What autumn nail colour will you try this year? As the temperatures drop, we tend to swap warm, beachy sunset hues for deep midnight shades. “Autumn is the season for cosying up – it represents comfort and nostalgia,” says nail artist Hang Nguyen, author of Nail Art Deck. “It’s the perfect time to be inspired by colours and art that bring a sense of warmth as the weather cools down.”
For Jin Soon Choi, founder of JINSOON, autumn’s trending polishes are inspired by both the runways and natural world. “People take inspiration from the changing leaves and weather, but I get mine from the campaigns and fashion shows I work on,” she says. “I’m fortunate to be able to see the latest fashion designs and colour palettes first hand.” Still, Choi says that autumn is ultimately all about deep, moody and earthy hues – though 2024 may see an outlier or two.
Short or long, nail health is a key factor this autumn and it’s all about the prep work in a manicure – think flawless cuticles – rather than just the colour on top of the nail. “A clean manicure with a natural buff is a great way to remove any staining. I recommend focusing on the health of your nails before you opt for dramatic nail shades,” says Mazz Hanna, CEO of Nailing Hollywood. Also trending? A matte finish, which gives this season’s most popular polishes a cosy, luxurious feel.
As with any mani, nail care is of the utmost importance. Celebrity nail artist Julie Kandalec loves a waterless manicure to help colour last longer. “They are becoming more commonplace now,” Kandalec says. “When a nail tech reaches for a warm soapy bowl of water, expect your nails to swell, and then polish chips sooner.”
Here, some of the industry’s top nail artists share the autumn nail polish colours that will define the cooler months. From vampy shades to glamorous metallics, there’s a shade for everyone.
Ballet pinks
“Sheer Fantasy by Essie is the perfect neutral pink for anyone that just wants a clean glossy nail,” says nail artist Steph Stone. “It offers less opacity than other neutral pink polishes and really gives your nails a naturally healthy ‘glowing’ appearance.”
Earthy greens
Olives made the list of nearly every nail artist we interviewed for this story. “It is neutral enough to go with any outfit but brings a playful element to it,” says Goldstein, who loves CND’s Vinylux in Cap and Gown. Stone opts for JINSoon’s Green Clay, a lighter olive shade. “This is an easily overlooked colour palette, but once you try it on you’ll be surprised how quickly it becomes a favourite,” she enthuses.
Misty morning blues
Though autumn is usually associated with deeper hues, there’s something to be said for using a lighter shade as the seasons change. Chanel’s Le Vernis in Muse is a favourite of Goldstein’s for its atmospheric feel. “This colour reminds me of early foggy mornings in the autumn, especially in northern California,” she says. Channel the dreaminess of a chilly beach day with a pale blue/grey hybrid.
Spiced burgundy
Autumn’s reds are inspired by foliage and spice, and the best burgundies reflect that season-specific combination. For a solid starting point, Chanel’s Bois Des Isles comes recommended by Stone and Goldstein. “It has the perfect combination of red, brown and orange undertones,” says Goldstein. “It is intense and rich, yet not too deep, making it one of my favourite colours for autumn.”
Warm browns
“Warm brown tones create a cosy, comforting feeling that’s ideal for sweater weather,” says Nyguen. Whether cinnamon, milk chocolate, or light roast coffee, Hanna likes to finish with a matte top coat to make the shade feel even warmer.
Eggshell white
Eggshell is one of the most sumptuous shades, but to get it right, a perfect finish is essential. “I am a big fan of off-white eggshell colours for autumn, especially with a matte top coat,” Goldstein says, pointing toward Colour Department’s Coconut Water. “It reminds me of soft cashmere.”
Bright pinks
Barbiecore just won’t go away. Though some eschew brighter polish jobs in autumn, Stone likes to ignore the rules, and will be championing a few coats of Gucci Vernis a Ongles in Valentina Fuchsia – A.K.A. the perfect hot pink. “Pink is forever and this bright will offer a youthful pop of colour in your autumn wardrobe.”
Cool matte black
Inspired by the Christian Cowan autumn/winter 2024 show that she worked on, Kandalec loves a black nail with a matte finish for the cooler months. “The matte finish looks chic and leather-like,” she says. “Perfect for autumn.” She used CND’s Black Pool and Matte Shellac Top Coat.
Metallic shine
“I love a metallic tip,” Kandalec says. “It’s an understated way to dress up your mani.” You can opt for gold in cool, warm or yellow tones or gunmetal silver, and so on – there’s a colour for everyone.
Bright orange
Autumn doesn’t have to be all muted earth tones or moody colours. Try some of the fun, bright shades you’ve been using all summer to add some fun to your fingertips. “Bright orange shimmer works as a perfect transitional shade from summer to autumn,” says Kandalec. “[It also] gives a holiday nod in the winter.”
