Pumpkin spice season has transcended the world of coffee to inspire fashion and beauty statements alike. From pumpkin spice garments and accessories to PSL-coded eyeshadow and lip looks, the spicy orange hue has infiltrated our closets and beauty cabinets just as much as our autumn coffee order. But do you really want to invest in the color as a lasting element of your wardrobe? If not, you can lean into the trend with pumpkin spice nails. The label is used rather loosely to define any and all manicures perfected with pumpkin-y polish. Whether you opt for a solid coat of color or more subtle accents, pumpkin spice polish is bound to make your manicure stand out this fall. If you need a little inspo on how to wear it, keep reading to explore a bevy of pumpkin spice nail ideas for the most perfect fall mani.
Meet the expert
Solid Pumpkin Spice Nails
For a slightly spicier take on PSL polish, celebrity nail artist Jin Soon Choi, says to go with a warm brown lacquer with hints of orange. “Embrace the warm coziness of fall with an earthy, opaque orange-brown polish,” she instructs.
Bright Pumpkin Spice Nails
Prefer more pumpkin and less spice vibes? Go bright with your polish, as nail artist Laura Malarkey did here.
Pumpkin Spice Swatch Nails
Here we have the perfect pumpkin spice nail color. The warm orange hue imitates all things fall, from festive jack-o-lanterns to falling leaves. We especially like the abstract swatch overlay on the tips, too. You can DIY the look with a fine-lining nail art brush.
Shiny vs. Matte PSL Skittle Nails
The real question is, will you stick to your favorite high-shine top coat or go full fall with a matte finish? Choi says why choose? You can wear a glossy top coat on one hand with matte on the other, or alternate between accent nails.
Subtle Fall Sponge Nails
Sponge nail designs are easy to DIY and notably more stunning than you’d think possible with such a simple technique. “A subtle blend of warm orange, brown, and red clay shades creates a beautiful, soft effect that captures the essence of fall,” Choi says. “The sponged technique adds a touch of texture for a unique look.”
Chrome Pumpkin Tips
If you want a more literal pumpkin spice nail look, Malarkey suggests booking a nail art appointment. “Really lean into the pumpkin spirit,” she exclaims. “This literal pumpkin nail look can take you from early Fall pumpkin beers through spooky season and right into Thanksgiving!”
Tortoiseshell Pumpkin Nails
Love the idea of literal pumpkin nails but hoping for something a smidge more demure? Go with a milky nude base topped off with tortoiseshell-print gourds. It’s a trendy 2-for-1 autumn nail look.
Pumpkin Spice Mix-n-Match Nails
We love a mix-n-match mani and this pumpkin spice-coded one is festive and fun. “Mix & match manis are such a fun way to spice up your pumpkin spice mani,” says Nailing Hollywood CEO Mazz Hanna. “There are endless options for colors and nail art designs when it comes to mix and match sets.”
Pumpkin Spice Swirl Nails
Swirl manicures are a mainstay in 2024 and here’s proof that the design works just as well with autumn tones as it does bright summery shades. “Swirl manis with negative space trend all year since the colors can be swapped out to match the palettes of the season,” Hanna says. “Morgan added a fall twist to this trend and the tones in this mani remind me of a cozy pumpkin spice latte.”
High-Contrast PSL Marble Nails
“Create a mesmerizing effect by swirling pumpkin-inspired colors on accent nails, reminiscent of a pumpkin spice latte,” Choi suggests. If you don’t want to bother with the mess of a true watercolor technique, you can simply use a dotting tool to swirl the high-contrast colors on top of a pumpkin base.
Pumpkin Spice Heart Nails
Is fall your favorite time of year? Show your love for pumpkin spice season with a PSL-coded heart mani. “I love the delicate feel given off by the heart nail art in this look by Morgan A. Dixon,” Hanna says.
Abstract Gold Foil Pumpkin Spice Nails
Hanna is a big fan of this abstract autumn mani by Dixon. “The orange shade gives off major pumpkin spice vibes,” she says. “I love how she mixed in gold foils for an elegant finish.” If you’re feeling crafty, you can DIY the look with a sponge, nail art brush, and dotting tool.
Abstract Pumpkin Spice Mismatched Nails
Feeling a bit moodier this fall? Skip the kitschy autumn nail art in favor of more trippy designs. Creating them with pumpkin spice tones will ensure they still work wonderfully for the season.
Abstract Spot Nails
“Fall leaves come alive on your nails with this playful design featuring irregular shapes in rich pumpkin and spice tones,” Choi says. The best part is that, because it’s meant to look artsy and irregular, you can create it with a few simple swipes of color. Don’t worry about it looking perfect—let it be your art project, with your nails serving as your canvas.
Pumpkin Spice Confetti Glitter Nails
How gorgeous are these confetti glitter coffin nails? The pumpkin spice tones and scattered design perfectly capture the beauty of autumn’s falling leaves.
Groovy PSL Nails
We love a retro nail design and this one by Malarkey incorporates the perfect PSL palette. “A fun and funky way to wear your fave fall beverage on your nails,” she points out.
Pumpkin Spice Cutout Nails
Another way to wear your love of the season front and center on your nails is with a trendy cutout design. “This look is so fun and bold, the heart cutout really gives it a unique feel,” Hanna says.
Fall Half-Moon Mani
Prefer more of a warm spice nail color? Bring the image of pumpkins into the picture with green half-moon cuticle accents that mirror the color of the stem. “Give the classic moon manicure a seasonal twist with rich, earthy tones like orange-brown and muted green,” Choi says. “These colors perfectly capture the warm, spiced essence of pumpkin season.”
Pumpkin Spice French Tips
Not all pumpkin spice manicures have to be in screaming color. Sometimes, artfully applying neutral polishes can get the same spicy autumn theme across. “A multicolor French is a great option for pumpkin spice-themed nails,” Hanna says. “To spice up the look even more, pick a warm toned shade as your base.”
Demure Initial Nails
Here we have another warm spice nail design we can’t wait to recreate this pumpkin season. “This minimalist design is perfect for adding a touch of personalization,” Choi says. “A simple initial sticker pops out against a warm, pumpkin spice-colored base, creating a look that’s both stylish and unique.” No stickers on hand? You can DIY the look with a fine-lining brush.
