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.
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:
- Latte & hot chocolate
- Saturated green
- Dive deep: black or red
- Cool gray
- Chrome & layered
- Blush nails
- Exclusive discount codes to save
- Common questions about nontoxic fall nail polish
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:
The best nontoxic nail polish brands: Côte, KURE BAZAAR, Olive & June, Sally Hansen and Dazzle Dry. Learn more about them here.
Latte nails, dark red or navy, grays including chrome and blush are all trending for fall. Learn more here.
Maris
October 30, 2020Hi! How clean is Londontown, both nail polish and the “Kur” serie (bascoat ect)???
Lisa
November 16, 2020Hi 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 ; )
NG
November 3, 2020Check out Sienna Byron Bay polishes. Love.
Lisa
November 16, 2020Thanks girl! I have them! xo, Lisa
DeAnna
December 18, 2020Suggestions on what to do with old lesser clean polishes?
Lisa
December 20, 2020Hi 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!
Amy
September 13, 2022Thank you for this list so appreciate it. I would appreciate more warm colors be presented.