9 Best Fall Nail Colors & Trends For 2022, From Experts

Head-to-toe blue is certainly on trend, with folks sporting monochrome looks in cerulean, cobalt, and true, royal blue. Of course, “Navy is great for that simple yet daring manicure that I think we will see sticking around all the way through the winter season,” says Rachel Apfel Glass, founder of GLOSSLAB. Try this midnight hue from Mischo Beauty or Zoya’s creamy ocean blue.  

“I love moody greens,” says Glass. “There is something so cozy yet luxurious about a deep green shade that is perfect for the fall season.” You can opt for a dark mossy shade or a more muted olive reminiscent of a dirty martini—as the weather turns crisper, little sounds better than welcoming the new season with good friends and a celebratory cocktail in hand. Try J.Hannah’s Compost or Olive & June’s Touchdown for a chic, olive-inspired mani.

A classic red is practically neutral nail inspo. “Nothing says ‘fall’ more than bringing back the daring red mani’s—perfect for any occasion and always a great way to spice up your fall wardrobe,” Glass notes. However, this season, choose a deeper shade of ruby with a high-shine patent-leather finish; you’ll think of apple picking and cozy cider every time you catch a glimpse of those tips. Try JINSoon’s sophisticated Coquette or sundays’ No. 17, a rich, cherry red.

Make no mistake: The Barbiecore trend is here to stay. “Brights will be in,” agrees Rachel James, founder and CEO of Pear Nova. “Head-to-toe ocean blue, lime green, and fuchsia will be trending, and nails must be included.” Grab your hottest shade of pink—like Deborah Lippmann’s Fire With Fire or Butter London’s Flusher Blusher—and add a pop of color to your neutral, monochrome outfits this season. Toss on a bright lip, too, for good measure.

“Any color found on a leaf this time of year is included in the fall nail color palette,” notes James, including a spicy auburn or saffron. Citrus was certainly the shade of the summer, but this season’s hue has a bit of a muted edge—think more pumpkin spice than juicy tangerine. Try Paintbox’s Like Spice or Ella + Mila’s Sunset Escape for tips that mirror those blushing leaves.

“A sophisticated gray will be all the rage this fall, as it is the perfect pairing with a leather or denim jacket,” notes Glass. The warm tone toes the line between gray and taupe, so it can complement pretty much any fall color palette. “Our OG Stone is a chic upgrade from the pale pinks and whites of summer,” Glass adds, or côte’s Smooth Suede Grey offers the perfect touch of cream.

A latte-inspired nail never misses. Whether you choose to go full espresso or prefer more of a blonde roast mani, coffee nails are always on-trend. You can coat a few different neutrals on each hand for a gradient mani moment, but if you are going to stick to one shade, James suggests opting for fewer clouds in your coffee. “For fall neutrals, I suggest trying a shade darker than you would normally go,” she advises. This chocolate brown from Lights Lacquer and Base Coat’s Naomi are both versatile and stunning.

Ultimately, you can wear any shade of polish you please. However, these are the hues beauty fans are expected to swoon over this fall. This year’s set looks a bit different from your average autumn neutrals, so take note—and if you’re attempting an at-home mani, make sure to check out our full step-by-step guide.   

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