· LUCY LOVES ME · Beauty
Autumn Nail Colours 2025: The Chicest Shades Everyone’s Obsessed With
There’s something about the first proper chill in the air that makes you look down at your nails and think: these need sorting.
Maybe it’s the instinct to swap out literally everything for autumn mode, or perhaps it’s just that your current manicure suddenly feels wildly out of sync with your chunky knit and boots combo.
So, what nail colours are trending this autumn? The answer isn’t as simple as “burgundy and brown.”
Sure, the classics are back, but they’re sharing space with misty blues, metallics, and even flashes of hot pink.
This season’s palette is rule-breaking, personality-driven, and unapologetically fun.
What Nail Colours Are Trending for Autumn 2025?
The runways have spoken, nail artists have weighed in, and social media has done its thing.
This season’s trending autumn nail colours range from soft neutrals to statement metallics colours.
Think deep forest greens sitting comfortably alongside frosted lilacs, whilst metallics shimmer their way into every second manicure.
Celebrity nail artists point to muted terracotta with hints of metallic shimmer as a standout choice, whilst others are championing stormy blue. That perfect grey-blue hybrid that somehow captures the essence of a foggy morning in the countryside.
The beauty of autumn 2025’s nail trends is that there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a minimalist who lives for sheer nudes or someone who treats their nails like tiny canvases for artistic expression.
Black Cherry Nails: The Ultimate Autumn 2025 Statement Shade
If one shade defines autumn 2025, it’s the deep, seductive black cherry — halfway between burgundy and black, effortlessly sophisticated, and universally flattering.
The appeal lies in its versatility. Black cherry works on short nails and long, looks equally at home with a glossy finish or matte topcoat, and somehow manages to complement every skin tone.
OPI’s Black Cherry Chutney has become something of a cult favourite, whilst Essie’s Wicked offers a slightly lighter take on the trend.
For those seeking something with a touch more luxury, Hermès Les Mains in Rouge H delivers that signature deep cherry tone with an impeccable formula. If you prefer a gel option, Nailberry’s Noirberry offers a rich burgundy-black that’s also vegan and breathable.
For maximum impact, pair your black cherry mani with a matte topcoat. The velvety finish transforms the look from polished to positively luxurious.
Espresso Brown Nails: The Cosy Trend Everyone’s Asking For
This season’s love affair with warm, comforting browns shows no signs of slowing down. Think of espresso nails as your cashmere jumper in polish form. Timeless, rich, and quietly luxurious.
The brown nail trend speaks to our collective desire for comfort during the colder months.
There’s something inherently soothing about chocolate-toned fingertips—like wrapping yourself in a cashmere jumper, but for your hands.
Try Essie’s No To-Do for a medium brown with subtle warmth, or go deeper with Nails Inc’s Hawaii Beach from their Caught in The Nude collection.
For something with a bit more edge, OPI’s Self Made offers a gorgeous sage-meets-olive tone that still reads as neutral.
The key is finding the undertone that works with your skin—cooler browns for those with pink undertones, warmer versions for golden-toned complexions.
Forest Green Nails: The Earthy Trend Taking Over Autumn 2025
Mossy, olive, and sage tones are having a major moment this autumn, offering a grounded alternative to the usual reds and browns.
Forest green works particularly well as an accent colour or in nail art. Consider pairing a deep green with gold foil details for something special, or keep it simple with a single colour across all ten nails. Either way, it’s refreshingly different from the usual autumn fare.
Essie’s Win Me Over delivers that perfect olive-green tone, whilst Gucci’s Melinda Green offers a richer forest shade for those wanting something more statement-making.
Metallic Nails: Copper, Gold & Gunmetal Glam for Autumn 2025
From gleaming gold to burnished copper, metallic nail polish is the easiest way to add instant luxury to your autumn look.
The beauty of metallics lies in their ability to dress up even the simplest outfit.
A copper shimmer catches the light beautifully and somehow makes everything look more expensive.
For those who find full metallic nails a bit much, try using them as accent nails or French tip details instead.
Chanel’s Golden Mermaid delivers that perfect rose-gold glow, whilst Manucurist’s Utopia offers a more burnished copper effect with an eco-friendly formula.
For glitter lovers, Manucurist’s Mermaid provides that holographic shimmer that catches every angle of light.
If you prefer something simpler, OPI’s Tinsel-Tinsel ‘Lil Star offers subtle silver sparkle without going overboard.
Best Nail Colours for October 2025 (According to the Pros)
The best October nail colours balance warmth and depth — think burnt orange, deep burgundy, and rich brown as the leaves turn and the air cools.
For early October, transitional shades work brilliantly. Think burnt orange, rust, or terracotta—colours that still hold some warmth but nod towards the cooler months ahead.
Hermès Les Mains in Orange Boite offers that perfect pumpkin spice vibe without being literal about it, whilst Essie’s Meet Me At Sunset gives you that gorgeous coral-orange tone.
Mid-October calls for deeper tones. This is when you can fully commit to those burgundies, chocolate browns, and forest greens.
The weather’s turned chilly, jumpers have made their seasonal appearance, and your nails should follow suit.
Matte Nails Are Back: The Velvet Finish Dominating Autumn 2025
Glossy nails will always have their place, but this season’s soft matte finishes feel irresistibly chic and cosy.
Matte topcoats transform any polish, but certain colours particularly benefit from the treatment.
Deep burgundies become more sophisticated, browns feel cozier, and even black takes on a whole new character. The velvet-like texture somehow makes colours look richer and more expensive.
For best results, apply your colour polish as normal, allow it to dry completely, then add a matte topcoat.
Essie’s Gel Couture Matte Top Coat delivers that perfect non-shine finish, whilst CND’s Matte Shellac Top Coat works brilliantly for gel manicures.
Halloween-Appropriate Nails (That Don’t Scream Costume)
Halloween nail art has come a long way from orange and black stripes. This year’s approach is altogether more subtle—think gothic romance rather than fancy dress party.
Start with a black or deep purple base, then add delicate details: tiny spider webs in silver, subtle ghost outlines, or even just a glitter topcoat that catches the light mysteriously. The goal is to look chic first, Halloween-themed second.
For those who want to commit fully to the spooky season, consider a glossy black mani with matte black accents.
Gucci’s Crystal Black provides that perfect high-shine black, whilst OPI’s Black Onyx gel colour offers long-lasting wear if you’re planning multiple Halloween events.
Blood-red nails (essentially a true red rather than cherry or burgundy) work perfectly for Halloween without looking costumey.
Chanel’s Diva delivers that classic scarlet, whilst Beauty Pie’s Riot Act Red gives you that same quality at a fraction of the price.
Stormy Blue Nails: The Cool-Girl Alternative to Burgundy
Moody, modern, and quietly striking, stormy blue is the colour for anyone who wants their manicure to whisper, not shout.
Stormy blue works particularly well on shorter nails, where darker colours might feel overwhelming.
The blue undertones prevent it looking too heavy, whilst the grey keeps it feeling sophisticated rather than summery.
Dior’s Pied-de-Poule offers that perfect moody blue, whilst Essie’s Aruba Blue provides a slightly brighter take on the trend.
For something with shimmer, OPI’s Abstract After Dark adds that little bit of sparkle to the stormy palette.
Layer it with a glossy topcoat for maximum impact, or go matte for something more understated. Either way, it’s a refreshing alternative to the standard autumn palette.
Frosted Lilac Nails: The Soft, Dreamy Shade You’ll See Everywhere
A cool-toned lilac with subtle shimmer, frosted nails strike the perfect balance between feminine and autumnal.
The result is something that catches the light beautifully without reading as overtly glittery.
Frosted lilac works particularly well as a transitional shade. It’s substantial enough to feel autumnal but light enough not to weigh down your look.
Try Londontown’s Starry Chrome for that perfect frosted effect, or OPI’s Graffiti Sweetie for something with a bit more pink.
Nailberry’s Star Dust offers a glitter-heavy version for those who want full sparkle.
Dark French Tips: The Chic Twist on the Classic French Manicure
French manicures are back — but moodier. Replace the white tips with black, burgundy, or green for an instant update.
The beauty of dark French tips lies in their versatility. They work on short nails and long, look appropriate for both professional settings and nights out, and add interest without requiring elaborate nail art skills.
For best results, use a sheer nude or pink base and keep your tips relatively thin. OPI’s Bubble Bath makes an excellent base, whilst Essie’s Ballet Slippers offers that classic pale pink.
For the tips themselves, reach for any of the deeper shades mentioned earlier—black cherry, espresso brown, or forest green all work beautifully.
The goal is elegance rather than drama—save the thick, bold tips for summer.
Eggshell White: Quiet Luxury on Your Fingertips
The quiet luxury trend has made its way from fashion to nails, manifesting as perfect eggshell white manicures.
This isn’t stark white—it’s softer, warmer, and altogether more sophisticated.
The key to pulling off eggshell white lies in the finish. A flawless application is non-negotiable—any chips or imperfections show up immediately on light colours.
Consider using a strengthening base coat to prevent staining, and always finish with either a matte or glossy topcoat to seal everything in.
Bio Sculpture’s French Blanc offers that perfect off-white tone, whilst Chanel’s Glaciale delivers subtle warmth.
For something even more understated, Essie’s Blanc provides that clean, crisp finish.
This shade works particularly well with gold jewellery and camel-coloured clothing, creating that effortlessly expensive aesthetic everyone’s chasing.
Final Thoughts: Your 2025 Autumn Nail Edit
So, what nail colours are trending this autumn 2025? In short — anything that feels like you.
From seductive black cherry and espresso brown to unexpected stormy blues and metallics, this year’s autumn nail trends celebrate individuality over uniformity.
If you’re craving drama, reach for a rich burgundy or glossy black. Prefer something softer?
Frosted lilac and eggshell white bring subtle sophistication to every outfit. And for those who love a little extra shimmer — copper, gold, and gunmetal metallics are your shortcut to instant glamour.
Whatever your vibe, the ultimate autumn manicure should spark joy every time you catch a glimpse of it (which, let’s be honest, is about 4,000 times a day).
Whether it’s holding your morning coffee or scrolling through your feed, your nails deserve to look the part.
Lucy Loves: The Autumn 2025 Nail Edit
Can’t decide which autumn nail trend to try first? Don’t worry, I’ve rounded up my personal favourites that I’ll be wearing all season.
Best everyday shade: OPI’s Black Cherry Chutney — A gorgeous, rich black cherry colour that immediately sets the scene for Autumn. Polished, confident, and super chic.
Most statement-making: Gucci’s Melinda Green — Earthy yet bold, it’s the green that makes you look like you have a stylist for your nails.
For the perfect moody manicure: OPI’s Abstract After Dark — A stormy blue with just the right amount of shimmer. Perfect for late-night dinners and foggy mornings alike.
When you’re feeling extra: Chanel’s Golden Mermaid — Luxurious copper shimmer that catches the light (and compliments) everywhere you go.
For minimalist days: Essie’s Ballet Slippers — Sheer, delicate, and endlessly elegant. Ideal for when you want that “clean girl” manicure.
