Fall Nail Polish Colors: On-Trend Colors for Fall 2023

October 19, 2020 (updated December 22, 2023) — Written by

Fall nail polish colors rank high on our list of how to best transition from summer to fall, including adding pumpkin to everything, baking GF apple crisp from the apples we gathered at the orchard, and breaking out our chunky sweaters (even if the weather doesn’t *quite* demand it—yet). So what color nail polish is in for fall? We’ve got the breakdown and #nailspo for you.

A hand holding up Mojave Desert nail polish.

By: Nicolle Mackinnon and Claire Molyneaux

Updating my nail color has become a self-care ritual for me and I love nothing more than trying a new hue, especially one that gets me excited about the transition to fall. This season, we’re seeing a continuation of some of the summer nail trends, with the anticipated move towards darker, moodier shades. Ready for what’s hot in nail colors for fall? Let’s go! – Nic

IN THIS POST:



Fall nail polish colors 2023

Latte & hot chocolate nails

Are you a pumpkin spice latte type? Do you like an espresso shot with honey? Is a chai latte as close as you get to coffee? Wear your hot-drink preferences on your nails with dark browns, neutral taupes and any creamy shade in between.

TNK’s latte nail picks

RELATED: The best nontoxic nail polish brands (and how to choose the one for you).


Saturated green

From jewel-toned emerald to preppy hunter, we are seeing green take over fall nails. Brittney Boyce, manicurist for Kim K told Women’s Wear Daily, “green will remain popular this year” and “tones will adjust a bit darker going into fall and winter.” We’re loving this pop of color that still feels fall forward.

TNK’s saturated green picks


Dive deep: black or red 

Dark, grungy colors are in for this fall, as we’re still riding the 90s nostalgia wave. Glossy black, dark red, and navy are all on the grunge scale while still being elegant and totally wearable. Pair with your fave black jeans, chunky boots and a flannel.

TNK’s deep dive picks

RELATED:The best natural nail polish remover.


Cool gray

Nails to match Lisa’s hair? Don’t mind if I do. Gray is always chic (I still think my all-time favorite nail polish is that gray-beige from a few years back), but this season, we’re seeing cool-toned grays ranging from near black to blue-gray being swiped on digits across the globe.

TNK’s cool gray picks


Chrome and layered nails

The shiny, shimmery glazed trend that’s been allllllll over your social media is getting an update for fall. You can achieve the Hailey Bieber-pioneered look with a metallic fall color or add a sheer glazed top coat on top of any color you currently have to copy the look.

TNK’s chrome picks


Blush

Coming down from the high of Barbie Summer we’re starting to see a shift from bubble gum pink to a more toned down cool-weather version. The sheerest rose jelly is just a hint of pink and the more saturated mauve somehow compliments almost every skin tone. It’s like a neutral, but better.

TNK’s blush picks


Exclusive discount codes for TNK readers

  • Code THENEWKNEW will save you 20% off all Olive & June systems (including Mani, Pedi & Complete Systems).
  • Code THENEWKNEW15 will save you 15% on your first order of Kure Bazaar polish at The Detox Market.
  • Code NEWKNEW will save you 15% sitewide at Dazzle Dry.

What fall nail trends will be your go-to?

TNK Team Note: This article contains affiliate links. TNK uses affiliate links as a source for revenue to fund operations of the business and to be less dependent on branded content. TNK stands behind all product recommendations. Still have questions about these links or our process? Feel free to email us.


Common questions about nontoxic fall nail polish:

What are the best nontoxic nail polish brands?

The best nontoxic nail polish brands: Côte, KURE BAZAAR, Olive & June, Sally Hansen and Dazzle Dry. Learn more about them here.

What are popular nail color trends for fall?

Latte nails, dark red or navy, grays including chrome and blush are all trending for fall. Learn more here.


7 Comments

  1. Reply

    Maris

    Hi! How clean is Londontown, both nail polish and the “Kur” serie (bascoat ect)???

    1. Reply

      Lisa

      Hi Maris! I personally love how Londontown preforms..it’s so good. There are cleaner but it’s still pretty clean compared to nail polish gen pop ; )

  2. Reply

    NG

    Check out Sienna Byron Bay polishes. Love.

    1. Reply

      Lisa

      Thanks girl! I have them! xo, Lisa

  3. Reply

    DeAnna

    Suggestions on what to do with old lesser clean polishes?

    1. Reply

      Lisa

      Hi DeAnna! I would recommend checking out your city or town’s paint pickup schedule. Most towns host that a couple of times a year and I believe they will take nail polishes too!

  4. Reply

    Amy

    Thank you for this list so appreciate it. I would appreciate more warm colors be presented.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *