It's safe to say that we love nothing more than getting our nails done. I know this because, every week, the stories we write about nail art and trends are consistently our most popular. This piqued my interest—what do people want when it comes to their nails? Are we more inclined to ask for short nails over long? Oval over square? Art over solid hues? When I visited my salon last week, I was curious to find out which colours were proving popular right now 1) to inform my choice and 2) to report my findings back to you. My manicurist responded, "Everyone wants timeless shades."
It's perhaps unsurprising that we're turning to more classic nail polish colours. I'm no exception, either, for the colour I chose was a rich, deep shade of burgundy, which I thought would help bridge the gap between my more colourful and neutral outfits.
Nail colours are less of a commitment than a new piece of clothing, shoes or a bag but have the same ability to give your look a new-season refresh. So I've charted the latest ones that prove insanely popular season after season. And for good trend-led measure, I've thrown in a couple of of-the-moment shades that'll give your style a swift update. Scroll on to see all 15 of them that are perfect for autumn.
Classy Autumn Nail Colours
1. JET BLACK
Vampy, not gothic, black nails have become chicer and chicer with each passing season.
Get the look:
OPI is often stocked in many salons, so you can guarantee a professional manicure at home. This deep black is as glossy as it gets and looks like gel.
Essie's formula's are glossy and apply seamlessly.
2. ECRU
Although typically popular in summer, white nails are fast becoming a year-round manicure must. Look for soft, off-white shades for a flattering finish.
Get the look:
A creamy hue that looks great on fingertips and toes.
This sheer formula adds a milky tone to nails that looks so, so chic.
3. BARELY THERE PINK
Pink always looks pretty and taps into the clean-girl nails we've been seeing everywhere. It's all about those clean, almost translucent shades.
Get the look:
This is a favourite of many.
Look for polishes that have a semi-sheer finish to give nails just a hint of colour. OPI's Bubble Bath is iconic for a reason.
4. UNEXPECTED GREEN
The breakout colour trend of 2024, this shade of matcha green is sticking around.
Get the look:
This is such a great green hue.
The perfect sage green.
5. CLAY
Not quite as glamorous as pillar-box red but more fanciful than standard beige, this is the nail colour minimalists will zero in on.
Get the look:
This pretty terracotta shade works across all seasons.
Look for warm-toned browns to tap into this trend.
6. BURGUNDY
The colour I chose for my own nails, burgundy is timeless and will go with any and every outfit.
Get the look:
The OG dark red that suits everyone.
Look for rich, wine-inspired shades for a timeless manicure.
7. OCHRE
It might sound unexpected, but deeper, mustard tones will act as the perfect lift to more tonal clothing.
Get the look:
The whole WWW team loves this mustard shade.
Ochre is the perfect compromise between brights and neutrals.
8. COOL GREY
Not as drastic-looking as black, grey provides the ideal alternative to those who want a softer monochromatic nail look.
Get the look:
A dove-grey tone is always a winner.
Grey goes with all colours in your wardrobe.
9. CHOCOLATE
Rich and delicious, chocolate-brown tones are trending in a big way, even more so than usual.
Get the look:
This dark chocolate hue is a winner.
Meanwhile, this dark-chocolate colour is also taking our fancy.
10. FOREST GREEN
If the more vivid shades of green don't do it for you, rest assured dark, forest green is still on our nail colour radar.
Get the look:
This deep green looks so sophisticated on fingertips.
Emerald hues like this one work year-round.
11. CLASSIC RED
A perennial nail colour, red is always a good idea if you're unsure which shade to opt for. Although statement, it's so classic it'll work seamlessly with every outfit you wear while it's painted on your nails.
Get the look:
A poppy red is so chic.
This long-lasting formula stays chip-free for days.
12. CHROME
Not just for party season, chrome nails are a year-round classic. Go for a neutral pink base or experiment with darker hues like brown which look really chic for autumn.
Get the look:
Apply this top coat to any nail polish to instantly turn it into a chrome finish.
Can't get to the salon for a chrome mani? This polish gives a very similar look at home.
13. DEEP NAVY
Elegant and striking, navy nails never fail to make an impact. I'm particularly taken with this French-tip situation.
Get the look:
We're mesmerised by this inky blue.
It doesn't get chicer than a Chanel navy nail polish.
14. SOFT PEACH
Proving that pastels don't have to be exclusively worn in spring, we love a soft, warm peach for our autumn nails. It works well all over as well as in a French tip design, and pairs beautifully with other popular autumn nail colours like chocolate brown and forest green.
Get the look:
A true peach hue.
If you tend to opt for more natural-looking, neutral shades, opt for this muted peach.
15. OLIVE GREEN
Yet another shade of green that we just can't get enough of. Since it's dark and muted, olive green is the perfect subtle pop of colour if you're typically more into wearing neutrals.
Get the look:
A spot-on olive green.
Prefer something a little brighter? This Essie green is the perfect shade.
This story was previously published and has since been updated.
-
I'm Calling It: This Chic OPI Shade Will Be the Biggest Nail Polish Colour of the SeasonNeutral nail lovers, rejoice!
-
If You’re Stuck for Expensive-Looking Manicure Inspiration, Follow These 11 Nail Artists ImmediatelyIn good hands.
-
I've Never Followed Microtrends—Trust Me, These 9 Spring Manicures Will Never Fall Out of Favour2025 is the year of classic manis.
-
Only the Most Stylish of People Have a Year-Round Pedicure—5 Colours They're Choosing in 2025Time to get those toes in check.
-
Subtle, Elegant and Chic—Strawberry Milk Nails Are About to Make Manicure Minimalists Very HappyIt looks as delicious as it sounds.
-
Nail Experts Have Confirmed It—These 7 Manicure Trends Will Be Big News This MonthWhich one will you go for?
-
I’m Usually a Classic Nail Girl, But These Micro Nail Art Looks Have Me Rethinking My Next ManiAs long as it’s mini, anything goes.
-
I Already Know the "Glow French" Will Be Spring's Most Requested ManicureIt's like blush, but for your nails.
