The most exciting time of the year (IMO) is almost here: fall nail-color season. Because unlike the neons and nude nail polishes that dominate spring and summer, deep jewel tones that just feel ~ritzy~ are always at the center of the biggest fall nail trends. In 2023, expect them to feel a lil more updated too, like metallic versions of your favorite dark shades; “gothcore” influences on classic styles; and even some simple, muted shades with tonal fall twists too, according to the four celebrity manicurists and nail experts I chatted with (work perks—what can I say).
Which, obviously, led me to compile this list of the experts’ fall nail-color predictions for 2023, as well as all the shades their clients consistently ask for every autumn. From vampy reds to blushy pinks, fall 2023’s nail colors are def worthy of screenshotting and DIYing. Check out the full list below, then grab your at-home manicure kit to try ‘em all yourself (or, be like me, and just make a nail appointment with a pro).
Our top picks for the best fall nail colors of 2023:
- Deep emerald-green nail colors for fall: Essie Nail Polish in Off Tropic
- Multichrome metallics for fall: Zoya Nail Polish in Sarah
- Black nails for fall: Gucci Glossy Nail Polish in Black Crystal
- Naked nail colors: OPI Repair Mode Bond Building Nail Serum
- Greige nail colors for fall: Dr’s Remedy Nail Polish in Kinetic Khaki
Yep, the cutest fall nail colors are right this way. Keep scrolling for 17 ideas you’re def going to want to try, from expert-approved trends to our favorite shades.
1. Deep emerald-green nail colors for fall
Fall is all about darkened versions of classic shades, including this deep green color. FYI: This is one of Essie’s best-selling shades, because it has a lot of depth but still mostly feels like a neutral. Pair it with a stack of gold rings, as shown above, to match the ~rich~ vibe of the shade.
2. Multichrome metallics for fall
Deep, jewel-toned shades are a timeless fall nail color every single year. But if you want to take it up a notch and make your nail look feel a bit more 2023, opt for a metallic, shifty shade like this one. It’s filled with red and gold shimmers that catch the light, making your nails change colors every time you move your hands in the light. I’m partial to this red version, but I’ve also got my eye on multichrome purples and blues.
3. Black nails for fall
Gucci Glossy Nail Polish in Black Crystal
Gucci Glossy Nail Polish in Black Crystal
Black nails were once reserved for kids who spent their free time roaming Hot Topic (yup, me), but now they’re a minimalist-manicure classic. Swipe on two opaque coats of this glossy, creamy black nail polish to give a high-fashion vibe, or go full Wednesday Addams by layering on a matte top coat for some extra edge and dimension.
4. Naked fall nail colors
OPI Repair Mode Bond Building Nail Serum
OPI Repair Mode Bond Building Nail Serum
Low-key nails are basically the biggest trend right now among celebrities (ahem, see it on Chloe Grace Moretz above). But the trick of the trend? Keeping your own nails looking healthy, smooth, and strong. Try painting on a layer of this bond-building nail treatment from OPI once a day which helps repair the keratin in your nails to make them less susceptible to breaking, cracking, or splitting. All of which will make your sheer, nude nail polishes look a hell of a lot better.
5. Greige nail colors for fall
Dr.'s Remedy Nail Polish in Kinetic Khaki
This cool-toned, beige nail color is soft, but still has a slight ~rock ‘n’ roll edge~ to it (thanks to the gray undertone) that nail artist Tammy Taylor says will be a huge trend in fall nail colors. So if you want to try something a lil different from your usual light-pink or beige shade but like to keep your nails light, try two to three coats of this sheer polish, followed by a top coat for a lil shine.
6. Gold chrome nails
Sally Hansen Sally Hansen Insta Dri Nail Polish in Go For Gold
Chrome nails, including this gold-foil color, are about to be everywhere this fall, says Rachel Apfel Glass, founder of GlossLab nail salons. It’s a futuristic and fun take on a neutral fall nail color. You can also try this hack for chrome nails at home: While your nail polish is still tacky after your first coat, pat your nails with loose silver eyeshadow, and then top it off with a glossy top coat.
7. Mustard-yellow nails for fall
If you’re missing your bright yellow and green summer nail colors already, swap your neon hues for an equally bold shade, like this murky, mustard yellow from OPI that nail artist Galdina Jimenez says will be “the star shade of fall.” Plus, it plays into the western-rodeo trend we’re seeing across beauty and fashion this fall (my cowboy boots are about to get so much love), which nail artist Tammy Taylor says is “versatile and effortlessly cool.”
8. "Glazed donut" nail trend for fall
Essie Expressie FX Nail Polish in Iced Out
Essie Expressie FX Nail Polish in Iced Out
Yup, Hailey Bieber’s “glazed donut” nails aren't going anywhere this fall. This nail trend, aka the #GlazedDonutNails you’ve likely seen all over TikTok, generally involves a powder-chrome topper, but you can get the same look at home with this top coat from Essie. Just make sure to add a coat of sheer white nail polish underneath (Hailey swears by OPI Funny Bunny, and I love JinSoon’s Dew) as a base for the shimmery top coat.
9. Denim-blue fall nail color
The nail polish I’m wearing as I type this? This muted, gray-blue from Jinsoon, which reminds me of pulling my jeans out of storage before the first day of fall. It’s an easy way to wear blue as a neutral, or a great transition shade if you’re not ready to layer on the deep winter tones juuust yet.
10. Caramel-tan nails for fall
Fall is “a great time to experiment with earthy, brown tones for a striking, moody look,” says Glass. This tan nail polish has a warm caramel base, but it’s neutral enough that it won’t look too murky even if your skin tone is on the neutral or cool side.
11. Deep-navy fall nails
If an intense black manicure isn’t exactly your ~vibe~ regardless of the season, try this dark-navy polish that’s almost black, but has a misty-blue undertone to keep it soft. It’ll give you all the spooky feels without requiring you to commit to such a stark shade.
12. Candy-red fall nail color
Mischo Beauty Nail Polish in Good Kisser
Mischo Beauty Nail Polish in Good Kisser
Red nail polish will always be a trend, but this fall, expect to see this bright, glossy version everywhere, says Glass. She loves how a “fiery-red manicure spices up a simple fall outfit, whether you’re looking to do a fun French mani or accent nail” with nail stickers.
13. Classic French manicure for fall
I, for one, am here for the revival of the classic French manicure, which is both timeless and trendy this fall. But if you can’t make it to a salon and don’t have a steady hand, opt for these French-tip, press-on nails from Glamnetic. They last longer than regular polish on my nails, and they already come with glue, meaning you have everything you need for a French manicure—no fussing with nail brushes or hacks required.
14. Burnt-coral nails for fall
Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish in Sundown Socialite
Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish in Sundown Socialite
I used to think that coral nail polish only looked cute on fingers and toes during the summer months… and then I discovered this shimmery coral shade from Sally Hansen. Umm, y’all, it’s actually perfect for fall. It has hints of red and orange (and not as much pink) that are giving me alllll the warm and spicy PSL vibes.
15. Vampy-red manicure for fall
Vampy-red nail polishes are always at the top of the best fall nail colors list. Why, you ask? Well, they’re v flattering, go perfectly with chunky knits and leather jackets, and look a lil edgy. If you’re in the market for a new dark-red shade, try this one from OPI which doesn’t look too deep that you lose the red tone.
16. Blush nails for fall
Sally Hansen Color Therapy Nail Polish in Blushed Petal
Sally Hansen Color Therapy Nail Polish in Blushed Petal
If you’re looking for a neutral color and are ready to say goodbye to light pink and beige, try this pinky-neutral blush that has a mix of warm and cool undertones for a fall update, which nail artist Lia Smith says evokes “warmth and depth.” It’s flattering on most skin tones and is an unexpected, neutral fall hue you can feel comfortable wearing everywhere.
17. Pumpkin orange nail color for fall
LaPierre Cosmetics Nail Polish in Distractions
LaPierre Cosmetics Nail Polish in Distractions
PSA: Cooler, crisper fall weather doesn’t mean you need to retire your bright summer nail colors for good. Add this eye-catching orange shade into your mani-pedi rotation—it feels totally fresh, unexpected, and pretty for fall. Jimenez loves this tone because it’s “the perfect transition from fun multi-colored spring and summer shades to more neutral cozy shades that remind us of pumpkin spice lattes and crunchy brown leaves on the ground.”
Meet the experts:
- Lia Smith is a nail artist and the manager of education at OPI North America.
- Galdina Jimenez is a celebrity nail artist based in Oceanside, CA. She is also the education manager and capability at OPI North America.
- Tammy Taylor is a celebrity manicurist and nail expert. She is also the founder of Tammy Taylor Nails, a full line of nail polish and nail care.
- Rachel Apfel Glass is the founder of GlossLab, membership-based nail studios across the U.S. that aim to make getting a manicure quick and easy.
Why trust Cosmopolitan?
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with five years of experience researching, writing, and editing nail polish and shopping stories that range from dip-powder nails to the best-selling beauty products on Amazon. She’s an authority in all nail categories, but is an expert when it comes to fall nail trends, thanks to many interviews with nail experts. She regularly tests and analyzes nail polishes for efficacy, while working with the industry’s top nail artists to assess new formulas and brands.
Lauren Balsamo is the deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan with almost 10 years of experience researching, writing, and editing skin, makeup, hair, and nail stories across print and digital, including the best gel nail polishes and glass nail files. Her fall nail color picks were based on product reviews, ratings, and personal testing, along with information from experts.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months.
Lauren Balsamo is deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan, where she writes, edits, and produces all types of beauty content—from product reviews to personal essays and trend reports. She has covered beauty for nine years at Cosmopolitan and has contributed to Women’s Health and Seventeen magazines as well. Follow her on Instagram.
