Is it just me or does September feel different when you have a fresh pedicure? There is something about the change of sunkissed sandals to warm layers that makes us want a little beauty reset and this season, it begins with the toes. Whether you’re holding onto the last bits of summer or diving headfirst into autumn vibes, your nail game deserves to keep up.
It is not just pretty looks this month, but there is something to say. The fall of 2025 is filled with moody, rich tones that reflect your morning coffee, mini celebrations in the form of tiny pumpkins and glitter-drenched neutrals, and more. I have selected some of the most stylish, comfortable, and fun toe nail designs to wear in September, all of which will give you a different vibe depending on what you want to wear, when, or even what you are up to that weekend.
And here is the best of it? You do not have to be a professional to give these a go. Whether you’re booking your favorite nail tech or breaking out your own kit at home, this guide will walk you through what works, what you need, and why you might just fall in love with a new shade or detail you didn’t expect.
So, what look will you be trying first? So, here we go.
Fancy French Leafy Twist
A classic French pedicure is always something that is classically elegant, but when it is infused with the delicate touch of botanical flair? Game-changer. This September, I will be going minimalist-neutral with graphic softness, and this clean baby-pink base with slim white tips and leafy black detail is hitting all the spots. It is clean, it is high, and it is like a fresh autumn air.
To make this work, I would use a sheer pink gel like Essie Gel Couture in Sheer Fantasy with a solid white on the tips, like OPI Alpine Snow. The leafy detail can be achieved with a nail stamping plate or, if you’re confident with a liner brush, freehand with a jet-black gel liner.
I have discovered that the key to an excellent French pedicure at home is the use of tip guides or tape to get symmetry. You should apply two coats of the pink base, allow it to dry, line the tips, cure, and then go in with your design. Top coat with a shiny top coat. A steady hand is good, but being able to control your breath when drawing lines is even better as suggested by nail artist @nailartbysig. Underrated.
I wore something super similar last fall for a friend’s vineyard wedding — and I swear every second compliment started with “Oh my gosh, your toes!” There’s just something about a tiny artistic moment on a big toe that feels intentional without trying too hard.
Pumpkin Pop on Olive Green Harvest
Fall is officially here when I see a pumpkin on some part of my body and this mani makes it fashionable. The dull army green and hand-painted pumpkin are a fun, wearable design that is still elevated. Toss in a glitter accent toe for a bit of sparkle, and it’s basically your fall mood board in pedicure form.
To achieve this, I would apply Zoya in Wyatt as the base, Butter London in Gold Rush as the glitter, and a creamy nude base like Essie Topless & Barefoot as the pumpkin canvas. Nail stickers or decals can work, but if you are crafty, dotting tools and gel liners in orange, green and black will give you more control.
Making it at home? Paint all the nails green except the big toe. Dry your pumpkin art, and then draw or apply it. Add the glitter to your second toe, and top it off with quick-dry topcoat. Celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann says that keeping the cuticles oiled actually makes your polish last longer and designs pop more.
I always think of pumpkin patches and hot cider runs when I see this type of playful design. It is adorable, seasonal, and not too Halloween-y, yet, more of a cozy flannel vibe than a costume party.
Leopard is a Fall Neutral
The reality is, leopard is never out. Particularly in the fall. I adore the way that this pedicure employs a blush base to ground the wild animal print, it is so confident, stylish, and a little wild in the best way. The pattern is very vivid, yet it is harmonized by the neutral background and the medium length and squared shape.
To copy this vibe, you’ll want a soft pink polish (Olive & June’s CCT is great), and a couple of gel art pens or dotting tools in black and brown. Or, just go the easier way and get some leopard nail stickers by INCOCO or ManiMe. They are pro-quality and last weeks.
When you are doing it yourself, begin with two coats of pink. When dry, form irregular black marks of different shapes. Add a little brown to some of them to give depth. Seal with a shiny topcoat to make it feel fancy. A tip by Nailpro Magazine is that the more flawed your leopard spots are, the more realistic they will appear.
I wore something similar to this outfit with strappy sandals on a city weekend in early September, and it somehow made every outfit look more put together. Jeans, trench, a latte, and a little leopard — it’s a vibe.
Sunflower Accent Bright Red
Although fall is the season of pumpkin, sunflowers are the unsung hero of September. This is a classic red pedicure with a detailed sunflower on the big toe, everything is bold, warm, and joyful. It can also remind us that fall does not necessarily have to be sad and gray.
The red? Go for OPI’s Big Apple Red or Dazzle Dry’s Cherry Jubilee. The sunflower would be easier to do with nail art stickers, but you can use fine-detail brushes, too, as long as you are steady. The brown center can be done with Cirque Colors in Memento Mori, and the yellow petals can be done with Orly in Glowstick or other bright yellow.
If you’re doing this yourself, paint your base color, let it dry, then apply your sunflower detail with precision — or opt for press-ons with the floral already printed. A clear topcoat locks it in. Nail artist Mazz Hanna always advises to wrap the topcoat around the edge of the nail to extend wear, and it does.
Whenever I see a sunflower like this, I think of fall picnics and the sunny days of September when summer is still just hanging around long enough to keep your sandals out. This appearance embraces that very in-between sensation.
Peachy Nude Golden Leaves
This pale peachy nude pedicure with subtle gold and black foliage is a love letter to autumn in itself. It is polished yet has the right amount of glitter to reflect the light. And that matte softness and metallic detail? Gorgeous. It is a fall-neutral, alright, but with a glow-up.
To replicate this look, I would use OPI Infinite Shine in You Sustain Me or Zoya Apricot Cream. To do the leaf detailing, you can use metallic gold foil or leaf transfer stickers. I occasionally employ Whats Up Nails foil kits, which are also reliable and very easy to use.
Steps-wise, apply a base coat and two coats of peach. When dry, apply or paint your leaf decoration to the big toe. You could use a dotting tool or even tweezers if you’re working with foil. Top it off with a gel-like topcoat to seal everything.
This is my absolute favorite when I am in the mood to wear something a little special but not too much. I have used it on my hands and feet on a wedding day or a weekend. It’s easy elegance — and it works with literally every outfit in your fall wardrobe.
Golden Sparkle and Burgundy Petals
It is all that I love about early fall: it is warm, a little bit dramatic, and not too loud. The burgundy polish is the ideal foundation to a white branch-like pattern on the big toe, which is somewhere between a leaf and a floral detail that makes the look soft. It is offset by the use of shimmering gold glitter on the smaller toes which gives it a light-hearted touch, as the light of the sun plays on a copper leaf. In reality, it is fall sophistication without being too much.
To make this combo work, I would recommend you to start with a deep wine red gel polish like OPI Malaga Wine or Essie Berry Naughty- both of these will give you that rich fall tone. The accent glitter toes, I love Orly shimmer in Rage, it is a rose-gold shimmer, but not chunky. And the foliage? You just need a super-fine nail art brush and a white gel liner. Beetles Nail Art Liner Gel in White is very good at keeping its shape even when doing fine swirls.
I found that a dotting tool helped me to place the tear-drop shapes first and then I used a fine brush to join the shapes. It is surprisingly easy to use as long as you have a steady hand and take your time. Just make sure to cure each step under a UV lamp—especially that glitter layer if you’re using loose pigment.
This combination has a kind of fall vibe to it and I feel like wearing suede boots and drinking cinnamon tea on a sunny porch. It looks mature but not too serious, so it is the perfect September toes. It is my new favorite when I am in the mood to be a bit glam without being a pumpkin spice.
Jack-O-Lantern Charm of the First Frosty Nights
Is it possible to discuss how underestimated toe nail art is on Halloween? These orange Halloween nails with jack-o-lantern faces are so adorable that one can not help smiling. They are playful and fall-themed without being too themed and they are surprisingly chic because they are in black and white. This is a very festive look, albeit in a sassy, Pinterest-Reels sort of way.
You will need a bright orange gel polish to use as a base- Gelish “Orange Cream Dream” or Lights Lacquer “Slice of Life” are good options. The faces can be done with a black nail art pen or liner polish which will give you the precision you require. I have also seen people use Sharpie oil-based markers but again, to achieve long wear, use gel.
Put two coats of orange on and cure between. Then sketch in the pumpkin faces with a thin detailing brush–or use a stencil, in case you are nervous. I prefer to finish it all off with a top coat that does not require wiping to keep it shiny and smooth. As celebrity nail artist Tom Bachik once said, keeping novelty designs to a minimum will help them feel luxurious, and I could not agree more.
Wearing them made me feel like I had a secret-like, nobody knows that my toes are having a mini Halloween party under my boots. It is so playful to celebrate the season without making a big statement. And it will be a good icebreaker in case you ever do take your shoes off.
Burgundy and Question Geometry
There is something so sleek and sophisticated about this deep burgundy and gold geometric accent combination. It is dark and contemporary simultaneously, like fall has a night-out version. The dark base color provides a sharp contrast to the metallic striping, which does not scream to be heard.
The polish here reminds me of Zoya’s “Margo” or “Olive & June’s “SC”—”rich burgundy tones that feel polished and expensive. I have used striping tape and angled nail vinyls to create the geometric V shape, but to be honest? This can be freehanded with a steady hand and a good brush. I generally put on a gold foil gel or chrome powder over a sticky layer so as to get that brilliant reflection.
Once the burgundy is applied and cured I mask off the angled area with tape or by eye. Apply the gold detail in layers with curing between so that it does not bleed. The secret lies in the topcoat-it must be glassy enough to smooth out the edges that are raised. To make it extra crisp, do the border again with a dark liner to make it crisp.
I wore something very similar to this on a fall city trip last year and felt like my feet were accessorized even in sneakers. The simple design, golden glow, and rich hue make it ideal to use during the transitional periods when you are ready to trade your sandals in favor of loafers.
Impartial Leafy Luxe
This one immediately brought me the feeling of soft September light- when the mornings are golden and everything seems to be calm. It has a nude base with dainty metallic leaf designs that fall like petals on each toe. Simple yet gorgeous, and ideal to a person who wants to have a seasonal color but not too flashy.
The look can be achieved by using a cool beige base, such as Essie Topless & Barefoot or DND Sweet Romance. For the gold detail, you can either stamp on foil decals (I swear by Maniology’s autumn sets) or use a fine metallic nail art pen. To give something a luxe finish, Bio Seaweed Gel has a beautiful gold foil, the Gold Dust, which goes on very well over tacky layers.
I prefer to apply two coats of sheer nude polish, and then apply the foil or stickers using tweezers to the tacky surface, and then top coat. It is pressed into glass and has a delicate and polished finish. Just don’t forget to cap the edges—you’d be surprised how easy it is to chip foil if it’s not sealed in well.
This design is something that is quite elegant. I wore something like that to a fall wedding last year, and it was just as much at home with heels as it was on a blanket. I can not recommend this enough especially when you are planning an event in September.
Pearl Blush of a Cloudy Day
This one is soft, milky shimmer with a touch of blush and reminds me of early September in a cashmere sweater. It is neither pink nor silver but somewhere in the middle with a pearl-like shimmer that catches the light in the most dreamy way. It is classic yet new, and is ideal for anyone who does not want to jump into fall with vampy colors.
This one is easy to reproduce. The same effect can be achieved with PIs or Zoya, such as PIs Kyoto Pearl or Zoya Leia, and a sheer pink can be used to warm it up. I have also seen some beautiful effects using chrome powders over pale gel bases, then buffing the shine to get that soft mirror effect.
When you are using the powder, apply a pale gel base and cure it. Next, apply a pearl chrome powder with the help of an eyeshadow sponge applicator. Seal with a water-based top coat, in case you do not want to dull the shine. Honestly, it’s easier than it looks—and if you’re new to powders, this one’s pretty forgiving.
I reach for this look when I want something clean and elevated—like when the rest of my wardrobe is in transition and I need a little polish (literally) to feel pulled together. It also looks ridiculously good on every skin tone. Not only that, but there is something about shimmer that makes each step a little more graceful.
Glossy Mocha on Cool Autumn Days
The mocha glossy pedicure is something that is very down-to-earth, but at the same time, it is luxurious and stylish. The creamy texture and deep color are just what I need when Labor Day comes and I switch out my sandals with loafers or suede mules. It is the type of color that does not require any adornment to create a statement.
To recreate this look, I’d go for OPI’s That’s What Friends Are Thor or Essie’s Partner in Crime. They both have that ideal cocoa color with a smooth gel like finish and it looks good on every skin tone. It only takes two coats and a top coat that is high-gloss to achieve that plush, lacquered look.
Admittedly, this is one of those styles that do not require a step-by-step. It’s a polish-and-go kind of vibe. I file it with a glass nail file, buff the surface a little, and use a ridge-filling base coat before color. It’s an easy go-to when I want my toes to feel intentional without being flashy.
It makes me think of coffee runs in a trench coat, wind-swept hair and playlists of soft rock. This color has that understated luxury vibe without even trying.
Champagne Glitter and a Tint of Rose
If you’re feeling extra this September — and I mean in the best way — this dreamy mix of rose gold, soft nude, and champagne glitter is your sign. The design is textural and shimmery: some toes are overlaid with glittery dimensionality, others with stars or little metallic charms. It is a celebration of sorts in pedicure form and I am here for it.
To achieve this look, I would apply a neutral polish such as Deborah Lippmann Naked and top it off with OPI Gown Be Honest or Zoya Lux PixieDust. Gold foil flakes or nail art decals can take the look to the next level and don’t forget a thick gel top coat to seal all that glitz.
I know that layering glitters is a good idea because it is best applied with a sponge to get that thick, salon-like payoff. You can also float your topcoat to prevent dragging chunky glitters, which I do now.
This design makes me think of wedding season, even when you are not the bride, these nails say, “I came to slay softly.” In satin heels or barefoot on a velvet throw? Obsessed.
White and Black Modern Edge
Simple lines and high contrast are always different when fall comes, and this white-and-black design is so fashion-forward. The white polish has a thin black outline that makes it look graphic and architectural. It is simple yet dramatic, which is essentially the nail version of a perfectly fitted jacket.
To achieve this effect, I would suggest using OPI Alpine Snow as a base and a black gel liner such as Beetles Black Nail Art Gel to make that clean frame. You will need a nail art brush with a very fine tip or you can cheat with nail tape to guide your lines.
Begin by painting all the toes in solid white After they are dry, draw a line around each one with your liner brush or tape. It is a contrasted look and, therefore, neatness is everything. And finish it with a no-wipe gel top coat that will give it that extra-glossy look. Nail artist Julie Kandalec will never forget to tell her clients: the thinner the black line, the higher the vibe.
This is the pedicure that I would have with all-black everything and a slicked bun. It has the vibe of I read fashion week recaps because it is fun.
Jewel Detail Lavender Bloom
Florals in the fall? Revolutionary — particularly when it is in lavender with a deep plum petal and a gem in the middle. This pedicure is soft but with a twist, with a lilac base, it becomes a little glam. It is not noisy, but it is not forgettable.
I would apply Full Steam Ahead by Essie as the base and hand-paint the flower with a deep purple such as OPI Lincoln Park After Dark. You can find tiny gem stickers online (Daily Charme has some great ones), or you could press in Swarovski crystals while your topcoat is still tacky.
This one takes a bit of finesse, so I’d say it’s best done when you have an uninterrupted hour to yourself. Prepare your nails and apply the base coat and leave it to dry completely. Then, apply your floral design layer by layer and then add a drop of nail glue on the gem. Add a layer of builder gel to fix it.
It has that cozy-chic vibe, such as wrapping yourself in a cashmere blanket and having a candle burning in the room. This is the one to go with when you want a feminine energy but one that is a little bit mysterious.
Burgundy and Bone: A Dramatic Fall Matching
When you are ready to be in full fall mode, this deep burgundy and off-white color-blocked pedicure is the one. The design is a combination of solid maroon and half and half split nails, which is not too busy. It is deliberate and high-fashioned yet not hard to achieve.
I would use Olive & June Nail Polish in CNH to get the burgundy shade and OPI Funny Bunny to get the pale ivory shade. A striping tape or a nail vinyl can assist in getting that sharp division down the middle of the nail, but really, I have done it with just a steady hand and a thin brush.
Apply your lighter color to the whole nail. When dry, mask off half with striping tape and spray the darker color. Before the tape dries, peel it off to get a clean edge. When you are free-handing, you should anchor your hand on the table so that the line does not wobble. Seal with a gel-like top coat to give it shine and durability.
This one has Manhattan vibe, a bit sultry, a bit structured. I would wear it with wine lipstick and leather boots. It is not only a look, it is a moment.
Crisp Leaves and Coral Pop
This design is screaming September in the most optimistic way. The maple leaf accents are rich orange and soft red, and they rest perfectly on a clean white background, which gives you the first-fall-leaf-on-the-sidewalk kind of feeling. The rest of the toes are painted in a shiny coral polish that is a bit unexpected in the fall season, but somehow, it works. It is lighthearted and crisp with a hint of autumnal reminiscing.
I would do Essie’s “Blanc” as the base and either Olive & June’s “Wild & Free” or China Glaze’s “Thistle Do Nicely” as the coral to get that pop of contrast. As for the leaf, you can hand-paint it using nail art brushes and orange/red gel liners (Beetles or Modelones both make great sets), or apply detailed stickers if freehand isn’t your jam.
When I reproduced a similar appearance, I discovered that two shades of orange made the leaf pattern stand out even better. A light outline in red over the orange gives it depth and makes it feel more professional—even if you’re not a pro. Simply ensure that you seal it with a high-gloss top coat to make everything look crisp and sharp.
There is something about coral in fall that breaks the rules in the best way. It makes me remember that even in this season we can have a bright and fun time before we get into full-on moody palettes. I would wear this in early September on vacation or on a patio with string lights.
Midnight Forest and Halloween Glow
This design is as though one is walking through a forest at night with a pumpkin patch illuminated in the distance. The earthy, grounding green nails are balanced by the fun pumpkin art on the big toe. And there is that one silver-glitter toe–it is little, but it shines like a star. All this is so balanced, bold, and a bit mysterious.
I used OPI’s “Stay Off the Lawn!!” for the dark green and paired it with Sally Hansen Miracle Gel “Game of Chromes” for the silver accent. The pumpkin, orange and green gel art pens are suitable, or you can use detailed stickers such as Whats Up Nails Pumpkin Decals. To be honest, it is worth spending money on a fine-tip brush in case you intend to freehand.
Start with your dark green base and cure every layer. Then, paint or apply your pumpkin decal and add details such as the face and leaves. I prefer to finish it with a glossy gel top coat so the pumpkin almost looks 3D. Steph Stone, a nail artist, frequently remarks that adding depth to a flat design by using topcoat in strategic areas creates depth, and she is right.
I wore this outfit last October when I wanted something festive but not cartoonish, and it did not disappoint at all It is one of those combinations that make you feel like you are part of the Halloween party but at the same time you are stylish.
A Walk in a Leafy Lane
This is what the color palette of a forest in late September would look like if you could bottle it. The beautiful combination of yellow, orange, crimson, and pink on every toe resembles the fall leaves that are piled up on the ground. It is straightforward in style but has so much personality- and honestly the color blocking makes it feel almost editorial.
There is no need to get anything fancy here, just four or five standout shades. I love Zoya Honey, Essie Playing Koi, Olive and June Yes Please and OPI Big Apple Red. Use different colors of paint to paint the toes and alternate the order of the colors between the feet to give a casual and fun appearance.
My best tip when it comes to multi-color looks is to think about the order of the colors first. Align the bottles and test the flow of the bottles together. I never paint the big toe till last so as to make the others balance it. Two coats of each and a fast dry top coat and you have it.
When I wear this type of palette, I always feel a bit more creative and feel like I am a part of the season. It is perfect when you want to drive on the weekend, on flannel days, and when you want to have hot cider. Total mood.
Sunset Fade Gold-Tipped
This is a minimalist design that will be a breath of fresh, crisp air. The entire toes are covered with soft matte blush pink, and the slightest black leaf drawing on the big toe. It is subtle, almost Scandinavian in its design- it is ideal to a person who prefers to be low-key but still have a slight hint of the season.
A creamy pale pink such as DNDs Baby Pink or OPI Bubble Bath in matte will be desired. The black branch detail can be added with a fine nail pen such as Mia Secret Art Pen Black or stamped with a small botanical plate in case you are afraid of drawing it with your own hand.
When I have done matte nails like this, I have learned to do it twice with the base and top coat- this is what keeps that satin finish from being chalky. And see that the nail be quite clean before you begin; matte shows all. The leaf accent may be applied over a matte top coat and sealed with another coat of matte to keep it together.
This is the type of design that I would go to when I wanted something calm. It goes well with warm sweaters, long walks and early nights. It is silent-but not by accident.
Blue-Sweater Weather Botanical Detail
The design has the feel of a sunny day in early September when the air has turned cooler. The powder blue is soft, the botanical detailing is beige and black and artistic and fresh. It is more casual, more daytime, more wearable, but still polished.
The blue tone, Olive & June’s “Angelfish” is perfect to have a soft wash of color, and Lights Lacquer’s “YHLQMDLG” is a great creamy neutral. The foliage art may be painted by hand with fine-pointed brushes or stamped to make it easier. Either way, the trick is to make the lines fluid and natural, not too perfect.
This design is light in the sense that it is a transitional outfit: a sweatshirt and jeans, but with gold hoops and a dewy lip. This is something that I would wear during a casual week when I still want to feel dressed up. It is soft, airy and sort of poetic.
Fall is all about small things, the crunch of leaves under your feet, pumpkin spice everything, the golden sunsets that are getting earlier and earlier, and your toe nails can be a part of that. Whether you’re leaning into cozy burgundy tones, playful Halloween art, or soft neutrals with a twist, there’s something magical about updating your pedicure for September. I hope these outfits gave you new inspiration to bring the season to your feet- because after all, fall fashion begins at the bottom. Which of them will you attempt first? Let me know in the comments!
