The 19 Chic Nail Colors Trendsetters Are Embracing This Fall (Along with the Ones They're Casually Retiring)

      There's a certain feeling that accompanies the shift from August to September, prompting us to don our cashmere, pull out the trench coats, and reach for a seasonal (hot!) coffee, even if the temperature is still hovering around 80 degrees. While it might be a bit premature to fully embrace fall fashion this early, one easy way to update your look for autumn—regardless of the weather—is to switch your nail polish to something more current. Celebrity manicurist Elle Gerstein, who beautifies the nails of stars like Tate McRae, Rachel Brosnahan, and Jennifer Lopez, knows how to create an ideal transitional manicure in just one shade. "I appreciate the wider range of colors available for fall," says Gerstein. She suggests looking to autumn runway trends for guidance on color choices and to "make your fall nail wardrobe more versatile."

      Naturally, some summer trends will persist. For instance, various shades of yellow will continue to be popular as we transition to fall, but expect a move from lemon yellow to mustard as the temperatures drop. Celebrity nail artist and brand founder Pattie Yankee advises that we should focus on "muted greens like olive and sage, warm earthy browns… metallics and shimmers" as we shift away from summer. Below, you'll find 19 nail polish ideas that will keep you stylish without causing you to overheat during those mid-September layering moments.

      19 Summer-to-Fall Nail Polish Ideas

      1. Waxy Mani

      Move over, glazed manicures—Gerstein is predicting the rise of wax-colored neutrals. This finish strikes a balance between sheer and opaque, as well as matte and shiny. "It's not sheer; it's a waxier finish," she notes, dubbing this everyday look the "new pastel." "Soft, sheer pinks and neutral shades have evolved—it's about having a hint of color rather than looking flesh-toned," she adds, likening this manicure to a sepia filter for your nails and branding it the mature sibling to summer's milky soap nails.

      2. Eggshell

      While white nails undeniably signal summer, fall calls for something slightly warmer. Celebrity manicurist Betina Goldstein's off-white nails are perfect for the transitional season, delivering a late-summer vibe without hitting too nautical. "Porcelain and parchment are the new nude," agrees Gerstein.

      3. Chili Red

      Located between cherry red and hot pink is this stunning chili shade, making it an ideal pick for these in-between months. It's summery enough for the lingering warmth but also suggests a touch of fall—a perfect choice for those not quite ready to say goodbye to summer entirely.

      4. Forest Green

      This deep mossy shade evokes a strong September vibe, doesn't it? If black nails aren’t your style but you want something edgier than matcha green as the weather cools, give this deep green a shot to hold onto those last hints of summer's greens.

      5. Metallic Silver

      Gerstein believes metallics are an excellent way to elevate your transitional manicure into a chic accessory. She compares their fluidity to "lighter materials like silk and chiffon," emphasizing texture as a key fall nail trend. Swap glazed nails for a warm silver chrome to step it up for the upcoming season.

      6. Shades of Sage

      We don’t think light nails should come to an end with summer, so consider this fresh sage color. While it stays away from being too blue for a seafoam shade, this earthy vintage hue brings a calm, spa-like feel reminiscent of tranquil falling leaves.

      7. Milk Chocolate

      This milk chocolate brown is the epitome of "hello fall." It achieves a lovely balance between dark and light, making it suitable for the transitional days when you're unsure about the season. Its warmth hints at the last vestiges of summer's tropical bronzing oil while anticipating the first tastes of fall's maple lattes.

      8. Oxblood

      Introducing chili red's edgier counterpart. These cool shades work all year round, but this burgundy color shines particularly for the first days of fall. After all, what better hue than this wine-colored shade gets people excited about autumn foliage?

      9. Lime Green

      This option may seem unexpected, but hear us out. Although Charli XCX's Brat Tour has wrapped, that iconic lime green from the album cover will live on—yes, even into fall 2025. Hailey Bieber demonstrated that neon green nails look great no matter the season, pairing hers with a leather jacket as her wardrobe transitioned from winter to spring.

      10. Black Cherry

      If you're into almost-black shades but prefer a break from forest green, this dark cherry color could be for you. While it may lean more toward winter than late summer, its deep tones make it an intriguing choice for this time of year—no TikTok trends required.

      11. Chocolate Contrast

      Instead of just changing color, how about switching up your finish?