Believe it or not, fall is officially on its way. And we couldn't be more thrilled about cooler weather, hotter coffee, heavier layers—and, of course—some much-needed updates to our beauty bags. Along with swapping our lightweight serums for heavier creams and our tinted moisturizers for full-coverage foundations, we also plan on giving our nail polish collection a big makeover.
With that in mind, we embarked on a mission to determine the best nail colors for fall, plus a best-selling color for rocking each one. From almost-black hues to unexpected brights, there's a nail polish on this list for every mani mood.
How We Found The Best Fall 2023 Nail Colors
To round up this list, we turned to the help of our data-driven algorithm. This unique tool scrolls through countless user reviews, editor recommendations, and best-seller lists to find and rank and best products out there. Below, we're giving you the details on the color trends that made the cut, plus the shades you should buy for each. From cult classics you know and love to a few brand-new beauties worth trying out, keep scrolling to shop the best nail trends and colors for fall 2023.
Next up, check out the 10 Best OPI Nail Colors.
September 14, 2023
Written By:Naomi Venerable
Product Expert:Georgia Jones
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Polish In Miss Independent
Overall Score
4.2
10
Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Polish In Miss Independent
4.48
296 User Reviews
2.7
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Plum Nail Polish For Fall
WHY IT MADE THE LIST
Want a gel mani but running low on time? Deborah Lippman's Gel Lab Pro in Miss Independent uses dual-patented technology, combining gel with intense nail color to create a long-lasting, durable manicure.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
This polish is formulated with evening primrose oil, biotin, and keratin to help nourish and strengthen nails over time.
Ella + Mila Nail Polish In Sunset Escape
Overall Score
4.25
09
Ella + Mila Nail Polish In Sunset Escape
4.43
1151 User Reviews
3.1
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Orange Nail Polish For Fall
WHY IT MADE THE LIST
Bring on the pumpkin spice lattees, fall foliage, and unexpected cozy nail shades like Sunset Escape from Ella + Mila. A departure from bright summer colors, this transitional shade delivers muted burnt orange and red hues in a quick-drying, chip-resistant formula.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
This formula is vegan and 17-free, which mean it is forumlated without 17 harmful chemicals.
Olive & June Nail Polish In OMG
Overall Score
4.25
08
Olive & June Nail Polish In OMG
4.39
4102 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Purple Nail Polish For Fall
WHY IT MADE THE LIST
Bring on the pumpkin spice lattes, fall foliage, and unexpected cozy nail shades like Sunset Escape from Ella + Mila. A departure from bright summer colors, this transitional shade delivers muted burnt orange and red hues in a quick-drying, chip-resistant formula.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
This formula is vegan and 17-free, which means it is formulated without 17 harmful chemicals.
Mented Nude Nail Polish in Yes We Tan
Overall Score
4.3
07
Mented Nude Nail Polish in Yes We Tan
4.7
456 User Reviews
2.8
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Tan Nail Polish For Fall
WHY IT MADE THE LIST
Designed to complement women of all hues, this tan is a deeply pigmented shade that provides full-cover coverage with just one coat and delivers a high-shine finish that promises not to fade or chip.
ABOUT THE BRAND
Founded in 2017, Mented makes a range of inclusive beauty products, all of which are vegan, paraben-free, non-toxic, and cruelty-free.
Sally Hansen Insta Dri Nail Polish In Go For Gold
Overall Score
4.4
06
Sally Hansen Insta Dri Nail Polish In Go For Gold
4.4
20987 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Gold Nail Polish For Fall
WHY IT MADE THE LIST
Chrome nails are set to dominate the fall season like Sally Hansen's Go For Gold. This gold-foil nail color delivers a metallic color payoff and a high shine finsh, giving you on-trend nails that work well as a standalone or accent color.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
Each of Sally Hansen's Insta-Dri colors are formulated with a base and top coat for extended wear and full coverage tha dries in 60 seconds.
OPI Nail Lacquer In Icelanded A Bottle of OPI
Overall Score
4.5
05
OPI Nail Lacquer In Icelanded A Bottle of OPI
4.7
758 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Neutral Nail Polish For Fall
WHY IT MADE THE LIST
If you’re looking for a neutral polish that isn't light-pink or beige, give Icelanded a try. With gray undertones, this creamy shade delivers a soft, universally flattering shade that looks good with anything.
APPLICATION TIP
Apply one coat if you want a light beige or apply two coats for a darker shade of the dove-beige polish.
OPI Nail Lacquer In Complimentary Wine
Overall Score
4.5
04
OPI Nail Lacquer In Complimentary Wine
4.7
1603 User Reviews
3.2
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Wine Nail Polish For Fall
WHY IT MADE THE LIST
Burgundy nail polishes always rank high on our list of the best fall nail colors. OPI's Complimentary wine is a deep red shade that delivers 7-days of high shine and an excellent color payoff, so you don't need several layers to achieve the perfect moody fall manicure.
USER REVIEW
"I love this stylish deep red shade by OPI. Perfect for Autumn. I would describe the shade as the colour of red wine. Easy to apply and a generous-sized bottle. Smell not too overpowering. Currently wearing on my toes and it seems to have staying power. Recommended."
Essie Nail Polish in Marshmallow
Overall Score
4.6
03
Essie Nail Polish in Marshmallow
4.5
32696 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best White Nail Polish For Fall
WHY IT MADE THE LIST
If you’re looking to try out the milky white nail polish trend, Marshmallow will be your go-to. The shade is a sheer white with a subtle pink cast that flatters a variety of skin tones.
ABOUT THE BRAND
Founded by Essie Weingarten in 1981, the company has expanded to include over 300 different colors of salon-quality polish. The brand is now a worldwide celeb favorite and is famously the only nail polish Queen Elizabeth wears.
OPI Nail Lacquer In Red Heads Ahead
Overall Score
4.6
02
OPI Nail Lacquer In Red Heads Ahead
4.7
3218 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Red Nail Polish For Fall
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
If you’re on the hunt for a true red nail polish, Red Heads Ahead will be your new go-to. The shade is a rich auburn that flatters a variety of skin tones and looks great in the office or a night out on the town.
APPLICATION TIP
OPI suggests applying two thin coats of the fast-drying formula for up to 7 days of wear. Pro-tip: apply an OPI base coat and a top coat for extended wear.
Essie Nail Polish In Off Tropic
Overall Score
4.7
01
Essie Nail Polish In Off Tropic
4.5
25760 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Dark Hunter Green Nail Polish
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
The fall season calls for jewel-toned manicures and Essie's Off Tropic delivers just that. Rich and vibrant, this deep emerald green is perfect for fall and guaranteed to make a statement but still feel incredibly wearable at the same time.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
This nail polish is 8-free, which means it's formulated without 8 toxic ingredients known to cause harm to humans or the environment like formaldehyde and animal derived ingredients.
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