Ready or not, autumn is rolling in. The air’s a little crisper, scarves are staging their dramatic comeback, and, let’s face it, most of us are only here for the nails. So put aside last year’s TikTok trends. It’s time to slather those hands in fall nail colors 2025 – yes, the lineup you didn’t know you needed but will 100% see all over your social feeds in, oh, about two seconds.
I’ve rounded up the shades with the most potential to turn you into that person with the screenshot-worthy manicure. Cozy, bold, moody, even a little campy—it’s all here. Plus, if you’re the “shop in pajamas with coffee” type (hello, we could be twins), I tossed in nail polish picks so you can snag your favorites without ever leaving your couch.
Save this for later, or pretend it’s spontaneous—you do you. Either way, let’s get into the colors that are about to make you forget summer even happened.
Espresso
Espresso is peak “I spent summer outside but now I want pumpkin spice lattes and Gilmore Girls.” Dense, almost-black brown, with a hint of drama.
Not necessarily for the faint of heart, but also not too try-hard. Espresso nails know exactly who they are—bold but not black, intense in the best way.
Pairs with everything from chunky knits to biker boots (emotionally, at least). Suddenly, sipping a latte feels more sophisticated.
Some of our favorite esspresso nail polishes:
- OPI Infinite Shine in Not Afraid of the Dark
- Essie Expressie Nail Polish in Take The Espresso (quick dry!)
- ORLY Nail Polish in Double Espresso
Plum
Plum nails are moody, mysterious, and a little bit flirty. Think dark purple meets wine—there’s depth and attitude, but still all the right fall vibes.
Plum doesn’t try too hard; it just owns every look. Wear it glossy for “fancy squash party,” or add a matte topcoat for extra drama.
Some cool plum color nail polishes:
- Manucurist Green Nail Polish in Victoria Plum
- LONDONTOWN lakur Nail Polish in Save the Queen
- OPI Nature Strong in Eco-Maniac
Latte
Latte, as in, every influencer’s favorite color for outfit pics at the coffee shop. Creamy, soft brown with that milky undertone.
It’s not beige, it’s not tan—it’s “my nails have taste, but I’m not yelling about it.”
Perfect for both minimalist moods and layering with artsy designs.
Some latte shade nail polishes to try:
- Ella+Mila Nail Polish in Mocha Dreams
- Nailberry L’Oxygéné Oxygenated Nail Lacquer in Dark Beige
- LONDONTOWN lakur Nail Polish in Café Au Lait
Denim
Denim nails are for anyone with a jeans addiction. (Guilty.) Rich, inky blue, but not so bold you’ll regret it on Monday morning.
This color goes with black, white, camel, or plaid—just like your favorite jacket.
Reminds me of cool days and even cooler playlists—and maybe canceling plans just to chill at home.
Our favorite denim color polishes:
- Orly Breathable Nail Polish in De-Stressed Denim
- Essie Nail Polish in To Me From Me
- Sally Hansen Nail Polish in Time to Indi-go
Chocolate Brown
Rich chocolate brown is downright delicious—smooth, warming, just what you need for sweater weather.
It’s a strong, earthy shade that makes you want to curl up with a book (or at least pose like you do).
This one always looks expensive, even if your biggest recent purchase is another candle.
Try these chocolate brown nail polishes:
- J. Hannah Nail Polish in Ghost Ranch
- Sally Hansen in Across the Multiverse
- LONDONTOWN lakur Nail Polish in Woodstock
Fun Pumpkin Orange
Pumpkin orange never fails. It’s fall, it’s October, it’s pumpkin-everything, right down to your nails.
This shade? Cheery, a little retro, and perfect for those who want to match every pumpkin patch selfie without a hint of shame. Bright, lively, not at all subtle… so, basically, fall bottled up.
Some fun pumpkin orange color nail polishes:
- Sally Hansen Nail Polish in Time Warmth
- OPI Infinite Shine in Rollerbabe
- Essie Nail Polish in To DIY For
Steel Gray
Steel gray is that low-key, “I’m here for the autumn wind and the moody playlists” shade. Somewhere between soft charcoal, muted blue, and wet cement.
Not too harsh, not at all boring. Kind of like spending a rainy day inside doing something productive (or just pretending).
Works with office looks, flannel, or when you’re nailing the ‘indifferent but cozy’ vibe.
Try these subtle and trendy steel gray polishes:
- Essie Nail Polish in Toned Down
- LONDONTOWN lakur Nail Polish in Put the Kettle On
- OPI Nail Lacquer in Rub-a-Pub-Pub
Burgundy
Classic, rich, deep red. Burgundy nails will always be in (fight me). The perfect “I have my life together” color, even if you almost missed your train this morning.
Goes with gold jewelry, red wine, and pretty much every fall mood.
It says, “I’m dramatic, but I have taste.” And isn’t that the real autumn aesthetic?
Some of our favorite burgundy nail polishes for this fall: