From Cosmopolitan · Jasmine Hyman · · 2m
The 7 Fall Nail Colors Manicurists Swear By
Celebrity nail artists break down the seven shades worth booking a fall appointment for.
In brief
Celebrity nail artists break down the seven shades worth booking a fall appointment for. Fall nails don't have to mean dark. Warm browns, olive, and even bright blue read just as seasonal as burgundy. Originally reported by Cosmopolitan.
Summer pastels, meet moody
Florals and pastels are done for the year, but fall's palette is not just a swap to black. Two celebrity manicurists, Sigourney Nuñez and John Thomas, picked the seven shades worth trying.
Juicy plum leads the way
Deep plum, fig, and eggplant are the default fall mani. They sit well against plaids and knits, and double as a Halloween color at the end of October. Try Sally Hansen Zip Wine or Essie Leather Weather.
Cinnamon spice, not too dark
Honey, caramel, amber, and cognac give you the season without going heavy. Thomas suggests wearing them sheer and syrupy, or layering chrome on top for depth. OPI's Endless Sun-ner and Material Gworl both work.
“They feel rich and seasonal without being overly dark.”
Burgundy wine never leaves
Autumn's answer to summer's light pink is a deep red. Burgundy, oxblood, and wine are the safe bet every year. Thomas reaches for OPI Complimentary Wine; Essie's Bordeaux is the other pick.
“Burgundy, oxblood, and deep wine will always be fall staples.”
Bright blue stays on
Turquoise and sky blue ran the summer and they are carrying into fall. The trick is context: powder blue reads completely differently next to deep autumn shades. Sally Hansen's Up In The Clouds and Electric Splash last through November.
“Turquoise pairs so well with rich browns and nudes, it'll add such a playful contrast to the moody looks.”
Olive green eases you in
Olive is the transitional shade before you commit to a festive emerald. Nuñez pairs it with burgundy for a full fall palette. Look at Manucurist's Green Tuileries or Essie's Willow in the Wind.
Chocolate espresso, softer than black
Espresso and chocolate give you a strong manicure without the hardness of black. Nuñez says pairing one with butter yellow carries that spring shade into fall. Try Cote's Tobacco or Essie's No-To Do.
“Espresso and chocolate shades softer than black but still create a strong manicure.”
Cherry mocha goes vampy
Black cherry takes burgundy somewhere moodier. Nail artist Viktoriia Voloshyna says clients ask for it because it makes a statement without tipping into full black. OPI's Black Cherry Chutney and Londontown's Elderberry get you there.
“It makes a statement, but it still feels classic and wearable.”
Any finish, any nail length
All seven shades work glossy, sheer, or chromed, on long nails or short. Pick the color that matches your fall wardrobe and let the finish do the rest.
What to remember
Fall nails don't have to mean dark. Warm browns, olive, and even bright blue read just as seasonal as burgundy.
