The 18 best nail colours to try this fall

You don't have to wait for the first leaf to fall to switch up your approach to manicures. It's time to trade pastels and sheer neutrals for one of the best fall nail polish colours of 2023. And with runway-inspired nail trends and endless nail art ideas to consider, this season is proving to be a particularly good one when it comes to our nails.

Shop the best fall nail polish shades

From deep, moody polishes to unexpected lighter shades, we gathered 18 of the best nail polish shades to try this fall, ahead.

Essie Underground Ball

A deep aubergine is a moody alternative to a classic purple, and looks so pretty for a pedicure.

Deborah Lippmann Stylist

Even if Barbie mania starts winding down this fall, pink won't disappear completely. To keep it current, swap your bold fuchsias with a softer, creamy sorbet pink.

Chanel Phenix

Leave it to Chanel to create a gold polish that's equal parts rich, sophisticated, and party-worthy.

Pleasing x Marco Ribeiro Incrível Marrom Fosco Polish

Chocolate brown is having a moment, and with a matte finish it feels deliciously unexpected. Try wearing it as the base for a nail art look, paired with a regular shiny finish for contrast.

NAILS.INC What's Your Spirituality

Calling all "quiet luxury" fans: This greige—that is, a cross between grey and beige—is the nail color equivalent of wearing a cosy cashmere sweater.

Nailtopia Seas the Day

Teal may seem like a bold nail polish choice, but it surprisingly complements most other colors, bright or otherwise.

Orly Lion's Ear

You can wear this pretty tangerine hue even when it’s not Halloween.

OPI Dawn of a New Gray

We just can’t quit grey nail polish in fall months, and this steel grey is a cool update. Plus, it’s a part of OPI’s plant-based line, Nature Strong.

Sundays No. 17

Red shades are always a good idea during the colder months, but this fall calls for moody hues. This formula is non-toxic, vegan, and 10-free—but still boasts mega-shine.

Olive and June Geometry

A rich olive green can act like a neutral and is universally flattering. Try this shade with round shape nails to balance out the deep color.

Gucci Black Crystal

A shiny black manicure always feels right during fall. And when it comes from a bottle this chic? It’s on another level.

Pear Nova Pineapple Skies

This metallic evergreen is great all year long, but feels especially fun for fall and winter. Pick this for your next mani and you won't be able to stop staring at your nails.

Mischo Beauty #NYFW

Mischo Beauty's crisp, chip-resistant midnight blue is a fresh take on a dark red or black manicure. Don't be scared to give it a try.

Zoya Blair

Autumn and red wine go hand in hand—talking about nail colours, of course. Zoya's vampy Blair shade has a hint of metallic shimmer, too, so it'll stick out from the crowd.

Mented Pinkish

A great neutral nail polish is a staple. We love this pale pink shade for any season, but especially for fall. Use it as the base for a chic design, such as an abstract swirl or French nail.

Côte No. 13 Rose Gold

A metallic rose gold is the perfect accessory to any outfit. It's easy to wear because it's not too far off from a basic pinky nude—but it's about a thousand times more fun. This colour will look gorgeous on almond nails (one of the hottest shapes of the season).

JINSoon Glitzy

There's no such thing as too much glitter. Layer this nail polish on for a show-stopping manicure. And don't just save this for a holiday mani: Try an accent glitter nail for the fall months.

Dior Nail Glow

Can't make it to a nail salon? If you're not a skilled DIY manicurist, choose this forgiving nail treatment instead of traditional polish. It brightens nails just a touch with the sheer pink colour but is impossible to mess up.

This piece originally appeared in Harper's Bazaar USA