It's Time to Change Your Nail Color—Here Are the 6 Shades Poised to Dominate This Autumn
Although the most stylish individuals maintain manicured nails throughout the year, I believe that if you have a penchant for luxurious nail colors, autumn is your ideal time. Why is that? In contrast to the vibrant and playful nail trends we tend to embrace in the summer, autumn always brings a more sophisticated feel to nail designs. From deep, warm shades that reflect the season’s mood to chic and simple nail art (hello, polka dots), I have observed a direct link between the shift in weather and the rise of elegant nail designs—and as someone who tracks nail trends professionally, I can confirm this. So, what elegant nail colors should we be requesting this Autumn? To find out, I turned to the experts. I consulted one of the most prominent figures behind the nail colors we adore, Daisy Kalnina, founder of The Gel Bottle, along with nail artist Jasmine Puma, who knows precisely which shades are in demand. Here are their predictions for the most popular nail colors for autumn 2025.
**The Best Nail Color Trends for Autumn 2025**
1. **Wine Red**
Juicy red wine shades, such as cabernet and merlot, gained immense popularity last autumn, with celebrities like Kylie Jenner and Selena Gomez opting for this moody hue. For 2025, Puma anticipates the trend will continue as burgundy shades are increasingly sought after. “This shade was massive last year,” she notes. "I've already seen many autumn nail trends showcasing burgundy tones. Glossify’s Wine is my personal favorite, and I've already stocked up on three bottles."
**Shop the Trend:**
- Glossify Gel Polish in Wine
- Essie Nail Polish in Bordeaux
- OPI Nail Lacquer Polish in Got the Blues for Red
2. **Burnt Rust**
For something a bit more unconventional, Kalnina suggests rust tones and warm terracottas. “Autumn is the perfect time to embrace richer, moodier shades that feel both sophisticated and fresh,” she explains. “[These colors] pair beautifully with cozy knits and seasonal layers.” While solid colors are one approach, Kalnina also loves “burnt oranges with a twist. Metallic, velvet, and shimmery finishes on rust oranges will add subtle elegance.”
**Shop the Trend:**
- H&M Nail Polish in Terracotta Flame
- Barry M Diamond Luxe Nail Paint Cascading
- Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in Spirituelle
3. **Darkest Brown**
“We’ve observed cosy dark brown shades trending not just as a nail color, but also in fashion and makeup this year,” says Puma, “and it really shines in the autumn months.” For an opulent look, choose a brown polish with warm undertones and finish with a high-shine top coat for an ultra-glossy appearance.
**Shop the Trend:**
- Nailberry L'Oxygéné Oxygenated Nail Lacquer in Hot Coco
- Pleasing x Marco Ribeiro Nail Polish in Incrivel Marrom
- Rimmel Super Gel Nail Polish in Venus
4. **Milky White + Pink**
For those who prefer a minimalist nail aesthetic, milky nails remain a top choice across seasons. “Milky nails will continue to be essential for that autumn clean girl vibe,” states Kalnina. “[However, we’ll be] slightly moving away from the ultra glossy/jelly finish of soap nails.” Instead, this season’s milky nails will focus on an ultra-sheer and soft look. “The GelBottle has just launched a new range of sheer gels that are already gaining popularity for a classic soft finish,” she adds. Think sheer white and pink tones that still allow your natural nail to shine through.
**Shop the Trend:**
- Chanel Les Vernis in Ballerina
- Manucurist Active Bright Treatment
- Barry M Sheer Strength Hardening Nail Paint in Sheer Luck
5. **Midnight Navy**
“For autumn 2025, I’m a huge fan of stunning deep blue navy shades, as they appear luxurious, elegant, and significantly high-end,” says Puma. Navy is also a fantastic choice for those not accustomed to darker nail colors, offering more depth than traditional black while maintaining drama.
**Shop the Trend:**
- Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Varnish in Midnight Drive
- DIOR Nail Polish in Pied de Poule
- Hermès Les Mains Hermès Nail Enamel in Bleu Encre
6. **Smoky Plum**
Finally, last year's popular plum nails are set to return this autumn 2025; however, this year's plum shades will lean towards more muted undertones rather than bright and bold. “Smoky plums will be very chic and on-trend this autumn,” Kalnina reveals. These shades bridge the
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It's Time to Change Your Nail Color—Here Are the 6 Shades Poised to Dominate This Autumn
It's time to get new nails for the season.
