It always surprises me how quickly October comes up, with its autumnal mornings and pumpkin pie and the first proper reason to take off the summer brights and replace them with deeper colors. I have always believed that the fall is the right season to play with nail styles, and toe nails in particular. Why? The colors that we experience during the fall such as burnt orange, deep wine, and golden leaves translate well into nail art because it is a beautiful color. And because Halloween is also right around the corner, it is the only moment of the year when playful twinkles, somber colors, and surprising accents all feel at home.
This fall, I have been learning about new october toe nail concepts that are trendy and comfortable at the same time, loud and yet stylish. Whether you are enjoying your cider in your warmest sweater or you have that Halloween night-out outfit on your list, these styles are in that in-between trendy and timeless. One at a time-I’ll take you on a tour of my favorite toenails this month, the way they are made, and why I believe they will keep you inspired all the way through the season.
Berry-Toned French with Sparkling Twist
The former looks like a fun wink to the French manicure but with a spring update. Rather than a traditional white tip, the nail is covered with a vibrant fuchsia pink, blushed with nude base and topped with frosty sugar-like glitter. It is a trendy but just a little daring version of the october toe nails fall color, and it is ideal when you want your pedicure to be slightly visible in suede mules or ankle boots.
I would use Essies Big Spender to recreate the saturated pink and then apply OPI Kyoto Pearl to the upper part of the fade topped with a fine layer of silver glitter. The mixture is opul but not excessive-the perfect amount to keep you cool in cooler weather.
When you are DIYing, the first step is a bare nude base, then to free-hand the colored French tips (again you can use tape to create sharp edges) and finally apply glitter to the cuticle upwards so it looks like natural glitter. One celebrity manicurist Jin Soon once told Allure that glitter in this manner would move with the light and thus I adore this position.
Orange, the design, to tell the truth, puts a smile on my face whenever I look at it- it is cute and girlish and somehow like candy in October.
Midnight Blue Glitter Glam
This design is bold and bordering on celestial. The deep blue glitter polish has the feel of a night sky on your nails-just enough to get you through the colder months and still retain some of the shimmer. In my case, this shade perfectly fits the fall trends of october toes fall nail, as jewel tones keep reappearing when the leaves begin to fall.
I’d take Zoya off using her Dream, which is a deep navy glitter polish, or Deborah Lippmann to add some extra dimension using the Across the Universe. The secret is in overlaying-two layers of solid glitter produce that effect of a liquid galaxy.
When applying at home, it is always good to allow glitter coat to dry then apply one more layer. The primary cause of clumpy or uneven texture is rushing glitter polish as confessed by celebrity nail artist, Tom Bachik told Elle. All the difference is patience.
Personally, I love the feel of this being both chic and a bit witchy a la leaning into subtle october toe nails halloween without actually going orange-and-black.
White Elegance with Golden Leaves
White nails are classic, but with the addition of the thin golden leaf designs it becomes as much of fall opulence as possible. It is the design of balancing-of clean white polish as background and of metallic accents which seem to radiate autumn sunshine. It is one of those playful grown up designs.
In the case of the foundation, Essie, and her Blanc, provides that white crispness. In case of the leaf accents, the gold foil stickers or stamping plates are appropriate. Occasionally I apply metallic nail tape and cut it into small sizes-that is fiddly but rewarding.
To do this at home put on your base coats and allow them to dry thoroughly. Apply foil accents with tacky top coat to make the accents stick. Nail artist Betina Goldstein has once told Harper’s Bazaar that even the most basic manicure can be taken to a jewelry-level with some metallic detailing. I couldn’t agree more.
Whenever I am in this type of design, I get the sense that my nails are also on parade even when I am unclothed. That tiny golden glitter sparkles in the most pretty fashion.
Fuchsia Pop with Glitter Accent Toes
Despite October leaving you wishing you could have something a little brighter than dull brown and orange, this design will convince you that you do not have to be on the safe side. This bold fuchsia base and a few multicolored accents of glitter give a fun and trendy appearance to it. It is an immediate mood booster of october toe nails concepts.
The foundation shade may be Sally Hansen’s Back to the Fuchsia and the glitter accent would be best accomplished with a chunky glitter polish such as Mega by ILNP. Coating two nails with glitter is a contrasting usage and makes it wearable.
Performing this at home, I prefer to start all the nails with a fuchsia colour, followed by two layers of glitter on the accent toes. The difference is dimensioned immediately. Accent is the easiest form of playing without devotion to drama as manicurist Deborah Lippmann told Vogue.
In my case, this is something like the type of pedicure I would go to prior to a spontaneous girls outing or even a comfy concert in October. It is whimsical but totally seasonal.
Botanical Leaf Prints in Pastel Hues
The last set is more playful, almost as fall leaves re-created in gentler shades. Hand painted leaves on white nails in green, purple, and yellow give a new twist to the october toe nails color. This look is subtle, artistically adopting the palette of nature, rather than obvious pumpkins or cobwebs.
To form this, I would recommend using a thin detailing brush using colors such as; OPI That is Hula-rious! (green), Don’t Bossa Nova Me around (neutral) and Bee-hind the Scenes (yellow). It is a DIY, which is very patience, yet the result is pinnable.
To paint designs such as these, you do it in stages, one toe at a time, with one color then the next. In a story published in Refinery29, editorial nail artist Madeline Poole once remarked that nail art ought to be fun, imperfect, and expressive (i.e. it should feel like doodling). That’s exactly the vibe here.
I like this as it seems somewhat out of place in fall, yet still it is a seasonal one. It makes me think of the days when the leaves are only starting to change and are still clinging to remnants of summer color. A gossipery transparency between seasons.
Wild Zebra Meets Burgundy Luxe
In this design, bold animal print is combined with seasonal rich colors. The deep burgundy red is combined with crisp black-and-white zebra stripes with a thin line of silver glitter. It is bold but sophisticated and it definitely belongs in the category of october toe nail fall colors. The contrast is what makes it a stand out the most particularly when you are out on an evening and you want the pedicure to stand out.
To achieve this look, I would recommend OPI, Malaga Wine, in the burgundy, a thin striping brush in black and white to give the zebra lines, and a micro-glitter polish such as Set in Stones by Essie to keep the two apart. The mixture is crisp and yet very fashionable.
I am a fan of the design here- it feels like high fashion on your feet. This is one of the best examples of such philosophy that nail artist Naomi Yasuda frequently repeats in different interviews: prints add personality to the tiniest details.
Emerald Forest Sparkle
Deep green is one of the shades which scream October. This appearance is almost-velvet emerald base with a touch of glitter to add depth and it is one of my favorite toe nails in October when you want something moody yet not black. The glitter is a little dramatic, but not overwhelming the green richness.
To this end, the ideal shade is Zoya Merida, which is an emerald holographic polish that is a great catcher of light. The jewel-like finish is typically achieved with two coats and a glossy topcoat finishes it with dimension.
Personally, this is the type of pedicure that I would put with dark knits or leather shoes. It is sensuous, seasonal and just has a slight allusion to Halloween, without overdepending on orange.
Pink Stardust Glow
This is a design that those who do not prefer to retain brights because it is fall can have. Holographic sparkle and glimmering pink polish put toes on top of all the playful and fresh even in October. It is one of those october toe nail concepts that show the colors of autumn do not necessarily imply dull shades.
I would have ILNPs birthday suit or China Glazes Fairy dust over a pinky layer to achieve this. The secret here is to ensure that the glitter is evenly dispersed-they must resemble little stars above pink skies.
This is always a reminder of cozy nights with fairy lights- suddenly the best nail to put on october toe nails at the time you need the softer, more romantic mood.
Classic Deep Green Minimalism
Less can be more. The glossy deep green pedicure is a style that can be easily worn in fall. This design matches perfectly in october toe nails fall colors-it is grounded, elegant and infinitely versatile.
Here, OPI’s “Stay Off the Lawn!!” or Essie’s “”Off Tropic” is an ideal choice. Two polish layers with a mirror-like shine are achieved by using a base coat, two layers of polish and a glossy topcoat.
What I love about this is that it can be used in any occasion. It is classic and sophisticated yet it perfectly fits into the october nails toe trend cycle.
Electric Pink Swirl Art
Finally, a statement-maker. It is designed in layers of neon pinks and black and purple swirls, producing an abstract and nearly psychedelic atmosphere. It is daring, noticeable and ideal with the people who adore october toe nails halloween but not necessarily pumpkin-orange.
To do this, begin with a neon foundation such as the Beach Cruiser with Orly. Then apply in a fine detail brush shades of purple and black. Apply a top glossy finish to bring out the design.
It is cool and playful and it reminds me of the nights out in October when everyone is trying out fashion, make-up. When you feel like breaking the rules when it comes to october toe nails color, this is the one.
Magenta with Glittering Purple Accent
This is a colorful but seasonal look. A majority of toes are glossely painted in magenta, but the big toe is spruced up with a dark purple glitter that flashes with the light. It is flirtatious, daring and an ideal choice in case you are in need of october toe nails ideas that are both classy and entertaining.
To reproduce, I would apply OPI’s “Pompeii Purple” on the magenta base and apply Essie’s “Dressed to the Nineties” on the big toe to give that galaxy-glitter look. The contrast is contemporary and comfortable.
When I am wearing such shades, they make me think about comfortable October evenings that still have a trace of summer lightness. An optimum seasonal balance.
Classic Crimson Statement
Red never goes out of fashion and during fall, it is particularly strong. This pedicure is gleaming in a crimson glossy finish that declares confidence and style. It is that type of october nails toe style which matches all the chunky knits to satin dresses.
In this colour Essies Forever Yummy or OPIs Big Apple Red are cult shades. The chic reflective finish is just achieved by two coats and glossy top finish.
Personally, this red is my favorite toe nail when it comes to October and I want something traditional, seasonally full, and a bit of a seductress.
Autumn Swirl of Fire and Gold
The impression of this design is that it is the personification of October sunsets. Bold sweeps of red, orange, teal and gold play on every toe, making a fierce marbled effect. It’s artistic and dramatic, ideal when october toe nails fall and you want your pedicure as the focus.
To do this, pour drip polish on the nail and swirl it with a small stick or brush. The OPI A Good Man-darin is Hard to Find and Zoya Remy would be wonderful in recreating these flames.
The outcome is hypnotizing-it is as though one is transporting a handful of the colorful leaves of October wherever they go.
Rust-Toned Minimal Chic
This is a simple design which is not dramatic but full of seasonal flavor. A plain rust-red polish, with a glossy finish, gives the warmth of the fallen autumn leaves. It is simple, and that is its charm-just what one needs when he or she loves fall colors of october toe nails in their nakedness.
I would apply such colors as Essie Playing Koi or OPI Coca-Cola Red, to give that grounded warmth. The polished finish is achieved with only two coats.
Personally, it is a trusted go-to pedicure when I want low effort but a high style in october toe nails color.
Shimmering Autumn Rainbow
It is playful, defiantly colorful design. Each toe is covered with a rainbow of cheerful colors with metallic shine, which makes it look as celebratory as it is elegant. It is a gorgeous choice with halloween alternatives on october toe nails without being entirely spooky.
The holographic shades of ILNP are ideal in creating this vibe, which can be layered stripe by stripe with a consistent hand of the brush. The gloss causes every color to change as you go-like putting little jewels at your feet.
It is fun, bold and perfect on a night out in October when you would rather make your pedicure a statement just like your clothes.
Lime Zebra Boldness
There is nothing more unpredictable than animal print in this design. It has lime green and black zebra strips on all toes as opposed to the traditional black and white. It is braver and brassy, being one of the boldest october toe nails color options of the season.
To it, I would recommend using a neon green such as China Glaze, In the Limelight and a jet black polish striping brush. It is striking and yet surprisingly easy to wear with the simple outfits.
On a personal level, I am fond of this rebelliousness-it is a bit wild, but not too cliche as october toe nails halloween.
Frosted Silver Elegance
This is a low key yet fancy pedicure. Laid over a subtle gray-blue base is silver glitter gradients and small rhinestones around the cuticle. It is one of those fall coat designs that are both comfortable but glamorous similar to a cold evening in October with candles.
In order to achieve this appearance, apply Essies arctic chill as a base, fade silver glitter such as OPI ce-less-tial is More just fading down the tips, and finish with rhinestones to give it the glitter.
Whenever I put on frosty colors like this, I immediately associate them with the transition of fall to winter- it is like walking around with a first frost on your feet.
Hot Pink Snake Print
This is one that mixes bright fuchsia and a bold snake print on the big toe. It is cool and fun, fitting perfectly into bold october toe nails concepts that women love to wear with bite.
To recreate, paint majority of toes using Orly Beach Cruiser, and stamping plates or decals to create the texture of snake-skin impression. The result is edgy yet fun.
The design would be like one that I would wear in October with denim and boots because it is effortless but memorable.
Fresh Apple Green Simplicity
There can be occasions when one color is enough. This glossy apple green pedicure is shiny, clean and not typical of a fall. It is an invigorating spin on october toe nails fall colors, particularly when one desires something light-hearted during a season of darker colors.
In this regard, OPI Green Come true is a great fit. The color is further accentuated by a shiny topcoat.
This color is playful and fresh, as though you are biting into a fresh apple in a cold morning.
Monochrome Zebra Contrast
The following design is classic and has an eternal appeal: white toes combined with bright black-and-white zebra print on the big toe. It is trendy, multi-purpose and an assertive a choice of toe nails in October that is not too showy.
The ideal pair to meet this smooth animal print is Essie-blanc and OPI-black onyx.
I like the balance of this, it is bold but no frills, so it fits nearly any October party.
Soft Mint Serenity
It is a design of elegant nuances. Each toe is coated with a soft mint green polish that gives a fresh and relaxing touch yet not heavy enough to qualify as a fall-outfit. It is one of those october toe nail fall colors that does not scream Halloween but does provide a cooler alternative to darker colors.
I would use Essie Mint Candy Apple or OPI That’s Hula-rious!- both can provide this creamy pastel mint finish. The color is further delicate and chic with a high-shine topcoat.
I love this style because it is versatile. It is spa like and refreshing, the type of pedicure that goes hand in hand with cozy white knits, soft scarves, and a hot cup of tea on an October morning. Upon occasion, quiet beauty speaks loudly.
