When leaves start changing hues and the air turns crisp, it’s time to transition your nail color as well. But what shades are best for fall? Certain polish hues evoke the rich colors of autumn and are ultra-flattering against fall clothing. Read on to discover the trending fall nail colors to try this season.
Why Change Nail Polish for Fall?
As seasons shift, so do fashion and beauty trends. The colors you rock in summer often don’t feel right once September hits. Bright neons and pastels are best suited for hot sunny days, not piles of falling leaves.
Come fall, deeper, more moody, and muted Polish colors come into vogue. They complement fall fashion palettes dominated by burgundies, hunter-greens, rust orange, and camel. The same bright shades worn year-round look jarring and out of sync with autumnal style.
Changing your nail color for fall is an easy way to refresh your look for the new season. Rich fall nail colors instantly evoke cozy sweaters, crisp air, pumpkin spice, and leaf peeping. Don’t be afraid to switch up your nail color palette and get into the fall spirit!
Top Fall Nail Colors for 2024
Ready to transition your nail wardrobe? Here are the trendiest fall nail colors this season:
Burgundy – Deeper reds and wines are quintessential for fall. Burgundy is perhaps the most classic autumnal nail shade. Sophisticated and elegant, but warmer than true red, it flatters all skin tones.
Olive Green: Earthy olive greens are huge for fall 2022. This unexpected neutral works with any style. It’s an edgier alternative to classic greige.
Chocolate Brown: Deep chocolate browns are having a moment this fall. Whether glossy or matte, this rich hue is luxurious looking on nails yet still sophisticated.
Forest Green: For those who want something bolder, forest and emerald greens are stunning fall nail colors. They make a dramatic style statement evoking evergreen trees.
Orange Spice: From burnt orange to amber, spice-inspired orange nails are ideal for fall. Warmer than neons, but more playful than browns, they’re vibrant and cozy.
Vampy Plum: Jewel-toned plums and eggplants are big for fall 2022 nails. These moody purples offer depth and edge with a hint of gothic mood.
Metallic Gold: Shimmering gold nails add glam and flair for autumn. The metallic sheen looks rich yet festive.
Grungy Gray: Dirty gray and greige nails are an anti-basic basic for fall. The muted, weathered look is subtly edgy and cool.
Cinnamon Nude: Skin-tone nudes with hints of spice, caramel, and cinnamon suit fall style. The lighter nude prevents an overly somber look.
Have fun playing with different fall nail colors to find your perfect seasonal match! Many of these deeper shades can transition well into winter too.
Choosing the Best Fall Nail Colors for You
With so many gorgeous fall nail colors to pick from, how do you choose the most flattering options? Here are some tips:
- Test out various shades against your skin tone to see which are most harmonious and suited to your complexion.
- Go for brighter fall colors if you want a bold look. Choose muted versions if you prefer something more low-key.
- If you typically wear metal jewelry, match your nail color to your favorite metal tones like gold, silver, or rose gold.
- Consider integrating your favorite fall color palette into your nail shades – rustic orange, olive, plum, sienna brown, and so on.
- Don’t overlook your current wardrobe either. Pick a fall nail color that will coordinate with the clothes you plan to wear most over the next few months.
- For high contrast against autumn colors, go for lighter nudes rather than dark vampy shades.
- Remember if you’ll be wearing a lot of black, stark white nails will beautifully pop against it.
Don’t be afraid to have some fun with bolder fall nail colors you might not try in other seasons. It’s the perfect chance to experiment.
Fall Nail Color Techniques and Ideas
Beyond just a solid shade, there are many creative ways to do your fall nails:
Ombré: Blend two fall nail colors together for a gradient ombré effect. For example, fade a cinnamon base into olive green tips.
Marbled: marble in different fall hues like burgundy and chocolate for abstract fluid designs that are mesmerizing to look at.
Metallic Accents: Add some glitz with metallic gold, bronze, or silver foil tips, stripes, or accents. It makes any base color more glamorous.
Matte Finish: Matte top coat mutes fall shades into a sophisticated velvet look. Especially nice on darker vampy colors.
Glitter Tips: A hint of glitter or shimmer at the tips is a fun way to transition summer brights into fall. Keep the base neutral.
Leopard Print: For the trendsetters, try leopard print or animal spots in fall shades. It’s edgy and unexpected.
Foliage Details: Tiny foliage or floral details like leaves, trees, and flowers in fall colors add whimsy.
Negative Space: Create cool negative space designs with fall colors on a few accent nails for visual intrigue.
Get creative mixing various fall nail colors and art for a seasonal statement manicure!
Fall-Inspired Nail Art Ideas
For easy nail art, incorporate autumnal details:
- Metallic gold leaf decals
- Delicate tree branch designs
- Acorn or maple leaf accents
- Pumpkin, apple or mushroom drawings
- Burgundy plaid or buffalo check patterns
- Sweater knit visual texture
- Wheat, corn husks, or flower doodles
- Scenes with fall wreaths and gourds
Don’t be intimidated to try basic nail art even if you’re a polish novice! Fall lends itself to easy yet adorable accent ideas.
Caring for Fall Nails
The changing weather can be tough on nails. Guard against damage and keep those fall nails looking fab:
- Moisturize hands and nails daily to prevent dry cuticles and cracking.
- Avoid removers with acetate and stick to acetone-free options whenever possible.
- Invest in a nourishing cuticle oil to soften and improve nail bed health.
- Wear plastic gloves for wet tasks to shield nails from excess moisture.
- Take biotin supplements to stimulate growth and strength.
- Limit lengthy exposure to hot water which can weaken nails.
- Use a protective base coat under all polish. Top coat for longer wear.
With some TLC, your fall nail colors can look great all season long as the weather cools down.
The Takeaway
Say goodbye to the brights of summer and go for deeper, richer Fall nail colors that usher in the autumn season. Burgundies, forest greens, chocolates, oranges, and plums in matte, metallic, or glossy finishes let you switch up your style for Fall. And creative techniques like ombré, marbling, and accent nails with seasonal details add flair. Transition your nails into autumn and find colors that complement both your personal style and Fall wardrobe. Protect your polish so it lasts throughout the season. With so many gorgeous options, Fall is the perfect time to try bold new colors you might normally shy away from. Show off your creativity and embrace the change of seasons through your fabulous fall nails
