I don’t know about you, but I feel like nothing screams “I have my sh*t together” more than polished fingertips. After all, very few things in life can make you feel as confident as a good manicure can, and now that it’s almost officially fall, it’s time to swap the vibrant neon hues of summer in favor of darker and moodier ones—which is why I set out to find the fall nail trends that will dominate 2023.
In truth, nails are as much of an accessory as jewelry or sunglasses, and with a fresh manicure, you can take over the world.
Helpful Nail Tips and Tricks:
Before we get into the full breakdown of the best fall nail trends, let’s quickly go over some helpful nail tips and tricks:
- Use cuticle oil in between manis.Refresh and revitalize your nails with some cuticle oil in between manis. This can be especially helpful if you’re getting acrylics or using press-ons.
- If your nails are brittle, try a nail strengthener. Pay attention to your nails; if they’re brittle, give them a break and give them a little extra TLC will a nail strengthener.
- When in doubt, use press-ons. Feeling pressed for time or lazy? No problem. Enlist the help of some press-on nails to get the job done.
- Your nails, your rules. Just because something isn’t trending doesn’t mean you can’t use it. Don’t be afraid to do what you want!
Now that we’ve broken that down, let’s get into it. Allow me to introduce to you the fall nail trends that will dominate 2023. Whether you’re into a feminine look or want to channel your inner Wednesday Adams, these looks have you covered. Keep scrolling to learn more.
Fall Nail Trends for 2023:
1. Chrome Nails
Why they’re trending for fall: In case you haven’t heard, Hailey Bieber’s iconic glazed donut nails are still going strong, and don’t show any signs of slowing down this fall. Not only do they pair well with any look, but they also add some fun flair to your manicure.
How to get the look: Using press-ons or going to your nail tech is the easiest way to get this look, but if you want to do it at home, opt for chrome nail polish or apply chrome powder on top of your manicure.
BTARTBOX
Shiny Sweetie Press-On Nails
Use code FLAWLESS at checkout for 15% off!
ILNP
Holographic Polish
Hundreds of options available (literally).
2. Emerald Nails
Why they’re trending for fall: Fall is all about rich colors, and these nails can hang with the best of them. Like other earthy, moody fall hues emerald green polish looks sophisticated, chic, and on par for the season.
How to get the look: Apply your emerald green polish and finish with an ultra-glossy top coat for high-shine impact.
ESSIE
Grass Never Greener
OPI
High Shine Top Coat
3. Classic Red Nails
Why they’re trending for fall: Red nails are classic and can be worn any time of year, but they hit different during this time of year. They’re chic AF, blend in seamlessly with the foliage and traditional fall colors, and are a great way to make the transition from the neon pinks of summer to the more muted tones of fall.
How to get the look: Apply your favorite red nail polish and finish with a glossy or matte top coat.
OPI
Big Apple Red
ESSIE
Bordeaux
4. Nearly Naked Nails
Why they’re trending for fall: These scream “your nails but better” and are the low-maintenance trend every beauty queen can get behind. Not only are they perfect for the clean-girl aesthetic, but they’re also universally flattering.
How to get the look: Using a sheer light pink nail polish is the key to mastering this look.
GLOSSLAB
OG Sheer Pink
GLOSSLAB
OG Everyday
5. Burnt Orange Nails
Why they’re trending for fall: Orange and fall are practically synonymous, and the burnt orange trend is a great way to transition from neon summer hues to darker and moodier colors for autumn.
How to get the look: Opt for a warm, muted orange polish and finish with your top coat of choice.
SALLY HANSEN
Pump-Kid
DURI
Uninhibited
6. Latte Nails
Why they’re trending for fall: Latte makeup went viral on TikTok in August, so it’s really no surprise that the trend’s made its way to our nails. Plus, it’s a fun, creative way to embrace the traditional brown polishes of fall. Likewise, it’s also versatile AF, and can be worn a multitude of ways.
How to get the look: Recreate a latte on your nail beds (see: above) using a thin striped polish over a clear base coat or press-ons, or go for soft, milky brown polish with a shiny top coat.
BTARTBOX
Morning Coffee Press-On Nails
Use code FLAWLESS at checkout for 15% off!
WET N’ WILD
Sorry, I’m Latte
This fast drying polish won’t make you late, though.
7. Milky Nails
Why they’re trending for fall: Milky nails always look good, but they look especially sophisticated when paired with a chic sweater and pumpkin spice latte in hand.
How to get the look: Layer a sheer shade over a solid color, and finish with a high-shine, shimmer, or glitter top coat.
ESSIE
Limo-Scene
SALLY HANSEN
Crystal Top Coat
8. Gunmetal Gray Nails
Why they’re trending for fall: Soft girl everything has dominated our lives this year, and these nails add some edginess to our soft lives. Also, dark gray always looks good for fall, and is universally flattering.
How to get the look: Master this look with a matte or shimmer dark gray polish.
OPI
Clean Slate
SALLY HANSEN
Extrava-Gray
9. Fall Barbiecore Nails
Why they’re trending for fall: The summer of Barbie may be coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean you have to put away the pink for good (or ever). Instead, swap your bright hot pink polish for a muted dusty pink or light pink one.
How to get the look: Show off the Barbie you are and apply a dusty pink polish or light milky pink one to your fingers and finish with a glossy top coat.
ESSIE
Eternal Optimist
SALLY HANSEN
In a Blush
10. Gothcore Nails
Why they’re trending for fall: Blame it on spooky season, but goth glam is something we can all get behind right now. Dark colors just feel right for this time of year, and they can help you get ready for Halloween and beyond.
How to get the look: To master this look, opt for plum, deep maroon, burgundy, and black polishes
OPI
In the Cable Car-Pool Lane
)
OPI
Lincoln Park After Dark
11. Mint Nails
Why they’re trending for fall: Mint may be the last color you’d expect to see everywhere this fall, but nail experts swear it’s going to be huge because the color pairs well with traditional fall color palettes.
How to get the look: Master this look with teal and turquoise polishes.
WET N’ WILD
Be More Pacific
OPI
Cactus What You Preach
12. Fun French Manicure
Why they’re trending for fall: French manicures have been trending all year long with micro and colored French tips dominating the nail space, and the trend isn’t going anywhere this fall. Instead of neon and classic tips, though, darker colors will rule nail tips this season.
How to get the look: Apply a neutral base coat and use a striper polish to create your tip, or go the easy route and opt for some press-ons.
BTARTBOX
His Suit Coffin Press-Ons
Use code FLAWLESS for 15% off!
BTARTBOX
Taffy Squoval Press-Ons
Use code FLAWLESS for 15% off!
