The Dated Nail Polish Colors That Are Getting Left Behind For Good Reason This Fall
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Autumn is always associated with hues of red and yellow, inspired by the color-changing leaves of cooler months, but there's plenty of room for interpretation even within this classic color story. Just as there are color trends to have on your fashion radar for fall 2025, each fall brings its own set of stylish nail designs and shades alongside its fair share of outdated looks. Women connected with Sonya Meesh, celebrity and editorial manicurist, to get all the exclusive details about the season's outdated and incoming nail color trends.
"I think the PSL of nail colors is OUT," the expert tells us, referring to the ever-popular pumpkin spice latte palette. "Fall 2025 is giving goth chic/dark femme energy." This vibe definitely has us thinking about stars like Jenna Ortega and Lady Gaga, who've recently been bringing the kind of mysterious energy that's worth channeling this season. Alongside the on-trend fall 2025 manicures, these stylish colors are definitely worth keeping on your radar this autumn.
Instead of burnt orange, opt for a rich, mocha brown
First up, classic renditions of fall orange are on the outs, with Sonya Meesh pointing to a chic alternative that is currently replacing the more head-turning hues. "Marigolds and burnt orange are not it this year," they exclusively explain to Women. "Opt for a rich brown if you're looking for a quintessential autumnal mani color." The celebrity manicurist specifically mentions Londontown's Midnight Mocha (aka Affogato) nail polish and Essie's Fringes & Saddles nail polish as great examples of this coffee-inspired shade, adding that Hermes 95's Brun Bistre is a worthwhile option for those channeling quiet luxury this fall.
Leave behind apple for an edgy cherry red
The autumn months often have us reaching for shades of red nail polish, with previous years seeing the popularity of candy apple shades that remind of us of our favorite fall snacks. While the color will never completely go out of style, Sonya Meesh exclusively tells us that 2025 is specifically favoring "deep rich reds" for the season.
We've seen celebs like Jennifer Lopez and Selena Gomez embracing this mysterious shade, with the latter specifically sporting Essie's Spiked With Style nail polish during a SiriusXM appearance. So, rest assured that you can leave candied shades of red in years past and embrace a more seductive red hue for fall 2025.
Opaque nudes are being replaced by a sheer treatment
Nail trends continue to feel the minimalist touch of the clean girl aesthetic, with the autumn months carrying on the milky look of recently-popular fads. "I think opaque nudes are also out, it's all about the sheer natural look if you're working with a design that has a nude base," Sonya Meesh exclusively tells Women. To achieve this understated, fall-ready appearance, they recommend restorative products like Manicurist's Active Smooth Nail Strengthener and Essie's To The Rescue Nail Repair Base Coat.
Exchange rose gold for mysterious emerald and moss tones
Rose gold has trended in past years as a luxe spin on the classic fall metallics, marking an easy way to bring more bling to your manicure. Since autumn 2025 is all about edgy and chic energy, though, nail enthusiasts can exchange the glitzy hue for rich greens like moss and emerald. We've been eyeing Londontown's Glossy Deep Jade nail polish for this look, but ILNP's Emerald Shimmer nail polish maintains the sparkly style often associated with the previously-trendy rose gold. So, while there are some notable shades that are best left behind this fall, there are plenty of stylish replacement colors to take to the salon instead.