It's safe to say that we love nothing more than getting our nails done. I know this because, every week, the stories we write about nail art and trends are consistently our most popular. This piqued my interest—what do people want when it comes to their nails? Are we more inclined to ask for short nails over long? Oval over square? Art over solid hues? When I visited my salon last week, I was curious to find out which colours were proving popular right now 1) to inform my choice and 2) to report my findings back to you. My manicurist responded, "Everyone wants timeless shades."
(Image credit: @raelondonnails)
It's perhaps unsurprising that we're turning to more classic nail polish colours. I'm no exception, either, for the colour I chose was a rich, deep shade of burgundy, which I thought would help bridge the gap between my more colourful and neutral outfits.
Nail colours are less of a commitment than a new piece of clothing, shoes or a bag but have the same ability to give your look a new-season refresh. So I've charted the latest ones that prove insanely popular season after season. And for good trend-led measure, I've thrown in a couple of of-the-moment shades that'll give your style a swift update. Scroll on to see all 15 of them that are perfect for autumn.
Classy Autumn Nail Colours
1. JET BLACK
(Image credit: @paintedbyjools)
Vampy, not gothic, black nails have become chicer and chicer with each passing season.
Get the look:
OPI
Lady in Black
OPIisoften stocked in many salons, so you can guarantee a professional manicure at home. This deep black is as glossy as it gets and looks like gel.
Essie
88 Licorice Nail Polish
Essie's formula's are glossy and apply seamlessly.
2. ECRU
(Image credit: @lefevrediary)
Although typically popular in summer, white nails are fast becoming a year-round manicure must. Look for soft, off-white shades for a flattering finish.
Get the look:
Nailberry
Oxygenated Nail Polish in Almond
A creamy hue that looks great on fingertips and toes.
essie
Nail Polish in Limo Scene
This sheer formula adds a milky tone to nails that looks so, so chic.
3. BARELY THERE PINK
(Image credit: @raelondonnails)
Pink always looks pretty and taps into the clean-girl nails we've been seeing everywhere. It's all about those clean, almost translucent shades.
Get the look:
CHANEL
Le Vernis Chanel Ballerina 111 Longwear Nail Colour
This is a favouriteof many.
OPI
Bubble Bath® Nail Polish
Look for polishes that have a semi-sheer finish to give nails just a hint of colour. OPI's Bubble Bath is iconic for a reason.
4. UNEXPECTED GREEN
(Image credit: @browngirlhands)
The breakout colour trend of 2024, this shade of matcha green is sticking around.
Get the look:
Mavala
Green Zen Nail Colour
This is such a great green hue.
CHANEL
Le Vernis in Cavalier Seul 131
The perfect sage green.
5. CLAY
(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)
Not quite as glamorous as pillar-box red but more fanciful than standard beige, this is the nail colour minimalists will zero in on.
Get the look:
J.Hannah
Ghost Ranch Nail Polish
This pretty terracotta shade works across all seasons.
Sephora Collection
Collection Nail Polish in Warm Tan
Look for warm-toned browns to tap into this trend.
6. BURGUNDY
(Image credit: @harrietwestmoreland)
The colour I chose for my own nails, burgundy is timeless and will go with any and every outfit.
Get the look:
CHANEL
Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour
The OG dark red that suits everyone.
Nailberry
L'Oxygéné Oxygenated Nail Lacquer in Noirberry
Look for rich, wine-inspired shades for a timeless manicure.
7. OCHRE
(Image credit: @paintboxnails)
It might sound unexpected, but deeper, mustard tones will act as the perfect lift to more tonal clothing.
Get the look:
Hermès
Les Mains Hermès Nail Enamel
The whole WWW team loves this mustard shade.
Peacci
Nail Colour in Mustard
Ochre is the perfect compromise between brights and neutrals.
8. COOL GREY
(Image credit: @buffcs)
Not as drastic-looking as black, grey provides the ideal alternative to those who want a softer monochromatic nail look.
Get the look:
Palette London
French Grey Nail Paint
A dove-grey tone is always a winner.
H&M
Nail Polish
Grey goes with all colours in your wardrobe.
9. CHOCOLATE
(Image credit: @paintedbyjools)
Rich and delicious, chocolate-brown tones are trending in a big way, even more so than usual.
Get the look:
OPI
You Don't Know Jacques! Nail Polish
This dark chocolate hue is a winner.
H&M
Nail Polish
Meanwhile, this dark-chocolate colour is also taking our fancy.
10. FOREST GREEN
(Image credit: @harrietwestmoreland)
If the more vivid shades of green don't do it for you, rest assured dark, forest green is still on our nail colour radar.
Get the look:
Kure Bazaar
Kale Nail Colour
This deep green looks so sophisticated on fingertips.
Nail Kind
Lounge Lizard
Emerald hues like this one work year-round.
11. CLASSIC RED
(Image credit: @iramshelton)
A perennial nail colour, red is always a good idea if you're unsure which shade to opt for. Although statement, it's so classic it'll work seamlessly with every outfit you wear while it's painted on your nails.
Get the look:
OPI
Big Apple Red® Nail Polish
A poppy red is so chic.
CND
Vinylux in Devil Red
This long-lasting formula stays chip-free for days.
12. CHROME
(Image credit: @NAILARTBYQUEENIE)
Not just for party season, chrome nails are a year-round classic. Go for a neutral pink base or experiment with darker hues like brown which look really chic for autumn.
Get the look:
Essie
Original Nail Art Studio Special Effects Nail Polish Topcoat
Apply this top coat to any nail polish to instantly turn it into a chrome finish.
nails inc.
Plant Power Nail Polish
Can't get to the salon for a chrome mani? This polish gives a very similar look at home.
13. DEEP NAVY
(Image credit: @fongminliao)
Elegant and striking, navy nails never fail to make an impact. I'm particularly taken with this French-tip situation.
Get the look:
Nails Inc
Time for Trafalgar Square Quick Drying Nail Polish
We're mesmerised by this inky blue.
Chanel
Fugueuse 127 (Le Vernis) Longwear Nail Colour
It doesn't get chicer than a Chanel navy nail polish.
14. SOFT PEACH
(Image credit: @bambinailss)
Proving that pastels don't have to be exclusively worn in spring, we love a soft, warm peach for our autumn nails. It works well all over as well as in a French tip design, and pairs beautifully with other popular autumn nail colours like chocolate brown and forest green.
Get the look:
OPI
Freedom of Peach Nail Polish
A true peach hue.
Nailberry
L’oxygéné - Flapper
If you tend to opt for more natural-looking, neutral shades, opt for this muted peach.
15. OLIVE GREEN
(Image credit: @monikh)
Yet another shade of green that we just can't get enough of. Since it's dark and muted, olive green is the perfect subtle pop of colour if you're typically more into wearing neutrals.
Get the look:
Nails Inc
Waiting in Westminster Quick Drying Nail Polish
A spot-on olive green.
essie
Willow in the Wind Green
Prefer something a little brighter? This Essie green is the perfect shade.
This story was previously published and has since been updated.
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