Style 9 Trending Nail Colors for Fall, According to Nail Experts Check out these seasonal shades before your next mani-pedi. By Melanie Rud Published on October 12, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email There’s something about the shift in seasons that makes us want to change up everything else. Food gets heartier, fashions get cozier…and nail polishes get darker and moodier. The color palettes that are happening for fall invoke a warm, cozy feeling—that grounded, fall vibe that everyone wants, says celebrity manicurist Elle. Deeper, bold hues are always popular, but so are transitional shades that are neither super-bright nor super-dark. Still, at the end of the day, there really are no rules when it comes to choosing a fall polish, says celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec: “Wear what you like and what makes you feel good!” Essie Point being, you really can’t go wrong, but if you’re looking for some manicure inspo, keep reading. Here, nine of the best nail colors for fall, according to nail experts. 01 of 09 OPI Nail Lacquer in Lincoln Park After Dark Ashley Hoffman, owner of The Nail Studio in Coconut Creek, Fla., is a fan of this option because of the subtle way it takes on different tones. “In low light it appears almost black, but in light you can actually see that it’s a classic, deep plum,” she says. To that point, it’s great if you’re after a vampy effect, but don’t want a color that’s quite as harsh or dramatic as a true black. To buy: $11, target.com 02 of 09 Essie Nail Polish in Force of Nature This dark moss green is earthy, and the perfect transition color as we move from summer into fall, says Kandalec of one of her favorites. Also nice: It’s flattering on a variety of skin tones. To buy: $12, target.com 03 of 09 CND Vinylux in Among the Marigolds According to Kandalec, yellow polishes are all the rage this fall, with golden shades like this one showing up everywhere. Even though yellow may not seem like the most wearable polish color, the richness and warm undertones of this one make it surprisingly approachable. To buy: $8, beyondpolish.com 04 of 09 Le Chat Dare to Wear Nail Lacquer in Bittersweet “This is my fall go-to,” says Elle. “It’s a good mix of red, burgundy, and purple,” she says, likening it to a merlot wine. It’s also professional enough to wear to the office, but dramatic enough for evening, she adds. To buy: $6, lechatnails.com 05 of 09 Lights Lacquer YNBB 2 Bundle For a more modern, fall-esque take on ballet pink nudes, Kandalec suggests opting for various shades of milk chocolate. The effect is still neutral and totally wearable, just slightly more chic. She likes this set, which comes with six options, ranging from light to dark. To buy: $58, lightslacquer.com 06 of 09 Orly Nail Lacquer in Ceci N’est Pas Blanc Love the look of a crisp, white manicure? Switch it up for this ivory shade, a favorite of Elle’s, come fall. The effect is similar, just a bit more seasonally appropriate, thanks to the creamy undertones. To buy: $11, ulta.com 07 of 09 CND Vinylux in Oxblood Hoffman also recommends this deep red shade with brown undertones. If it feels a little too basic and traditional for you, finish it with a matte topcoat; this hue would look great with a matte finish, she points out. To buy: $8, beyondpolish.com 08 of 09 Ava Dean Nail Polish in Promising Fuschia Per the point of there really being no rules when it comes to fall polishes, this neon hue is an unexpected option. “But who doesn’t love a bright pink nail?” says Kandalec. Plus, the Barbie pink shade is a perfect nod to the current Barbiecore trend happening across both beauty and fashion. To buy: $13, ava-dean.com 09 of 09 Gelish Soak-Off Gel Polish in Clean Slate Grays are a great, in-between color when you’re not quite ready to commit to fully going dark. This particular medium gray is the perfect transitional color to carry you into deeper shades later in the season, says Hoffman of another one of her picks. (Just keep in mind that this is a gel formula that requires an LED light to cure.) To buy: $17, nailsupplyinc.com Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit