Summer nail trends have served their time. Gone are the days of sheer pink shades and milky-white manicures, and in their place is a myriad of autumn nail trends, including a large number of sophisticated dark nail shades. In my opinion, nothing looks chicer at this time of year than a deep, dark, glossy manicure. Of course, you've got classic shades like black, navy and burgundy. But what other dark nail colours will be trending this autumn? Well, that's where I come in.
As a beauty editor who writes about nail trends daily, I know how to spot a sought-after shade, and this season, I've spotted celebrities, fashion insiders and nail experts sporting some of the most stylish dark nail colours out there. I also reached out to a range of nail artists at one of my favourite salons, So Shell, who confirmed these colours are about to be huge. Below, I've created the ultimate edit of this autumn's most popular hues, from timeless choices to new favourites. Trust me: you'll want to see them all.
6 Dark Nail Colours for Autumn 20261. Chocolate Gloss
(Image credit: @haileybieber, @matejanova, @nailartbyqueenie, @mimixn)Chocolate brown comes back into style every single autumn, and when I spotted Hailey Bieber sporting a glossy chocolate hue on her nails this month, I knew it was time for the nail colour trend to make its return for 2026. Nail artists at So Shell agree, citing milky chocolate and mocha brown as two popular shades this season.
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Manucurist Mocha Nail Polish Rimmel Venus Super Gel Nail Polish H&M Roasted Cocoa Nail Polish2. Autumnal Aubergine
(Image credit: @juliesfi, @paintedbyjools, @raelondonnails, @monikh)Aubergine is making waves in the fashion and beauty industries this season. I love this rich purple hue; it's fun yet classic. Plus, it's a stylish take on the usual burgundy shades we see this time of year.
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Essie Bahama Mama Nail Polish Manucurist Aubergine Nail Polish Essie Paisley The Way Nail Polish3. Classic Navy
(Image credit: @_jessicaskye, @paintedbyjools, @themaniclub, @mimixn)I know this nail trend is nothing new, but as a beauty editor, I come back to it every year, so it would be wrong of me not to include it in this roundup. It's always a popular autumn choice for people who want something a bit softer than black.
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CHANEL Fugueuse Nail Colour Manucurist Navy Blue Nail Polish OPI No Chips On My Shoulder4. Merlot Manicure
(Image credit: @slipintostyle, @themaniclub, @paintbyjaz, @rebeccaferrazwyatt)Deep red and burgundy hues always come into their own in autumn, but this merlot shade has been doing the rounds on social media. Smooth, rich and sophisticated, this manicure would look perfect with a matching glass of red in hand in a cosy winter pub.
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Max Factor Mellow Merlot Nail Polish Manucurist Grenat Nail Polish Chanel Rouge Noir Nail Colour5. Olive Green
(Image credit: @mimixn, @paintedbyjools, @themaniclub, @annabelrosendahl)I usually shy away from colour, but olive green is my new favourite hue. Every fashion insider is reaching for this shade at the moment, and I happen to think it makes for a pretty chic manicure. So Shell tells me that whilst it's a less common choice, it's proving popular this season.
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Essie Win Me Over Nail Polish Nails.INC Waiting in Westminster Nail Polish Rimmel Crazy About Cargo Nail Polish6. Polished Onyx
(Image credit: @nnennaechem, @lolo.nailedit, @paintedbyjools, @deborabrosa)You didn't think I'd do this roundup and not include a classic black hue, did you? "Polished onyx" is the sleek, glossy way to wear black nail polish this season, with a high-shine top coat for ultimate impact.