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 fall manicure inspiration for everyone.
- This year’s best fall nail colors are all about being warm and cozy. Expect to see a lot of earth tones, deep greens, and a wide variety of browns.
- For something more fun and bold, experts predict you’ll see pretty pastel shades like baby blues and lilacs paired with shimmer finishes.
Misty Blue
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 in Muse is a favorite of Betina 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 Nguyen. Hanna achieves this brand of coziness (think cinnamon, milk chocolate, or light roast coffee) 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.
Stormy 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 brand 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 perfect neutral shades. “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.”
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.
Bright Orange
Fall doesn’t have to be all muted earth tones or moody colors. Bring on 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 adds) 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.
Bordeaux
When it comes to moody nail colors, nothing brings on all the feels like a deep bordeaux. Romantic and striking, Sakakura says fall is the perfect season for this dark red. Her pick is the classic Essie Wicked. We also love shades like Aprés Nails Gel Couleur in Never Bordeaux You, CND Vinylux in Bordeaux Babe, and Chanel’s Le Vernish Longwear Nail Colour in 155 Rouge Noir.
Moss
Inspired by the fall manicure looks at Ferragamo’s Fall 2025 show, Queenie Nguyen says a mossy, blackened green with velvet finish is the perfect mani for when the weather cools. She recommends a shade like OPI’s Suzi – The First Lady of Nails. You can also turn to shades like Cotê’s Smokey Sage Green or SSONE’s Lichen. If you’re looking to go darker, we also love the Olive & June’s It’s Actually Dark Green for a green shade that makes for a great neutral.
Copper
What Queenie Nguyen describes as a muted terracotta with a hint of metallic shimmer, a dusty copper just elevates a basic earth tone shade. She recommends a shade like ORLY’s Light My (Camp) Fire, while Yoko Sakakura loves Chanel’s Golden Mermaid for a really pretty metallic sheen. We also love Dazzle Dry’s Raise Your Glass or Beauty Pie’s Bright Bronze.
Frosted Lilac
Nguyen loves this soft, cool-toned lavender for an autumn nail color. If you’re looking for a nice finishing touch, she says opt for a pearl-like shimmer to elevate the shade. Turn to Londontown’s Opal or OPI’s Graffiti Sweetie. We also love Nails Inc.’s Euphoria Highlight and Gitti’s No. 202 Lilac Spark for a bold lilac glitter look.
Have a beauty or wellness trend you’re curious about? We want to know! Send Vogue’s senior beauty & wellness editor an email at beauty@vogue.com.