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The Best Fall Nail Colors to Get You in the Autumn Spirit

By Cailey Rizzo on July 24, 2018

Update your digits with fall's top nail colors.

© Pierre Suu/GC Images

Nail polish is to style as a cherry is to a sundae. Sure, you can have one without the other, but the latter isn’t really complete until the accouterment shows up. Plus, it’s just pure fun.

A manicure is undoubtedly one of the easiest ways to switch up your style or add a bold flash to a simple outfit. And, unlike clothing, you don’t have to wait for the weather to jump ahead in fashion trends.

This year’s fall nail colors reflect predilections for both sophistication and fun. If you’re looking for something bold, new shades like smoky teal should appeal to your sense of forward-thinking exuberance. Disco glitter nails are the perfect accessory for any party (or to enliven work attire). Those who prefer something low-key and elegant can lacquer their nails in shades like dark berry or a neutral matte.

If you’re looking for ways to keep your digits up-to-date this season, scroll through for the trendiest fall nail colors, as inspired by the runways, Instagram and every stylish person in the street.

Remember: You’re never fully dressed without a coat of polish.

 
From left: Courtesy of Net-a-Porter; Courtesy of Essie

Dark Berry

If your autumnal style errs on the side of sophistication, this will be the fall nail color you’ll want to opt for. Dark berry maintains mystery, poise, and seasonality all at the same time. Jungle Red by NARS ($20) and Berry Naughty by Essie ($9) ace the rich shade by keeping the tone dark and cool.
From left: Courtesy of Nordstrom; Courtesy of Essie

Disco Glitter

In keeping with the glitter revival that’s been all over catwalks, paint your nails all shades of sparkle. You can try it as ombré just on the tips for an easy-maintenance look or all over the nail for fervent disco fever. Try Deborah Lippman’s Happy Birthday ($20) or Essie Set in Stones ($9).
From left: Courtesy of Jin Soon; Courtesy of Nordstrom

Smoky Teal

It’s a classic style trick: make summer last forever. Carry trendy teal into fall by darkening the hue. The shade is almost like peacock blue but a touch moodier. It’s an effective way to make a statement that’s simultaneously subtle but self-assured. To get the look, try Jin Soon’s Charade ($15.75) or SPACE.NK’s Deep Teal ($32).
From left: Courtesy of Amazon; Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

Forest Green

A forest green nail is reflective of the army gear and cargo pants that have been populating both street style and runways. To keep this look from getting too militant, find fall nail colors that are a bit creamier. We recommend Oribe’s Green Envy ($32) or Darjeeling Darling from Smith & Cult ($18).
From left: Courtesy of Amazon; Courtesy of Sephora

Terracotta

What makes for a better Instagram backdrop than an old terracotta building, like the Potter Building in New York City or India’s West Bengal terracotta temples? Honor the architectural shade with a fresh coat of polish on your nails. Sample Dr.’s Remedy Tender Terracotta ($17) or Just Dropped by Nails Inc ($11).  
From left: Courtesy of Net-a-Porter; Courtesy of Butter London

Black

A classic is a classic for a reason. Both Sonia Rykiel’s and Alice + Olivia’s fall runways showed models with short, punky black nails. Pay homage to your angsty teen self by doing the same. Keeping the matte or opaque instead of high-gloss will keep the look firmly rooted in 2018. Opt for Noir Satin by Givenchy ($24) or butter London’s Union Jack Black ($15).
From left: Courtesy of Amazon; Courtesy of Chanel

Midnight Blue

For something simple but equally of-the-moment, paint your digits a dark midnight blue. The shade is almost navy, almost black, but something more subtle than either. And, for those who fret about matching their nails to their outfit, these fall nail colors will go with pretty much anything (yes, even black). Essie’s Caviar Bar ($11.49) or Chanel’s Mariniere (28) are good polishes for nailing the midnight blue look.
From left: Courtesy of Lauren B.; Courtesy of Deborah Lippmann

Matte Neutral

Neutrals have been the busy person’s right-hand nail color for years. Maintenance is easy. If it chips away, you still have a few days before anybody will start to notice. This fall, nudes got even easier. The trend tends to be more matte than ever before. Deborah Lippman’s Brand New Day $20 will work for pinker skin tones while Nude No. 5 by Lauren B. ($18) has an espresso tone that’s perfect for darker skin.  

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