As the season transitions, fall nail color ideas are on my mind. Autumn’s my favorite time of the year since it’s literally a refreshing change.
After bright summer mani moments, I’m ready to embrace the cozy vibes and richer color schemes.
This fall season, there will be a wide variety of best nail colors in style, from demure to bold.
According to essie celebrity manicurist Steph Stone, one of the fall hues she predicts will be big this season is a subtle blush pink. “This one is for the wearers that just want a natural clean glow to their nails and let’s be honest that never goes off-trend!” she says.
For dark nail colors, Stone recommends chocolate brown. “It’s great for someone who loves to wear darker shades but wants to mix it up from the usual burgundy or black,” she says. “It reads as a neutral so it really has the versatility to be worn for any occasion and is flattering on all skin tones.”
More popular colors for autumn nails include sage green, burnt orange, light brown tones, rustic red, deep burgundies, and more.
Whether you choose to use these as solid-color manis or part of your fall nail design, there’s no shortage of options.
Read on for the best fall nail color ideas of 2024 for everyday wear to special occasions.
Top Fall Nail Color Ideas For 2024
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Nude Nails
For the ultimate versatile fall manicure, go for nude nails. Tapping into the demure trend, this barely-there nail polish gives the appearance of natural nails but better.
This ‘Good Energy Efficient’ caramel shade by Nails.INC is long-lasting and quick-drying. It’s also made with 73% plant power and is vegan.
A spokesperson at the global wellness and beauty app Fresha notes the recent movement to go back to minimalism. “On the one hand this is a return to the clean girl aesthetic, but it also incorporates a new attitude that is about looking modest and having quiet confidence. This new trend fits well with the change in seasonality as we often need to reset our skin to hold onto more hydration in the autumn period.”
Chocolate Brown Nails
A deep shade of chocolate brown is a classic choice for autumn days. Pair this one with cozy sweaters, pumpkin spice lattes, and trips to the apple orchards.
It can’t get more fall than a moody fall nail color like ‘Odd Squad’ by essie.
Pro tip: Stone notes, “When wearing darker shades, the biggest tip I can give to make sure they look their best is painting inside the lines. Darker shades are extra visible when painted messily. If you’re not a pro at painting your own nails yet, dip a tiny concealer brush (you can get one at Target near the nail polish section for $2!) in nail polish remover and clean up around the edges.”
Burnt Orange Nails
What I love about this burnt orange shade is it’s muted but still has a bit of brightness to it.
This vegan nail polish is called ‘Carrot Cake’ by Sally Hansen but it could easily be called pumpkin pie, too. 🙂
Embrace the fall vibe by using this for Halloween nail designs or Thanksgiving nail designs. Come September, October, and November, it’ll be the ultimate fall polish.
Add a glossy top coat like this one for extra shine and strength.
Sage Green Nails
Sage green is everywhere this fall — in beauty, fashion, home decor, and the list goes on. What’s so captivating about this subtle hue is how soothing it feels on the eyes.
It’s also a symbol of balance, healing, and growth.
If you’re a neutral lover who’s looking for a fresh change, opt for sage green. It can easily pair with your favorite fall dresses in any color. Use it as a solid mani, for micro French tips, or with autumn florals nail designs.
This Chanel ‘Cavalier Seul’ one is as luxe as can be.
Rustic Red Nails
You can’t get more classic than red nails. This rustic, more tone-down unexpected shade from traditional red. Overall, it’s one of the most perfect fall nail colors, in my opinion.
This warm hue is ‘Stop at Nothin” by OPI and makes a bold statement no matter what skin tone you have. Wear it now through the holiday seasons with fun, glittery top coats.
Blush Pink Nails
For an easy home manicure, pick up a bottle of ‘Blush Jelly’ by essie. This blush pink color is a sheer, buildable jelly gloss that makes you look oh-so polished.
Stone says, “One Coat will give you a sheer clean glow but you can add another layer for more opaque coverage depending on your taste!”
This makes a great option to step up your fall fashion game without changing your manicure too often. The versatility of this light color lets your outfits shine while giving you a clean, chic look.
Navy Blue Nails
As an alternative to black nails, try this navy number. I love the Insta-Dri nail collection by Sally Hansen since it seriously dries so quickly! Paint them on your nails and watch them dry in about 60 seconds.
This ‘Midnight Drive’ deep blue shade is fitting for the darker days this time of year.
Use this for a classic Russian manicure or go even bolder and add white tips for a remixed French manicure.
Burgundy Red Nails
If you’re a nail polish lover, you’ve likely heard about the iconic Hermès nail enamel. This ’85 Rouge H’ is as good as it gets for burgundy red nails. It’s long-lasting, ultra shiny, and the long brush covers your entire nail for easy application.
As one of my favorite fall colors, this shade makes the perfect manicure for casual to dressy occasions.
This fall nail polish also comes with a signature Hermès box and makes for a pretty gift.
Photo courtesy of Nails.INC
Pearlescent Nails
After the glazed donut nails last year, comes pearlescent nails for fall 2024. With this iridescent polish, comes plenty of fall nail ideas you can pair it with.
It’s a great way to get a neutral look with an extra shimmer. This ‘What the Shell?’ shade by Nails.INC is also fitting if you’re looking for fall wedding nails.
Orchid Pink Nails
“Just because it’s fall doesn’t mean all the fun has to be sucked out of your wardrobe,” says Stone. “This bright orchard pink [‘Power Moves’ by essie] is the perfect pop of color to brighten your day when the weather starts to get a little drearier.”
She adds, “Though the polish is bright, the shade is a little more subdued which is perfect for fall and doesn’t make it look like you’re still clinging to summer.”
Stone’s notes: The essie expressie brush is tapered in such a way to help you paint your nails like a pro to get the perfect mani. Plus, the formula has a built-in base and top coat which means even less steps in your process!
If you want extra long wear and shine, throw a coat of Gel Couture Top Coat on top.
What Are The Best Nail Colors For Fall?
There’s a wide range of fall nail colors that are popular this season, from demure to bold shades. Think sage green, burnt orange, rustic red, orchid pink, blush pink, and nude nails.
Navy nails are also in, offering an alternative to black manis. The deep color is versatile and goes with many fall coats, sweater dresses, and overall autumn wardrobe.
What Is The Nail Trend For Fall?
The experts at Fresha note that demure nails are in this fall. Think very short, very simple nails.
Classic, low-maintenance, solid-colored manis are back.
“An almond or squoval shape is a great base for a classic look, but the shape also will lessen the chance of your nails snagging or chipping,” says the Fresha team. “Opt for one color for a subtle finish, whether that’s a neutral tone or a slight sparkle to create a timeless, simple look. Make sure to use cuticle oil to nourish your nail beds and give a natural shine to your nails.”
What Fall Nail Colors Go With Everything?
Neutral nails go with everything, from casual to dressy outfits. Colors such as light brown, gray, navy, and white are all neutral, easy-to-pair shades.
Fall 2024 comes many neutral alternative shades that add some extra interest. Imagine sage green, pearlescent nails, and caramel hues. These demure options simply go with everything.
When To Start Wearing Fall Nail Colors?
Technically, fall starts on September 22, 2024, but you can start wearing fall nail colors anytime. Personally, I’m transitioning from bright summer colors to cozy fall nail hues starting in late August to get the most of the season!
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