Pastel shades are surprisingly at home in the cooler months when paired with rich metallics like gold, copper, or rust. The soft tones get an instant autumnal upgrade—elegant, unexpected, and utterly wearable.
With that in mind, here’s a simple and stylish nail art tutorial for fall that blends soft pastels with luxe gold foil. This DIY technique looks high-end but is easier than it appears, giving your manicure a unique, glamorous finish.
Instructions
- Start with your preferred base coat to protect the nail and create a smooth surface.
- Apply two even coats of your chosen polish and allow them to dry until tacky but not completely hardened. If your polish dries fast, work quickly while it still has slight tack.
- Using a toothpick or small tweezer, place small pieces of gold leaf onto the tacky polish. Press gently with your fingertip or a soft tool to flatten the foil so it adheres smoothly to the nail surface.
- Seal the design with a generous layer of top coat to lock in the foil and add shine. For extra durability, apply a second layer of top coat once the first has set.
If you prefer deeper colors for fall, swap the pastels for richer shades such as deep forest green, burgundy, or a darker slate blue. The gold foil contrasts beautifully with bolder hues for a more dramatic seasonal look.
Nails: Rachel Brewer
Photography: Amelia Tatnall Lawrence
Styling: Brittni Mehlhoff
What do you think of this fall nail look? Is it a yay or a nay for your seasonal manicure rotation?