Fall’s arrival means one thing (even for those loath to admit it): pumpkin spice latte season. And though the cultish flavor and all of its accoutrement may be born of a beverage, its associated hue—a burnt sienna or earthy ochre—imbues every aspect of autumn, from foliage to ensembles to beauty notes.
For those who keep makeup and hair hues to an agreed-upon, semi-seasonless palette, manicures provide the perfect platform for a gourd-inspired homage. “The only thing more comforting than a pumpkin spice latte is a perfectly manicured hand wrapped around it,” says Mazz Hanna, nail artist and CEO of Nailing Hollywood. “I absolutely adore an orange nail for fall. It’s a nice change from the expected darker shades that everyone is eager to transition to.”
The front row at Michael Kors spring 2024 show found Blake Lively in head-to-toe gold, save for her nails, which were coated in an orange-brown polish from PLA. The shade was at once in keeping with Lively’s scintillating ‘70s look, Kors’s love of cognac leather, and our shared craving for the spice. Hanna reaches for the slightly brighter Dior Rouge Cinema for her own pumpkin-inspired creations, noting that it’s a great choice for those who gravitate toward a classic reds and are looking to switch things up—and that it plays well with every skin tone. Looking for some sparkle? “Emilie Heathe Public is a gorgeous burnt orange with the most subtle golden shimmer,” she says. “It reminds me of fall foliage in Central Park and makes me feel instantly cozy.”
While Hanna notes that nail shape and length are down to personal preference, there are ways to get creative with application and finish. “Micro French manis were all over the runways during New York Fashion Week, and this is the perfect way to play with orange nails if you don’t want to commit to full coverage,” she says. Hang Nguyen, nail artist and author the Nail Art Deck, adds that a “matte finishes can give your nails a cozy and sophisticated look, while metallic accents can add a touch of glam,” she says. “Playing with holographic touches on top of these fall colors will also be fun and on-trend this season.”
Looking for a way to honor the equniox? Start with a cozy cool manicure—and perhaps a sip of the warming latte that provoked the polish job.
