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Slowly but surely, the weather’s getting cooler, the leaves are changing, and college classes are picking up steam (thanks, midterm szn). And with fall *finally* here and in full swing, it’s time to start thinking about transitioning your style into the colder months, whether that’s going on a ‘lil fall shopping spree, dyeing your hair copper red, or putting aside your summery nail polish shades.
Need some fall nail inspiration? This fall, there’s so many fun nail trends to choose try out at the salon, from Hailey Bieber’s glazed mani to Doja Cat’s iconic aura nails. But what if you just want something classic — no crazy designs or frills or sparkles, just a simple nail polish color that will go with everything in your fall wardrobe (and totally channel your Rory Gilmore fall)? I spoke with Rachel Apfel Glass, founder of GLOSSLAB, about some of her favorite nail polish colors for fall, as well as scoured the Internet for allllll the inspo (you’re welcome, bestie). Read on for the best fall nail colors this season.
- Dark Blues
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Dark, moody blues are the perfect hue for fall. “Dark blues are underrated,” Glass tells Her Campus. “Both sophisticated and fun, there’s nothing better than going out on a fall day rocking this color!” Sally Hansen’s Insta-Dri Nail Color in Midnight Drive is a beautiful navy shade, but if you want something a bit more bright, opt for ella + mila’s nail polish in Bags are Packed.
- Ruby Reds
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Ruby red nails are a bold red classic that will never go out of style, with celebs like Emma Chamberlain and Lily-Rose Depp constantly wearing it on their nails. Want the *perfect* red shade? Try Static Nails Liquid Glass Lacquer in Triple Cherry, or Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Color in ASAP Apple.
- Milky whites
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Not quite white, milky and creamy white shades are the perfect neutral for fall. Sally Hansen’s Color Therapy Nail Color in Well, Well, Well is a beautiful (and affordable!) option. Want something with a bit of shimmer to spice things up? Try Essie’s Neutral Polish in Going Steady.
- Deep Moss Greens
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Deep, dark greens are another great shade to use on your nails to transition into the cooler months. “I love incorporating nature-inspired colors in the fall, and shades of deep [and] olive greens is the perfect way to get into the fall spirit,” Glass says. ORLY’s nail polish in Pine-ing For You is the perfect mossy shade (and is vegan and formulated without harmful ingredients!).
- Rich Earthy browns
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Earthy brown nails became all the rage last fall, and will continue to be a popular mani shade this season. My personal favorite brown nail polish is Essie’s nail polish from the Fall 2022 Nail Polish Collection in Off The Grid — it’s the perfect warm-toned brown!
- Blacks
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OK, sure, maybe it’s basic — but a black shade on your nails is a classic for a reason, and Olivia Rodrigo wears it on her nails all the time (and it’s obvi perfect for Halloween!). Although you likely already have an old black nail polish somewhere in your bathroom cabinet from your 2013 Tumblr days, it’s probably time for a new one, bestie. Try Static Nails’ Liquid Glass Lacquer in Wicked or Sally Hansen’s Insta-Dri Nail Color in Black to Black.
- Grays
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Glass’ personal favorite nail shade? “Gray — any shade from light to dark — is my go-to color in the fall,” Glass shares. “It’s practical, easy and goes with pretty much every fall outfit. My favorite is the GLOSSLAB Polish in OG Slate.” Want a lighter gray shade? Try Essie’s Expressie Quick-Dry Nail Polish in In The Modem.
- Cranberry Reds and Burgundies
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Deep, cranberry reds and burgundies are popular every fall season, and there’s a reason why: the shade is just gorgeous. Check out Essie’s polish from their Fall 2022 Nail Polish Collection in Bold and Boulder, or try OPI Nail Lacquer in We the Female.
- Sheer tones
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As an indecisive person, I personally love a classic sheer nail color on my nails — it’s a timeless look that’s guaranteed to go with any fall outfit! Static Nails’ Liquid Glass Lacquer in Barely There is a classic sheer, as well as Olive & June’s nail polish in CCT.