Whether you’re a “fall” person or not, I think we can all agree that any new season (fall or not) is an exciting time to mix things up when it comes to things like your wardrobe and beauty routine. And I’m not saying you have to get completely new clothes and swap out all your makeup products for new ones—the cool thing about seasonal transitions is that tiny changes can make an impact, too.
That might mean buying a few new items of clothing or accessories to mix in with your tried-and-true basics. Or trying out a new lipstick, eye shadow look, or even a new nail polish color. The latter is one of my favorite ways to change things up because it’s pretty low-lift in terms of effort and it can be a subtle change. Opting for a fall-inspired nail color instead of your usual at the salon is pretty easy, right? And it’s a lot more temporary and effortless than trying out a new haircut or creating a dramatic eye-makeup look.
For me, fall is the best time to really commit to some dark nail colors. The weather is cooler, the leaves are a pretty red/orange/yellow, everything feels cozier—all of this calls for some dramatic and deep hues. Am I wrong here? Take a look at some nail polish options below as inspiration for your next salon or at-home manicure.
Red nail polish is a classic year-round, but it’s a particularly good color to break out in the fall. Opt for more maroon-leaning shades of red to make it perfect for autumn.
It honestly doesn’t get any more classic than this bordeaux red. You’ll be wearing this beyond fall.
You can’t go wrong with this deep, sultry red.
Revlon’s dark red polish is chip- and fade-resistant. And it leaves a glossy finish.
Brown nails are the ultimate fall color. They’re a deep neutral that works on everyone.
This espresso brown polish is so cozy yet sophisticated.
If you want a lighter option, try this chocolate brown.
This brown polish has a little bit of shimmer, making it more of a bronze tone.
Green is a more unexpected shade for fall, and that’s why we love it. A deeper green is the perfect transitional shade for cooler temps.
There’s something just so luxurious about a deep, emerald green. It gives an expensive feel (maybe because it’s green, the color of money?).
If you’re looking for a little bit of sparkle, try this metallic green.
OPI’s green polish is a darker version of an army green.
There’s something about blue nail polish that’s reminiscent of the first day of school and new beginnings—therefore, it’s a great option for a fall nail color.
I love that this blue is a different take on deep navy—Olive and June calls it “slightly sun-bleached.”
An inky, almost-black blue, this polish from Smith & Cult is definitely for those looking for something a bit dramatic and very chic.
Essie’s classic navy blue polish has a slightly creamy finish.
A deep, eggplant shade of purple imparts the perfect amount of mystery and elegance for cool fall nights.
A creamy dark purple, this polish from Essie is just your classic aubergine shade.
This one is more of a berry color, with both red and purple tones.
This is a great option if you don’t want something that’s a traditional purple. It has some taupe, neutral vibes.
Perfect for Halloween, earlier sunsets, and the first whisper of brisk air.
Sally Hansen’s Miracle Gel polish in this black hue is like getting a professional gel manicure for cheap. It lasts for up to eight days.
What’s more luxe than a Gucci nail polish? Nothing, probably. This plant-based formula has long-lasting glossy shine.
This creamy black polish is a nontoxic, seven-free formula.
Gray is a surprisingly versatile fall-ready shade.
Inspired by “wet and moody weather, ” this polish is aptly named Scattered Showers. It’s a pretty steely gray that works as a neutral.
With a gel-like finish and high-shine, this dark gray nail polish will last for a long time—up to 10 days to be exact.
A dark, silvery gray, this polish from OPI is moody, chic, and versatile.
