Beauty trends emerge from a diverse array of influences, ranging from high-fashion runways and global celebrities to blockbuster films and television shows. There is no shortage of inspiration when it comes to styling your hair or experimenting with a new makeup look. However, when it comes to forecasting upcoming manicure trends, industry professionals often turn to top-tier nail artists who have their fingers firmly on the pulse of what clients are requesting most.
To map out the definitive nail report for October, we reached out to Metta Francis, a renowned London-based manicurist and the founder of Nails by Mets. Known for her exceptional eye for detail and trend forecasting, Francis shared her absolute go-to nail polish colors for the month ahead. While the selection features several timeless, dependable autumnal shades, it also includes a few surprising, fresh hues that offer a welcome departure from traditional seasonal palettes. Whether you find yourself stuck in a stylistic rut and eager to switch up your aesthetic, or you simply want to know what the most sophisticated hands will be wearing over the coming weeks, this guide highlights the essential manicure colors to bookmark for October.
6 Nail Colours to Bookmark This October
1. Perfect Plum
Plurallistic plum tones always come into their own during the cooler months, and according to Francis, they will experience a significant surge in popularity this October. Deep berry and plum shades offer a sophisticated alternative to brighter summer hues while maintaining an undeniable sense of elegance.
For this look, Francis specifically recommends Essie’s Sole Mate. She notes that the deep, rich plum shade is both chic and sophisticated, making it an excellent autumnal choice to deliver a polished, freshly manicured appearance that complements heavy knitwear and layered fall wardrobes seamlessly.
2. Midnight Blue
As daylight hours grow shorter and the crisp autumn air settles in, dark blues naturally emerge as a seasonal staple. While pastel and baby blue shades dominate the landscape during spring and summer, a moody midnight blue hue provides the ideal transition into the colder months of the year.
To achieve this sophisticated aesthetic, Francis points to her top nail polish choice: Celeste from Bio Sculpture. The deep, inky tone captures the essence of the shifting season, offering a modern, sleek alternative to standard dark neutrals without feeling overly harsh against the skin.
3. Jet Black
A true classic that reliably cycles back into heavy rotation every single autumn, black nail polish remains a cornerstone of cold-weather style. For those looking to lean into a moodier, more atmospheric aesthetic in anticipation of Halloween, a high-shine black lacquer is an indispensable addition to the beauty routine.
"If you fancy witchy vibes for the month of Halloween, you cannot go wrong with Essie’s Like It Loud," Francis advises. Part of the brand’s popular Gel Couture line, the shade delivers a true jet black finish that applies smoothly and offers a remarkably glossy, gel-like appearance without requiring UV light curing. Alongside this favorite, similar formulations like OPI’s Lady in Black and Sally Hansen’s Back to Black provide strong alternatives for achieving that iconic, high-gloss obsidian finish.
4. Terracotta Tones
Capturing the warmth of the changing foliage, terracotta tones introduce a striking visual element to October manicures. As pumpkin spice season and autumn celebrations reach their peak, warm earth tones provide a vibrant yet grounded option for everyday wear.
"With Pumpkin Spice season and Halloween coming up, Kure Bazaar’s Bohemian nail polish is the perfect brick-orange shade—warm, with a brown and red hue," Francis explains. This unique balance of earthy brown and fiery red creates a dynamic color that feels unexpected yet entirely appropriate for the time of year, offering a fresh alternative to standard autumnal reds and oranges.
5. Rouge Noir
No comprehensive autumn nail roundup would be complete without paying homage to Rouge Noir. Inspired by the legendary, culture-defining nail polish shade originally introduced by Chanel, this deeply pigmented burgundy hue has remained a symbol of effortless chic and understated luxury for decades.
Francis emphasizes the enduring appeal of this rich, complex color, noting that for a timeless autumnal burgundy shade, you simply cannot go wrong with Chanel Rouge Noir. The color walks the line between deep red and near-black, making it an endlessly versatile and sophisticated choice that flatters a wide range of skin tones and effortlessly elevates any fall ensemble.
6. Milky Mauve
Rounding out the seasonal report is a softer, more unexpected option for those who aren’t quite ready to abandon lighter manicures entirely. While pastel lilac and lavender shades typically make their primary appearance during the spring thaw, Francis suggests that a muted, milky mauve offers a brilliant transitional path for the autumn months.
To keep the look feeling seasonally appropriate rather than out of place, Francis recommends opting for a matte top coat, which immediately subdues the brightness of the lilac undertones and creates a sophisticated, tactile finish. For those looking to recreate the look, she recommends the Nail Kind polish in the specific shade Just Lilac, which provides the ideal milky consistency and muted purple pigment to transition your manicure gracefully into the heart of autumn.