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 try 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 commit to some dark nail colors. The weather is cooler, the leaves are a pretty red, orange, and yellow, and 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
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 shades of red to make it perfect for autumn.
1. Olive and June Nail Polish in SC
It honestly doesn't get any more classic than this bordeaux red. You'll be wearing this beyond fall.
2. Ella + Mila Nail Polish in Wicked Red
You can't go wrong with this deep, sultry red.
3. Revlon Nail Polish in Vixen
Revlon's dark red polish is chip- and fade-resistant. And it leaves a glossy finish.
Brown
Brown nails are the ultimate fall color. They're a deep neutral that works on everyone.
4. Base Coat Nail Polish in Capricorn
This espresso polish is cozy yet sophisticated.
5. OPI Nail Lacquer in Cliffside Karoake
If you want a lighter option, try this chocolate brown.
6. Essie Nail Lacquer in Seeing Stars
This brown polish has a little bit of shimmer, making it more of a bronze tone.
Green
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.
7. OPI Nail Lacquer in Stay Off the Lawn!!
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).
8. Jinsoon Nail Polish in Epidote
If you're looking for a little bit of sparkle, try this metallic green.
9. OPI Nail Lacquer in Things I've Seen In Aber-green
OPI's green polish is a darker version of an army green.
Blue
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.
10. Olive and June Nail Polish in Social Studies
I love that this blue is a different take on deep navy—Olive and June describes it as "slightly sun-bleached."
11. Smith & Cult Nail Lacquer in Kings & Thieves
An inky, almost-black blue, this polish from Smith & Cult is definitely for those looking for something a bit dramatic and very chic.
12. Essie Nail Polish in Infinity Cool
Essie's classic navy blue polish has a slightly creamy finish.
Purple
A deep eggplant shade of purple imparts the perfect amount of mystery and elegance for cool fall nights.
13. Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Polish in Purple Haze
A creamy dark purple, this polish from Essie is just your classic aubergine shade.
14. Auda.B Vegan Nail Polish in Royalty
This one is more of a berry color, with both red and purple tones.
15. Cirque Colors Nail Polish in Terroir
This is a great option if you don't want a traditional purple. It has some taupe, neutral vibes.
Black
Perfect for Halloween, early sunsets, and the first whisper of brisk air.
16. Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish in Onyx-pected
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.
17. Gucci Vernis À Ongles Nail Polish in Black Crystal
What's more luxe than a Gucci nail polish? Nothing, probably. This plant-based formula has long-lasting glossy shine.
18. NCLA Nail Lacquer in Back to Black
This creamy black polish is an all-natural, twelve-free formula.
Gray
Gray is a surprisingly versatile fall-ready shade.
19. Olive and June Nail Polish in Scattered Showers
Inspired by "wet and moody weather, " this polish is aptly named Scattered Showers. It's a pretty steely gray that works as a neutral.
20. Butter London Nail Lacquer in Earl Grey
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.
21. OPI Nail Lacquer in Rub-a-Pub-Pub
A dark, silvery gray, this polish from OPI is moody, chic, and versatile.
This article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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