From cozy sweaters to combat the crisp, cool weather, to a sip of that first pumpkin spice latte of the season, there’s so much to love about fall—and if you’re anything like us, revamping your fall beauty routine is at the top of that list. Whether that means darkening your hair color, swatching new lip shades to match the season, or updating your nail polish collection from beachy shades to moody mauves, this fall feels like the right time for a beauty refresh. The best place to start? With the perfect set of nails to snap for the ‘gram. We’ve lined up the best fall nail polish colors you need for all your DIY manicures this season.
1. Shades of Yellow
Yellow nail polish may have been a shade once reserved for beach vacays or summer festivals, but the vibrant and happy hue has made its way out of the summer heat and into a new season. This fall, varying shades of yellow (from mustard, to neon, to pale pastel yellows) are going to be everywhere, kicking all the stereotypical dark fall polish trends to the curb and brightening things up for the season. These picks are like sunshine in a bottle—good for your mood, and for your look.
Our Yellow Polish Picks
2. Mint Green
Ah, cool mint green, you had us hooked from the second we met you in the form of ESSIE’s cult favorite, Mint Candy Apple, and we’ve never been the same. It may seem like a stretch from your go-to moody fall hues, but this minty pastel shade is uplifting and energizing with built-in brightness (a major trend for fall) that already has us in the mood for apple picking and picnics in the park.
Our Mint Green Polish Picks
3. Shades of Blue
Think of blue nail polish as your new neutral for all your fall nail color choices. They come with a vast array of options, from deep sapphire tones to creamy pastels, pretty periwinkle, midnight blue, teal, and more. Need some inspo? We’re hooked on these blue nail shades below.
Our Blue Polish Picks
4. Creamy Chocolate Brown
This past year throwbacks have been a major theme (like colorful eye makeup, bright blush, smudgy eyeliner, and the return of “The Rachel”). This fall we’re seeing a rise of milky, chocolate-y browns, creamy caramels, and glossy lattes (kind of like 90s brown lip liner, but for your nails) that are also a nod to the popular shade of the 70s.
Our Brown Polish Picks
5. Soft White
If you’re looking for something laid back and low-key, a soft white polish is where it’s at. It’s luxurious, light, and airy—like lingerie for your nails—which makes it perfect to be worn alone or as a base for some fun fall inspired nail art.
Our Soft White Polish Picks
6. Shades of Green
Green has pretty much stolen the spotlight this year. From gorgeous green eyeshadow looks to ethereal green eyeliner, this shade is here to stay and making its way over to your next mani. Try a deep forest green nail polish for your next nail sesh, or play with varying tones of olive, jade, and emerald green shades for an ombré effect.
Our Green Polish Picks
7. Plum
If you’re ready to take a break from your summer brights, a rich, glossy plum polish is all you need to satisfy your itch. The key word here is “glossy.” Pair a deeply pigmented plum with two coats of a high gloss topcoat for nails that are sure to stun.
Our Plum Polish Picks
8. Mesmerizing Metallics
We’ve spotted chrome nails on loads of celebs this past summer, and we don’t see this nail trend slowing down any time soon. Fall-ify this look by switching to warmer, jewel-toned chromes like bronze, gold, olive green, and blue.
Our Chrome Polish Picks
9. Burgundy
This deep wine shade gives us all the fall vibes. A deep burgundy red (especially one with a glossy finish) instantly glams up any look and is flattering on every skin tone.
Our Burgundy Polish Picks
10. Nude
Nude nails will never go out of style, but add a bit of shimmer, a little accent dot, or a chrome topcoat like Hailey Bieber, and you have a trendy take on a classic. From cozy dinners with your pals, to weekend mornings with a good book and blanket—you can’t go wrong with a soft, buttery nude that’s made for fall.
Our Nude Polish Picks
11. Barbie Pink
If recent red carpet and runway trends have taught us anything, bright, Barbie pink is back—and you don’t need to wait for the summer to wear it. In fact, the shade was spotted all over the Versace fall-winter 2022 collection. While most of us are not shopping straight from the runway, using those color trends to inspire your mani shade is an accessible way to try the trend IRL. So we’ll be painting our fingers and toes with this vivid shade all fall.
Our Barbie Pink Polish Picks
12. Shades of Gray
Often forgotten as a neutral polish color, gray nails bring such chic vibes to any cozy fall outfit. If you’re feeling extra fun, perhaps try the sweater nail trend with a gradient of gray shades. We love to pair the color with blues and browns, either polish accents or fashion accessories.
Our Gray Nail Polish Picks
13. Autumn Oranges
No, this isn’t a pumpkin orange nail trend! Rather, a burnt orange reminiscent of the crunchy leaves all around us in the fall season. Cinnamon, pumpkin spice and gingerbread colors. Our personal favorite from this list is Let it Slide from ESSIE—it magically suits just about everyone's skin tone.
Our Autumn Oranges Polish Picks
14. Terracotta Colors
Rich browns are perfect for fall, but what about variants that feel a bit more natural and nature inspired? Think grand canyon inspired colors and dessert sunsets. You can never go wrong pairing a more terracotta brown neutral with your favorite fall outfit.
Our Terracotta Polish Picks
15. Pearlescent
Deliciously glazed donut nails aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. Instead, tone down the intensity of pearl chrome dust by opting for a sheer, pearlescent polish. If you’re feeling extra fancy, add a thin french tip for the look of the invisible French manicure. It’s the perfect fall look that you bet we can expect to see all over the runways. Sometimes less is more.
Our Pearlescent Polish Picks
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