I Inquired with an Expert About the Nail Trends That Will Be Popular This Autumn—They Identified These 6.

      I can hardly believe it, but I’m actually wearing a jumper today as I write this article at my desk. It even rained this morning on my commute to work, which has definitely put me in the autumn mood. So, it makes perfect sense that I’m here to discuss the biggest nail trends for this autumn. With the change of seasons often comes a shift in trending nail colors and styles, as expert nail artists lean towards deeper shades like burgundy and navy blue. Each year seems to bring a wave of new autumn nail trends, and 2026 is no exception. After reaching out to Metta Francis, a London-based manicurist and the founder of Nails by Mets, I gathered all the details on the prominent looks for the upcoming season, and there are numerous fresh manicures to experiment with. If you’d prefer to stick to classic autumn tones, you'll find plenty of enjoyable nail polish colors to explore. However, if you’re looking for something softer and more natural, you’ll still have many options. While I could share many different styles with you, thanks to Francis's insights, I’ve narrowed it down to the six key looks to be aware of this season. Just keep scrolling for more...

      6 Major Nail Trends for Autumn 2026

      1. Midnight Blue

      To start, we have this enchanting midnight blue nail polish. "It's almost black but not entirely; midnight blue exudes luxury and sophistication," says Francis. “This autumnal shade is easy to wear, so don't hesitate to have some fun with this intriguing color.” She recommends trying midnight blue French tips on longer nails or a midnight blue half-moon design for those with shorter nails.

      Get the Look:

      - Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Polish in Midnight Drive

      - H&M Nail Polish in Midnight Sky (just £4 for this chic shade).

      2. Gilded Gold

      Metallics are trending this season, particularly gold manicures. Francis mentions that everything from full-coverage gold nails to gilded gold tips and accent nail art will be in vogue. “Highly pigmented gold nail polishes, chromes, and foils will help achieve this look, as showcased in the Sergio Hudson A/W26 and Chanel Haute Couture A/W26 shows,” she explains.

      Get the Look:

      - CHANEL Le Vernis 157 Phénix for an expensive-looking manicure at home.

      - Manucurist Gold Nail Polish for a touch of glitter.

      3. Naked Nails

      In contrast to the previous design, if you're aiming for a subtle autumn nail look, consider the naked nail trend. According to Francis, this trend embraces short, naturally shaped, low-maintenance nails. “[You can use] a natural color to enhance the natural nail with a matte finish for a truly 'barely there' appearance,” she explains. “Essie’s To The Rescue is perfect for this and also strengthens and revitalizes damaged nails.”

      Get the Look:

      - Essie To The Rescue UV Gel Damage Repair Nail Treatment, as recommended by Francis herself.

      - Nailberry Au Naturel Oxygenated Nail Lacquer, one of my favorite natural-looking nail polish shades.

      4. Pretty Plum

      How gorgeous is this deep plum shade? "As an alternative to classic burgundy, rich, jewel-toned plums are the ideal colors to welcome the colder months," says Francis. “This is a staple autumn hue that transitions well from day to night.”

      Get the Look:

      - Manucurist Victoria Plum Nail Polish, potentially my favorite shade of the entire season.

      - Essie Nail Polish in 45 Sole Mate, a slightly darker hue for those leaning into autumnal tones.

      5. Chocolate Brown Nail Art

      This is a trend I’ve noticed myself, and I believe it's going to be quite popular this autumn. While chocolate brown nail polishes were a hit last year, this season it's all about chocolate brown nail art. Whether you prefer polka dots, floral designs, French tips, or more, there are endless ways to embrace this trend.

      Get the Look:

      - Blitsbee Shade Split Nail Stickers by Laura Elizabeth Klein, these gel wraps make at-home nail art easier, and I adore this color combination.

      If you’re using traditional nail polish, make sure to have a nail art brush on hand.

      6. Unexpected Lilac

      A bit of a surprise for the autumn months, but still incredibly stylish. "Typically popular in spring, lilac is making an autumnal appearance,” says Francis. For this season, however, she notes that the shade is more muted and reminiscent of cozy knitwear. I'm definitely going to give this a try.

      Get the Look:

      - Essie 37 Lilacism Nail Polish

      - Manucurist Wisteria Nail Polish, this shade is sure to garner plenty of compliments.