free handedly. The single nail with black accents looks good and can be worn on a daily basis. Nail art, as celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann has frequently remarked, is best when it contains one surprise element, and in this case, it is that one black nail.
I believe that this manicure will suit everyone who likes florals but does not want their nails to look too spring-like. It is lighthearted enough to lift the spirits on a bad day yet squarely rooted in fall with its down-to-earth palette.
Birds and Autumn Leaves
This is nearly a poem yellow nails and dainty accent art with a bird on a branch with berries and a red leaf. It embodies the spirit of fall in a single glance, nearly as if peering through the window and getting a brief glimpse of a bird amid the falling leaves. It is descriptive, classy and very moody.
To give that deep golden look to the main yellow, a shade such as Zoya Darcy would work. The art itself would require a fine brush and a steady hand to sketch the bird, using black, white and yellow polish on the body, and a berry-red polish on the branch detail. The red leaf may be painted in Essie Really Red, feathered to look natural.
This is a little bit time-consuming to make at home. I would suggest using a sheer base on the accent nails, draw the branch and leaf, then apply the bird on top. Layering top coat in thin layers will aid in protecting the design without smudging the detail. Once, pro manicurist Tom Bachik said that negative space and soft bases allow art to shine and this is certainly the case with this look.
I personally find this design so relaxing. It is a small painting that I can carry anywhere with me to remember to slow down and enjoy the season. Others are fun nails, others are fashion nails but these are like miniatures.
Playful Pumpkin Vibes
Glitter orange with a small pumpkin detail? This fall nail design cannot shout autumn any louder than it tries, and I love how playful it is and how wearable. It is warm with the glossy burnt orange sparkle and chic with the plaid accent. The manicure is immediately festive with that little swirl of pumpkin on white, without being over-the-top.
To achieve this appearance, I would resort to the use of OPI Orange You Fantastic! or Essie’s “Tangerine Tease” for the shimmer base. With the accent nails, a clean white polish such as Blanc by Essie provides the ideal base, and a fine striping brush allows you to draw clean plaid lines in orange. Nail art pens or stamping plates are useful when you do not have a steady hand.
This is a holiday-themed nail design that nail artist Gina Edwards once told Allure is supposed to feel playful, not costume-y. You can re-create the pumpkin with a fine detailing brush and then a top coat of glossy finish such as Seche Vite to give that professional look.
I personally would wear this design to a pumpkin patch date or even to Thanksgiving dinner. It is not too seasonal to cause someone to smile when they see it, yet it is professional enough to wear on a workday or a day out.
Bronze Leaf Elegance
The brown and bronze colors are reminiscent of autumn leaves being rubbed into a journal and this round nail design embodies that feeling perfectly. The hot chocolate foundation is so complementary to the light beige, and the metallic leaves make a nice accent. It is not much but it still has that glitter when the light strikes it.
In shades, I would choose Zoya, Louise (rich coffee brown) and OPI, Dulce de Leche in the beige. The metallic leaf accents may be foiled or decaled – Orly has a beautiful series of metallic nail foils which transfer well and provide that polished leaf appearance.
In Refinery29, celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec once wrote that metallic accents are most effective when they are not randomly applied all over. That hint is reasonable in this case – the leaves are neatly placed, almost as little treasures. It would be very nice with a matte top coat, but it is glossy and can be worn.
I immediately associate this type of nail with warm sweater weather. It is the type of manicure you desire with a warm cup of coffee, in the gentle afternoon sun.
Soft Pink Lines with Gold Accents
This is a modern but romantic design. The fall manicure is minimal and elevated with the soft blush base and crisp white and diagonal gold stripes. Its round form makes it feminine and the golden details make me think of autumn sunsets.
You will need a light pink polish (such as Essie’s “Ballet Slippers”), a sharp white (once more, Essie has a polish called Blanc which is a staple), and gold metallic striping tape. To get that glinting gold accent, Smith & Cult polish, Shattered Souls, used in a thin layer can imitate that appearance.
It is very simple; paint your base, allow to dry thoroughly and apply striping tape in a diagonal position before you paint over with a contrasting color. Peel away, seal with a top coat, and voila salon-level results at home.
This is an ideal place to start in case you are a little apprehensive about geometric nail art. I have used similar patterns and people always comment about how professional they look, despite it being one of the simplest DIYs once you have tried it once or twice.
Butterflies in Autumn Hues
Butterflies do not scream fall, but when in bronze and mauve, they taste quite appropriate. These tiny wings are painted on a creamy nude background that makes the nail design look charming yet not childish. It is a masterpiece and the symmetry of the butterflies gives it immediate sophistication.
In order to replicate it, start with a naked soft polish like the Bare With Me by OPI. In the case of the butterfly wings, a black detailing pen will be necessary, with the fill being completed with metallic copper polish (China Glaze has a shade called Harvest Moon that works perfectly). Complete with a touch of mauve or pink shimmer to add depth in the wings.
Nail artist Betina Goldstein frequently refers to nails as jewelry, and I canāt disagree with her: designs such as this really do feel like mini accessories. They also bring life without having to wear rings or bracelets, but when they are combined with gold jewelry, they stand out even more.
I would wear this outfit on those days when I require some confidence. Something about butterflies makes me think of change, and in the fall when everything is changing, it seems the right thing to do.
Golden Mustard Minimalism
Mustard yellow and metallic gold? This fall nail design feels like the ultimate mix of bold and understated. The matte yellow makes it grounded and contemporary and the curved gold cuticle accents are like jewelry to your nails. It is stylish without being over the top.
With the yellow, I would suggest OPI, Sun, Sea, and Sand in My Pants, which has that mustard shade. Nail foils can be used to achieve the gold or a polish such as Essie’s Good as Gold can be applied with a detailing brush near the cuticle. The yellow is made to shine through a matte top coat and the gold appears brighter in comparison.
The design is quite simple to do at home. Begin with the yellow base, place a strip of liquid latex around the cuticle to be precise and then add your gold semi-circle detail carefully. Seal with a matte top coat Done.
I like the way this manicure is cool and a little rough. It is an alternative to the typical burgundy or navy fall nails, and it still goes well with warm-up scarves and golden-hour selfies.
White-Accented Metallic Leaves
This nail design is autumn in gold. The rounded nails are shiny with a metallic coppery sheen, and the accent nails have fine leaf designs on a creamy white ground. The combination of daring shininess and sharp simplicity produces an appearance that is both high-end and celebratory a must-have manicure that can be used on a daily basis and at a party.
To achieve this appearance, I would turn to a polish such as OPI’s “Penny Talk” to achieve that deep metallic finish, and Essie’s “Blanc” to achieve the contrasting base. Leaf designs on nail art stickers or stamping plates can help you get those golden details a lot easier, particularly when you lack the steadiest hand. The metallics will not be dulled by a glossy top coat.
When I experimented with a similar type last year I applied a thin coat of clear gel on top of the metallic polish to lengthen its life-span which I had read about in one of the tips in the fall nail roundup in Allure. The effect was not merely permanent, but nearly jewellery-like. When doing it at home, time is your greatest ally: you have to wait until each layer is completely dry before proceeding, particularly with metallics, which can be easily smudged.
Something about this round fall nails 2025 look makes me wish to carry a pumpkin spice latte simply because it looks good. It is comfortable, yet it is also uplifting. And is not that the equilibrium we are always seeking in autumn?
Classic Maple Glow
Warmth and nostalgia blend beautifully in this design. The round nails are stained with a transparent nude ground, embellished with patterns of the maple leaf in hot orange and red, with a touch of gold. It feels like you are walking in Central Park in October on your fingertips. The design is fun and adult, the type of manicure that narrates a story without being obnoxious.
To re-create it, I would recommend a clear beige foundation, such as the one Zoya offers in her collection under the name Laurie, to allow the art to shine. The leaves may be done in elaborate decals or by hand with fine brushes and colors such as OPI “Cajun Shrimp” and Essie “Playing Koi.” A gold stamping polish or foiling pieces will do the trick to that gleam of gold.
One of my favorite nail technicians, Julie Kandalec (where I go to get red carpet nails), always tells me that a combination of sheer and bold colors will add dimension and this set confirms her. Begin with the nude, add the leaves with gradient shading and end with minor metallic touches. It is not as complex as it appears provided you work step by step.
I find this style to be a mood lifter. I can look at those glowing leaves on my nails even on gray fall mornings and feel the urge to put on a big scarf and go on a coffee walk. It is fall, polished and lacquered on your nails.
Grey Meets Mustard Luxe
This round fall nails 2025 design is leaning towards modern and fashion-forward. The nails are done in dull gray and mustard colors, with a slight ombre effect. Patterns of gold leaf weave lightly over the surface, and one nail is decorated like a small jeweled acorn. It is both sparse and lavish a paradox that somehow works best.
I would choose colors such as Essie in Chinchilly to the gray and OPI in Marigolden Hour to the mustard. Gold foil or stamping plates are used to make the elaborate detailing come to life. And in case you feel like aping the jeweled look, nail studs or microbeads sealed with builder gel can provide that luxe feel without being too heavy-handed.
It takes some time to make this manicure at home. Apply the two colors to a sponge and dab lightly onto the nail, and brush it out. Nail artist Betina Goldstein, who has a low-key yet detailed style, frequently reminds that less is more here, that maxim allows the metallic detailing to shine through.
The design is bold enough to wear during the fashion week and subtle enough to wear during office days. It is the type of nail art that makes people interrupt you in the middle of a conversation to inquire where you got it done.
Floral Elegance Gold Lining
The best canvas here is soft beige polish, and the teal and white flowers are outlined in glittering gold. The long rounded nails provide room to do detailed artwork, making each fingertip a miniature painting. It is a very delicate style and blends nature and luxury, which reminds me of old wallpapers in the most fashionable way.
To do this manicure I would apply a sheer nude base such as Essie “Mademoiselle.” The flowers might be painted using gel paints the Shellac line of CND has gorgeous deep teal choices. You will need a fine liner brush to trace the gold or you can use metallic foil to give it more texture.
I attempted a watered down version of this look once at a fall wedding and it totally overshadowed my jewelry. It is evidence that nails may serve as an accessory. Nail artist Miss Pop frequently claims that florals do not have to be spring-only; when combined with muted colors and metallics, they feel out of season and cool.
It is the type of round fall nails 2025 that is just comfortable to wear by a person who is feminine yet wants to have a touch of edge. It is gentle, fashionable, and unquestionably graceful.
Chic Pumpkins and Glossy Black
We would not have fall without pumpkins and this ensemble makes them look stylish rather than corny. Most nails are shiny black polished, with accents of white with small orange pumpkins and small leafy details. The juxtaposition is very vivid the black is dramatic, and the pumpkin art is playful.
In this design, I would suggest OPI “Black Onyx” on the glossy bottom and Essie “Blanc” on the accents. Small pumpkins may be painted with orange gel polish such as Gelish “Tangerine Dream” and defined with a fine detail brush. Unless you are a freehand artist, pumpkin decals are readily available this season.
It is not as difficult to recreate this at home. Celebrity manicurist Jin Soon Choi has frequently stressed that themed nails can be classy as long as you keep the palette simple. In this case, the traditional black and white combination grounds the playful design and makes it look fashionable instead of cartoonish.
Personally, I really like the way this nail design embraces the Halloween spirit without being excessive. It is celebratory, it can be worn and it is a topic of discussion at any fall party. Who would not wish to have nails that also serve as the most fashionable accessory at a pumpkin patch?
Autumn Gradient with Leaves and Sparkle
This manicure is walking in a golden leaf park. The combination of warm terracotta, matte rust, and chocolate colours is very grounded, and the accent nails, the glittering copper and the fine leaf art, bring life and motion. Round forms make the palette graceful and not gritty.
To replicate this, I would rely on polishes such as OPI It’s a Piazza Cake to give me the burnt orange, Essie Partner in Wine to give me that deep burgundy, and an accent polish of copper glitter like ILNP Clockwork. A finer brush or stamping plate with autumn designs is appropriate in the case of the leaf detailing.
In trying to imitate such effects at home, the trick is to keep it in balance: alternate the solid colour, leave one nail to glitter, another to a leaf pattern on a nude or brown ground. It does not make the design too busy and allows each component to shine through. Nail artist Julie Kandalec frequently says that an accent nail must tell a story, and here the leaf is the narrator.
This style is comfortable sweater weather and coffee dates. It is subtle but not boring, the type of manicure that causes one to stretch the fingers just to look at them.
Classic Red with a Maple Accent
Red nails are classic, yet one maple leaf is enough to make them a fall statement. The red is bold and sophisticated, and the sharp white accent nail with a yellow-to-red ombre leaf is the spirit of October in miniature.
On the red, I would recommend either Chanel Le Vernis Pirate or OPI Big Apple Red- both very deep long-lasting colors. The leaf itself may be made with a white ground, such as Essie Blanc, and then overlaid with yellow, orange, and red with a detail brush, and outlined in black.
The trick in this case is layering: begin with the lightest color in the leaf, smear a little to an orange, then end with the darker red edges. Drawing out the leaf then serves to keep it in line. This is precisely the type of design I would only use on special occasions during the season, perhaps even during Thanksgiving dinner.
Personally, I love the way this manicure balances out between traditional and trendy. It is stylish enough to wear to work but still cute enough to wear to fall festivals. There is a nail that has the word autumn art, and the rest have polished and confident.
Olive Green Elegance with Soft Florals
Green is not necessarily the first color that comes to mind when we think of fall, but the color olive is everywhere in 2025, on the runways, in nail bars. Combined with nude bases and orange floral nail accents, this manicure is fresh, earthy, and sophisticated. The bold green is softened by the round nail shape that makes the design approachable.
In the primary shade, an olive polish such as Essie Win Me Over or Zoya Scout would be a good option. A neutral beige on the accent nails provides contrast and small flowers in orange and white make the appearance seasonal. The flower centers have a bit of luxury with the addition of gold.
I have experimented with olive nails a couple of times and the trick is to get the under tint right, too yellow and it feels like spring, too dark and it can get cold. Here, the balance is perfect. Celebrity nail artist Jin Soon frequently notes that muted greens are neutrals, and she wears them to prove this point.
This would be what I would recommend to anyone who wants something fall-inspired without being too overt. It is stylish enough to go out to dinner and casual enough to wear on a daily basis.
Metallic Copper with Maple Detail
This appearance shouts fall glamour. The copper polish is metallic, and reflects the light as falling leaves at sunset, and the accent nails matte beige bases, with foil-like copper leaves are artistic. It is smooth, sophisticated and highly trendy with the metallic obsession in beauty in 2025.
At home, I would recommend ILNP Copper Top or OPI Worth a Pretty Penne as the primary metallic shade. In the case of the leaves, nail foils or stamping plates in copper tone are used over a beige background. A matte top coat on the accent nails contrasts beautifully with the shiny copper solids.
Some of the things I have learned are that metallic polish must be applied in thin layers to avoid streaking. The metallics on the solid are glossy on top to maintain the mirror-like look, with the accents being velvety matte. Pro manicurists refer to texture as the new dimension and this appearance demonstrates precisely why.
It is daring but comfortable, the type of nail polish I would use during an evening or holiday dinner. It is like nail jewelry no additional accessories are required.
Deep Brown with Falling Leaves
This manicure is luxurious and dark, and has a shiny chocolate base covered with scattered red and golden leaves. The tiny glittering points below create the impression of a glittering forest floor after rain. It is dramatic and delicate, the sort of design that catches your eye at first sight.
To do this, a chocolate shade such as OPI Espresso Your Inner Self is the best base. The leaves may be drawn freehand with a fine brush in yellow, orange and red, or they may be drawn on with decals should you want to be precise. The layer of glitter polish under it adds the dimension.
When I have done similar designs I have discovered that it works best to apply the glitter first so that the leaves almost hover above the nail giving that falling effect. Once celebrity manicurist Tom Bachik remarked that nails are supposed to move with you, like they are alive, and this design embodies this concept.
It is a manicure I would only do in the fall, in the later months of October or November when the leaves are the most vibrant. It is moody, theatrical, and makes me feel like drinking hot cider and staring at the trees outside.
Autumn Leaf Simplicity
This design is the epitome of the fall – warm earthy colors combined with the accents of leaves. The combination of terracotta and nude makes the manicure multi-purpose, and the clean, linear leaf art adds the element of artistry. Round nails here are a real emphasis on the flow of the design.
I would recreate it with Essie, playing koi, which has that burnt orange color, and OPI, samoan sand, as the nude base. The leaves may be painted in deep red and amber colours such as Zoya “Kalista” and “Arizona” using ultra-thin striping brushes. A shiny finish will cover all that and make the details shine.
It is not as complicated as it sounds: paint your base, leave it to dry completely, and draw the leaves in strokes starting at the cuticle and moving upwards. Most professionals suggest that you should practice on a strip of tape before painting on nails, this way you have control.
I believe that this nail style can be worn on a daily basis in September and October. It is professional enough to wear to work, but it is fashionable enough to receive compliments when you are out with your friends.
Chic Bow Accents
It is the type of fall nail design that is sweet and polished simultaneously. It is simple with the pale blush undertones but the bow decorations are in dark brown that makes it playful and girlish. It takes me back to warm fall clothes with hair bows and loafers very preppy chic.
The foundation color might just be Essie Mademoiselle and the bow elements may be painted with a fine brush dipped in OPIs Lincoln Park After Dark. Stamping plates can also be used when you are too scared to do it freehand.
The nail experts at Harper Bazaar frequently observe that minimalistic art such as bows is best worn with sheer or soft foundation. It makes the design not cluttered but simple and that is what is happening here.
Personally, I consider this to be the perfect manicure of a person who likes details, yet does not want bright color. It is modest, feminine and matches well with warm knit sweaters and neutral handbags.
Spooky-Cute Halloween Mix
Now this one’s all about fun. The round fall nails are transformed into a fall statement by painting a gray matte base with little pumpkins, ghosts and spark stars. It is celebratory, adorable and has a lot of character, an ideal Halloween without venturing into costume territory.
To achieve this appearance, I would apply a matte gray polish such as OPI’s “Suzi Talks with Her Hands” on top. The pumpkins could be painted with Essies Playing Koi and the ghosts with pure white polish such as the Orly White Tips. In the case of the little stars, the process can be simplified with the help of metallic yellow polish or even nail stickers.
Nail artist Miss Pop once remarked that seasonal nail art must be like a fun accessory: something you can put on to have a good time, and then take off. This layout pins down that piece of advice (pun intended).
I would personally use these fall nails during a Halloween weekend of partying or pumpkin carving. They are playful, yet in the most positive sense, reminding you that fashion can be light-hearted as well.
Fall nails in 2025 are all about blending warmness with creative elements be it pumpkins, leaves, metallics, or soft florals. My favorite thing is that these designs can be playful and polished at the same time, depending on the mood you are in. The circular contour of the shape makes each look softer, wearable and season appropriate. What design is most appealing to you? Write me in the comments I would like to know what one you will be trying first this fall.
