The weather begins to cool and the air smells like cinnamon lattes and our wardrobes change to warm knits and layered outfits. But what about nails? This autumn I simply cannot help noticing how Fall Tortoiseshell Nails are returning into the grace of the fashionable world in the most fashionable manner possible. they are luxurious and timeless and a little wild, which is what autumn energy wants. You like French tips, glossy almond shapes, a bold square set, whatever it is, this trend really has a version that suits you. We will explore a few ideas and find out what designs may motivate your next appointment.
Golden Charm with Butterfly Accent
This design is in play with great depth caramel and black swirls that merge together in a style similar to luxuria eyewear. The additional touch – a delicate gold butterfly accent- makes tortoiseshell nails not an ordinary but a statement maker. I like the way that this levels sophistication and a playful touch.
To re-create such manicure, I would use such shades as OPI Espresso Your Inner Self to be the brown base, Essies Licorice to be the black details and a clear amber gel Beetles Caramel Brownie to be the overlay. In the case of butterfly, nail specialists would suggest charms the Daily Charme or swarovski-inspired embellishments, glued with a powerful builder gel.
Trying this at home I would coat it with thin layers of amber and brown polish and place splotches of black on it when still tacky. It has a transparent top coating that closes it all in with that glassy look. Celebrity nail artist Betina Goldstein frequently discusses the possibility of creating a sense of depth through working in translucent layers – and it is apparent here.
This design personally is a bracelet to my hands. It is the type of nail art that would make me desire to wear the big rings and savor coffee sipping to display it. Will you take the butterfly or have it austere?
Chic Tortoiseshell with Gold Foil Highlights
In this case the mood is contemporary and refined. The tortoiseshell nail patterns are combined with a blend of nude and jet-black polish and metallic gold foil gives it the additional shine. It is the best blend of daily wear and seasonal sophistication.
In order to accomplish this appearance, I would recommend a neutral nude such as Essies “Ballet Slippers” and a foil adhesive with gold leaf flakes (Leaf Me Alone by Nail Supply Glam is a decent one). A balance is produced between the softer square nails and the sharp foil lines.
Application-wise, you will have your nude and black nails polished hard. In the tortoiseshell art, apply a layer of amber with sprinkles of black dots. After being cured, apply gold foil to one end of the naked nails gently, to that modern gilded look. The editorial nail artists tend to suggest using tweezers to have a better control of foil placement.
The thing that I love about this appearance is that it is versatile. I would be happy to wear to the office in conjunction with a blazer, and then watch it shimmer in dim restaurants. It is full but not excessive – as the nail version of a bespoke camel coat.
Sleek Almond with Minimalist Lines
There are times when the beauty of tortoiseshell nails almond is in restraint. Such a set maintains the design smooth and geometric with the swirled amber patterns framed by thin golden lines. It is designed, contemporary, but still cozy in the fall.
I would consider a fine striping brush, and a gold gel polish such as Gelish “Meet the King” in materials. Combine that with stratifying translucent browns and blacks to do the shell effect. The sleekness is actually increased by the almond shape.
Patience is the secret of pulling this off at home. Mark your gold lines first with a steady hand, cure them and fill in the spaces at the centre with translucent tortoiseshell blends. Nail artists such as Jin Soon Choi always remind us that symmetry is essential when dealing with line work, so regular breathing is the difference maker.
As an individual, I would only use this look on dinner parties or on a night in a city. It is subtle but it sends people on a second look. Something about the gold lines hitting candlelight is very deliberate and fancy.
Classic Glossy Elegance
This manicure gives the display of fall tortoiseshell nails in its most purest form deep amber mixed at an espresso-black swirl, top coated by a glass-like layer. The general impression is high-end, dramatic and classic.
The layering is all about a look like this. I would apply a sheer amber over naked base then a few irregular spots of brown and black and blend it softly using a fine brush. OPI Cliffside Karaoke and Black Onyx are a gorgeous pair.
In DIY, the translucent washes are necessary to be conducted. Develop color gradually rather than attempt to nail it in a single coat. The editorial spreads in Allure completely agree with the theory that the secret behind the chicness of tortoiseshell is its natural imperfection – the spots must not be overly artificial but natural.
I find these nails screaming confidence. They do not require accents and embellishments since the art itself is sufficient. It is as if you were putting red lipstick on – never boring, never dull.
Subtle French Tip Twist
And last, but not the least, one of my most favorite ones: tortoiseshell nails french tip. In this case a naked base is completed with clear shell tips. It’s sophisticated, 100-percent lighter, and exactly what a person who appreciates minimalism yet can’t go without the richness of fall at their fingertips.
To get started with a gentle nude such as Zoya’s Sandy. In the case of the tips, use a fine brush to mix sheer amber and brown, allowing the nude base to perk through. The French tip is particularly flattery because of the shape of the almond.
This is one of the nail designs that nail professionals usually recommend as a fantastic place to begin in the world of tortoiseshell nails. It is less complicated to keep up because the bottom is plain nude, the tips do all the talking.
Personally, I love wearing this style in early fall – when it is still warm enough to think it is summer, but you are beginning to add in more warmer clothes. It is transient loveliness personified.
Short Square with Golden Edge
This design is evidence that even tortoiseshell nails short can be as glamorous as long almond sets. The combination of light pink, shiny shell patterns and a thin gold band on each tip produces a fashionable but subtle feel. The square silhouette is comfortable and up-to-date, and the metallic halo provides the fall appropriate sparkle.
I would apply Essies, then the soft pink, which would be called Mademoiselle and apply it on top of a clear amber gel, and put a little gold striping tape or foil gel polish such as the Glitz by Orly. The pink and tortoiseshell blend feminine with edgy in a very wearable manner.
The best part? It is so much easier to deal with shorter nails. I have previously experimented with this type of style when I was in a tight schedule and it gave me confidence without the smarts and bother of maintenance.
Almond Drama with Butterfly Accent
This collection is ambitious with the deep amber-and-black almond forms, supplemented by a golden butterfly motif. It is dramatic yet classy and thus one of those tortoiseshell nail design that catches the eye at first sight.
To achieve this appearance, I will recommend OPI “Suzi Loves Cowboys” to be used in darker details, Beetles Gel Polish “Amber Flame” to be used in the warm layers and the use of butterfly decals bought in Daily Charme.
I would wear this personally in November with a heavy scarf and big rings. It is bold and yet not excessive, a great blend of nature and fall glamour.
French V-Tips with Gold Accents
This is a design variation of tortoiseshell french tip nails. In place of the traditional round French, these are in sharp V-tips in silver, with other details in gold. It is hip, flirtatious and fashionable in one.
This set is a little more advanced in the process. I would apply a naked base color such as Zoyas Rue, and use a detail brush to freehand the V- shape tortoiseshell tips. Tape metallic striping along the lines gives that smooth graphic look.
I imagine this design as partying-ready. It is casual during the holidays but also can be worn with fall knits. And on nail artist Naomi Yasuda, whose editorial work often includes metallic accents used in very bold ways, offers some inspiration in the tutorial world.
Pink and Gold with Shell Accent
This style combines lightly pink polish with very strong tortoiseshell accents and it is topped off with vertical gold lines. The mixture of colors is girly and strong at the same time – it is nail art that can easily switch between day and night.
This would be made using materials such as OPI “Mod About You” as an under lining color in pink, and a tortoiseshell mix of amber and black. The vertical detail is achieved by striping gel such as that of LeChat, termed as Goldmine.
I like such an appearance since it does not take itself seriously. It is cutesy yet fashionable – the kind of inspiration you pin on Pinterest and all of a sudden you find yourself wanting to make it a point to go to it during brunch with your friends.
Gradient Almond French Fade
The last appearance in this series of looks is that of French tips taken quietly in a different direction, where the tortoiseshell designs softly fade away on the free edge to the cuticle. On almond nails the effect is long and majestic.
This is made by mixing opaque amber with a transparent foundation, and then the darker brown at the ends, and then turned soft with a fine sponge or a fine detail brush. Top with glossy finish to get the look of glassy, luxe.
This set is very fall-winter transition to me. It takes me back to golden leaves turning to darker skies. Discreet and inexhaustibly fashionable – the nail sweatshirt of cashmere.
Square Elegance with Gold Sparkle
This design unites giant tortoiseshell nails square and a hint of pure glitz- completely gilded glitter nail. It is trendy, it is holiday-like, and it immediately conveys to me autumn nights with lights.
The only difference I would make to reproducing it is combining a dark amber-brown tortoiseshell pattern with a high-glitter polish of gold such as Deborah Lippmann’s “Boom Boom Pow.” The combination is elegant but naughty and anyone who desires to have tortoiseshell nails coupled with gold does not want to miss a touch of shimmer.
I had something like that on one of the holidays and it immediately gave a plain sweater a partying look. That single gold nail is worth the feeling of jewelry in the absence of the weight.
Abstract Pink with Gold Waves
In this manicure the soft pink polish is combined with abstract tortoiseshell waves, connected with thin strands of gold foil. It is contemporary, artistic and somewhat surprising – a nail art that you might find on a gallery wall.
To this, I would apply OPI “Bubble Bath” as a base and pink colour, black and amber gels as shell details, and the accents made out of foil strips of gold. The combination is stylish yet not too complicated – ideal in case you want to have a new tutorial in mind.
This style to me is the answer to summer swirl nails. It is light-hearted and artistic but mellowed out with autumnal coloring.
Long Statement Coffin Shells
Long coffin-shaped fall tortoiseshell nails will be the way to go when you desire drama. Amber and brown pattern looks luxe and fashion-forward as the elongated silhouette gives an appearance of such a fashion-forward feature. It is daring without being obnoxious – more runway trendy than dress.
This appearance is achieved by piling up caramel, honey and black washes that are translucent. Nail artisans frequently recommend using at least three shades to create tortoiseshell designs to ensure that depth does not die away. That fashion edge is added with the square-edged coffin shape.
I would say this was the ideal manicure when a person wants their nails to be the clothes. Frankly speaking, you would not stop with a trench and boots on.
Green and Pink Contrast
This design is lighter, an amalgamation of jewel-like green, glittering rose pink and a tortoiseshell accent nail. This is not so fall but it suits perfectly those who would like to be a little playful.
Examples of polishes I would recommend: Essie has an Off Tropic that is green, Zoya has one called Ziv that is pink shimmer, and then the standard tortoiseshell layers. It is a more daring color-blocked version of tortoiseshell nail designs green.
I believe this is the look that one would want to wear who typically leans into color but still wishes to give the seasonal inspo a go. I would most certainly use this one in early fall when the remnants of summer are left.
Almond Luxe with Gold Stripes
The last in this category depicts the tortoiseshell nails almond that has thin line of gold across up and down the middle. It is smooth, lengthening and that quiet-luxury touch that is so popular at the moment.
The trick in this is to apply the gold lines with a striping brush – I would recommend the Orly Golden Era. On the nails of almond even the vertical element makes the fingers appear even more beautiful and sophisticated.
I think this design is stylish and it does not scream. It is the nail version of a silk blouse – low-key but expensive.
Golden Almond Classic
This design hails the richness of tortoiseshell nails almond in the traditional sense of the word. Deep espresso and warm caramel spiral over a sleek almond form, giving the nails a long, stylish and infinitely smooth appearance.
I would apply OPI “Coca-Cola Red” as the warm base layer and over the top apply amber gels such as Beetles “Caramel Brownie” and top with black detailing polish. The silhouette of the almond maintains its sophisticated nature and the use of color makes it energetic.
I like this appearance because it reminds a warm autumn itself, warm, golden, and rich. To be really frank, it is that manicure that can turn even a dull beige sweater into fashionable.
Short Square Firelight
A warm-up to tortoiseshell nails short with a glow like a fire in a fireplace. Their square cut renders them convenient and the amber-black blend shines on the darker fall wardrobes.
To this, I would recommend to layer a sheer layer of Orange and yellow gels beneath black dots to get that depth. Nail artists can suggest drying in between each fine coat of colour to achieve the greatest depth.
I would use this when I want nails that are warm and alive and do not require additional accents. Something about the radiance is what immediately illuminates cold November mornings.
Blue and Bold Accent
This appearance proves tortoiseshell nails blue are a thing – and they are gorgeous. Tortoiseshell accents are combined with bold cobalt nails to feel bold and trend-setting.
The blue base would be best with Essie’s “Butler Please” or OPI’s “My Pal Joey” combined with traditional tortoiseshell layers. It is one of those designs that nail influencers will adore since they can make it instantly Instagram-worthy.
I personally believe that it is the kind of appearance that fits the person who is a bit daring. It can be fun and stylish at the same time, such as wearing denim with silk- it should not go together, but it will go very well.
Pink Neutral with Glitter Divide
divided with glittery golden lines soft pink polish with shell accents – style that combines romance with edge. It is feminine and powerful, ideal to use in a transitioning fall tortoiseshell nails set.
To duplicate, I would apply Zoya pink as Jordan, apply in layers amber-black as tortoise and apply striping gel or loose glitter pressed along the parting. It’s a mix of art and elegance.
I believe this to be an awesome bridge appearance – one that would perform during office hours but at the same time shine in the night.
Deep Autumn Almond
Last but not least, a darker version of tortoiseshell nails almond that has a lean towards darker colors. The swirls are more moody, near burgundy in the edges, and are ideal towards the end of the fall as one goes to the holiday season.
To do this, mix amber with richer espresso and a touch of brown of red color such as OPI “Got the Blues for Red.” The vampy look is boosted by the almond shape.
To me, these nails are so much confidence. They are unashamed and yet not showy, dramatic and yet wearable. What type of look you would opt towards when you want your manicure to speak.
Square Mix with Burgundy Accent
This manicure demonstrates the fact that tortoiseshell nail designs can be quite flexible in the color selection when combined with surprising colors. Creamy nude nails are contrasted here with thick burgundy and shiny tortoiseshell nails square. The outcome is glam, contemporary and perfectly worth the season when the deep jewel colors begin to take over in late autumn.
To reproduce this, I would begin with Essie “Clothing Optional” nude base, OPI “Malaga Wine” burgundy, and then top it with the amber-brown. The square form is practical but at the same time elegant and so is a solution of day to day use.
I believe the beauty, in this case, is in the balance. The burgundy makes it simple and classy and the shell accents give it the playful touch. I would wear it when I need something bright and yet refined- such as a wine bar with friends in November.
