The 19 Chic Nail Colors Trendsetters Are Embracing This Fall (Along with the Ones They're Discreetly Phasing Out)

      There’s something about the shift from August to September that makes us want to don cashmere, pull out trench coats, and sip a seasonal (hot!) coffee, even if temperatures are still around 80 degrees. While changing fashion may feel a bit early, one way to transition your look into autumn without considering the weather is by selecting a more contemporary manicure shade. Celebrity manicurist Elle Gerstein has painted the nails of various stars, including Tate McRae, Rachel Brosnahan, and Jennifer Lopez, which gives her a keen sense of how to create a transitional manicure in a single color. "For fall, I love that you can play more with color," Gerstein notes. She suggests looking at fall runway trends to guide your color choices and "make your fall nail collection more versatile."

      Of course, some summer trends will persist. For instance, different shades of yellow nails will continue to thrive as we move into fall, though we’ll see a shift towards mustard tones instead of lemon as temperatures drop. Celebrity nail artist and brand founder Pattie Yankee advises focusing on "muted greens like olive and sage, warm earthy browns... metallics and shimmers" as we approach the end of summer.

      Here are 19 nail polish ideas that won’t leave you feeling hot during a mid-September layering phase.

      19 Summer-to-Fall Nail Polish Ideas

      1. Waxy Mani

      Forget glazed manicures—Gerstein highlights a new finish on the rise. The celeb manicurist anticipates a rise in wax-colored neutrals that strike a balance between sheer and opaque, matte and glossy. "It's not sheer; it's a waxier finish," she explains, dubbing this everyday finish the "new pastel." "Soft, sheer pinks and universal neutrals have evolved—the neutral now carries a hint of color," she adds, likening this manicure to a sepia filter for your nails and calling it the sophisticated sibling of summer’s milky soap nails.

      2. Eggshell

      White nails scream summer, but fall invites a slightly warmer option. Celebrity manicurist Betina Goldstein's off-white nails are perfect for autumn as they retain a late-summer feel without being too nautical. "Porcelain and parchment are the new nudes," states Gerstein.

      3. Chili Red

      This beautiful chili hue, sitting between cherry red and hot pink, is ideal for transition months. It’s bright enough for lingering summer warmth yet leans into fall, perfect for those still holding onto summer.

      4. Forest Green

      This rich, mossy tone feels undeniably September. If black nails aren’t your style but you’re ready to swap matcha nails for something bolder as the weather cools, consider trying a deep green to retain a bit of summer's lushness.

      5. Metallics

      To Gerstein, metallics provide a fantastic way to elevate your transitional manicure. They remind her of "lighter materials like silk and chiffon," highlighting texture as a significant trend this fall. Swap your glazed nails for luminous silver chrome to enhance your seasonal look.

      6. Shades of Sage

      We believe light-colored nails can last beyond summer, so why not test this fresh sage color? This vintage hue is earthy and embodies tranquility, reminiscent of serene autumn leaves.

      7. Milk Chocolate

      Is there a shade more quintessentially "fall" than this milk chocolate brown? Striking a balance between dark and light, it captures the essence of late summer and early fall’s cozy vibes.

      8. Oxblood

      Meet chili red's bolder counterpart. This burgundy is a year-round staple, though we particularly adore this shade during the early days of fall as it evokes excitement for the changing foliage.

      9. Lime Green

      While this shade may seem unexpected, it’s worth considering. Even as Charli XCX’s Brat Tour wraps up, the iconic lime green album cover hue will remain timeless. Hailey Bieber has shown that neon nails are seasonless, successfully pairing them with various outfits.

      10. Black Cherry

      For those preferring almost-black shades but not keen on forest green, this dark cherry hue may appeal. Though it leans more toward winter, its deep tone makes it an intriguing choice for this transitional period.

      11. Chocolate Contrast

      Instead of altering color, why not play with finish? Yankee suggests embracing mattes this fall. Coat your nails with a matte topcoat, allowing it to dry completely before adding a glossy topcoat for a stylish twist.

      12. Smoked Cinnamon

      Yankee also highlighted "spiced browns" as a fall suggestion, and we can’t shake the thought of this smoked cinnamon shade. Use a few coats of Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Nail Polish in Macaroon for a similar effect.

      13. Matcha-Green Tips

      There’s no rule stating that color has to cover the entire nail. Embrace vibrant French tips with a matcha shade while the weather remains warm.

      14. Amethyst