64 Autumn Nail Ideas That Are Perfect For Cozy Fall Vibes

The transition from summer to autumn brings more than just cooler temperatures and pumpkin spice lattes. It’s the perfect time to refresh your manicure with rich, seasonal colors and designs that capture the essence of fall. Whether you’re drawn to moody burgundies, warm earth tones, or unexpected twists on classic styles, autumn nail ideas in 2026 offer something for everyone who wants their fingertips to feel as cozy as their favorite sweater.

This season’s nail trends strike a balance between wearable elegance and creative expression. You’ll find everything from barely-there minimalism to bold, maximalist designs that demand attention. The beauty of autumn manicures lies in their versatility, they transition seamlessly from workweek meetings to weekend gatherings, all while echoing the natural palette shift happening outside your window.

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What Makes Autumn Nail Colors Different from Other Seasons?

Autumn nail colors are distinct because they reflect the natural color transformation happening in nature during this season. Unlike the bright, energetic hues of summer or the soft pastels of spring, autumn shades draw from the earth’s shifting palette, think burnt sienna, deep plum, forest green, and rich chocolate brown.

The psychological impact of these colors runs deeper than simple aesthetics. Warm, grounded tones create a sense of comfort and stability during a season of change. Chrome finishes have evolved beyond basic silver, now appearing in burnished copper and oil-slick blacks that mirror the moody autumn sky.

These deeper, more complex shades pair beautifully with fall fashion staples like camel coats, leather jackets, and chunky knit sweaters.

Why Are Brown Nails Dominating Autumn 2026?

Brown nails have become the unexpected star of autumn 2026 because they serve as the perfect neutral that actually feels fresh. This shift follows Pantone’s declaration of Mocha Mousse as a Color of the Year, pushing chocolate, espresso, and caramel tones into the mainstream spotlight.

The appeal goes beyond trend-following. Brown works as a sophisticated alternative to traditional neutrals, offering more depth than beige while remaining infinitely wearable. You can layer it with gold accessories for a tonal look or use it as a base for modern French tips with white polka dots.

Unlike stark black or pure white, brown nails complement every skin tone and feel equally appropriate for professional settings and casual weekends.

How Do You Create the Perfect Tortoiseshell Nail Design?

Tortoiseshell nails combine amber, brown, and black hues in a marbled pattern that mimics the luxurious natural material. The key to achieving this look is layering translucent polishes to create depth rather than painting opaque blocks of color.

Start with a sheer nude or caramel base, then add irregular patches of amber and chocolate brown using a small brush or sponge. Drop tiny amounts of black polish into the wet layers and use a fine-detail brush to blend the edges, creating that signature organic flow.

The trick is keeping your hand light tortoiseshell should look effortless, not overworked. Finish with a glossy top coat to amplify the dimensional effect and give your nails that expensive, jewel-like quality.

What’s the Difference Between Matte and Glossy Autumn Finishes?

Matte finishes create a velvety, sophisticated texture that absorbs light, while glossy finishes reflect it for a high-shine, polished appearance. The choice between them fundamentally changes how the same color reads on your nails.

Matte works exceptionally well for deep burgundies and rich plums, giving them a luxurious, almost fabric-like quality that feels refined and modern. It softens bold colors, making them more wearable for everyday situations.

Glossy finishes, on the other hand, intensify color saturation and add dimension, they’re ideal when you want your nails to catch light and make a statement. Many autumn 2026 designs combine both finishes strategically, using matte bases with glossy French tips or vice versa to create visual interest without additional nail art.

Which Nail Shapes Work Best for Autumn Designs?

The squoval shape, a rounded square that blends the strength of square tips with the softness of oval edges has emerged as autumn 2026’s most flattering and versatile option. This shape suits both minimalist colors and intricate designs while remaining practical for daily activities.

Short to medium lengths work best for autumn nail ideas because they provide enough canvas for seasonal designs without becoming impractical. Almond shapes elongate fingers beautifully and pair particularly well with darker autumn shades, while short square nails offer a clean, modern look that complements everything from tortoiseshell patterns to simple burgundy polish.

The shape you choose should balance your lifestyle needs with your design preferences intricate nail art shines on slightly longer nails, while busy schedules often benefit from shorter, low-maintenance shapes.

How Can You Make Burgundy Nails Feel Fresh Instead of Dated?

Burgundy nails stay fresh when you move beyond solid, opaque application and explore modern interpretations. Instead of traditional wine red, consider smoky plums that blend purple undertones with cool browns, or add subtle violet sheens that catch light differently throughout the day.

The key is texture and finish variation. A sheer burgundy with a milky quality feels contemporary and wearable, while deep burgundy with chrome powder creates dimension without looking overly glossy.

You can also modernize burgundy through strategic placement, use it as micro French tips, combine it with negative space designs, or alternate it with complementary autumn shades in a mismatched manicure. These approaches prevent burgundy from reading as a single-note throwback to early 2000s manicures.

What Are Polka Dot Nails and Why Are They Trending?

Polka dot nails feature circular patterns applied over a contrasting base color, and they’re trending because they inject playfulness into autumn manicures without requiring complex nail art skills. The 2026 version favors micro dots over large, bold circles for a more refined aesthetic.

This trend works particularly well with autumn color combinations like chocolate brown bases with white dots, or forest green with gold accents. The pattern can be maximalist covering entire nails with varied dot sizes or minimal, with just a few strategically placed dots on accent nails.

The beauty of polka dots lies in their accessibility; you can create them at home using a dotting tool or even a bobby pin, making sophisticated nail art achievable without professional help.

Why Is the Micro French Tip So Popular This Season?

The micro French tip has gained popularity because it modernizes a classic design through extreme precision and unexpected color choices. Instead of thick white tips, autumn 2026 favors ultra-fine lines paired with sheer nude bases that create a barely-there, sophisticated effect.

This design works because it’s detail-oriented without being dramatic. The fine tips can be rendered in traditional white, but they feel fresher in forest green, deep burgundy, or metallic chrome.

The look suits professional environments while remaining interesting enough for those who want something beyond solid color. Micro French tips also work on shorter nail lengths better than traditional French manicures, making them practical for people who type frequently or work with their hands.

How Do Chrome Nails Translate to Autumn Aesthetics?

Chrome nails in autumn lean into moody, earthy metallics rather than the bright silvers and rose golds of warmer seasons. Burnished copper, antique gold, black chrome with oil-slick finishes, and deep bronze create that perfect intersection of futuristic and seasonal.

The reflective quality of chrome adds dimension to darker autumn shades without additional nail art. You can apply chrome powder over deep berry bases for subtle shimmer, create chrome French tips for a modern twist, or go full chrome in a warm metallic that complements fall wardrobes.

Unlike glitter, chrome provides a smooth, mirror-like finish that feels more sophisticated and modern it catches light continuously rather than creating discrete sparkle points.

What Makes Sage Green an Unexpected Autumn Choice?

Sage green works for autumn because it bridges the gap between summer’s freshness and fall’s earthiness. This muted, slightly dusty green reads as sophisticated rather than bright, offering a subtle alternative to traditional autumn reds and browns.

Paired with clear accent nails or delicate detailing, sage brings a soft, nature-inspired element to autumn manicures without competing with seasonal fashion. It works particularly well with gold jewelry and looks surprisingly elegant against fall staples like denim and camel.

The shade appeals to those seeking something different from the expected autumn palette while still feeling seasonally appropriate and grounded.

How Should You Approach Mix and Match Nail Designs?

Mix and match manicures work best when you maintain color harmony across different designs. Choose shades from the same autumn palette think tortoiseshell on two nails, solid chocolate brown on others, and a tonal French tip on your accent nail.

The key is cohesion through either color family or finish consistency. You might use all matte textures across different autumn colors, or keep to warm tones while varying the designs on each nail.

Avoid random color combinations that lack a connecting thread. The goal is intentional variety that looks curated rather than indecisive each nail should feel like it belongs to the same aesthetic story even if the specific designs differ.

What’s the Appeal of Aura Nails with Celestial Details?

Aura nails create a soft, gradient glow effect that mimics atmospheric light, and when combined with celestial details like tiny moons and stars, they deliver an ethereal quality perfect for autumn evenings. The soft brown or burgundy base provides warmth while the gradient adds dimension.

This design works because it balances earthy and dreamy elements. The aura effect creates visual interest through subtle color transitions rather than harsh lines, while minimal celestial accents add personality without overwhelming the design.

It’s ideal for those who want something beyond solid color but don’t gravitate toward traditional patterns. The look photographs beautifully and creates conversation without demanding constant attention.

Why Are Coffee-Inspired Manicures Perfect for Fall?

Coffee-inspired nails capture autumn’s essence through colors that mirror your morning ritual espresso browns, honey caramel, and cream swirls that look like latte art translated to your fingertips. These designs tap into the cozy, comforting associations of warm beverages during cooler months.

The trend works on multiple levels: simple espresso shades offer a sophisticated neutral, while marble designs that mimic cream swirling into coffee add artistic flair. You can keep it minimal with solid coffee brown or go playful with French tips in caramel paired with abstract swirls.

The color palette naturally complements fall fashion and feels seasonally specific without being costume-like.

How Do You Choose Between Warm and Cool Autumn Tones?

Warm autumn tones include rust, copper, burnt orange, and golden browns, while cool autumn tones lean toward smoky plums, forest greens, and wine reds with blue undertones. Your choice should consider your skin’s undertone and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve.

Warm tones create a cohesive, sun-kissed effect on warm or neutral skin tones and pair beautifully with gold jewelry and earthy fashion choices. Cool tones offer more contrast and drama, working particularly well on cool skin tones and complementing silver accessories.

You don’t need to stick rigidly to one temperature many successful autumn manicures blend warm and cool elements, like pairing forest green with burnt orange in a mismatched design.

What Makes Checkered Nails Work for Autumn?

Checkered nails translate autumn through plaid-inspired patterns using seasonal color combinations. Instead of summer’s bright contrasts, autumn checkered designs use muted tones like chocolate brown, forest green, burgundy, and cream arranged in grid patterns.

This design bridges retro appeal with contemporary styling. The structured pattern feels deliberate and polished, making it appropriate for professional settings while remaining visually interesting.

Checkered nails work particularly well during the autumn-to-winter transition, echoing the plaid flannels and tartan scarves appearing in fall wardrobes. You can adjust the check size to match your preference larger checks feel bolder, while tiny micro-checks create a more subtle, sophisticated effect.

How Can You Incorporate Metallic Accents Without Going Overboard?

Metallic accents work best when used strategically rather than covering entire nails. Consider thin metallic lines separating color blocks, small gold or copper dots on matte burgundy bases, or metallic French tips paired with nude or sheer colors.

The rule is restraint metallics should enhance your design, not dominate it. A single accent nail in full bronze chrome can balance four nails in matte chocolate brown. Alternatively, use metallic striping tape to create geometric patterns on one or two nails while keeping others simple.

This approach lets you embrace autumn’s metallic trend without creating a look that feels costume-like or outdated.

Why Is Negative Space Important in Autumn Nail Art?

Negative space the intentional use of bare or clear nail areas within a design creates breathing room and prevents autumn’s darker colors from feeling heavy. It modernizes traditional nail art by adding an element of restraint and sophistication.

This technique works particularly well with autumn shades because it lightens their visual weight. A deep burgundy French tip with negative space at the cuticle feels fresh and contemporary, while solid burgundy coverage might read as dated.

Negative space also creates interesting geometric possibilities half-moon designs, cut-out patterns, and strategic color blocking all benefit from areas where the natural nail shows through.

What Are the Best Autumn Nail Ideas for Short Nails?

Short nails excel with solid jewel tones, micro French tips, and small-scale patterns that don’t require extensive nail real estate. Deep plum, forest green, chocolate brown, and burgundy all look sophisticated on shorter lengths without overwhelming your hands.

The advantage of short nails lies in their practicality and versatility. Micro polka dots, thin metallic stripes, and minimal celestial details all work beautifully on compact canvases.

Avoid large-scale nail art that requires length to be visible instead, focus on rich colors with interesting finishes like matte-glossy combinations or subtle chrome effects. Short nails in autumn tones project confidence and intentionality rather than looking like you’re waiting for growth.

How Do You Make Forest Green Nails Feel Wearable?

Forest green becomes wearable when you choose the right finish and pair it thoughtfully with other elements. A glossy forest green feels bold and statement-making, while matte versions offer subdued sophistication perfect for everyday wear.

The key is context and complementary styling. Forest green pairs beautifully with gold jewelry, creating a rich, expensive-looking combination. You can also soften it by using it as an accent color in mix-and-match designs rather than wearing it on all ten nails.

Consider pairing forest green with neutral tones like beige or cream, or embrace full autumn energy by combining it with burnt orange and chocolate brown in a multi-color manicure.

What’s the Difference Between Autumn Nail Art and Winter Nail Art?

Autumn nail art draws from nature’s warm, earthy palette rust, burgundy, forest green, and golden brown while winter nail art leans into cool, icy tones, deep jewel shades, and festive metallics. The distinction lies in the emotional temperature of the colors and the seasonal references.

Autumn designs reference falling leaves, warm beverages, and the harvest season with organic patterns and natural textures. Winter nail art incorporates snowflakes, holiday themes, and crystalline effects with sharper, cooler aesthetics.

Autumn feels grounded and cozy, while winter aims for sparkle and celebration. Some colors and designs bridge both seasons deep burgundy works year-round, while specific design elements like plaid patterns transition beautifully from autumn into winter.

Why Are Milky White Nails Still Relevant in Autumn?

Milky white nails remain relevant because they provide a sophisticated neutral that works across all seasons, including autumn. The sheer, creamy quality creates an elevated, understated look that pairs beautifully with fall fashion’s richer textures and darker tones.

Rather than competing with autumn’s bold palette, milky whites offer contrast and breathing room. They look particularly chic when you want your clothing and accessories to take center stage.

The trend has evolved to include variations like cloud dancer whites with subtle warmth and barely-there oat milk tones that complement autumn’s natural aesthetic without mimicking it directly.

How Do You Create Dimension Without Complicated Nail Art?

Dimension comes from strategic finish combinations rather than complex designs. Pair matte bases with glossy tips, layer sheer polishes in similar tones for subtle depth, or use chrome powder over dark colors for reflective shimmer.

The cat-eye magnetic effect creates movement and dimension with minimal effort just apply magnetic polish and hold a magnet over wet nails to create light-catching patterns. Similarly, ombré techniques that gradually blend two autumn shades add visual interest through color transition rather than pattern. These approaches deliver sophisticated results without requiring advanced nail art skills or professional application.

What Makes Plum Nails Perfect for Autumn to Winter Transition?

Plum nails bridge autumn and winter because they contain both warm and cool undertones, making them versatile enough to work with both seasonal palettes. The shade feels rich and grounded like autumn burgundy but carries the depth needed for winter’s moodier aesthetic.

Smoky plums in particular have gained popularity because they’re more muted than bright berry shades, offering sophistication without excessive boldness. They pair equally well with autumn’s camel and rust tones or winter’s navy and charcoal.

This versatility makes plum an intelligent choice when you want a manicure that lasts through the seasonal transition without feeling out of place as temperatures drop.

How Should You Approach Glitter in Autumn Manicures?

Autumn glitter works best when it’s subtle and strategic rather than overwhelming. Choose warm-toned glitter in copper, bronze, or gold rather than cool silvers, and apply it sparingly perhaps as a glitter gradient on accent nails or mixed into a sheer topper over autumn base colors.

The goal is a shimmer that enhances rather than dominates. Fine, dust-like glitter creates a sophisticated sparkle that catches light without reading as juvenile or costume-like. Consider using glitter to highlight specific design elements, like adding bronze glitter to the tips of chocolate brown nails, or creating a subtle glitter fade that starts at the cuticle and disappears toward the tip.

What Are the Most Versatile Autumn Nail Colors?

The most versatile autumn nail colors are chocolate brown, burgundy, and forest green because they work across professional and casual contexts while remaining seasonally appropriate. These shades complement multiple skin tones and pair well with autumn wardrobes.

Chocolate brown serves as a sophisticated neutral that feels more interesting than traditional beige. Burgundy delivers rich color without the boldness of true red, making it appropriate for conservative settings while still making a statement.

Forest green offers an unexpected alternative that still reads as grounded and professional. All three colors work beautifully in various finishes matte, glossy, or chrome giving you multiple ways to wear them throughout the season.

How Do You Prevent Dark Autumn Nails from Looking Heavy?

Prevent heavy-looking dark nails by incorporating lighter elements through negative space, sheer layering, or strategic accent placement. A deep burgundy that covers only the tip in a French design feels lighter than full coverage, while matte finishes make dark colors feel less dense than glossy ones.

You can also break up darkness through pattern alternating dark nails with lighter accent nails, adding thin metallic lines, or incorporating small areas of cream or nude. The key is creating visual relief so your eye has somewhere to rest.

Even simple techniques like leaving a small gap of bare nail at the cuticle can prevent dark polish from overwhelming your hands.

Why Are Animal Prints Coming Back for Autumn?

Animal prints return for autumn because they add texture and pattern without bright colors, making them perfect for the season’s more subdued palette. Tortoiseshell patterns in particular work beautifully with autumn’s amber, brown, and black color story.

The 2026 approach to animal prints favors subtlety over boldness. Instead of stark leopard spots on every nail, you might see tortoiseshell on accent nails paired with solid chocolate brown, or delicate snake-skin patterns in tonal browns.

These prints feel sophisticated rather than loud, offering a way to incorporate pattern while maintaining the elegance autumn manicures require.

What’s the Best Way to Transition Summer Nails to Autumn?

Transition summer nails to autumn by gradually deepening your color palette rather than making abrupt changes. If you wore coral in summer, move to burnt orange or rust. Bright reds can transition through wine tones to deep burgundy.

You can also bridge seasons through design rather than color keep your favorite summer shade but pair it with autumn-appropriate accent nails in chocolate brown or forest green. This creates a visual transition that acknowledges both seasons.

Alternatively, switch to autumn colors but maintain summer’s glossy finish before moving into matte or textured looks as the season progresses.

How Do Metallic French Tips Differ from Classic Ones?

Metallic French tips replace the traditional white tip with bronze, copper, gold, or rose gold metallics, creating a modern twist that feels more aligned with autumn’s rich palette. The metallic element adds dimension and catches light differently than opaque white.

This variation works because it maintains the French manicure’s sophisticated structure while updating the color story. Bronze tips on nude bases feel expensive and contemporary, while copper tips pair beautifully with warmer skin tones.

The metallic finish also reduces the starkness of traditional French tips, creating a softer, more blended transition between the tip and base color.

What Makes Halo Nails a Standout Autumn Design?

Halo nails feature a ring of contrasting color around the nail’s perimeter, creating a frame effect that’s both simple and striking. The design gained attention after appearing on celebrities and works particularly well with autumn’s rich color combinations.

The appeal lies in its geometric simplicity and versatility. You might frame a nude nail with a thin burgundy halo, or reverse it with burgundy nails and a metallic gold ring. The design requires precision but not complex artistry, making it achievable at home with a fine brush or nail art pen.

It creates visual interest through structure rather than pattern, offering a minimalist approach to autumn nail art.

How Can You Make Your Autumn Manicure Last Longer?

Extend your autumn manicure’s lifespan by starting with proper nail prep clean, dry nails with pushed-back cuticles provide the best adhesion. Use a quality base coat to protect your natural nails and prevent staining from darker autumn polishes.

Apply thin, even layers of color rather than thick coats, as thinner applications dry more completely and chip less easily. Seal everything with a durable top coat and refresh that top coat every two to three days to maintain shine and protection.

Avoid activities that stress your nails immediately after application, and wear gloves when washing dishes or cleaning to protect your manicure from harsh chemicals and water exposure.

Why Is Burgundy Chrome Such a Popular Combination?

Burgundy chrome combines the richness of a classic autumn color with the modern, dimensional quality of chrome finish. This pairing creates depth that solid burgundy alone cannot achieve the chrome powder reflects light while the burgundy base provides warmth and complexity.

The combination feels both familiar and fresh. Burgundy grounds the look in autumn tradition, while chrome updates it for current tastes. The result is sophisticated enough for professional environments but interesting enough to feel fashion-forward.

You can apply chrome powder over any burgundy shade, allowing you to customize the exact tone while maintaining the dimensional, light-catching effect.

What Are the Key Differences Between Gel and Regular Polish for Autumn Designs?

Gel polish lasts two to three weeks without chipping, making it ideal for intricate autumn nail art that you want to maintain throughout the season. Regular polish allows for easier color changes and at-home removal but typically lasts only five to seven days before showing wear.

For autumn designs with multiple colors or detailed patterns, gel provides better longevity and maintains its finish without the dulling that regular polish experiences over time. However, gel requires UV or LED curing and professional removal, while regular polish offers the flexibility to change colors weekly as you explore different autumn nail ideas. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize longevity and professional finish or prefer the ability to experiment frequently at home.

How Do You Choose Autumn Nails Based on Your Skin Tone?

Fair skin tones look beautiful with deep contrasts like burgundy, forest green, and chocolate brown, while also wearing lighter autumn shades like dusty rose and soft sage exceptionally well. The key is choosing colors with enough depth to create definition against pale skin.

Medium skin tones can embrace the full autumn spectrum, from warm copper and rust to cool plums and wine reds. Rich, saturated colors look particularly stunning against medium complexions.

Deep skin tones are enhanced by jewel-toned autumn shades think deep plum, emerald green, and rich burgundy as well as unexpected choices like burnt orange and golden brown that create beautiful warmth.

What’s the Future of Autumn Nail Trends Beyond 2026?

Autumn nail trends are moving toward greater personalization and sustainability. Expect to see more nail health-focused treatments like BIAB (Builder in a Bottle) that strengthen while styling, along with continued interest in customizable, seasonal color palettes that reflect individual preferences.

The shift toward “quiet luxury” suggests future autumn manicures will favor understated elegance over loud designs, think subtle chrome finishes, tonal color combinations, and refined patterns rather than bold statements.

Technology will likely play a bigger role, with improved long-wear formulas and at-home gel systems that make professional-quality autumn designs more accessible. The overall direction points toward sophisticated, personalized manicures that prioritize nail health alongside seasonal style.

Frequently Asked Questions

What nail colors are trending for autumn 2026?

Autumn 2026 nail color trends in the US include spiced brown, deep olive green, smoky plum, muted mustard, and warm terracotta. These fall nail shades pair easily with seasonal outfits and neutral wardrobes.

How long should autumn nail designs last?

Most autumn nail designs last 2 to 3 weeks with regular polish and up to 3 to 4 weeks with gel. Longevity depends on nail prep, daily activities, and how often you refresh your top coat.

Can I do autumn nail art at home?

Yes, many autumn nail art designs are easy to do at home using basic tools like polish, striping brushes, or nail stickers. Simple leaves, color blocking, and solid fall colors are beginner-friendly and affordable.

What’s the difference between warm and cool autumn nail tones?

Warm autumn nail tones include rust, burnt orange, caramel, and gold-based browns. Cool autumn nail colors lean toward plum, navy, charcoal, and blue-based reds.

How do I prevent dark autumn polish from staining my nails?

Always apply a quality base coat before using dark autumn nail polish to protect your natural nails. Gentle removal and regular cuticle oil also help prevent yellowing and staining.

What nail shape works best for autumn designs?

Short almond and squoval nail shapes work best for autumn nail designs because they’re durable and show rich fall colors beautifully. These shapes are also practical for everyday wear in cooler US weather.

Key Takeaways

Autumn 2026 nail trends balance rich, earthy tones like burgundy, chocolate brown, and forest green with modern finishes including chrome, matte-glossy combinations, and micro details
Popular designs include tortoiseshell patterns, micro French tips, polka dots, and mix-and-match manicures that maintain color harmony while varying nail designs
Brown nails dominate as Pantone’s Mocha Mousse influences the season, offering sophisticated neutrals with more depth than traditional beige
Chrome finishes have evolved into moody autumn metallics like burnished copper and oil-slick black rather than bright silvers
Unexpected autumn choices like sage green and milky white provide sophisticated alternatives to traditional fall colors while remaining seasonally appropriate

Conclusion

Autumn nail ideas in 2026 embrace the season’s natural richness while incorporating modern techniques that make traditional fall colors feel fresh and exciting. From moody chrome finishes to playful polka dots, this season offers endless possibilities for expressing your personal style through your manicure. The key is choosing designs and colors that resonate with your aesthetic while remaining practical for your lifestyle.

The beauty of autumn manicures lies in their versatility and the way they complement the season’s fashion and mood. Whether you gravitate toward minimalist elegance or maximalist creativity, autumn’s expanded color palette and diverse design options ensure you’ll find something that makes your fingertips feel as intentional and beautiful as the changing leaves outside your window. Embrace the season’s rich tones, experiment with new finishes, and let your nails tell their own autumn story.