September is creeping around the corner, and while many are mourning the final days of summer sunshine and late sunsets, others are breaking out their flannels and warming up their apple cider in anticipation of all things fall. If you find yourself on the latter end of that spectrum, you're likely already planning your September nail color, too.
Nail trends can be hard to keep up with, and the last thing anyone wants is to make a trip to the salon and regret their color choice. Luckily, we tapped the experts to find out which nail shades are bound to be trendy and timeless this fall. Ahead, the best nail colors to try for your September manicure.
Featured Experts
- Mazz Hanna is the CEO of Nailing Hollywood
- Rachel Joseph is a Nailing Hollywood nail expert and artist
The Best Nail Colors for September
1 / 11
Burnt Orange
"Warm and slightly fiery without going full pumpkin," as Hanna puts it, burnt orange is a great, cozy fall color without being too loud. "It picks up on the seasonal shift and works with everything from dark florals to plaid," she says. One to try: Manucurist Paris Terracotta ($14)
BUY NOW - $14
2 / 11
Deep Navy
"Darker than denim but not quite black, this shade adds depth without feeling heavy," Hanna eloquently puts it, nothing that it's a great option if you want something moody yet wearable, as "Deep navy pops nicely against fall textures like wool and leather." One to try: OPI Midnight Mantra ($13)
BUY ON AMAZON - $13
BUY ON OPI - $13
3 / 11
Soft Clay
"A beige-pink base with a hint of terracotta, soft clay shades feel natural but elevated," Hanna says. "It works especially well in early fall when you're transitioning out of brighter summer colors—think of it as a neutral with just enough warmth to pair with knits and soft layers. One to try: Manucurist Paris Shell Beige ($14)
BUY NOW - $14
4 / 11
Fern
"Fern is a muted, earthy green that aligns perfectly with the shift towards more natural colors in the fall," says Hanna, "Fern looks fantastic on all skin tones but will complement those with warm undertones best. Fern is a versatile shade that works well for everyday wear and special occasions in the fall since it’s a more muted shade." One to try: Addiction Tokyo Kyoto Moss ($19)
BUY NOW - $19
6 / 11
Plum
"Purple shades are getting a lot of love this year, with lavender trending strong in the spring and summer," Hanna explains, "As we move into fall, we’ll see those lavender shades shift into deeper purples like plum. I expect we'll see a mix of deep and muted versions of plum in 2024. Plum is a great color choice for formal events and date nights—it’s romantic, cozy and sophisticated." Two to try: Manucurist Green Nail Polish Aubergine ($14) and Dazzle Dry Celestial Dreams ($22)
BUY MANUCURIST - $14
BUY DAZZLE DRY - $22
7 / 11
Tortie Brown
Both a color and design prediction, Joseph says "Tortie nails trend every fall and are the perfect design to transition into the fall season!" You can channel your tortoise shell manicure with a marbled design like Joseph's seen here or with a combination of different brown shades like OPI's Nail Lacquer in #Virgoals ($12) and Olive & June's CN ($9)
BUY OPI - $12
BUY NOW - $9
8 / 11
Watercolor Marble
September may be the beginning of fall, but it doesn't mean that the warm, summer days are completely gone. A great transitional option for September, Joseph predicts darker toned marble nails trending for the fall season.
9 / 11
Denim Blues
"Denim blue is a true fall classic that is versatile and pairs beautifully with both the darker and lighter palettes of fall," Hanna notes, "It’s the perfect option for most events, especially formal events, business meetings and evening outings. It’s an upscale option that will elevate any look." Two to try: Dazzle Dry Varsity Blues ($22) and Essie to me from me ($10)
BUY DAZZLE DRY - $22
BUY ESSIE - $10
10 / 11
Taupe
"Taupe is a neutral color that falls somewhere between brown and gray," says Hanna, "It pairs beautifully with the muted fall palette that will be trending this year. Taupe is a universally flattering shade and is ideal for those who love a subtle, polished look. Since it’s neutral, it works really well for any occasion." Two to try: OPI Berlin There Done That ($12) and Dior Le Vernis Gris Dior ($32)
BUY OPI - $12
BUY DIOR - $32
