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As the leaves begin to fall and hints of crisp apple and pumpkin spice scents float around our homes, you may be thinking about all the changes you need to make to your wardrobe: Summer sandals make way for fall booties, cozy sweaters replace tank tops, and denim steps in for breezy sundresses. The seasonal transition from summer to fall also means it’s finally time to start wearing moody fall nail polishes.
"The absolute must-have colors for fall are a mix of rich, deep tones and cozy, soft neutrals," says Olivia Van Iderstine, VP of Content & Creative and Mani Trend Expert at Olive & June. To try something a little different, she recommends adding a matte top coat, too: "It completely changes the mood of a color, with a super cozy, fall-ready, cashmere finish. Texturally it feels like a sweater, which couldn’t be more appropriate for the season." Nail shape-wise, "the ballerina shape (aka narrow square) is here to stay, along with a more straight-out, 90’s sharp-square tip," adds celebrity nail artist Julie Kandalec.
So which autumn nail colors are trending this season? From classic nudes that will look perfect in all your apple picking Instagram posts this fall, to shockingly dark shades that hit the right note for any Halloween manicure, our beauty editors and nail experts hand-picked the prettiest autumn nail polishes based on this year’s best fall fashion and beauty trends. Here are the absolute best fall nail colors to wear:
1Marigold
CND Vinylux Nail Polish Combo Set in Among the Marigolds with Top Coat
1Marigold
CND Vinylux Nail Polish Combo Set in Among the Marigolds with Top Coat
$18 at WalmartCredit: CND
Between fall leaves changing colors and turmeric lattes in our hands, marigold nails just make sense for autumn. Though yellow was formerly "a shade most people thought they couldn’t wear, it’s showing up this fall in forms of unique golden shades — like a healthy, golden latte at your fingertips," says Kandalec. Plus, it’s a perfect choice if you’re not quite ready to let go of the sunny, flower-filled summer.
2Shimmery Gold
OPI Nail Lacquer in I Mica Be Dreaming
2Shimmery Gold
OPI Nail Lacquer in I Mica Be Dreaming
$12 at Amazon$10 at WalmartCredit: OPI
Kandalec notes that pearly, glazed nails are in right now, à la Hailey Bieber’s "glazed donut" nails. To bring this trend with you into fall, try a gold shimmery polish. Bonus: This versatile choice will take you right to the holiday season, too.
3Vintage Mauve
China Glaze Nail Lacquer in Fifth Avenue
3Vintage Mauve
China Glaze Nail Lacquer in Fifth Avenue
Now 11% Off$7 at Amazon$7 at Walmart$7 at Macy’sCredit: China Glaze
Thanks to Barbiecore reigning supreme right now, bright pinks have reigned this past summer. To keep pink in your rotation for fall, try a dusty pink shade. Pair a mauve nail polish and lipstick for an on-trend matching look.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below4Pumpkin Spice
essie Nail Lacquer in Cargo Cameo
4Pumpkin Spice
essie Nail Lacquer in Cargo Cameo
Now 28% Off$9 at AmazonCredit: Essie
If you counted down the days until you could order a pumpkin spice latte again, this is the color for you. Try a rusty orange to get the "spice" in your pumpkin-inspired manicure.
5Pinky Nude
Tenoverten Nail Polish in Jane
5Pinky Nude
Tenoverten Nail Polish in Jane
$12 at Amazon$22 at Walmart$14 at Saks Fifth AvenueCredit: Tenoverten
Pink-toned nude nails will never go out of style, and it blends seamlessly on virtually all skin tones for a gorgeous, clean look.
6Merlot Red
essie Nail Lacquer in In the Lobby
6Merlot Red
essie Nail Lacquer in In the Lobby
$14 at AmazonCredit: Essie
Grab a bottle of merlot next time you’re browsing the beauty aisle — merlot nail polish, that is! The hint of plum in this rich red adds warmth to a classic tone.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7Sandy White
OPI Nail Lacquer in Coastal Sand-tuary
7Sandy White
OPI Nail Lacquer in Coastal Sand-tuary
Now 18% Off$9 at WalmartCredit: OPI
We don’t have to leave off-white fingertips behind once fall hits: This sandy shade of white is the perfect nod to summertime if you’re not quite ready to let go of warm weather. Bonus: It also goes with everything.
8Cloudy Gray
Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish in Slate-R Girl
8Cloudy Gray
Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish in Slate-R Girl
Now 43% Off$7 at Amazon$7 at Walmart$13 at Ulta BeautyCredit: Sally Hansen
Love a rainy day? Match your mood to this cloudy color and curl up with a good book and blanket.
9Berry Red
REVLON Nail Enamel in 570 Vixen
9Berry Red
REVLON Nail Enamel in 570 Vixen
Now 17% Off$6 at Amazon$8 at WalmartCredit: Revlon
A deep, berry/plum red like this is perfect for a simple, classic nail or a trendy inverted French manicure. It’ll look great in any apple-picking photos!
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below10Universal Nude
Auda B Nail Polish in Queen B
10Universal Nude
Auda B Nail Polish in Queen B
$19 at audabbeauty.comCredit: Auda B
Nude is a perennial choice for nails, but this season, the sophisticated shade is hotter than ever. This vegan polish isn’t your average nude, though — it’s formulated to flatter all skin tones, but it’s made with deeper skin tones in mind.
