5 September Nail Colors to Try, From Melted Toffee to Moody Mulberry

Inspired by earthy neutrals, berry-stained fingers, and moody moments.

By Calin Van Paris 

• September is the transitional month from late summer to early autumn.
• Honor this shift with nail polish shades that fit the changing aesthetic vibes.

September is a time of transition. And while determining the best way to honor the switch of seasons aesthetically can be tricky, selecting the perfect manicure shade can help.

“September has this in-between feeling where summer isn’t yet over but there’s a subtle shift in the air,” says nail artist Mazz Hanna. “The days are still warm, but cooler mornings and evenings make deeper shades start to feel right again.” Rather than diving directly into autumn, Hanna prefers nail shades that hint at the coming season, all while keeping some late-summer softness in the mix.

Rianna Basurto, marketing director at Bellacures, adds that September finds clients getting back into routines, prioritizing low-maintenance shades and finishes that still feel fresh. “It’s less about trend-chasing and more about clean, wearable looks that work with their day-to-day lives,” she says. That said, even September’s less-is-more manis come with an air of late-summer cool.

Although simple and chic manicures may be on your radar, September’s shades are easily elevated with chrome finishes, nail art, or reimagined as French tips. From new neutrals to shades with major depth, here are five favorite September nail colors—and the expert-approved polishes you need to get the look.

Deep Navy

To welcome the idea of moodier weather (we know, we know, it’s still warm), deep navy is a bold, timeless option. Almost black, but even chicer. “While a deep red can feel safe, this blue is a little unexpected and adventurous,” says nail artist Steph Stone, who favors Chanel’s Fugueuse for a cool-girl moment. “It can read almost as a black polish, but when it hits the light, you know there’s just something special about it!”

Sweet Apricot

Your neutral collection just got a lot sweeter. If you’re not quite ready for full-on nude, and want an alternative to pale pink, sweet apricot is the polish for you. Hanna describes sweet apricot (or peach, depending on your preference) as a soft orange with a warm glow. “It’s cheerful but muted, making it an easy choice for anyone easing into fall colors,” she says. Stone fruit season may be coming to a close, but this shade allows your nails to enjoy the juiciest time of year for just a bit longer.

Melted Toffee

While we expect to see a fair amount of chocolate browns come true fall, this betwixt moment is best honored with sweet notes of toffee. “Toffee is a versatile, earthy neutral that feels polished without leaning too summery,” says Hanna. “It has just enough warmth to work as the perfect transition shade between summer and fall.” She adds that the brightness of the shade allows it to signal autumn’s arrival while still feeling lively.

Soft Clay

For those ready to trade summer’s vibrant palette for one that’s more grounded, clay is a neutral staple. Think soft, elevated, and eternal. “Soft clay is a warm, muted neutral with a subtle pink-brown undertone,” explains Hanna. The shade’s understated quality, along with its organic depth, make it an ideal candidate for early fall wear.

Mulberry

Merlots, burgundies, and all manners of deep reds are forever associated with fall. “It’s one of my most requested colors all year round, but especially once September hits,” says Stone. This year, we suggest reaching for mulberry as a transitional polish. At once reminiscent of summer berries and September’s usual menu of atmospheric reds, a mulberry manicure offers a masterclass in straddling the seasons.