Fall Color Nails: Trendy Shades 2025 That Define the Season
Is there anything better than changing for your nail color with the first change in leaves. There’s something about fall that makes me want to explore deeper colors, cozy emotions and a tiny bit of sophisticated – ish-ness that doesn’t shout – it whispers. But which exactly are actually having a lush moment this season? What’s trendy, what’s classic and what will summon the need to hold steaming fingers around a spiced latte and just take a deep breath?
The beauty of the manicure this season is about oppressiveness and warmth, but also about rest peacefulness and surprise increasing. Whether you’re looking to match your chunky knits or elevate your classic style, these fall color nails: trendy shades 2025 are pure mood. Let’s break it down — color by color, nail by nail, shade by shade.
Decadent Chocolate Glaze
The richness of this deep brown manicure immediately makes me think of sipping a molten mocha while wrapped in the coziest knit. It is that elusive color you can take out and wear, and it does not shout at you in how long you have not changed in a while, but is luxurious and more simply a study in glossy and cocoa toned polish to perfection. It is more inclined towards the ‘quiet luxury’ look we continue to see on runways and nail bars. Honestly? It’s the brown I never knew I needed.
To get that mirror-glazed shine, I’d reach for OPI’s “That’s What Friends Are Thor” or Zoya’s “Louise” — both incredibly rich browns that work across a wide range of skin tones. They give that plush lacquered finish by finishing with Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat. It works perfectly in the early fall when we are just making the switch between lattes on the rocks and pumpkin spice.
I usually start with a nourishing cuticle oil (especially as the air gets drier), then apply a base coat to smooth things out. With two thin coats of polish, I finish the deal by sealing it all in a high gloss topcoat. And to add even more extra shine, multiple nail techs will attest to a drop of cuticle oil on top of your finished product, rather- it just gives it that glow in the most beautiful manner.
Brown was not part of my fall radar but this shade made everything change. It is contemporary, crisp and high-toned – not mundane as you might think a neutral would be. And why not, the glazed donut nails Hailey Bieber wore had their fifteen minutes of fame ahem, this is the chocolate version.
Cool Sage Elegance
This muted green is unexpected in all the right ways. It is the sort of shade that immediately looks expensive, like a minimalist sweater in the ideal shade of eucalyptus. It gives cool-weather freshness without being cold. There’s also something kind of calming about it. Like a forest walk after the rain, but for your hands.
In this shade, I like Olive & June in Into the Trees or Essie Win Me Over. They are the hue of soft green which does not feel minty or military. These tones pair beautifully with silver jewelry (and honestly, it elevates every ring selfie).
No need in nail art here then, it is the color statement. My favorite nail prep is always filling in ridges with a base coat so the polish applies like butter. Your strokes should be even, and your layers as thin as possible- greens are easy to streak once they have been applied too rapidly. Nail artist Jin Soon Choi pro tip: before you leave the salon, always use a top coat to seal the edge of the nail to stop this shade and other earthy shades from ever chipping.
This sage hue has become my new neutral. It is sophisticated and yet light without being too serious or dark, and even wearable with black cashmere jackets and denim jackets oddly enough. It’s like wearing a whisper — soft but memorable.
Plum Knit Season
You know that perfect deep plum you keep seeing in fall lipstick launches? Just picture it on your nails creamy and warming and only slightly dramatic. It has that berry sweetness akin to a warm knit-sweater. Not too dark, not too pink. Just moody enough to match your favorite bookshop latte.
Polishes like Sally Hansen’s “Plums the Word” or Deborah Lippmann’s “Lady is a Tramp” nail that balance between berry and burgundy. I am forever drawn toward these figured purples in autumn- they are rich, but not full-blown Halloween goth.
Personally, at home, I curve my nails slightly roundish so they are more rounded to tone down the intensity of the color. Once the base coat (hydrating) is applied, I again put two coats of polish and allow each to dry completely. I have also discovered that plum shades in particular, lend themselves well to a glossy top coat to prevent looking one-dimensional- similar to wearing an application of lip gloss over dark lipstick.
When I put on this shade, each time, I would be stopped by someone wondering what this was. The color is the one that makes a difference, it is the one that makes one think it was chosen with a purpose. Perhaps it is due to this that it continues to appear in fall color nails: fashionable chromes 2025 pitted on the boards and style sections of Pinterest and magazine editorials.
Glossy Roast Espresso
Here’s one for the women who want to flirt with black polish without fully committing. It is a sophisticated shade of espresso brown that is deep and smooth–as though your fingernails have stepped out of an exclusive coffee shop in SoHo. The shine is so intense, it could almost pass as patent leather.
This shade looks like Lights Lacquer Brighton and Oxford Street or OPI Rich and Nuts chocolate. It’s Top Secret!”, both designed to pull light just enough to avoid going flat. When your purse is too small to be made up, and you are determined to have a touch, this is your girl.
I tend to use quick-drying base coat so that nothing stains, and then two coats of the darkest brown I have. To have that high-shine effect, I prefer Essie Gel Couture Top Coat- I have the salon-strength lacquer and no UV lamp. And if you’re worried about dark shades being too harsh, just keep the nail shape almond or oval — it softens the whole look.
Splashing in this kind of color is similar to slipping into a dollop of leather jacket. It makes you feel a little more put together, a little more powerful — even if you’re just going to Trader Joe’s. Fall does not necessarily have to be pumpkin-spice adorable- It could just be espresso daring.
Velvet Cabernet Matte
Matte nails are making a big comeback — especially in fall. And this deep cabernet red has a slight matte finish which sends out serious velvet vibes. It is romantic, bold, though it has a muffled feel that makes it surprisingly wearable. Like a glass of merlot by candlelight.
I go back and forth between Zoya (called Amal) Matte Velvet or Revlons (called crimson) Matte which goes on really pretty and has that ethereal, powdery finish. Hack: don t put a standard top coat over matte polish, again this kills the magic. Use a matte top coat in case you require durability.
To prep, make sure your nail surface is smooth and without oil oil- free is best as matte shows anything. I lightly polish my nails, a line of base then two thin coats of color. The decoy? Let them dry, it may take hours, I guess matte formulas are more demanding. Nail tech Miss Pop suggests putting a micro-brush over the edges to seal them to avoid early tip wear.
This one gives off major grown-woman energy. It sort of feels like your fall lipstick of choice worn on your hands. Graceful, low-key, slightly enigmatic and, indeed, highly TikTok.
Soft Taupe Gradient
Neutrals, but make it editorial. Here, the taupe manicure has combined neutral beiges with warm and mushroom brown shades into a single (monotonic) gradient. It is more of a tonal knit outfit set -chic, discrete, and comfy in the best-polished manner. If you’re someone who leans minimalist but still wants dimension, this is the look to try this season.
As far as this layered mixed neutral look, I would suggest a combination of Essie Topless & Barefoot, Clothing Optional and Zoya Jana. Do cut open the shades on every finger or select two facing each other. This is a one of those looks that looks as great on long square nails as it does on short rounded nails.
When I recreate a look such as this at home, I always begin by selecting three matching nude shades e.g. nothing quite as high contrast. I use the lightest paint to capture thumb, middle and pinky and the rest darker. Add a shiny topcoat to all of it to smooth the transition of the gradient and a salon-glass effect. Tom Bachik, a celebrity nail artist said “In the fall, Tom suggests wearing nudes with warmer undertones so your skin wonв тœcolors pale out.”
I have previous experience of wearing this palette as I once did during a November wedding and a person had to ask me whether it was made of gel. Spoiler: it wasn’t. It has something about these colors, which are expensive but do not push too hard.
Vintage Rosewood Almond
This is such a romantic take on fall nails. The deep rosewood color borderline between mauve and chestnut and fancy almond shaping? It is giving us museum date, scrawling notations and vintage trench coats. There’s softness here — but also strength.
Afternoon Tea by Butter London is my favourite or My Italian is a Little Rusty by OPI is that earthy rose shade. Both are a little on the warm side, which makes them fall-friendly both to the light as well as the wardrobe changes (read: burgundy jumpers and camel jackets).
At home the trick is that very soft almond-shaping of the nails. It lengthens your fingertips and takes a plain polish and gives it elevation. Do two coats, dry thoroughly and seal with a flexible gelly-like top coat such as Essie Gel Couture; it delivers the same salon-smooth surface but no UV lamp required.
This color is as though the end of summer and the start of fall. Not quite ready for the dark vampy shades? This bridges the gap. I have actually worn the same tone with gold accessories and it virtually shines.
Burnt Mandarin Bold
Orange — but not the Halloween kind. This burned mandarin is vivid, not apologetic and surprising to wear with thick vestments or plaid jackets. It’s a power move, honestly. A little retro, a little ‘70s glam, and totally perfect for golden hour selfies.
To strike this Goldilocks balance between bright and burnt, see Cirque Colors Kumquat or ORLY Tangerine Dream. There is just a hint of red in these formulas to have a sense of grounding -not a neon. It is the trend to start with bold nails if you have never tried it before so this is the way to soften and make it less dramatic in the fall.
This is my tricky nail habit: rub it down, use a tacky base color such as CND Stickey and afterward paint it with your orange pigment. The figure in this case, almond with a bit of stiletto tip, contributes to the drama. Finish with a glassy top coat. Celeb nail artist Julie Kandalec says that brights and warm colors are best-served when the base fills in any ridges to provide an equal payoff.
Truth to be told, I never doubted that I would ever love orange nails- until I painted them on during a windy October weekend. They went off of my denim jacket and made my rings all the more flashy. Now I’m hooked.
Olive Grove Classic
There’s something so grounding about a rich olive green in the cooler months. It gives that autumnal, country feel that is just fall. This shade is sophisticated, versatile, and one of the fall color nails: trendy shades 2025 you’ll be seeing everywhere — from coffee shops to city streets.
I am crazy about OPI, Suzi- The First Lady of Nails and Essie, Win Me Over. Such tones have a universal effect on all skin tones and add something luxurious without being overly dark. Bonus: they make gold jewelry absolutely pop.
Application tip? Never apply green polish in thick layers since this will only cause streaks. Let each coat fully dry before the next. I prefer to put mine on with a matte or high gloss top coat depending on how I want it to feel: a little more editorial with a matte top coat or lots of shine with the glossy one.
It is like sticking a sandalwood candle after a cold walk and putting on this shade. It is a bit unexpected, a bit classic and it matches literally everything in your wardrobe.
Crimson Crush Shine
Classic red, but with a juicy twist. It is fall magic in glossy crimson hue, which makes your nails resemble wine glass reflections that are perfectly polished. Bold but not overpowering, this is the kind of red that works from day to night, no outfit change required.
Avoid drinking, but go with Essie Bordeaux or OPI Malaga Wine or Chanel Rouge Noir, on fancy days. These colors are right on the cusp of being vampy and vibrant at the same time and they just wear like a dream all week.
For home application, I start with a nail brightening base coat to avoid any tinting (red stains fast), then apply two thin coats. Use a wide brush polish for better coverage. To help the red appear longer without chipping, celebrity nail artist Betina Goldstein says to seal tips with one more swipe of top coat.
It can be my no-fail date night, interview shade, errands and more. The red is the one I take when I want to be me, but a little better than that. Add a dark berry lip and you’re unstoppable.
Toasted Rose Blush
This muted dusty rose polish is for those in-between days — when you’re not quite ready to go dark, but bright tones feel like too much. It is just the same as your nails but even better energy, just with even more of a heat. This soft, toasty hue blends feminine and fall in one effortless swipe.
You can achieve this look with Essie’s “Angora Cardi” (an all-time cult favorite) or OPI’s “Mauving to Manitoba.” The finish has the sheen that makes the color even richer. My favorite thing to do with shades like this is to wear it with a bare face of makeup, it gives the softness but it doesn t feel forced.
Whenever I put on this hue someone remarks that it is a classic shade, but not in boring one. It’s reliable, yes — but also quietly pretty. Kind of a Frenchicure, fall style, only cooler.
Dusty Mauve Velvet
This mauve-almost-lavender polish feels like it was made for sweater season. It has so much velvet smoothness about it, not only in color but in mood, as well. The almond shaped (only) brings a touch of perkiness and color keeps it cool. You could wear this to brunch or to a boardroom — and it would just work.
The Zoya nail polish in the shade Joss and Sundays Studio in the shade L03 are great examples of a polish that allows creating this type of color-story soft, elegant, and non-problematic to make. It’s also surprisingly flattering on every skin tone.
I tend to planning out the remainder of my appearance tonal when I have this shade on — a heather gray scarf, some soft brown mascara. It brings out the romantic energy of the nails. And it is also that type of manicure that makes your hands instantaneously well-groomed, even prior to your coffee.
Satin Rosewood Pink
If fall could flirt, this would be the nail color. It is the exact shade of rose-pink with just a hint of berry undertone but not obnoxious sweet once and for all. It’s the color you’ll want to wear when you’re wrapped in your favorite chunky cardigan and heading out for an evening stroll.
This clean-but-pretty shade is perfected by Olive & June in their formula which they Market as “MM” or Smith & Cult in their color named “Tenderoni. It’s one of those colors that doesn’t compete with your outfit — it complements it. When you up shift it to those burgundy knits and dark neutrals, especially.
I have used this color to attend both a work meeting to a Sunday dinner. It exudes warmth but is not terribly loud–it is the sort of warm fall perfume that works. Just enough to make people lean in.
Autumn Palette Mismatch
This look is like wrapping your fingertips in every fall shade at once. Go: cider orange, wine red, smoky nude, coffee brown and charcoal all peacefully coexisting. It’s cozy chaos. A fall color swatch straight from your knitwear drawer.
It is a fun at home look that can be done with various polishes you already use, but appreciate. My advice as part of a curated color combination is EssiePlaying Koi, OPI Cliffside Karaoke, Zoya Ember, and Olive & June LD. There is no need of more nail art especially when the contrast does the job.
Here’s my tip: layout your chosen bottles before painting. Begin with the lightest color on your thumb and then proceed toward darker colors — they are in the best balance with the entire hand. And don’t overthink the order. Let it feel a little spontaneous.
and this is just a fantastic way to express yourself as far as your fall personality even without uttering a word. It is light-hearted, current and has character-like it should be this season.
Wine-Stained Denim
Red nails meet blue jeans — and this combo? Always iconic. It is a deep berry-red polish with high-gloss finish that is the perfect combination of thick gold jewelry and warm textures. It’s like the color equivalent of that perfect vintage Levi’s jacket: easy, timeless, a little rebellious.
To get that dark moody richness go OPI at “We the Female” or Essie at “In the Lobby.” I particularly like this color on almond-shaped nails- longs the fingers, adds the right amount of drama but not screaming.
Application-wise, be patient. Red pigments are unforgiving in a way that you can not just rush through one coat, and overlay it with the other one so make sure that a layer dries before you move to another one. But in case you have the worry of staining on you, wear peel off base or multiple layers of barrier. Trust me, it’s worth it.
It is one of the colors that I rediscover every fall as the trends may be. It never goes wrong: a touch of daring, a pinch of time travel and all-out attributable at the pumpkin patch or happy hour.
Caramel Glaze Elegance
This rich caramel brown strikes the perfect balance between classic and cozy. It is a little bit toaster, gorgeous and shiny enough to spread, and that cozy baked-good vibe that all of us want to feel in the autumn and winter. This color wraps your nails in that late-afternoon autumn sun kind of glow.
Give the Essie Clothing Optional or OPI Falling for Milan a go, these may just provide you with that milky cinnamon glow that will suit all your ensembles. Especially stunning with gold accessories and dark outerwear.
This is my shade when I just want to be a bit more put together without doing something dramatic. It complements neutrals to jewel tones beautifully, and even though I do not always feel like I have my life together, it still sends “I have got my s**t together” vibes.
Crimson Cherry Square
There’s just something timeless about a true cherry red on short square nails. Clean. Confident. Chic. The type of manicure that makes a white button down shirt or a leather jacket automatically cooler. This red is a little more saturated than wine, which gives it a punchier pop — perfect for transitional weather.
Olive & June or Chanel Cherry Crush will give you this effect, as well as Chanel Rouge Essentiel. The main thing here is the glossy top paint, you need the glassed-over-damp look to have the red to its full effect.
It is one of such looks that I repeat year after year. Have you never had short square nails painted a bright, rich red–then this shall be thy sign.
Teal Sweater Season
Deep teal is that underrated wildcard of fall shades. It almost feels like the edgy cousin of forest green, it is a bit cooler, and more modern, but still earthy. The color contrasts with knits and denim and gives a sharper contrast in comparison to the traditional earthy tones. It’s fresh, a little bold, and surprisingly easy to wear.
I think Cirque Colors has one called Velvet Underground or Zoya Remy that has that vibe. Both colors provide the high amount of pigment and a beautiful gloss sheen.
I am all the vibes of sipping chai and scrolling through Pinterest looking at cabin getaways in this shade. It might be slightly obscure but that is why I like it. Combined with some silver jewelry and it turns into the entire moment.
Sage Serenity
A lighter, more muted take on green that still feels rooted in the season. It is a soothing sage tone, calming and earthy- it has a hint of eucalyptus leaves or dried herbs in a fall bouquet. It is an ideal shade when you find color, but not drama. Just vibes.
I will grab Essies, Sage You Love Me or Sundays 42 when I require elegance though toned down. Looks terrific as oval and also as round shape particularly on small nails.
It is an easy fall shade in early fall when everything is gentle and golden outside. It doesn’t shout — it whispers. Beautiful weightless whisper that pairs with a lush, soft white knit, your everyday camel trench and everything in between.
Midnight Botanical Matte
Now this one’s a little bit moody, a little bit mysterious. Matte navy-blue nails with glossy botanical detailing? It’s like fall foliage at night. Perfect for evening events or just when you want something beautifully different from the typical red or brown.
Take OPI (russian navy)or Essie (booties on broadway) and top off with matte top coat. To do the detailing, I would utilize a thin nail art brush and polish such as a metallic silver polish such as Chrome Glaze. Don t go overboard just leave a couple of bushy strokes on accent nails at that.
This is hands-down one of my favorite fall designs. It is rather purposeful, styled, and arty, but not excessive. It is the matte/gloss contrast that takes the entire thing to the next level, trust me, it draws a gaze.
Chestnut & Mocha Mix
A delicious twist on a tonal manicure, this almond-shaped set blends glossy mocha, milk chocolate, and taupe into a rich fall trio. It is as though you are taking a dip in your autumn latte, cocoa, chai drink menu but in a polish format. Calm and cozy, with a little color contrast to keep things fresh.
Reach for OPI’s “You Don’t Know Jacques!”, Zoya’s “Spencer”, and Essie’s “Cliff Hanger” to replicate this neutral layering. It is ideal to those who like to have something discrete yet playful.
Nevertheless, I was brutally honest about wearing it when I could not decide what I felt like wearing and it turned out to be my go-to fall combo. It can be seen in comparison to matching your nails and your blanket and your hot drink to one another. Bliss.
Polished Garnet Drama
There’s drama — and then there’s garnet-gloss drama. This tail-end reddish-brown color on almond nails is more tilted towards elegant and powerful. It gives “CEO who loves candlelit dinners.” The shine is hypnotizing, but the color itself keeps things grounded.
Chanel, just ask for the Rouge Noir or Olive & June, JJ- it is so pigmented, it is so vampy-glam it makes me feel like I can be the lifeforce of everybody in the room. To add more depth as an optional addition, apply two coats of at least high-shine topcoat and with each coat, allow to cure completely.
This is the color I would put on when going to a gallery opening, or a date when I want to feel like I am in the main story. It is decadent, classic and bold enough.
Autumn Rosewood Glow
This shade reminds me of wild roses at the end of their season — still blooming, but just barely. It is a blend of dusty pink and mellow plum, warm enough to be season friendly but soft enough to wear daily. Gentle, glowy, and super wearable.
Essie Mauve-tivation or Lights Lacquer Tati lets you do this. The tones are only colourful to put you in the mood especially on those cloudy days when it is crispy.
I wore this to a picnic in early October and the how it caught the late afternoon light? Chef’s kiss. It’s understated romance.
Muted Taupe Taupe
Let’s hear it for the greige girls. It is a muted taupe polish that lands on that cool/modern neutral happy medium-not too pink, not too brown, not too gray. Just clean, elegant, and endlessly wearable. If you love beige but want something deeper for fall, this is your girl.
Sally Hansen is your taupe tint Slick Slate or Deborah Lippmann is Modern Love will render you that versatile mauve shade that compliments everything whether it is knits or even denim. And it’s surprisingly eye-catching, even in its subtlety.
I adore the way that this one is reading like a cool toned nude – professional, chic and never tacky. It’s become my workweek go-to.
Pumpkin Spice Shorties
This one practically screams autumn. Toasty, warm orange with a bit softened pumpkin coloring- short, tidy and shiny. It’s spicy and playful without going full-on novelty. If you want to nod to the season without leaves and glitter, this is the one.
To keep it less dramatic, consider Olive & June has a “JJ” or OPI has a “Have Your Panettone and Eat It Too”, soft pumpkin is a great shade to keep short nails looking great. Bonus: such a tone suits all skin tones and is a stunning match with gold jewelry.
Wearing this color instantly lifts my mood. It is jovial, fashionable and it has the audacity to mention the phrase, Yes, I like fall, and I do not regret it.
Dark Olive: Moody but Elegant
This rich olive green hue has something so soothing and eternally cool. It is a hushed tone that speaks of autumn woods and of rain-dotted cafe windows, and yet which is no slouch in an urban environment. The gloss finish enhances its natural depth without overpowering. The almond shape and a bit long tips provide a sophisticated profile, which contributes to silent authority that the style emits. It is one of those shades that suits both wool coat collars and trench belt as it suits with an oversized jumper also.
To create this at home, I applied the High Standards by Lights Lacquer which is perfectly between a real khaki and deep evergreen. It provides complete opacity in only two coats and its smooth application is not at all streaky. My go-to base and topcoat is Nailberry Strengthen and Breathe, I can never go on a manicure without it, not even when it is winter or my nails are weak.
The secret to rich, dark colours such as this one is to maintain the ridges at the extremities of the nail crystal clear. Polish easier to remove after a little drop of cuticle oil is applied. Then I apply 2 coats followed by a fast spin around th tip and then the glossy quick-dry top coat.
What I personally like about this one is that it is multiple. It has some of that dark academia feel but it is not black, and this is why one can wear it to work, dinners, and so on. I have had it on a gray Monday and a sunny Sunday- fit always.
Terracotta Burnt Orange: A Warm Embrace
With fall, this could be the manicure to have. Earthy terracotta immediately makes one think of leaves ready to be crunched on a golden hour stroll. It is a confident tone that does not feel outlandish but has the same feeling of something outdated which was given a new spirit of life. The medium form of almond in this case is moderate- it is not too crisp or too dull. The polish is shimmering with soft light making it have a vibe of glazed-clay very simply chic.
The color here reminds me of “Spice Things Up” from OPI’s fall collection — it’s creamy, bold, and fast-drying. I’ve also seen beautiful results with Essie’s “Playing Koi” if you’re leaning toward a slightly rustier take. In any case, such shades are just gorgeous when worn with gold jewels and other chunky knit items.
Application can as simple as a 2 package system- base, color, top. However, when I want powerful autumnal shades I use a ridge-filling base to give me a salon-smooth effect. A tip courtesy of celebrity manicurist Betina Goldstein: When you file the nail tips, follow up with a bit of buffing to be sure that the curve is even before polishing.
Whenever I put on this color, someone always compliments me about the color- strangers, the baristas, my colleagues. It wears that toasty welcome, the kind of welcome that causes people to smile. It’s honestly become my go-to for October.
Vanilla Sheer: Barely There, But Polished
Limited remains the ideal — and this pale, gauzy beige makes an argument in support of the quiet power of bareness. It’s like cashmere for the hands. This nail art talks to us in small details: the length is short, squared and rounded and reminds us of natural nails, but it is amplified by a healthy and milky shine. It’s understated, yes, but undeniably luxe.
To recreate this subtle sophistication I tend to apply Dior Nail Glow or Zoya Laurie. To make it warmer, Olive & June has an HD finish which is to die for, there is a hint of pink in the color so it is not looking washed out.
Not much technique needs to go into it, preparation is key. Buff gently, push back cuticles, and moisturize. A glossy top coat seals it all in. This is one of the styles that are actually easy to do but they look complex. They just require healthy and smooth nail beds.
My favorite is one that makes me feel like I have my act together- even when I am late and I haven t washed my hair. It is old fashioned, it is pure and never does it ever seem excessive.
Ink Blue: The Unexpected Power Move
Ink blue might not be the most obvious fall shade — but that’s exactly why it works. It surprises. The drama of this deep sapphire color stops short of being gothic with the almond shaped finish and jewel-like flat-top shine. It seems that it is the ultimate Victorian rebelliousness meets classic sophistication. It’s bold, but not loud. Think moonlit cityscapes and midnight trench coats.
I replicated this shade with the “After School Boy Blazer” by Essie but I also think that Static Nails have a beautiful and deeper dupe called “Midnight Swim“. These darker blues are best suited to early sunsets and to cool nights, gaining a different sort of cosiness in winter.
Application here needs to be clean. To clean the edges I employ a small brush with acetone, as a dark polish will reveal a mistake quickly. Never miss a good base-this color can stain without it.
I pull this out when I am exhausted of neutrality and want a kick of sophistication. It is not a classic but that is what I love it is a twist on fall color nails: stylish shades 2025 that still feels absolutely season appropriate.
Rose Quartz Cream: Sweetness in Neutral
These pale pink swathes can be typical spring time regulars but there is a fall spirit in this cream pink. It matches so well on chunky scarves, lattes, and those impeccable jackets of denim that never go wrong. The geometry of this piece long almond shape with a low key high-gloss finish instills a feminine attitude that is nevertheless earthy. It does not attempt to be excessively serious, but it does give a refined finish to all the movements.
My go-to in this shade has always been Essie Ballet Slippers but lately I can’t resist Sundays CS.01 in the softer version. The color payout is gentle and exquisite in not becoming bubblegum.
I tend to use a flatting ground and then build up two sheer coats–any more and it will bubble. Its finishing buff with a gloss product, such as Seche Vite, seals it in and brings that mirror-super shiny finish.
This one is just… cozy. There’s no better word. It softens my hands, makes them more delicate and more purposeful. It has become a kind of crutch when I want to get away with dark but I do not want to lose that autumn feel.