While the official commencement of fall is scheduled for September 23 this year, Labor Day weekend traditionally marks the conclusion of summer. During this period, many individuals switch to using autumn-themed nail polish colors. The bright orange shades reminiscent of summer transition into deeper tones, red shades adopt a more vampy look, and there is a prevalent preference for somber forest-inspired colors.
Nevertheless, these classic fall choices are not the only options, as there are numerous new trends in nail art to anticipate for the fall of 2023. Ranging from timeless styles to current manicure fads, the trends for this season encompass a wide spectrum. This includes enduringly stylish reds, contemporary matte metallics, and even “hot chocolate” nails that evoke a sense of cozy autumn comfort.
Byrdie, in an effort to present the most prominent nail trends for fall 2023, has consulted notable nail experts who showcase a diverse array of options. Whether an individual favors a simple monochromatic appearance or an elaborate nail art approach, this season offers choices to cater to everyone’s preferences.
Trending Fall nail colors 2023:
Frosted Metallics
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To get a fresh new finish for a metallic mani, choose your favorite metal color (silver, gold, or rose gold) and top it with a mattifying top coat. This look has a high impact but is super easy to do yourself. Apply two coats of the metallic polish and let dry. Then, apply an even layer of a mattifying top coat. This will give the nails a brushed metal effect that is perfect for fall.
Hot Chocolate Nails
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Chocolate brown nails are a popular choice for fall because they are warm, rich, and cozy. The matte topcoat gives them a sophisticated and understated look. This trend is easy to recreate at home using Dazzle Dry, an innovative hybrid polish that dries completely solid in less than five minutes without the need for a lamp. The brand’s new Desert Flame Collection has a beautiful chocolate brown shade called Sequoia.
Duo Finish French
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To get a fall-inspired French tip manicure, use a duo finish of shiny and matte top coats. This look is especially flattering over darker shades, such as OPI’s Lincoln Park After Dark, Got the Blues for Red, That’s What Friends Are Thor, and Scorpio Seduction.
To create the look, start by applying two coats of your favorite dark shade. Let the polish dry completely, then apply a top coat. Let the top coat dry, then use a matte top coat to create a French smile line at the tip of each nail. You can use a nail art brush for a more precise application.
Classic French Manicure
French manicures are always in style and can be customized to suit any personal taste. For a more ’90s look, choose a thicker French tip. For a more modern look, choose a narrower tip. If you are not skilled in nail art
Gunmetal Gray
OPI
Gunmetal gray is the go-to nail color for fall 2023. This dark gray shade is versatile and flattering on all skin tones. It can be dressed up or down and goes well with any outfit. To add a bit of oomph to your at-home mani, opt for a polish with shimmer or a chrome finish. Hanna’s go-to shades are OPI Clean Slate and Skyline Reflect by Lakur.
Lots of Layers
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Fall is a time for layering, and that includes nail polish. Nail artist Ana Mercedes Jimenez recommends layering a sheer shade over a solid color for a trendy look. She suggests using a shimmer polish over a black base for a celestial effect, or a holographic glitter over a pale white for an angelic vibe.
Chrome Sweet Chrome
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Chrome nails, which became popular after Hailey Bieber’s glazed donut nails, are still trending. Nail artist Hanna predicts that this trend will continue into the fall. She says that chrome powder is a great way to add some flair to a classic manicure, and that it looks incredible over almost any color. Mirror chrome nail art is also a fun way to add some edginess to your manicure. To create chrome nails at home, you will need either a mirror chrome gel polish or a chrome powder to apply over the top of your manicure.
Emerald Green
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Emerald green is the must-have nail color for fall. It is a dark and sophisticated shade that is different from the traditional fall colors of brown, red, and black. Emerald green looks good on everyone, but it is especially flattering on short round nails. To get the best results, use a glossy top coat to give your nails a glass-like shine.
Goth Glam
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Jimenez recommends painting your nails in dark and moody OPI shades instead of dyeing your hair black this season. Her favorites are Less is Norse, Lincoln Park After Dark, Black Cherry Chutney, Complimentary Wine, My Private Jet, and Vampsterdam. These shades are all inspired by the gothic aesthetic, and they will help you channel your inner Wednesday Adams.
Velvet Nails
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Van Iderstine recommends using press-on nails to get a salon-quality manicure in minutes. She says that press-ons are a great way to save time and money, and that they come in a variety of colors to suit any occasion. She specifically suggests the Olive & June Velvet Swirls Fig Ranch Press-Ons, which are a rich and cozy shade that is perfect for fall.
Classic Reds
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Red nail polish is a popular choice for fall because it is a versatile color that can be dressed up or down. Hanna recommends bright red shades like Ember from Dazzle Dry’s new Desert Flame Collection for the summer-to-fall transition. She says that red polish is also a good choice for the fall-to-winter transition, making it a versatile color for all seasons.
Nearly Naked Nails
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When the weather gets colder, a sheer neutral manicure can be a refreshing change from darker colors. Van Iderstine recommends applying a peachy sheer nail polish as a base coat, and then adding a wash of soft shimmer over top. This creates a glossy, effortless look that is perfect for fall.
