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Experts Say These 8 Nail Colors Will Be Everywhere This Fall

Experts Say These 8 Nail Colors Will Be Everywhere This Fall featured image
IG @paintedbyjools & @avrnailswatches
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Summer doesn’t officially end until late into the month. But beauty lovers will agree that when September arrives, it’s time to break out the fall colors. A fresh hair color in a deep chocolate shade or a rich wine-colored matte lipstick is ideal when autumn settles in. Right now you’re probably soaking up the last bit of summer sun. But a manicure in a crisp seasonal hue can be just the thing to get you in the mood for the cooler months ahead. Like the season of change, the best fall nail colors have lots to offer—think vampy dark cherries, rich licorice and warm clay shades. 

There’s no shortage of options, but it always helps to have some inspiration. That’s where the experts come in. Ahead, we tapped two nail artists to shed some light on the season’s top polish colors. 

Featured experts

Cranberry

Burgundy manicures are a timeless fall classic. “These shades bring those cozy, nostalgic vibes that remind us of rich red wines and warm sweaters,” says founder of Dear Sundays Nail Studio Amy Lin. Wine-colored polishes are the first to come to mind, but the pros note that there are many different ways to wear the hue. Cranberry is the perfect example; it’s rich yet light enough to wear during the transitional period.

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Dear Sundays Nail Polish in No.17 ($18)

Think of this shade as the seasonal update to your go-to cherry red polishes. It’s timeless and sophisticated but is better suited for the cooler temperatures and shorter days of fall.

Sunday No 17
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Mineral Fusion Nail Polish in Matte Mulberry ($5)

A dark berry shade is ideal for fall, but the finish is what makes this polish unique. Instead of a glossy shine, it has a matte finish that gives it a moody feel. Plus, the formula is also resistant and long-wearing.

mineral fusion matte mulberry

Ebony

With spooky season around the corner, black is an obvious choice for nail looks. But you don’t have to relegate the hue to Halloween manicures. Both experts mention that jet black polishes are fitting for fall, whether you’re opting for a simple, solid manicure or intricate designs.

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Chanel Nail Color in Boy De Chanel ($32)

While we love a glossy manicure, Lin notes that matte black polishes are trending this fall. The shine-less finish gives the shade a mysterious feel that’s edgy and chic.

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JINSoon Absolute Black ($18)

For the full ebony effect, opt for a deeply pigmented polish like JINSoon’s Absolute Black. Not only is it long-wearing, but the inky formula has a lustrous finish. The combination makes for an alluring solid manicure but can also be used for nail art and designs.


Burnt Orange

“Burnt orange screams fall and is reminiscent of beloved seasonal elements like autumn leaves and pumpkin spice,” says Lin. While orange is a given come fall, this season’s burnt orange hue is much more earthy. Instead of a vibrant, bold color, it focuses on warm tones like rich browns and brick reds, making it ideal for every complexion. The key is finding a shade that complements your natural undertones. 

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Essie Gel Couture Fab Florals ($13)

Not everyone can get into pumpkin colors come fall. If you prefer neutral, shades, this amber brown polish is the color for you. The earthy undertones keep the orange from looking too bright and give it a subtle, moody feel that’s spot on for fall.

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Addiction Tokyo Nail Polish in Lisbon Street ($19)

Terracotta is already poised to become one of the season’s top nail shades. This polish from Addiction Tokyo gives the hue a sleek and modern upgrade. It perfectly blends burnt orange with earthy red tones to create a unique fiery color.


Jelly Polishes

Jelly looks are often associated with summer, but Gerstein notes that they work just as well for fall. The key to making the polish more seasonal? Choosing the right shade. “Darker colors are more versatile and can even be used for various nail art designs,” she says.

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Cirque Colors Nail Polish Mxcn Cola Jelly ($12)

Darker hues make jelly polishes more approachable. If you’re new to the look, opt for a familiar seasonal shade like this deep cherry. Lightly translucent, it has a unique effect and will make your manicure stand out.

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Lights Lacquer Nail Polish in Michelangelo ($11)

When you’re ready for a shift, reach for this warm ginger polish. Aside from the stunning shade, the jelly finish gives your manicure a caramelized look that’s trending for fall.


Navy Blue

“As the days get cooler, so do our color palettes. Navy blue  is the perfect transition from bright summer shades to the deeper, moodier tones of fall. It’s chic, sophisticated and pairs perfectly with those darker jackets and deep denim blues of the season,” says Lin.

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Dear Sunday’s Nail Polish in No.39 ($18)

Some navy blues are so deep they border black. This shade is the quintessential navy and elevates the royal indigo color with a touch of darkness. Wear it now and keep it around for your winter manicures.

Dear Sundays navy blue
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Orly Nail Lacquer in In The Navy ($9)

An opaque creme polish gives navy its mysteriously dark feel. This formula takes a different approach and has flecks of sparkle that give the dark hue a gemstone-like glow.

Orly in the navy

Metallic Silver

Nail trends come and go almost daily. So, there’s something to be said about the ones that stick around, like chrome nails. The shiny look of metallic polishes has become a staple manicure look, especially for fall. According to Lin, silver specifically pairs beautifully with darker fall tones and adds contrast to typical fall shades.

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Nails Inc. Silver Served Mirror Chrome Nail Polish ($11)

Getting the chrome look at home is easy with this cute nail polish. The vegan formula has light-reflecting particles that deliver intense shine, and the wide brush makes application a breeze.

nails-inc-mirror-chrome
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Sally Hansen Color Foil Nail Polish Steel A Kiss ($8)

In terms of metallic polishes, Sally Hansen’s Steel A Kiss polish is pretty magical. It’s designed to give you a mirror chrome finish and has an intensely bold color. Use it alone or with gold for a mixed metal manicure.


Black Cherry

Along with cranberry, Gerstein says that black cherry will be a top trend this season. From runways to hair colors, the hue has already become beloved. While merlots and burgundies are favorable for autumn, Gerstein notes that black cherry has an edgier and more modern feel.

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OPI Nail Lacquer in Lincoln Park After Dark ($12)

There’s a reason OPI’s signature shade continues to be at the at the top of the list come fall. It’s rich, dark and the epitome of a vampy nail color. Two coats are more than enough to give you a manicure that’s luxe and sinster.

OPI in Lincoln Park After Dark
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Olive & June Nail Polish in CN ($9)

This polish is more of a true dark cherry shade but is just as captivating. It artfully blends burgundy with dark brown to create a shade that’s unique and stunning.


Taupe

Nude polishes are classic regardless of nail shape or style. However, this fall, experts note that taupe is the coolest way to wear the trend. Not only is it effortless and chic, but the muted hue is also universal for all skin tones.

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Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Color in Fashion ($20)

Packed with vitamins and fatty acids, this polish is like a shot of green juice for your nails. The nourishing formula helps strengthen and fortify brittle nails while delivering gel-like shine. The result is a salon quality manicure in a sleek taupe brown.

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Gucci Glossy Nail Polish in Annabel Rose ($35)

Put the glamour back into your manicure with this luxe, glossy polish. Its creamy formula glides onto your nails, delivering full coverage in just one coat. Even better? It dries down fast and has a smooth, shiny finish.

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