9 Fall Nail Trends to Inspire Your Next Manicure

You can easily spot those who’ve shifted into fall mode by checking out their manicure. Maybe they’ve bid farewell to brights in favor of moody neutrals? Or perhaps they’re embracing one of this season’s trends, which can be summed up in one word: contradictory. 

Clear, barely-there nail polish has become as coveted as opaque colors. Short and long nails share the spotlight. And salon clientele are requesting both minimalist and maximalist nail designs in equal measure.

The buzziest tones right now include seasonal shades like burgundy and earthy browns, while super-sheer neutrals and cool chrome finishes are also continuing to trend and transcend seasons. Andrea Storlie, founder of Nail Ninja, a Minneapolis-based nail salon, advises focusing on what truly resonates with you, irrespective of its current trend status. But if you’re looking for inspiration, we’re here to help: In the following galleries, we’re diving into some of the most sought-after nail polish colors for fall, with insights from nail industry leaders.

Cherry Red

The color red dominated the Fall 2023 runways, showcased prominently among high-fashion labels, including (but certainly not limited to) Prada, Bottega Veneta and Gucci. It’s a trend OPI co-founder Suzi Weiss-Fischmann describes as a “must-have” for fall: “It’s such a great accent color, and it’s one I’m seeing everywhere, from the runways to the streets,” she says. 

Mazz Hanna, nail artist and CEO of Nailing Hollywood, seconds this pick. She deems it ideal for all nail lengths, with a special nod to the growing trend of shorter, natural nails for the upcoming season.

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Navy Blue

Mabelyn Alva, nail artist creative director of Paintbox in NYC, foresees navy blue nails taking the spotlight this fall. She’s observed jewel tones across the board gaining momentum, but notes that navy blue is one of the most requested. The pro also points out that some clients are elevating their navy blue manicures with gold accents or artistic negative space designs, like half-moons — though, the color is innately chic on its own, too.

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Burgundy

Content creator Ana Alvarez’s “cherry mocha” nails have gained tremendous popularity on TikTok, garnering thousands of “saves” and views. The hue resembles the richness of a glass of Pinot Noir and is yet another cherished jewel tone that Alva confirms is in high demand at the salon. 

Conveniently, Essie’s fall 2023 collection offers the perfect shade to embrace this trend: a rich red color called Full Blast.

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Dark Chocolate

London-based manicurist and content creator Julia Diogo predicts this fall will be all about the chocolate manicure, backed by Paintbox’s Alva and OPI’s Fischmann as well. “It’s timeless, super chic, and one of those colors that looks great on all skin tones,” she says. 

Alva affirms it’s equally trendy in the States: “Chocolate browns are very popular this season, as seen on the runways, like at the Khaite show, where we did the nails for the models in a deep espresso brown,” she adds.

When it comes to choosing the perfect shade of brown for yourself, Alva offers valuable advice: If your skin has warmer undertones, opt for a cooler-toned, greyish brown; conversely, if your undertones are cooler, go for a warmer, more chocolatey brown.

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Clear and Glossy

“Quiet luxury” made its mark on nail salons earlier this year as more and more people hopped aboard the ultra-minimalist clear nails trend, which subtly enhances one’s nails with sheer, glossy polish. The trend shows no signs of losing speed, earning endearing nicknames like lipgloss and glazed donut nails. It has even persuaded some to ditch their acrylics and extensions altogether, says Ciaté London founder Charlotte Knight: “Even the biggest of celebs have been going short and subtle,” she says.

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Modern Micro-French

The French manicure is undergoing a makeover. Instead of thick white tips, “people are opting for a thinner French tip on shorter nails,” says Molly Romah, lead nail tech at Chillhouse in NYC.

This isn’t the only updated twist on the traditional French manicure we’ve seen lately. At the Staud Spring 2024 show, nail artist Julie Kandalec masterminded a “reimagined micro French,” in which she painted a thin vertical line about a quarter down each nail. 

While you’re free to enlist a manicurist to get the look, there’s been a surge in easy-to-use press-ons that make copping the micro-French trend a breeze, including both short and long styles.

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Green

Green is a surprising yet welcome addition to our fall nail polish lineup, and two hues are emerging as standout shades: sage green and olive green. 

Hanna deems sage “a beautiful, muted, soft shade of green, perfect for the transition between summer and fall.” However, as the cool weather settles in, professional manicurist Mimi D advises gravitating toward olive green: “It matches the foliage of autumn and looks amazing on various skin tones,” she explains.

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Burnt Orange

Elle Gerstein, a celebrity nail stylist, is the creative force behind Blake Lively’s headline-making nail looks, and one of her latest manicures — the cognac-colored design the actor unveiled at the Michael Kors runway show, outlined with gold 3D studs — stirred a sensation. Gerstein says this burnt orange hue is ideal for fall because it’s “reminiscent of foliage and all things spiced, evoking warm feels as the air crisps.”

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Chrome

In keeping with the theme of paradoxes, chrome nails are just as on-trend as nearly natural manicures for fall. 

This manicure style is easily recognized for its captivating reflective finish, typically brought to life by buffing the nails using chrome powder atop a gel polish base. L.A.-based nail artist and chrome nail expert Queenie Nguyen sees them as another way to embrace the quiet luxury trend via your manicure.

 Whether you choose press-on nails, invest in a chrome powder kit to do it yourself, or consult your trusted nail technician, there’s no shortage of options to explore.

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