The air is colder, days are shorter and there is something about November that makes me want to hold a mug of coffee in my hands and flaunt a fresh manicure. However, what nail colors really reflect this transition period–we are bidding farewell to crispy autumn leaves but still not ready to be glittering holiday glam? Are we tilting towards good fall nail colors hues that make us feel like it is a classic, or are we trying something out that is bold before winter comes? We will explore the colors and shapes which make up this November.
Golden Marble Elegance
There is something that cannot be resisted with a marble manicure with a touch of gold. This design is similar to the luxury version of the fall nail colors shades, with milky white swirls and fragile golden lines. It walks the fine line between delicate and bold the type of manicure that can be worn equally well with cashmere sweater or satin dress on a date.
To achieve this appearance, I would grab a semi-clear Gel polish in ivory or pearl white and I would use a small striping brush that has been dipped in metallic gold (OPI GelColor in Gold Digger is a favorite). The design is closed with a clear and glossy topping of Polish which gives the design that near glassy adjective.
It is all about patience in the layering process. To do it, I would use a small brush to swirl a sheer base color with fluid movements, over a soft color that I had first applied. Between the thin golden accents would resemble the veins of real marble. Celebrity nail artist Betina Goldstein is fond of declaring negative space and metallic accents are the new elegant–and this design makes her correct.
I am enjoying this appearance in the late Autumn when we get to the end of the autumn gold leaves of leaves and are entering into the season of the holiday bling. It is like jewelry, but none of the weight on my hands.
Soft Pink Gradient
It is the manicure that is putting a smile on my face during gray mornings in November. A light shift between pale blush and rosy pink is fresh, soft and can be worn indefinitely. It is the epitome of fall nail colors essie shades– imagine Essie Mademoiselle or Ballet Slippers with a new gradient.
This magic is found in the application of a makeup sponge to apply the color in small dots and creating the gradient. I would apply a shiny topcoat to the edges. To the amateur at home, the Miracle Gel of Sally Hansen in Pink Tank is quite compatible to achieve this look.
It is a polished, but casual design. I have a similar one that I have worn when I was not sure about whether to wear classic nude or playful pink–the gray ground is what fits office meetings and Sunday brunch.
This color is a warm, soft and slightly retro pink sweater on a nail, which is what it feels like to me.
Modern Neutral Frames
This manicure combines the usual fall pregnancy nail polish colors and architectural detail. Dark chocolate, brown and light, beige are framed with refined white lines. It is minimalism but with a face– elegant but light-hearted enough to draw compliments.
To achieve this appearance I would choose multi-tone neutrals: OPI “You Don’t Know Jacques,” Zoya “Louise,” Essie “Urban Jungle,” etc. Once all of the nails had been painted in various neutral colors, I would follow a thick liner brush around the edges of the nail itself with a sharp line of white. This would become a statement with the help of a Matte topcoat and a glossy polish would make it smooth.
This type of manicure is time-consuming yet not something impossible to do on your own. Nail experts suggest that you use striping tape in the event that you are not a steady hand. I have done it with a gel liner pen, and it was nearly therapeutic–coloring inside the lines.
Such neutrals would be ideal in November: they will be warm with a sweater but will have a touch of an urban girl.
Deep Burgundy Gloss
November, without burgundy nails? Not happening. This color will never go out of style–a deep, wine-like hue that is dramatic and reassuring simultaneously. It is one of the good fall nail colors shades that I have a heart with. It is not flashy or imposing, it is elegant yet down to earth.
To achieve this appearance, I would pick up the Essie, Bordeaux or OPI Malaga Wine. They both slide on so well and appear even more rich with a glossy topcoat of gel. Nail artists also suggest the application of two shades of burgundy to create depth, as well.
It is easy to apply: two layers to make it opaque, a lot of shininess to be sealed. One nail expert, Deborah Lippmann, once told, that dark polishes require added shine so they do not appear flat- she is absolutely right here.
This color also takes me back to evenings when I go out during the fall and have a glass of red wine in my hand when I was wrapped up in a trench coat. It’s the definition of chic.
Classic Sheer Almond
In some cases the simplest things say the most. Almond manicure in a pale pink colour is delicate but elegant. It is flexible- it suits those who want the clean low-maintenance feel, yet have nails that look polished and classy.
My choice in this case would be Essie Sheer Fantasy or OPI Bubble Bath. These colors are classics in cult for a reason, they suit all shades. Gel polish is a thin layer that allows additional durability especially when you are typing or wrapping the holiday presents.
This appearance is easy to achieve at home, so you can polish the nails smooth, paint the nails two times with clear pink and apply a top coat that is shiny. In case you desire additional durability, then gel polish in UV is the way to go.
Putting on this manicure is like putting on my favorite comfy sweater–this is not one that people can totally notice, but it makes me feel well-dressed any time I look down at my hands.
French Twist with a Heart
The French manicure has something ever-lasting, however, this one seems to be whimsical and new. White tips or tips are clean with a natural base and there is one detail of a heart, which makes sweetness. It is a contemporary spin on good fall nail colors shades – minimal but meaningful.
To get this appearance, I would apply a clear pink Polish base such as Essies Mademoiselle over crisp white tips of gel. In the case of heart a fine detail brush or even a stamping tool will enable the design to be performed at home. The appearance is sealed by a shiny finish.
My favorite thing about this is versatility, because it is easy enough to be worn on a daily basis but nice enough to go out on a date. Nail pro Jin Soon Choi once told that French tips are the little black dress of nails and I was inclined to agree.
Putting on this style in November seems like the faint promise to bring warmth and softness into the winter.
Cotton Candy Pink
There are instances when the best fall nail colors essie shades may remind us of spring. This glossy pastel pink is unexpected in November, being bright, so it contrasts with the bulk of the knits as well as gray skies.
To make this I would take Essies Fiji or OPIs Mod About You. Both are culted and provide that creamy, high shine pink. It is even more poppy with two coats of gel polish and a shiny topcoat.
It is the type of pedicure that immediately puts me in a good mood. I had a shade of the same last Thanksgiving, and the compliments never ceased–it was gleamy among all the browns and burgundies.
This color shows that Autumn does not necessarily have to be dark colors. Light colors are sometimes as warm, particularly combined with a big knits sweater.
Subtle Sparkle Nude
The following is a manicure that suits people who want the unfussy style. Nude base with micro-glitter sprinkling on it is soft yet special. It is one of those fall colors nail polish colours that subtly shines in the indoor lighting without attracting too much attention but without sounding too loud.
I would suggest such shades as Zoya shampoo in the shade of Leia or Deborah Lippmann in the shade of Champagne Supernova. These give the ideal combination of raw shine and lustre. A Gel topcoat provides reliability during the hectic weeks of family get-together.
It is also an easy manicure at home because all you need is a single or two layers of nude polish and a swipe of glitter. Manicurist Tom Bachik, who serves the likes of Jennifer Lopez, has been known to say that sparkle must feel like jewelry and not an ornament. This style nails it.
It is like a frosty morning in November, gentle light, faint glitter and just a bit of a shine to cheer your day.
Diagonal Gold Accent
Minimalists, this one’s for us. An unnamed creamy ground cut on a diagonal with a gold line is a simple case of unobtrusive luxury. It shows that the color of the toe nail fall shades does not necessarily remain dull neutrals but with a metallic touch, it turns into couture.
This can be easily reproduced with gold striping tape or a fine brush of metallic polish such as the Good as Gold of Essie. I prefer to apply Matte topcoat to make it look even more modern.
It suits shorter nails also, and so is convenient but well-dressed. I have used it to meetings at work, it appears clean but creative and people always question me how I managed to do it.
It is a November-ready color that looks like a piece of jewellery in polish form–unobtrusively strong, easily elegant.
Velvet Matte Burgundy
Burgundy is boldly refreshed in matte. The deep red velvet finish is rich, mysterious and is just right in line with the shades of fall nail colors. It is a design that is all about texture–no luster, just smooth style.
To this, I would choose OPI, which is their, Lost My Bikini in Molokini with a matte topcoat. Alternative solutions are to apply a polish that is already prepared and has a matte finish, which saves time.
I recall how my polish first felt– Matte burgundy–when I put it on I felt so confident, like I was wearing a leather jacket. Once, nail artist Julie Kandalec remarked that matte finishes transform the dialogue–she is correct as they feel bold yet classy.
This is the color I would use in November evenings where I am driving in the city lights with music- it fits the season best.
Pink Shimmer French
This manicure is dainty and has the right amount of glitz. The light base of a blush cuts to light glitter-tipped edges and a contemporary touch is given to the traditional French. It is a subtle nod to fall nail colors tints that is cozy enough to celebrate the month of November.
To recreate it, I would use the Essies sugar daddy as a base and apply a fine glitter polish such as that of Zoya- Cosmo to the tips. Dabbing glitter with a sponge makes the glitter look natural. The Gel topcoat keeps the sparkle lasting days.
This type of style is a perfect type that suits when you want something traditional but with character. I had a similar manicure last holiday and it was in the most flattering way.
It is like putting jewelry on your nails, subtle, delicate but impossible to overlook.
Abstract White Waves
It is a manicure that is art like. Transparent naked foundations with flowing white swirls project a careless almost hand-drawn style. This is not a color fall nail color essie shade; it is more a design. It is nothing, yet rich in personality.
This look is dependent on a steady hand and a detail brush. I would suggest the Essie, Blanc, to the swirls, applied on top of a plain pink or beige. The fluid shapes are brought out by high shine topcoat.
It is the playfulness that I like the most here. Nail artist Hang Nguyen frequently repeats such abstract designs claiming that this way imperfection could be transformed into beauty. The freedom renders this design ideal in the tranquil yet creative spirit of the month of November.
This manicure is comfortably afternoons of drawing inside, it is easy to wear but classy.
Plum Perfection
As the weather changes to colder, I am tempted to use deep jewel colors. This plum colour is shiny, bright and limitlessly flattering. It is one of those nice autumn nail colors shades that can be worn during the day and at night, in a casual way and in a way of elegance.
The “Lincoln Park After Dark” by OPI is more moody, and the same case with the “Berry Naughty” by Essie but with a touch of brightness. Either coated with Gel polish will remain shiny throughout a week.
I am fond of the fact that this shade is so versatile. When I wear a scarf and some big boots on, it can be said it is moody and trendy, then when I add some gold jewelry, it becomes fancy within minutes.
It is the color that makes me think about late Autumn sunsets warm, deep and endlessly romantic.
Golden Bronze Glow
This design is primeval November. The bronze nails used are of a brilliant metallic shine like fallen leaves in the golden hour. It is one of the boldest shades of nail polish in the category of fall colors, as it catches every light flicker and transforms it into a glow.
Essie will be an “Penny Talk” or OPI will be a “Bronzed to Perfection”–dupe this shade very well. Both contain powerful shimmer particles which provide nails with a molten look. Here a base coat must be smooth–metallics tell it all.
It is also one of those manicures that I would wear during the Thanksgiving dinner, with its earthy colors and cozy knits. Once nail expert Jin Soon referred to metallics as liquid jewelry–she was right.
It feels like wrapping yourself in the last sunlight of fall, there is a confidence to this bronze.
Lavender Mist
Lavender is soft and dreamy and plays the main role in this appearance. It is very surprising that it is in November but it does a great job as a lighter substitute to darker notes. It comes under the category of multi fall nail colors shades owing to its capacity to be transitional between cool as winter but soft as fall.
Essie Lilacism or Lilac It of OPI. are perfect choices. I would suggest using Gel polish to that high shine durability. This color is even more peculiar to longer square or coffin forms.
I painted my nails with lavender once on a trip in November and the contrast with the autumn coats was very refreshing. It gave some delicateness to otherwise dull garments.
It is as though it is bringing a pink puffy cloud on warmer days- an unobtrusive yet certain means of cheering the months up.
Caramel Coffee Elegance
This is such a comforting rich caramel color–it always makes me think of warm lattes on cold mornings. The polish is smooth and shiny and leans towards those good fall nail colors shades which never leave hands without looking graceful and polished. This is a classic decision that hovers on the modern in the company of long, almond-shaped nails, being elegant and yet a bit of an extreme.
To achieve such a tone, I tend to turn to such shades as Essie Take It Outside or OPI Chocolate Moose. They belong to those fall nail colors essie colors that always get in the lists of must-have since they are versatile and luxurious. A shiny finish topcoat caps the deal off, though when you are feeling more fashion, a matte finish turns it into an editorial feel.
I apply a base coat at home to smooth my nail bed, then apply two layers of the caramel shade and then put a top coat of a gel-like appearance to the nail to give that glassy appearance. Celeb manicurist Tom Bachik is always a reminder to clients to allow each layer to dry out completely before applying the following–patience truly makes your polish last longer.
Personally, I love the combination of this tone and heavy silver rings or bulk gold statement jewelry. It is the manicure counterpart of throwing on a suit that fits you like a glove, it immediately makes you appear better.
Classic Burgundy Revival
Deep burgundy is always an icon of November, but this year, it is especially magnetic. The slick, vampire-red reflects the light well, tilted towards that old time glamour we all keep closeted in the back of our minds when the evenings grow longer and longer and holiday dinners slowly creep upon our time books. Burgundy is the shade that will never cease to be in style among the fall colors nail polish shades.
Wicked/ Rouge Noir Essies or Chanel are incomparable in this shade. They’re iconic for a reason. Most of these colors are available in gel forms in many salons today and have made them last weeks without flaking- a savior when you are busy or travelling.
When I do the same one at home, I carve nails to a slightly rounded square (it looks modern and utilitarian), followed by a bonding base coating to prevent a stain. Burgundy, two syntactic layers with a shiny topcoat are applied to provide you with that salon finish. Quick-dry top coat by Sally Hansen has rescued me several times when I am in a hurry and I needed to rush out of the door.
Whenever I put on burgundy, I completely feel drawn together, as though I can walk into any room, and make it mine. It is moody, mysterious, yet still classic–it is the little black dress of nails.
Olive Green with Golden Lines
This color is the one in which fall also manages to surprise me. Olive green nails and fine golden lines of accents are as close to nature not being able to keep up with the times even when the leaves fall. It is earthy and luxurious, one of those toe nail fall colors shades that are amazing on hands and feet.
Olive tones are pretty and can be found in such brands as Zoya (Wyatt) or OPI (Suzi – The First Lady of Nails). All you do to replicate the gold accents is have a striping brush and metallic polish such as Good as Gold by Essie. It is quite easy but provides the manicure with a designer touch.
In the case of a DIY, I apply the base color of olive, allow it to dry and then proceed with a skinny nail art brush to paint diagonal or abstract golden lines. One of the tips of celebrity manicurist Betina Goldstein? Maintain the lines to be very few and irregular–imperfection is all the rage as far as contemporary nail art is concerned.
In this design, I have the feeling of having adorned myself even without a jewelry. It is also a great match with the denim and knitwear and it brings that surprise without appearing excessively stylish.
Minimalist Nude Sparkle
Nude nails with fine silver glitter to the tips are just the thing sometimes in November, and the fine silver glitter is such a fine touch too. They are delicate, gentle and suited to every other person who wishes to have something more casual yet acknowledging the seasonal celebration. This good fall nail color shade is very professional, but at once fun.
I tend to smear Essies Ballet Slippers with a glitter polish such as Set in Stones only on the edges. The result? A manicure barely-there, which nonetheless reflects the light. In case you love gel, you can have the gel that the salons can captivate in the layers so as to add more smoothness and toughness.
This is as easy as nude at home as it only requires two coats of nude, allowing them to dry and then applying glitter polish along the ends using a sponge to diffuse the appearance. It is entry-level and right away stylish.
I always associate this design with twinkling frost on window sills–it is light, seasonal, and has an easy style.
Rose Gold Leaf Glam
The last appearance is a soft pink with gold foil highlights and frankly speaking, it is stunning. It is very romantic and modern and it is an ideal transition towards the holiday season that will be coming up. Of the essie autumn nail colors, this is the one that feels the couture, straightforward with the base, but advanced with the metallic craftsmanship.
On the bottom, my favorites are the Bubble Bath of OPI or the Mademoiselle of Essie. Nail art sheets which you press slightly into tacky polish can be used to apply the gold foil. An overcoat of clear gel keeps it all in place making it smooth and shiny.
According to celebrity nail artist Jin Soon Choi, one nail option that has always worked is to add gold accents to any nail polish, which she claims is always a classy way of adding a small drama to any nail polish and I agree. It is a design that is as much suitable in the daytime as in the evening, and that catches light in the prettiest way.
Personally, I use this style in situations where I feel like being elegant yet am not flashy. It is a manicure which is more whispering than screaming about luxury–a small touch which makes me smile each time I look at my hands.
Iridescent Lilac Glow
The sensation of this manicure is November dusk on your fingertips–it is hypnotizing how the lilac base turns into iridescent blue. It is lighthearted but complex and a new twist on the autumn nail colors tints, which border on the light-capturing finishes. The shimmer is comfortable to wear on short and rounded nails yet it makes a statement.
I have observed colors such as OPI PURP purple with a purpose with a holographic top coat to achieve this appearance. The same vibe is also evident in its You Do Blue by Essie, as it explains why fall nail colors essie shades continue to be bestseller when it comes to stylish but classic designs.
I am used to making it by applying a base coat of lavender first, then a layer of sheer shimmer polish on top followed by a top coat of gel to add an even more dimension. Nail artist Julie Kandalec tends to recommend layering any base color with an iridescent shade to change the undertone of the color- it is like having two or more polishes in one tube.
It is almost magical to wear this, as it feels like grabbing the light of holiday lights on the evening sky. It is not very obvious, but people observe it–and never fail to wonder what colour it is.
Velvet Matte Merlot
Already rich burgundy is a November vintage, but in matte, it is something quite different. The smooth, velvety surface is used to provide a modern touch which deprives the gloss to give a more stylish understanding of the wine shade red. It is smoky, elegant, and it works particularly well with autumn clothes.
To this, I prefer Essie in Bordeaux that has a matte top coat. Another great shade of OPI is a Malaga Wine shade. The two sit well in the category, good fall nail colors shades since they can take you out and about with ease during brunches and evenings.
It is an easy procedure, place a coat of burgundy polish in two very thin layers, allow to dry and then apply a matte sealant coat. Celeb manicurist Deborah Lippmann claims that matte nails are prettiest when they are rounded into an almond or oval-shaped- they feel much better and more comfortable when so.
I associate this style with velvet dresses, dinners by candlelight, and autumn leaves under streetlights when I wear it. It is a little thing, which gets you in a different mood of your appearance.
Golden Caramel Gloss
One more time, caramel colors are presented, however, here they are warmer and shinier, and can be worn daily. The smooth surface gives them an appearance of nearly being edible, such as melted toffee. This color is one of those autumnal colors nail polish colors that somehow works with everything.
I would suggest Essie Clothing Optional or OPI Gingerbread Man Can towards this appearance. They both are long lasting and match well with gold rings or denim-making them great fall colors on toes too in case you want to match hands to feet.
The high-gloss appearance at home can be attained by putting on a bonding base coat followed by two layers of caramel polish and finally a gel-effect top coating. Manicurist Jin Soon has a tip to share? Coat the tip of your nails with the color because it will help avoid chips–who knew it matters so much.
Whenever I put on this color I am easily groomed. It is the type of manicure, which does not scream but is still noticed.
Mocha and Cream Contrast
Lastly, this appearance is all the contrast: alternating deep brown of mochas and creamy white nails. It is not an overpowering use of color, but a bold fall interpretation of multi-shade manicure that it feels right.
In this design, you will use the Warm and Toasty Turtleneck of Essie and Blanc on lighter nails. The combo falls directly under the fall nail colors essie shades family since it is so wearable but modern.
The trick I use to do this at home is to apply each nail a different color, but make sure to balance darker colors with a neutral that is sharp. In case you desire extra dimension, you may even apply the cream nails matte top finish and leave the mocha shiny. It is a mischeievous thing, which does not add any additional flavor.
This appearance never fails to make an impression. It is like a latte-inspired manicure–warm, comfy, and what November afternoons demand.
