It's Official: Everyone's Already Booking in for These September Nail Colours

With September's arrival comes a whole seasonal shift in nail trends. As we head into the first month of autumn, it signals the beginning of those dark nail colours that are classic autumn nail trends that return year after year. However, after sitting down with Iram Shelton, Bulgari Hotel London's resident manicurist, for a manicure, we got chatting about the mood around nail colours right now. Trends go beyond what we're seeing on Instagram or celebrities. Of course, these absolutely influence the nail colour we land on when we sit down in the salon chair, but there are several factors that influence the colours that we are drawn to, too.

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(Image credit: @ironsalt)

Shelton noted that she's seeing a shift to more "spiritual" shades like blue and purple amongst the traditional autumn nail colours that we typically see at this time of the year. Rather than following trends, we're starting to be drawn towards the nail shades that bring us joy. After all, like our makeup and hair, nails are an extension of our identity and how we express ourselves to the world.

Ready for some September nail colour inspiration? Scroll ahead for the nail colours that are chicest for September.

6 September Nail Colours to Try Now

1. Dark Blue

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(Image credit: @smythsisters)

Deep blue is a great transitional shade to take you from summer into autumn if you miss the summery blue tones from the past season. From deep, inky blue to cobalt, these mood-boosting blue shades also look incredibly luxe and glossy. Much like a classic navy jumper, this hue will see you through the entire month and well into winter.

@paintedbyjools dark blue nails

(Image credit: @paintedbyjools)

So chic.

@harrietwestmoreland dark blue nails

(Image credit: @harrietwestmoreland)

Match your nails to your favourite skincare.

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2. Espresso Nails

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(Image credit: @cassdimicco)

This is one for those who like a neutral hue with a little more impact. Brown nails are an autumn nail-colour classic, and with so many brown tones to choose from, there's a polish to suit everyone. From deep espresso to milky latte, you can't go wrong with a brown nail polish during September. Choose a brown-toned polish that is close to your skin tone to elongate your fingers, or go bold with a clashing hue for more impact.

@paintedbyjools chocolate brown nails

(Image credit: @paintedbyjools)

Mocha, anyone?

@themaniclub deep brown nails

(Image credit: @themaniclub)

This shade looks great on all nail shapes.

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3. Blackberry Tones

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(Image credit: @themaniclub)

Maybe it's because witchy season is just around the corner, or that blackberries and figs are ripe at this time of the year, we've been put under a spell with hypnotic purple tones that have been dominating our feeds this month. It's a great shade to go for if you want something with a hint of jewel-toned colour that isn't quite as dark as black.

@paintedbyjools purple nails

(Image credit: @paintedbyjools)

I'll be taking this picture to my next nail appointment.

@raelondonnails purple French tips

(Image credit: @raelondonnails)

This shade also works well as a French tip.

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4. Bordeaux Red

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(Image credit: @harrietwestmoreland)

There's no denying the allure of a deep, dark Bordeaux hue as the nights draw in. Not only does this shade always look classy, but it will see you through from the office to evenings out. It looks just as elegant on short nails as it does on longer nails, too.

@iramshelton dark red nails

(Image credit: @iramshelton)

I love the glossy finish.

@themaniclub deep red nails

(Image credit: @themaniclub)

So shiny!

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5. Deep Green

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(Image credit: @smythsisters)

Whilst matcha and pistachio tones dominated summer, we're not ready to bid farewell to green just yet. Instead, dark green is a chic take for the autumn months, and this hue will be requested a lot in salons during September. From khaki to emerald, there are plenty of green tones to experiment with this month.

@betina_goldstein dark green nails

(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

This shade looks great with silver jewellery.

@iramshelton dark green French tip nails

(Image credit: @iramshelton)

Green French tips, anyone?

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6. Onyx

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(Image credit: @iramshelton)

Black nail polish is back in a big way this month. Like a pair of black boots or a handbag, it goes with absolutely everything—and who says that your nails can't also be an accessory? Shelton likes to switch up black nails by pairing both matte and glossy nail lacquers together, like in this French manicure above, to elevate a black manicure for the new season.

@paintedbyjools black manicure

(Image credit: @paintedbyjools)

So simple but so elegant.

@harrietwestmoreland black French tip manicure

(Image credit: @harrietwestmoreland)

Black French tip nails are a new favourite of mine.

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This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.

Eleanor Vousden
Beauty Editor, Who What Wear UK

Eleanor Vousden is the beauty editor for Who What Wear UK. She was previously deputy editor at Hairdressers Journal, health writer at Woman & Home and junior beauty editor at beauty website Powder. She has also contributed to Wallpaper and Elle Collections with written and styling work.Working as a beauty journalist since 2015 after graduating in fashion journalism at the London College of Fashion, she has been highly commended at the BSME Talent Awards for her work on Powder and also contributed to the title winning Website of the Year at the PPA Awards.Eleanor’s journalistic focus is to provide readers with honest and helpful beauty content. Through words, video and live broadcast, she has interviewed several celebrity makeup artists, hairstylists and top dermatologists throughout her career, as well as celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker and Scarlett Johansson. She has a particular interest in finding solutions for acne and eczema, which she has experienced firsthand. She has also amassed a large collection of fragrances and can never say no to a new candle.When she’s not writing or testing the latest beauty product or treatments, she’s on the seafront in her hometown of Brighton and Hove, where she lives with her partner and her miniature dachshund.