8 Autumn Nail Colours We're Already Obsessing Over

The weather may be warm outside, but we're always looking ahead to the key trend of the next season. Call us eager, but we're already noting down the top nails trends for autumn/winter 2022. And while we've gotten pretty good at executing at-home gel manicures, too, we can't help but think of how nice it could be to use this extra time away from prying eyes to give our nails some breathing room away from that perfect-looking but sometimes damaging gel nails.

Fun fact: A number of nail polish brands have upped the ante by improving on their traditional nail polish formulas to look, feel, and perform more like gel, without the need to cure it under a light. And, of course, if you panic-purchased an at-home gel nail kit last year, then you have even more gel nail polish options are available to choose from!

According to the calendar, we still have well over a couple of month' until autumn, but we're already taking stock of the best new autumn gel nail colours we're most excited to wear. Ahead, check out the 8 shades we're pre-emptively swooning over, whether gel or gel-adjacent. Scroll for the mood board and shop the ones that speak to you most.

1. Midnight Black

Glossy black nails are totally timeless, but there's something about a deep onyx mani that feels wonderfully autumnal. But if it still feels a little too soon to be thinking about taking such a turn to the dark side then negative space nail-art is a brilliant way to experiment with trending colours as we transition from summer to autumn.

2. Matcha Green

This neutralised seafoam shade is an absolute dream. It totally functions like a burst of colour without being over-the-top bright.

A bold green is an unexpected twist for autumn, and we're here for it.

3. Tawny Red

This gorgeous and complex red calls in hints of brown, orange, and even yellow—all the shades that comprise the ultimate autumnal colour palette. It's the perfect hue to channel the changing leaves.

4. Ivory

Tone down the bright whites you've been wearing all summer with this classic soft ivory. Go for an opaque finish by adding more coats or hang back with a barely there, sheer finish. The choice is yours.

5. Shades of Grey

From light grey that looks like wet cement to mid-toned grey reminiscent of a cloudy sky, there's something for everyone is this autumn-appropriate colour family. We'll be bopping up and down this spectrum all season.

6. Warm Chestnut

If you find yourself reaching for lattes as the weather cools down in the fall, then you might notice the similarity between that frothy drink and this nail colour. It's slightly warmer than your average beige, but just a shade or two too light to be considered brown.

7. Goldenrod

Think of this shade as a wheaten-leaning yellow that's a lot less in your face than your typical summertime canary. It's more of a muted yellow, if you will.

8. Metal and Chrome

If you've been waiting for a little flash, you found it. Get your Tin Man on with shiny metallic shades and gleaming chrome hues that will add some extra energy to your manicure. Try everything from shimmering silver polishes to bronzy rose golds.