No matter your style – whether daringly original or classic – there’s an autumn nail color perfect for you this season. From classic shades of red to earthy browns, there will surely be one that suits every person perfectly!
Sage green polish is an eye-catching alternative to black. It pairs perfectly with matte topcoat for an effortlessly chic look.
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Earthy Tones
Opt for shades like sage green or true olive if you want an autumnal twist with your natural manicure. “These colors read as neutral but still provide subtle pops of color,” notes celebrity nail artist Betina Gerstein, who gave Blake Lively an exquisite mixed metal micro French manicure at the Michael Kors show 2023.
She notes that oat milk nails (a pale version of white polish) are also attractive for fall. “This toned-down version still complements any outfit!” says Ms. Dobbie.
If you’re feeling extravagant, opt for a shimmery brown nail polish with subtle shimmer – Kandalec notes this shade will leave you feeling sophisticated and polished, perfect for transitioning into fall or winter. Or try one from OPI’s plant-based line Nature Strong; its matte brown shade works on every skin tone and looks especially striking when worn with black sweaters.
Rich Reds
Fall nails call for bold colors that stand the test of time. Classic red hues like deep burgundy or bordeaux provide the ideal transitional hue to help transition from summer’s bright hues into fall’s more subdued palette.
Try opting for latte brown nail art if you prefer more understated nails. This shade resembles milky nude in color and style, offering an understated yet stylish approach for those looking to add seasonal flare while keeping their nails subdued.
Rachel Glass, a nail artist in Chicago and TikTok star herself, has noticed this trend among celebrities and salon clients. “It’s a refined version of nuding; like your nails-but-better.”
Nail artist Tammy Taylor suggests greige as an understated neutral for your next manicure. Inspired by nature, 1970s interiors, and runway colors alike, shades like this sage green shade make a striking choice this fall season and pair nicely with any sweater in your closet.
Deep Berries
Just weeks from summer’s official end, fall is ideal for an emotional manicure. According to Glass, “a classic red is timeless and fun to wear as the seasons transition,” which she recommends as Zoya offers this lush vampy shade with metallic shimmer. A black matte version from Mischo Beauty provides the ideal base for creating French manicures or nail art looks.
Dark green nail polish offers a refreshing alternative to autumn reds and oranges. The grassy hue gained popularity during spring, providing an easy transition from warm days to cooler autumn evenings. Gerstein suggests forest green shades like those offered by Sally Hansen; for something softer, try something like Essie’s Moss Green shade instead.
Brown nails might seem too earthy for fall, but they can look contemporary and seasonally appropriate with a topcoat that enhances their warm tones. Dark chocolate hues, such as this long-wear option from Essie, can provide the perfect alternative to bright corals and nude hues typical in summertime.
Warm Neutrals
Some of our most beloved neutral hues are back this fall to help you ring in cooler temperatures in style. From classic soft pinks like Zoya’s Rosy Blair shade to warm and toasty brown hues like our Creamy Burrnut and toasty tones like Zoya’s Autumn Spice shade, these options complement every skin tone and nail shape—while also serving as the ideal canvas for creative fall nail art designs!
Gerstein forecasts that moody red hues that lean more vampy and edgy will become popular this autumn. She points out how versatile they are as bold yet sophisticated fashion accessories.
Green was an extremely trendy color this spring and summer and continues to look chic even during cooler weather. For an outfit-enhancing twist, choose a more subdued version with tones reminiscent of moss-covered leaves. Its versatility will complement any ensemble perfectly.
Moody Blues
No matter your style—beachy vacation vibes or classic navy—the hues that were popular this summer (like bright turquoises and cobalt hues seen everywhere from Dua Lipa to Hailey Bieber) have carried through into fall fashion trends. According to Rachel Glass, founder of GLOSSLAB, blue-black polishes can especially complement light skin tones.
Greige is another trend she anticipates being big this season, which she describes as an unconventional neutral with yellow undertones that “reads like a classic neutral but has the edge that you find in moodier hues,” says Ms. Barnet-Holloway.
Betina Goldstein used this stunning earthy brown hue to give Blake Lively at the 2023 Michael Kors New York Fashion Week show an absolutely beautiful micro French manicure. She used this rich, earthy hue on her micro French manicure, creating the stunning micro French manicure known as an undercut French. Terracotta makes for a less stark option than black while still exuding an earthy charm reminiscent of autumn forests.
Burnt Oranges
No matter the season, nail color can help express your individuality. But selecting the ideal hues doesn’t need to be one-size-fits-all; they must match your skin tone, complement your outfit, and boost confidence. We consulted New York City-based editorial manicurists, celebrity nail artists, and Essie’s global lead educator on selecting their top polish shades for fall 2023.
No matter your taste in colors, whether traditional autumn-esque hues are your cup of tea or you prefer unique tones, these vibrant hues will elevate any manicure.
If you want to try the deep red trend without going too vampy, try this rich burgundy shade with subtle brown undertones. For something lighter yet still strikingly festive, this shimmery marigold hue with subtle brown undertones could also work perfectly as an autumn transitional color. Plus, it looks chic when worn with a chunky knit or fuzzy sweater.
Olive Greens
As fall approaches, green nail polishes will once again become fashionable. First popularized during spring as an eye-catching nail color and continued into summer with its popularity rising ever higher, green is set to make a comeback this autumn, especially with more subdued variations that add depth. Nail stylist Elle Gerstein advises these shades are ideal when the temperature fluctuates between warm and cooler autumn temperatures; they are especially striking with cashmere sweaters!
Green hues add an earthy and retro aesthetic to any neutral look, especially those inspired by nature or the 1970s. This terracotta option from Zoya adds warmth without becoming too dark. It’s perfect as an understated base for French manicures or embellished with glitter designs for added sparkle!
Though Barbie pink may have seen its day, nude nails remain trendy—particularly when combined with shimmer finishes like Chanel’s metallic rose gold shade. This hue stands out from any crowd while making your nails memorable and eye-catching!
Metallic Bronzes
If you want to add some flair and dimension to a classic short-fall manicure, shimmery bronze shades provide the ideal trendy finish. This shining terracotta hue reflects orange, red, and green tones for an impressive touch that adds visual interest to your manicure.
Not to be mistaken for pastel pink hues that were fashionable this spring, metallic rose gold nail polish will also make an impactful statement for fall. The cool-toned shade pairs beautifully with neutral outfits and is especially suitable for almond nails, one of this season’s trendiest nail shapes.
Moss and emerald green nail colors were popular this spring, and Glass suggests they remain suitable for fall as an excellent addition to the autumn wardrobe. She recommends this forest-inspired hue to complement maroon and cabernet ensembles.
Nails once associated with kids browsing Hot Topic are now an iconic classic that effortlessly complements any look. Betina Gerstein used a rich vampy cognac hue when creating Blake Lively’s fashion-worthy 2023 Michael Kors show manicure, making the hue suitable for anyone seeking to add some edge without going full Wednesday Addams.
