5 Earthy Colors That Will Help You Nail The Perfect Fall 2026 Manicure

As summer approaches its end, the smell of pumpkin spice lattes, crisp mornings, and the approaching spooky season is all we can think about. And while the warm summer months brought us plenty of fun trends across the board, we're absolutely ready to delve into what will define the aesthetic of fall 2026. We already covered the 5 fall 2026 fashion trends you need to have on your radar, as well as the haircuts that everyone will be asking for in fall 2026, but today, our topic of discussion is nails.

To ensure we know exactly what colors you should rock come September, we've enlisted the help of Suzie Moskal, the founder of Nail Career Education and a master nail technician and educator with 40 years of industry experience. Exclusively for Glam, Moskal explains that this fall has subtle nuances when it comes to traditional autumn nail shades. "Well, we all expect the typical fall or autumn colors. But I think this year we're looking for deeper, richer, and more sophisticated, expensive-looking colors," she tells us. "All of these colors represent a big, warm hug, which is what the world really needs right now." Moskal shares that earthy tones offer a good base for various nail art options, though they're also a great statement on their own. "All of these colors look excellent on a solid nail, but equally stunning as a French design," she tells us.

Red is definitely a nail polish shade popular year-round, but in fall, all the various shades in that color family become extra popular. While burnt orange is a common seasonal choice, Suzie Moskal tells us exclusively that in 2026, the trend is going a bit deeper. "You know that look of a maple leaf when it turns from green to the orange, rust, and red tones? Often, we gravitate to the orange tones, but I think in 2026, we're gonna gravitate to the deeper, rich red from that leaf," she shares.

Finding a shade right between dark orange and rusty red is also a great option, but if you want to go the timeless, classic route, red nails are definitely the ultimate power look. However, if you'd rather stick with earthy tones, opting for a muted brown-red is a great way to rock festive fall nails.

While fall nail colors tend to draw inspiration from earth tones, those who prefer nude manicures often avoid shades like red and green. But you can still achieve a seasonal twist by swapping out classic milky pink for a moodier color that's still on the neutral spectrum. "I think for a very sophisticated nude, we're going to see a deep, rich chocolate nail," Suzie Moskal exclusively shares with Glam. "Who doesn't wanna show up at the next dinner party with chocolate nails and a deep red lip?"

In fact, there are plenty of creative brown nail ideas for a step above a basic neutral mani featuring all kinds of designs, but if a simpler one-color manicure is your style, brown is a choice that works with every outfit. You can opt for a cool-toned ashy shade or bring in some of that rusty warmth by going for a brown with subtle red undertones.

While we already established that rusty maple-leaf reds are a nail color trend this season, Suzie Moskal explains that there are other shades of red, with edgy finishes, that feel right at home in 2026. "I don't think we can have a full collection without a deep burgundy red, like a ripe Bing cherry — but maybe this year we'll see a very light, see-through chrome on top of it," she tells Glam exclusively.

While neutral chrome manicures were a hot nail trend a couple of years ago, in fall 2026, chrome is all about boosting bolder shades and adding extra dimension to the color underneath. And in the case of red polish, chrome can bring out some of those warmer or cooler hues, making your manicure extra moody and whimsical. But if chrome is not a look you're willing to go for, a deep wine-red is a classic fall look that is still very on-trend for 2026.

Olive green is yet another fall 2026 nail polish trend that many are divided over. The reason behind it? Not all olive green shades work for everyone. "I know olive green has been talked about, and when you hit it right, it's exquisite, but it doesn't work for all skin tones and nail shapes," Suzie Moskal explains exclusively to Glam. "But when it does work, it really is lovely. These colors are short-lived, and maybe they shouldn't be."

If you're wondering what shade of olive green you can pull off, there are a few general guidelines. Typically, those with cooler undertones look better with cool-toned shades of olive, while those with warmer undertones should opt for a true olive green with hints of yellow. Additionally, darker skin looks especially beautiful paired with a deeper olive shade, while those with fair skin will find light, almost pastel, olive green to be more flattering.

While plenty of fall 2026 nail color trends are all about colors drawn from leaves, a shade that Suzie Moskal hopes to see more of this year is eggplant purple. "I don't know if it's in the cards for this fall, but I would love to see a deep eggplant color," the nail expert tells us exclusively. "This could also be taken up another level with a see-through chrome," she adds.

The deep purple shade works great for anyone who loves darker nail colors, but unlike the classic black, it adds an unexpected pop of color while keeping the depth. Just like with real eggplants, there is also plenty of shade range with the color, from those that look almost black to shades that lean into bluer purples. And while the chrome is optional, it does add a magical, midnight-like appearance to the nails.