Pumpkin Spice Manicures

This post may contain affiliate links. You can read my disclosure page for more information.

 

There’s something about the arrival of fall that makes us want to swap our bright summer colors for warm, cozy shades—and that includes our nails. In keeping with the flavor of the season, how about some ideas for Pumpkin Spice Manicures? It’s the perfect little way to embrace the season without completely changing your wardrobe or decorating your entire house in pumpkins, though I fully encourage doing that, as well. :)

Pumpkin spice nails can be as simple or as playful as you want. Think warm cinnamon, creamy caramel, burnt orange, rich chocolate brown, and soft neutral shades. Whether you prefer a classic manicure or love a little nail art, there’s a pumpkin-spice-inspired look for everyone.

Warm and Cozy Colors

The easiest way to get the pumpkin-spice look is with color. A beautiful burnt orange is an obvious choice, but don’t feel like you have to stick with traditional pumpkin shades.

Try a combination of terracotta, cinnamon, caramel, mocha, and creamy beige for a manicure that feels warm and sophisticated. A rich brown polish is especially pretty in the fall and can feel surprisingly elegant when paired with a glossy finish. My favorite glossy topcoat is the Seche Vive gel topcoat. It dries SO FAST.

For something a little more understated, try a neutral manicure with just one or two pumpkin-colored accent nails. It’s seasonal without feeling overly themed.

Add a Little Pumpkin Spice

If you love nail art, this is the time to have some fun. Tiny pumpkins, delicate leaves, little swirls, and simple fall florals can turn an ordinary manicure into something special.

One of my favorite approaches is to keep the base neutral and add tiny pumpkin or cinnamon-colored details. A sheer nude or creamy beige background allows the fall-inspired artwork to stand out while keeping the overall look sophisticated.

Are you skilled with nail art? I definitely am NOT. I couldn’t even manage to successfully do the hombre French Manicure look using a little nail sponge. So I went looking on Amazon and couldn’t believe how many fun fall press-on nails are available!

Like these little pumpkin patch nails.

I could never manage to have a steady enough hand to do that myself. :)

Or these. There’s even a little tiny ghost to take you right into Halloween.

I like this set because you get a little bit of everything–plaid, pumpkins, fall colors, and different finishes.

Press-on nails have come such a long way! They are easy to apply, using either glue or adhesive tabs. I am a fan of the adhesive tabs, as there is no mess during application, and they are easy to remove by soaking your nails in warm soapy water for about ten minutes, then removing the nails.

And if the idea of press-on nails appeals to you, don’t worry about not being able to find a nail shape that matches your own. I have always worn my nails in a square or  “squoval” shape, but there are all different lengths and shapes available in press-on nails.

We can never forget about the French manicure! A traditional white French tip can be swapped for burnt orange, chocolate brown, or even alternating fall colors. A pumpkin-orange French tip on a neutral base is particularly pretty—and much more wearable than a full orange manicure.

I found some press-on sets to accomplish this look, too! This first set combines nail art with orange tips.

This set is a more traditional French Manicure look, with orange tips.

You could even do a French Manicure with nail art on the tips.

I also like this fancy French Manicure look with a cat-eye polish and glittered tips. I love cat-eye polishes. There are so many gel polishes you can use to try this look. The polish comes with a little magnet that is so fun to use to watch the look of your nails change as you move the magnet over the nail.

Mix Your Finishes

Another way to make a pumpkin-spice manicure interesting is to mix finishes. Try glossy nails with one or two matte accent nails, or add a subtle shimmer to a warm brown or burnt-orange polish.

 

A little gold can also be beautiful for fall. Gold accents paired with caramel, cinnamon, or chocolate tones give your nails that cozy autumn feeling while still looking polished and elegant.

The best pumpkin-spice manicures don’t necessarily have to feature pumpkins. Sometimes it’s the color palette that gives them their fall personality.

Imagine a manicure inspired by your favorite fall latte: creamy beige, warm caramel, cinnamon brown, and a touch of pumpkin orange. Or take inspiration from a late fall afternoon with shades of terracotta, taupe, rust, and deep chocolate.

The result is a manicure that feels seasonal without being too literal.

Your Fall Manicure Inspiration

Whether you’re heading to a fall festival, apple or pumpkin picking, getting ready for Thanksgiving, or simply looking for an excuse to change up your nail color, pumpkin spice manicures are a fun way to welcome the season.

From simple solid colors to detailed nail art, there are so many ways to make this trend your own. The thing I love about it is even if the temperatures aren’t quite cooperating with what the calendar is telling us, I love looking down at my manicure and seeing a little reminder that pumpkin spice season has officially arrived.

What about you? What are your favorite ideas for Pumpkin Spice Manicures? Please share in the comment section!

And I’d love for you to follow me on Pinterest!