As an adult, autumn sadly doesn’t mean new pencils and book bags. But thankfully, it does mean new fall beauty and fashion trends. One of the easiest ways to transition your beauty look to fit cooler temperatures is by swapping in new nail colors to match the season. This summer, we saw pastel nail colors, cherry jelly nails, and glass nails take center stage. For fall, expect deeper nail colors, like forest green and mustard yellow, to take hold.
To find the best nail trends for fall, we tapped manicurists Natalie Minerva and Molly Romah to get their expertise. According to them, this fall’s nail trends are refreshingly simple, relying more on bold colors than intricate designs. Keep reading for our favorite nail trends of the season.
Muted Metallics
Heavy metals will be the go-to this fall, and burnished nail polishes will be everywhere. “I think we will see a lot of metallic or pearl tones this fall,” Minerva says. Classic metallic shades like silver and gold will be popular, but don’t be afraid to think outside the box and opt for a pearlescent finish of your favorite color.
OPI Metallic Mega Mix Nail Lacquer in Chrome Clawz
Lakur by Londontown Enhanced Color Twinkling Lights Nail Polish in Alexa, Let’s Dance!
Essie Nail Lacquer in Penny Talk
Now 15% Off
Burnt Sienna
To lean into the season, try this pumpkin spice latte-inspired shade. “This is such a rich fall color, and I love variations of brown on nails,” Minerva says. “It’s such a chic substitute for red or black.”
Tenoverten Nail Color in Terracotta
OPI Nail Lacquer in My Italian is a Little Rusty
Addiction Tokyo The Nail Polish in Lisbon Sunset
Forest Green
Though forest green is often thought of as a more wintery color, this fall, the shade brings depth to your manicure. “This is such a cool color for fall, especially on fairer skin,” Minerva says.
Olive & June Nail Polish in One For You, Two For Me
Sally Hansen Color Therapy Bliss Nail Polish Collection in Serene Green
Zoya Nail Polish in Hunter
Simple Nail Art
Nail art will be on the back burner this fall. “I see a world where nail art tones down during the fall with simple shapes and bold colors,” Minerva says. “It’s more about two-toned looks and clean lines. Think geometric and simplicity, using even just black and white or nude and gold.”
Olive & June Geometric Plaid Tab Press-Ons
Chillhouse Chill Tips in The Chill Line
Kiss Classy Ready-To-Wear Fashion Nails
Mustard Nails
While this summer was all about butter yellow, fall’s version is slightly deeper and more complex. Yes, according to Romah, mustard-colored nails will be all the rage. Mustard might not seem like the most wearable shade, but it pairs surprisingly well with this year’s fall fashion trends.
Hermès Les Mains Nail Enamel in 79 Jaune Imperial
J. Hannah Nail Polish in Relic
Essie Expressie Quick-Dry Nail Polish in Taxi Hopping
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Aura Nails
Gain some aura points with this fun nail art trend. Aura nails are a subdued take on nail art. To try out this trend, pick a base coat and then pick an “aura” color, or a circle in the middle with soft edges. To achieve this look at home, there are many press-ons or nail stickers that mimic the same effect.
Glamnetic Press-On Nail Kit in Ruby Slipper
JINsoon Aura Dots Nail Art Appliques
Chillhouse Chill Tips in Passion Punch
Katie Berohn is the Beauty Assistant at Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day and Prevention magazines, all part of the Hearst Lifestyle Group. She graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder, with a major in journalism and minor in technology, arts, and media, and earned her Master’s Degree at NYU’s Graduate Program of Magazine Journalism. In addition, Katie has held editorial internships at Denver Life Magazine, Yoga Journal, and Cosmopolitan, a digital editorial internship at New York Magazine’s The Cut, a social good fellowship at Mashable, and has freelanced for HelloGiggles. _When she’s not obsessing over the latest skincare launch or continuing her endless search for the perfect shade of red nail polish, Katie can be found in a hot yoga class, trying everything on the menu at New York’s newest restaurant, or hanging out at a trendy wine bar with her friends.