14 Fall Nail Colors You Need to Try, According to Nail Experts

As the seasons change, so does our desire to refresh everything around us. From heartier foods to cozier fashion, and yes, deeper nail polishes. The fall nail color trends evoke a warm, inviting atmosphere—the perfect grounded fall feel everyone craves, says celebrity manicurist Elle. While deeper, richer shades are a classic go-to, transitional colors that aren’t too bright or too dark are also on the rise. Ultimately, celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec reminds us: “There are no rules for picking the perfect fall polish—choose what makes you feel great!”

The takeaway? There’s no wrong choice! But if you’re in need of some nail color inspiration, continue reading for the top fall shades handpicked by nail experts.

1. Deep Aubergine

Ashley Hoffman, the owner of The Nail Studio in Coconut Creek, Fla., loves OPI Nail Lacquer in Lincoln Park After Dark for its ability to shift between different shades. “In dim light, it almost looks black, but in brighter light, you can see that it’s a rich, deep plum,” she explains. It’s perfect if you want a vampy vibe without going for a stark, intense black.

2. Mossy Green

This earthy moss green from Essie, known as Force Of Nature, is the ideal shade to bridge the gap from summer to fall, says Kandalec, one of her personal favorites. The best part? It complements a wide range of skin tones.

3. Golden Yellow

Kandalec shares that yellow nails are a major trend this fall, with golden hues like CND Vinylux in Among The Marigolds leading the charge. While yellow might not be your go-to color, the warm, rich undertones of this shade make it unexpectedly versatile.

4. Burgundy

“Le Chat Dare To Wear Nail Lacquer in Bittersweet is my ultimate fall choice,” says Elle. “It’s the perfect blend of red, burgundy, and purple,” she explains, comparing it to a rich merlot wine. It's sophisticated enough for the office, yet dramatic enough for evening outings,” she adds.

5. Milk Chocolates

For a more contemporary, fall-inspired twist on ballet pink nudes, Kandalec recommends embracing shades of milk chocolate. It’s still neutral and completely wearable, but with an added touch of sophistication. She favors the YNBB 3 Bundle from Lights Lacquer, which includes six shades, from light to dark, that adapt to your mood and skin tone.

6. Creamy Eggshell

If you love a clean, white manicure, try switching it up with an ivory hue like Orly Nail Lacquer in Ceci N’est Pas Blanc, a fall favorite of Elle’s. It gives a similar crisp look but with more seasonal charm, thanks to its warm, creamy undertones.

7. Deep Red

Hoffman also suggests CND Vinylux in Oxblood, a rich red shade with brown undertones. If you think it’s too traditional, she recommends finishing it with a matte topcoat—this color looks stunning with a matte finish, she adds.

8. Neon Violet

In the spirit of there being no strict rules for fall polishes, this neon violet shade, Ava Dean Nail Polish in Glam Jam, makes for a bold, eye-catching choice. “Who doesn’t love a bright pink or purple nail?” says Kandalec.

9. Medium Gray

Gray is a great, in-between color when you're not quite ready to go fully dark. This medium gray shade, Gelish Clean Slate, is an ideal transitional color to ease you into deeper shades as the season progresses, says Hoffman, another one of her top picks. (Just remember, this gel formula needs an LED light to cure.)

10. Dusky Periwinkle Blue

Looking for something a bit more unconventional this fall? Try dark periwinkle, suggests celebrity manicurist Jin Soon Choi, who created the shade Halcyon. “It’s a unique, mysterious color that adds an element of intrigue,” she explains, adding, “It’s the ideal choice for anyone looking to add a cool, sophisticated twist to their nails this season.”

11. Copper

If you love orange shades during the warmer months, give your go-to hue a fall update by opting for copper, like the beautiful Londontown Enhanced Colour in Posh Forever. A couple of coats of this metallic cinnamon polish will give you a sophisticated chrome effect, and it’s particularly flattering on medium to deep skin tones.

12. Glittery Inky Black

As spooky season approaches, it’s the perfect time to embrace a vampy, inky black shade. Opt for a glittery polish like Olive & June Quick Dry Nail Polish in Stargaze, which was designed to mimic the twinkling night sky, adding a festive touch. We also love that it dries in just about a minute!

13. Moody Blue

If deep black or burgundy feel too gothic for you, try a moody, dark blue like Dior Vernis 902 Pied-de-Poule. It’s chic, fun, and pairs perfectly with all-black outfits.

14. Barbie Pink

Great news for Barbie-core nail fans: you don’t have to give up your favorite pop of pink, no matter the season. Gucci Glossy Nail Polish in Valentine Fuchsia is the ideal hot pink to complement your fall wardrobe, and as a bonus, it’s an instant mood enhancer. We like to call it happiness in a bottle.