Here They Are: 21 Dark Nail Colors We'll Be Wearing Exclusively This Fall

Whether you're a fall person or not, I think we can all agree that any new season (fall or not) is an exciting time to mix things up when it comes to things like your wardrobe and beauty routine. And I'm not saying you have to get completely new clothes and swap out all your makeup products for new ones—the cool thing about seasonal transitions is that tiny changes can make an impact, too.

That might mean buying a few new items of clothing or accessories to mix in with your tried-and-true basics. Or try out a new lipstick, eye shadow look, or even a new nail polish color. The latter is one of my favorite ways to change things up because it's pretty low-lift in terms of effort, and it can be a subtle change. Opting for a fall-inspired nail color instead of your usual at the salon is pretty easy, right? And it's a lot more temporary and effortless than trying out a new haircut or creating a dramatic eye-makeup look.

For me, fall is the best time to commit to some dark nail colors. The weather is cooler, the leaves are a pretty red, orange, and yellow, and everything feels cozier—all of this calls for some dramatic and deep hues. Am I wrong here? Take a look at some nail polish options below as inspiration for your next salon or at-home manicure.

Red

dark-fall-nail-colors-295067-1630534384038-main

(Image credit: @themaniclub)

Red nail polish is a classic year-round, but it's a particularly good color to break out in the fall. Opt for more maroon shades of red to make it perfect for autumn.

1. Olive and June Nail Polish in SC

2. Ella + Mila Nail Polish in Wicked Red

3. Revlon Nail Polish in Vixen

Brown

dark-fall-nail-colors-295067-1630534125785-main

(Image credit: @imarninails)

Brown nails are the ultimate fall color. They're a deep neutral that works on everyone. 

4. Base Coat Nail Polish in Capricorn

5. OPI Nail Lacquer in Cliffside Karoake

6. Christian Louboutin Rouge Louboutin Nail Colour in Farida

Green

dark-fall-nail-colors-295067-1630534479454-main

(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

Green is a more unexpected shade for fall, and that's why we love it. A deeper green is the perfect transitional shade for cooler temps. 

7. OPI Nail Lacquer in Stay Off the Lawn!!

8. Jinsoon Nail Polish in Epidote

9. OPI Nail Lacquer in Things I've Seen In Aber-green

Blue

dark-fall-nail-colors-295067-1630534539907-main

(Image credit: @themaniclub)

There's something about blue nail polish that's reminiscent of the first day of school and new beginnings—therefore, it's a great option for a fall nail color. 

10. Olive and June Nail Polish in Social Studies

11. Smith & Cult Nail Lacquer in Kings & Thieves

12. Essie Nail Polish in Infinity Cool

Purple

dark-fall-nail-colors-295067-1689198556789-main

(Image credit: @betina_goldstein )

A deep eggplant shade of purple imparts the perfect amount of mystery and elegance for cool fall nights. 

13. Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Polish in Purple Haze

14. Auda.B Vegan Nail Polish in Royalty

15. Cirque Colors Nail Polish in Terroir

Black

dark-fall-nail-colors-295067-1630534704268-main

(Image credit: @buffcs

)

Perfect for Halloween, early sunsets, and the first whisper of brisk air. 

16. Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish in Onyx-pected

17. Gucci Vernis À Ongles Nail Polish in Black Crystal

18. NCLA Nail Lacquer in Back to Black

Gray

dark-fall-nail-colors-295067-1630534790376-main

(Image credit: @oliveandjune)

Gray is a surprisingly versatile fall-ready shade. 

19. Olive and June Nail Polish in Scattered Showers

20. Butter London Nail Lacquer in Earl Grey

21. OPI Nail Lacquer in Rub-a-Pub-Pub

This article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Up Next: The Cheap Accessory Kylie Jenner Wears to Protect Her Hands During a Gel Mani

Managing Editor

Sarah is lifestyle writer and editor with over 10 years of experience covering health and wellness, interior design, food, beauty, and tech. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she attended New York University and lived in New York for 12 years before returning to L.A. in 2019.

In addition to her work on THE/THIRTY and Who What Wear, she held editor roles at Apartment Therapy, Real Simple, House Beautiful, Elle Decor, and The Bump (sister site of The Knot).

She has a passion for health and wellness, but she especially loves writing about mental health. Her self-care routine consists of five things: a good workout, “me” time on the regular, an intriguing book/podcast/playlist to unwind after a long day, naps, and decorating her home.