Nail Polish Colors for Fall
What better way to celebrate the change of seasons than with a fresh new manicure? Sure, if you’re in Florida like me, the change of seasons is more mental than physical, but it’s all about perspective. Regardless of the temperature outside, fall colors are some of my favorites. I particularly love the earthy greens and reds that evoke the changing seasons. So, to help inspire your next manicure, I’ve compiled a round up of beautiful fall nail colors you’re sure to love, from classic reds to eclectic blues, and everything in between.
Featured in this Post on Fall Nail Colors:
Dip manicure with Malaga Wine from OPI
Picking Nail Polishes for a Manicure
While I typically go for dip manicures, I like to get an idea of what color I’d like before I go in. Plus, I’ve noticed more and more salons are carrying dip versions — as well as regular and gel — of OPI, Essie, and other popular nail polish brands. Since this is the case, I’ve been able to get some of my favorite polishes in my favorite manicure style! My default is this green OPI, a lovely rich jade green, and it’s really suitable for year round. As far as reds go, I love a deep oxblood like Malaga Wine from OPI — a classic (pictured above)!
The Best Fall Nail Colors
Fall Nail Polish Ideas
You can’t go wrong with a classic red hue when it comes to fall colors for nails. Personally, I always think of colors in the oxblood range for this season, including my favorite Malaga Wine, as mentioned and pictured above. These are a great option, too, if you want to get a jump on festive holiday nails. Beyond the dark reds, I also love a dark green (my go-to color, to be honest). Really, I just prefer dark fall nail colors in general! Essie’s Force of Nature (below, top right) is currently one of my favorite mossy dark green nail polishes for fall.
Top Row: Lakur Jade Green | Essie Bed Rock & Roll | OPI Stay Off the Lawn!! | Essie Force of Nature
Bottom Row: Essie Paintbrush It Off | OPI You Don’t Know Jacques! | Essie Toned Down | Lakur Midnight Kiss
Navy and dark blue are also great dark fall nail colors. I especially love these colors for my toes. In the same vein, purple is a fun transition color from summer to fall, like OPI You Don’t Know Jacques!. Similarly, the Lakur Midnight Kiss is a lovely rich navy, with a hint of jewel tone themes with autumnal sheen.
While I definitely tend towards darker fall nail colors, there are still plenty of great light colors and neutrals for autumn. Lighter popular fall nail colors range from burnt oranges to earthy pastels. To me, these are the perfect nail colors for September and beginning of the season! Essie Chinchilly is calling my name, for example. Similarly, this OPI Ink color is perfect for if you want a fun sparkly purple that is also a bit bold.
P.S. Whether you’re looking to extend a manicure or to give yourself a at-home spa treatment, click here for your essential at home manicure tools!
What are your go to fall nail polish colors?
Do you stick with the same options or try to mix things up?
*This post was originally published in October 2021. It was most recently updated on August 10, 2025.
I’m loving the Butter and Force of Nature colors – they’re not something I ever would’ve picked but I’m inspired to give them a try now for my next manicure. So much more fun than the typical deep reds I choose this time of year!
I loved those colors, too! A rich red is always great, but it’s fun to branch out and try something new!