Fall is the perfect time to switch up your nail color palette. As the leaves change colors and the weather cools down, warm autumnal tones come into focus. Choosing the right nail polish for fall can be tricky with so many options. Here’s a guide to picking the best nail colors for fall and some recommendations to try this season.
What are the most popular fall nail colors?
The top fall nail polish colors tend to be earthy, neutral and jewel-toned shades that evoke the colors of the changing leaves and autumn landscape:
– Browns – From chocolate brown to taupe, these earthy tones are versatile for fall. They complement the season’s color palette.
– Reds – Deep crimsons, burgundies and oxblood reds capture fall’s richly saturated palette. They make a bold statement.
– Oranges – From burnt orange to terra-cotta, orange nails echo pumpkin spices and autumn harvest colors.
– Purples – Regal eggplants, plums and wines show off fall’s sophisticated side.
– Greens – From olive to forest green, these shades nod to pine trees and evergreens.
– Grays – Cool ash gray to slate blue-grays create an edgy, smokey look.
– Metallics – Shimmering gold, copper and bronze nail polishes add warmth and richness.
What nail colors match fall fashion trends?
The key is choosing nails that coordinate with your fall wardrobe. Some top color pairings include:
– Olive green nails – Match earth tones like tan, brown and army green.
– Burgundy nails – Compliment fall’s popular reddish purples and wines.
– Gray nails – Go with charcoal, blacks and neutrals like white.
– Metallic rose gold or copper – Pair with blush, camel and nude apparel.
– Red nails – Pop against blacks, blues and grays. Makes stripes and prints stand out.
– Orange nails – Go with fall’s oranges, yellows and brown camo prints.
– Plum nails – Coordinate with eggplant, lavender and bold jewel tones.
What are the best nail colors for fall skin tones?
Choosing flattering nail colors for your skin’s undertones is key. Here are top picks by skin tone:
For warm skin tones:
– Copper
– Terracotta
– Mustard
– Sage green
– Brick red
– Cranberry
For cool skin tones:
– Royal purple
– Forest green
– Navy blue
– Cherry red
– Marsala wine
– Gunmetal gray
For neutral skin tones:
– Camel
– Mocha brown
– Brick red
– Hunter green
– Burnt orange
– Rust
Avoid nail colors that are too similar to your skin’s hue. Contrast makes manicures stand out more.
Which nail colors should you avoid in fall?
Some nail lacquers are better suited for the warmer months. It’s best to avoid these for fall:
– Neon brights – Electric greens, oranges, etc. are too summery.
– Pastels – Soft pinks, blues and purples are too spring-like.
– Pearlized white – Can look icy. Save for summertime tips.
– Yellow – Difficult to pair with fall clothes. Go for mustard instead.
Of course, you can wear any color you love year-round. But opting for autumnal shades will keep your look seasonal.
What are the best nail colors for a fall wedding?
Fall weddings are stunning. Here are elegant nail color ideas if you’ll be a wedding guest:
– Mauve – A romantic purple-pink hue perfect for weddings.
– Rose gold – Metallic with a hint of blush to match bridesmaid dresses.
– Ruby red – A classic red mani looks timeless and glam.
– Soft pink – For a feminine, bridal-inspired look.
– French tips – Classy and chic with a fall twist using darker tips.
– Neutrals – Nude, gray and taupe nails are safe yet stylish picks.
Avoid very dark vampy shades like black or bold brights that may be distracting. Coordinate with your dress instead.
What are the hottest nail art and effects for fall?
Along with on-trend colors, add autumnal interest with these nail art and manicure styles:
– Ombré fading – Blend fall’s gorgeous hues from base to tip.
– Leopard print – Animal prints are huge for fall. Add stick-on leopard spots.
– Marble – Weathered stone and marble textures fit the season beautifully.
– Night sky – Recreate starry nights with glittering blues, silvers and black.
– Florals – Cluster mini flowers like dried lavender sprigs on accent nails.
– Argyle – Use nail art tape to create plaid and argyle patterns.
– Matte finish – Ditch the glossy top coat for an on-trend, flat matte look.
– Metallic foils – Press on copper, rose gold or silver foils for mega-watt shine.
– Crackled effect – Add dimension with a cracked, weathered texture.
How can you make your fall manicure last?
The trick to extending your fall nail color is good prep and care. Follow these nail longevity tips:
– Use a base coat – This helps polish adhere to nails and prevents staining.
– Apply thin layers – Thick blobs of polish lead to quicker chips and peels. Do 3 thin coats.
– Wrap your tips – Brush polish over the edges of your nails to seal in color.
– Use quick-dry top coat – This seals and protects polish so it stays put.
– Carry a mini touch-up polish – For quick fixes to chips throughout your day.
– Hydrate hands and nails – Keep cuticles soft and nails strong with creams and oils.
– Wear gloves – When cleaning, gardening, etc. to avoid scratches and damage.
– Limit nail tools – Cuticle trimmers and aggressive pushing can thin nails.
– Alternate remover – Try non-acetone remover sometimes to avoid dryness.
What are the best long-lasting nail polish brands?
Look for these top-rated salon nail lacquer brands known for their extended wear:
– OPI – Iconic for its wide range of colors and gel-like shine.
– Essie – Salons love their sheer, quick-drying and highly pigmented formula.
– Sally Hansen Miracle Gel – Provides gel-like hardness and color with an LED light.
– CND Vinylux – Offers a week of perfect polish without UV lamps.
– Butter London – Provides as much as 10 days of chip-free wear.
– Deborah Lippmann – Long-wear and vegan polish with lustrous color payoff.
– China Glaze – Features shore-resistant colors that can last over a week.
How do you safely remove fall nail polish?
It’s tempting to peel off chipped fall manicures but avoid this to protect your nails. Instead:
– Use pure acetone – This breaks down tough glitter and metallic polishes.
– Soak in remover – Cotton balls can catch on polish so soak nails instead.
– File down thick polish – Make removal easier by gently filing away excess before soaking.
– Use foil wraps – Soak nails with remover then wrap in foil to lock in moisture.
– Try clipping – For shellac, gel polish or weak nails, clip off polish instead of pulling it off.
– Buff away stain – If you have leftover polish stain, buff it away. Don’t pick!
– Use cuticle oil – Massage in oil after removing old polish to condition nails.
Avoid removers with additives like fragrance, which can dry out nails. Take your time removing polish thoroughly but gently.
Conclusion
Fall is a fantastic season to showcase your personal style through your nail color. Whether you love rich wines, shimmering metallics or moodier shades, there are so many options. The best nails for fall complement your outfits and skin tone. Don’t be afraid to switch it up from your go-to neutrals. Fall is the perfect time to try bolder hues and nail art. With the right polish picks and manicure care, your color can last throughout the season.
| Nail Color | Pairings | Skin Tones |
|---|---|---|
| Olive Green | Earth tones like tan, brown, army green | Cool |
| Burgundy | Fall’s reddish purples and wines | Neutral, Warm |
| Gray | Charcoal, black, white | Cool, Neutral |
| Rose Gold | Blush, camel, nudes | Warm, Neutral |
| Red | Black, blue, gray | All |
| Orange | Fall oranges, yellows, brown camo | Warm |
| Plum | Eggplant, jewel tones | Cool |
