Fall nail colors usually call for a major transition. Maybe a deep midnight sky of a foggy coastal morning over a warm beachy sunset. Even a petal-inspired neutral may better resonate with your energy for the cooler weather. While all of that remains true for this particular fall season, many experts are predicting autumnal hues, dreamy shades, and colors that echo the natural world are what we’ll be gravitating toward as the weather cools down.
“Fall is a season for cozying up, and represents comfort and nostalgia,” says nail artist Hang Nguyen, author of Nail Art Deck. “It’s the perfect season to be inspired by colors and art that bring a sense of warmth as the weather cools down.” For Jin Soon Choi, founder of JINSOON, autumn’s polish choices are inspired by the runways as well as the world’s organics. “People get inspiration from the changing leaves and weather, but I get mine from the campaigns and fashion shows I work on,” she says. “I’m fortunate to be able to see the latest fashion designs and color palettes firsthand.” Still, Choi says that fall is ultimately down to deep, moody, and earthy hues—though 2024 may see an outlier or two.
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Short or long, nail health is a key factor this fall, a manicure-first approach evidenced by the rise of short, minimalist nails and the flawless cuticles achieved via the Russian manicure, currently trending. “A clean manicure with a natural buff is a great way to remove any staining and focus on the health of your nails before delving into the more dramatic nails of the holiday season,” says Mazz Hanna, CEO of Nailing Hollywood. Also trending? A matte finish, which affords the seasons favored polishes a cozy, luxurious feel.
As with any mani, nail care is of the utmost importance. Celebrity nail artist Julie Kandalec loves a waterless manicure to have color last longer. “They are becoming more commonplace now,” Kandalec says. “If your nail tech reaches for that warm soapy bowl of water; your nails will swell and your polish will chip sooner.” She also recommends always buffing the nail surface to ensure smooth ridges and a clean canvas for your chosen shade.
With all that in mind, here, some of the industry’s top nail artists share the fall nail polish colors that will help to define the cooler months. From vampy shades to all glam metallics, there’s a shade for everyone.
Ballet Pinks
The ballet trend extends to your manicure with a swipe of the right pale pink. “Sheer Fantasy by Essie is the perfect neutral pink for anyone that just wants a clean glossy nail,” says nail artist Steph Stone. “There is less opacity than other neutral pink polishes and it really gives your nails a naturally healthy ‘glowing’ appearance.”
Earthy Olive Greens
Olives made the list of nearly every artist interviewed. “It is neutral enough to go with any outfit but brings a playful element to the look,” says Goldstein, who prefers for CND Vinylux in Cap and Gown. Stone opts for JINSoon’s Green Clay, a lighter olive more reminiscent of Cerignola than Castelvetrano. “This is an easily overlooked color palette, but once you try it on you’ll be surprised how quickly it becomes a favorite.”
Misty Morning Blues
Though the season may be associated with deeper hues, there’s something to be said of the pale hue of changing air. Chanel Le Vernis is Muse is a favorite of Goldstein’s for its atmospheric feel. “This color reminds me of early foggy mornings in the fall, especially in Northern California,” she says. Channel the dreaminess of a chilly beach day with a pale blue/gray hybrid, the color of coastal drives and early a.m. skies.
Spiced Burgundy
Autumn’s reds are inspired by foliage and spice, and the best burgundies reflect that season-specific combination. For a solid starting point, Chanel’s Bois Des Isles comes recommended by Stone and Goldstein. “It has the perfect combination of red, brown, and orange undertone,” says Goldstein. “It is intense and rich yet not too deep making it one of my favorite colors for fall.”
Warm Browns
“Brown tones, especially warmer ones, create a cozy and comforting feeling that’s ideal for sweater weather,” says Nyguen. Hanna achieves this brand of coziness (think cinnamon, or milk chocolate, or light roast coffee) with a terracotta finished in a matte coat. “It’s one of the more popular colors we are seeing this fall, and the matte topcoat makes it feel warm and cozy,” she says.
Moody Blues
Dior’s Vernis Nail Polish in 902 Pied-de-Poule is a go-to for Stone when she’s in want of just the right amount of moody. “This deep blue is perfect for those that prefer a dark nail without going full goth,” she says. “It’s chic without feeling spooky, and leaves lots of color depth to style your outfits around it for the week.” Goldstein achieves a similar effect with Dark and Stormy from Color Department. “This rich, deep navy blue is my favorite to pair with an all black outfit for fall,” she says. “It’s vibrant yet sophisticated and playful.”
Eggshell White
Goldstein considers eggshell one of the most sumptuous shades, but this neutral is all about the perfect finish. “I am a big fan of off-white eggshell colors for fall, especially with a matte top coat,” she says, pointing toward Color Department’s Coconut Water. “It reminds me of soft cashmere.”
Hot Pinks
Barbie-core, just can’t quit you. Though some eschew brighter polish jobs come autumn, Stone is a fan of skirting any and all unofficial style rules, starting with a few coats of Gucci Vernis a Ongles in Valentina Fuchsia—a.k.a. the perfect hot pink. “Pink is forever and this bright will be a youthful pop of color mixed into your fall wardrobe.”
A Cool Matte Black
Inspired by the Christian Cowan A/W 2024 show that she created, Kandalec loves a black nail with a matte finish for the cooler months. “The mate finish looks chic and leather-like,” she says. “Perfect for a cozy fall look.” She used the CND Black Pool and Matte Shellac Top Coat. We also love the Chanel Boy De Chanel for classic black matte or the Olive & June Quick Dry.
Two-Toned Reds
Elevate a classic red with going two-toned. Inspired by another look from Kandalec for the Christian Cowan A/W 2024 show, this French mani uses a cherry red base with a darker tip and shimmer finish. “A tonal french mani us a classy way to wear color—and I love a red nail,” she says. “The glittery tip is an easy nail art look that can be subtle or bold. Your choice.” She used a combo of the CND Devil Red and Garnet Glamour for this nail look. We also love the idea of pairing a bright cherry like Essie’s Not Red-y For Bed and a deep bordeaux like Hermes Les Mains Hermes in 85 Rouge H.
Metallic Shine
“I love a metallic tip,” Kandalec says. “It’s an understated way to dress up your mani.” You can opt for gold in cool, warm, or yellow tones, gunmetal silver, rose gold, etc.—there’s a color for everyone. Her pick is the Dazzle Dry in Lunar Love for a deep gold shade. We also love Londontown Lakur in Coconut Crush, OPI Nail Lacquer in Cyborn Again, and Zoya Nail Lacquer in Jen.
Bright Orange
Fall doesn’t have to be all muted earth tones or moody colors. Bring on over some of the fun, bright shades you’ve been using all summer long into the fall season. “Bright orange shimmer works as a perfect transition shade from summer to fall,” says Kandalec. “[It also] gives a holiday nod in the winter.” She loves something like Lights Lacquer in Aperol Spritz, Anyone? (“The name is perfect,” she says) for a bold burnt orange with a shimmer finish. You also can’t go wrong with the classic Hermes Les Mains Hermes in 33 Orange Boite, Color Dept Morning Squeeze, or the Orly Nail Lacquer in A Vibe.
Green Envy
Not quite Brat, but Kandalec does credit the likes of Billie Eilish and Charli XCX for making green in general top of mind for go-to shades this fall. Her pick is Chanel’s newest nail lacquer shade in Reveuse. “It’s unusual and makes a conversation,” she says. We also love Tokyo Addiction’s Moroccan Dream in Jade Tiles for a deep bright green or a lovely muted green with Sally Hansen’s Miracle Gel Nail Polish in 764 Cactus Makes Perfect. For something more subtle, Sunday’s No. 44 is a faint mint green that works on everyone.