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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.