With it officially being fall, and winter just around the corner, we’re more than ready to embrace the darker hues—especially when it comes to our nails. While pastels, pinks and neon orange-red polishes were the colors of the spring and summer, the trending nail colors for fall and winter seem to be burgundy, plum, navy, dark red and brown. These colors all channel the moody vibes of the chilly seasons, and look good on their own or as part of a design. To inspire you, we rounded up the best dark nail ideas, designs and looks that work all season long.
What are the best dark nail colors for fall and winter?
As mentioned above, there are a few dark nail colors that are especially trending this year and have gone viral on social media.
Cherry cola red
One of the most requested dark nail shades at the moment is cherry cola nails. The dark red hue is taking over the beauty world, from cherry cola manis to even cherry cola hair. Red nails are great for the holidays, and the darker look of cherry cola red puts a twist on the typical holiday red.
Plum
Another trending dark nail color currently is plum. Dark purple and plum nails seem to come back around every year around this time, and we’re not complaining. The classic shade makes nails look luxe and goes with so many colors and outfits.
Deep browns
As far as neutrals go, dark browns seem to be taking over the nail game. They’re so versatile, pairing with any outfit, and are great for professional settings that don’t allow nail colors. They’re cozy and so chic.
There are many other dark nail trends out there (navy nails is another one of our favorites!) to choose from, and dark polishes look beautiful on their own or used for nail art.
20 dark nail ideas for 2024
Keep reading for the best dark nail ideas that will have your manis looking better than ever.
Dark nail ideas: Cherry cola nails
These burgundy nails by @meganmargotevans are absolutely stunning, and prove how a simple, solid-colored mani can still make a statement.
What’s the season without a little sparkle? We’re in love with these glittery cherry mocha nails by @bycheznails. While they add a bit of a design element, they’re super simple to recreate.
How cool is this maroon nail design by @gelsbyjacqueline? The crocodile nail art is so unique and puts a spin on the classic French tip.
These dark nails by @emmadollymix feature a gorgeous foliage design. If you’re a floral nail lover through and through, this mani channels the floral energy with a fall twist.
Did someone say florals? These fall floral nails by @jark.nails were created with a stunning dark red polish, but could be recreated in just about any shade.
Keep it simple with this dark red manicure by @matejanova. A solid nail look is great because it works on all nail lengths.
These dark floral Frenchies by @learnahstarbuck_nailartist are too cute and will serve up some serious nail envy.
Dark plaid nails are perfect for the season and easy to DIY. @overglowedit created this chic look using DND gel polish.
Dark nail ideas: Dark purple and plum nails
This look by @gieos.room is similar to the croc design above, but instead of along the tip of the nail, the crocodile print is along the side of the nail. And for the base nails, this mani uses a dark purple shade.
A color block nail design, like this one by @nailshuney, is always fun and adds some flair to your mani. The dark purple complements the light pink in this design beautifully.
All you need to do to recreate this dark manicure by @saskiafenwick is swipe on a few coats of a dark purple nail polish, then you’re set!
Plum nails, like these by @gieos.room, are always a classic, and look so luxe.
Dark nail ideas: Dark brown nails
Chrome doesn’t seem to be going anywhere, and we’re not mad about it. Try out golden-brown chrome nails such as this look by @studiobarinails.
Are they brown? Are they red? Well, a little of both! This dark nail look by @by.lucyrose is classic and simple.
We can’t leave out one of this year’s biggest nail trends, tortoise nails! @by.lucyrose created this look that looks majestic.
Dark nail ideas: Black nail ideas
A classic black manicure is always great for fall and winter, and we love how @nails__bysadie added chic hearts to the look.
You can get creative with French tips, like how @beebees_nails did with this manicure by changing up the style of the French tip on different nails.
Simple yet chic! Paint on easy-to-DIY branches using your favorite black polish, like @_by_shelley did.
Dark nail ideas: Dark green nails
Nails will look more glamorous than ever when you recreate this dark green, shimmery manicure by @mateja.nova.
A mix between gray and green, these nails by @lookbyeloise are so beautiful for fall and such a unique shade.
