12 Trendy Fall Nail Polish Colors Everyone Will Be Wearing This October
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When the air turns crisp and cozy, switching your nail polish is the easiest way to capture the fall mood. This season, the energy feels mystical, spooky, and full of earthy sophistication. Experts like Rebecca Isa, Sofiia Mazur, and Olivia Van Iderstine predict an explosion of jewel tones, vampy shades, and minimalist neutrals. Instead of going for the usual black, explore inky navy, smoky violet, or olive green—tones that add richness and dimension to your look.
From terracotta warmth to dusty red elegance, these polish shades define October’s modern aesthetic. Whether you lean spooky, subtle, or sophisticated, these colors are your ticket to a fall-ready manicure that feels both fresh and timeless.
1. Deep Wine
There’s something undeniably powerful about dark red nails in October. This vampy, sophisticated hue evokes mulled wine, candlelit dinners, and crisp fall nights. Mazur calls it the ultimate moody shade—perfect for Halloween parties or cozy evenings.
Opt for deep tones like OPI, Zoya Brynlee, or Dazzle Dry Passionate Red to achieve a rich, bold, and luxurious finish. A dark wine manicure never fails to add an element of timeless elegance and confidence to your look.
2. Dusty Red
If you love a classic red manicure but crave a subtle twist, a muted red with warm orange or scarlet pink undertones is your go-to. Van Iderstine suggests this dusty palette for a cozy, seasonal update that feels soft yet elegant.
Pair Olive & June, Londontown, or Essie polishes to create a refined, timeless shade that complements fall’s comforting energy. The subtle warmth makes it versatile for both day and night styling.
3. Muted Mauve
For those who prefer a neutral with a twist, muted mauve is your fall essential. Rebecca Isa notes that rosy beige, dusty berry, and sienna red bring a refined, modern, yet timeless aesthetic. Think cashmere, tweed, and denim—this is an autumn staple for minimalists who adore understated luxury.
Brands like Zoya, Chanel, and Londontown make it easy to embrace this elevated neutral, giving your nails a soft, warm tone that pairs with every outfit.
4. Terracotta
Nothing says fall quite like burnt orange. This terracotta hue reflects pumpkin, fall leaves, and earthy palettes while remaining wearable and bold. Mazur and Gerstein both highlight it as a seasonal favorite for its festive warmth and golden undertones.
Try Manucurist, Dior, or Morgan Taylor shades to capture that raw umber, leather-inspired look. The color’s transitional depth makes it ideal from early October through late fall.
5. Olive Green
Move over neutrals—olive green is the new fall essential. With its khaki and earth tone undertones, Van Iderstine calls it “the perfect deep October neutral.” It’s chic, versatile, and even trending on TikTok, inspired by the revival of the army jacket aesthetic.
For a refined finish, try Olive & June, Manucurist, or Mooncat. This soft neutral has just enough depth and mystery to feel fresh yet timeless.
6. Transformative Teal
A teal manicure is the bold statement of fall 2025. Combining blue-green jewel tones, this Mazur- and Gerstein-approved shade brings runway-inspired freshness to your nails. Teal is the perfect alternative to navy, offering a vibrant, bold, and seasonal twist.
Try Londontown, Mineral Fusion, or Hermès for a matte or glossy finish. The transformative teal captures both luxury and edge in one stroke.
7. Slate Blue
Capture October’s moody skies with slate blue—a blend of gray and mid-tone blue that feels effortlessly cool and polished. Van Iderstine calls it the new neutral conversation starter, echoing the chill of autumn air.
Go for shades from Olive & June, Holo Taco, or Essie for a soft gray finish that’s minimal, modern, and ideal for everyday elegance.
8. Inky Navy
Dark, sleek, and endlessly chic, inky navy replaces black as the ultimate fall neutral. It exudes professional sophistication, like a perfectly tailored suit, yet feels cool and modern.
For that moody, refined look, explore Olive & June, Zoya, or Essie shades. This night-ready style embodies the balance between minimalist luxury and bold confidence.
9. Midnight Plum
If you’re drawn to purple, make midnight plum your signature. Gerstein praises it for capturing velvet, boucle, and wool textures seen on the fall runways. This blackened purple gives nails a cozy, luxurious vibe without reading as black.
Opt for OPI, Essie, or Londontown for a sophisticated evening look that feels deep, mysterious, and fashion-forward.
10. Chocolate Maroon
Meet the new fall favorite—a balance between burgundy and brown that defines vampy manicure trends. Van Iderstine calls it the “perfect in-between” shade—dark but warm, bold but wearable.
Try Manucurist, Olive & June, or Essie to nail this cherry cola-inspired color. It’s the definition of moody elegance, adding depth and sophistication to any outfit.
11. Wax Neutrals
For lovers of minimalism, wax neutrals bring quiet luxury to October. Gerstein describes the finish as parchment-like, offering a sepia, waxy texture that feels both sheer and opaque.
Try Pleasing, Essie, or Chanel in pale pink or warm cream for a refined, classic manicure that pairs beautifully with every look.
12. Taupe Beige
Closing with taupe beige, Mazur calls it a “quiet luxury” color—subtle yet high impact. This neutral strikes the perfect balance between modern understatement and sophisticated polish.
Reach for Manucurist to find your perfect shade match. Whether beige or taupe, this hue complements every skin tone, embodying the calm, refined spirit of fall.
