The Best Nail Colors for October

With every slight breeze and smell of firewood and pumpkin spice, it becomes increasingly apparent: spooky season is coming. September may have snuck up on us, but it’s already in full swing. The month of Halloween parties, apple orchard trips and all things fall will be here before we know it, so there’s no better time than now to start planning your fall manicures. You just have to find the best nail colors for October!

While many tend to gravitate towards warmer, earthier tones for fall, the nail trends of today are exciting and experimental. There are dozens of ways to amp up your mani while staying on theme for fall. Ahead are the best nail colors for October, according to experts, celebs and more.

12 Nail Polishes to Try in October

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Ox Blood

Cherry mocha nails have taken over the nail scene as summer winds down. Rita Pinto, nail expert and founder of Vanity Projects, predicts that Ox Blood nails will continue to be a hot commodity this fall, blending red and black for a moody, spooky style.

Two to try: Chanel Le Vernis in Rouge Noir ($32) and essie Nail Lacquer in Wicked ($8)

• BUY CHANEL – $32
• BUY ESSIE – $8

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Toffee

When it comes to celebrity nail inspiration, Selena Gomez is one of our top models. Her recent toffee-inspired mani immediately set the tone as one of the fall’s most delectable nail colors.

Two to try: Olive & June Nail Polish in Americano ($8) and Dior Vernis in 323 Dune ($32)

• BUY OLIVE & JUNE – $8
• BUY DIOR – $32

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Deep Greens

Another one of Pinto’s October and fall nail color predictions include deep greens. Deep greens are a great way to incorporate that earthy, cottage-core, Evermore (IYKYK) vibe into your fall mani.

Two to try: Londontown Lakur in Vibe ($16) and OPI Nail Lacquer in Things I’ve Seen in Aber-green ($12)

• BUY LONDONTOWN – $16
• BUY OPI – $12

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Metallics and Chromes

From Korean-inspired cat-eye nails to glazed donut chrome, reflective, shimmery finishes are not going anywhere anytime soon, according to Rita. To add metallics and chromes to your fall mani, try deeper tones with that classic eye-catching finish.

Two to try: ILNP Ultra Chrome Bundle ($38) Londontown Lakur in Vixen ($16)

• BUY ILNP – $38
• BUY LONDONTOWN – $16

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Milky Pastels

“Milky pastel colors are oddly still popular even with the cold weather,” Pinto notes. “These shades are often combined with a chrome effect like the popular glazed donut nail range made viral by Hailey Bieber.”

Two to try: Olive & June Quick Dry Polish in Sunny ($8) and Manucurist Paris Green Nail Polish in Blossom ($14)

• BUY OLIVE & JUNE – $8
• BUY MANUCURIST – $14

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Classic Reds

Whether it’s mirroring the changing leaves or anticipating the upcoming holiday season, Pinto also notes that classic red shades are always and will continue to be popular nail colors for October and the fall and winter seasons as a whole.

Two to try: Gucci Glossy Vernis in Goldie Red ($35) and essie Gel Couture in Put in the Patchwork ($11)

• BUY GUCCI – $35
• BUY ESSIE – $11