Fall is the season when fashion slows down, layers up, and gets undeniably chic—and your nails deserve the same style upgrade. From rich, moody hues to statement-making finishes, fall 2017 nail colors brought a perfect blend of elegance and edge. Whether you were into minimalist manicures or bold runway-inspired looks, this season’s manicure trends had something for everyone.
Let’s rewind and explore the nail polish shades and styles that defined fall 2017—and why many of them still feel relevant today.
Why Fall 2017 Was a Game-Changer for Nail Trends
Fall 2017 marked a shift from playful summer brights to sophisticated, wearable tones. Designers, beauty editors, and street-style stars leaned into colors that felt cozy, luxurious, and timeless.
What made this season stand out?
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A return to classic shades with modern twists
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Increased focus on nail health and clean finishes
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Fashion-forward manicures that complemented fall wardrobes
These trends paired beautifully with knitwear, boots, trench coats, and layered outfits.
Deep Burgundy & Wine Shades Took Center Stage
No fall nail color list is complete without burgundy—and in 2017, it reigned supreme. These rich tones felt polished, dramatic, and endlessly versatile.
Why burgundy worked so well:
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Universally flattering across skin tones
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Ideal for both short and long nails
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Perfect for day-to-night looks
Popular variations included:
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Wine red
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Ox blood
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Black cherry
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Plum-infused burgundy
These shades became a go-to for anyone wanting an instantly elevated manicure.
Moody Neutrals Became Everyday Essentials
Neutral nail colors got a darker, moodier update in fall 2017. Instead of classic beige or pale pink, the season favored earthy, grounded neutrals.
Top neutral nail colors included:
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Taupe
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Greige (grey + beige)
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Mushroom brown
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Warm caramel
These understated shades were perfect for minimalists and professionals looking for chic, low-maintenance manicures.
Dark Greens Made a Stylish Comeback
One of the most talked-about fall 2017 nail colors was deep green. Inspired by nature, forests, and military tones, green nails felt bold yet surprisingly wearable.
Trending green hues:
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Forest green
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Emerald
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Olive
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Hunter green
This color paired beautifully with gold jewelry and neutral fall outfits, making it a standout manicure trend.
Classic Navy & Midnight Blue Nails
Black wasn’t the only dark shade having a moment. Navy and midnight blue offered a softer alternative while still delivering drama.
Why blue nails were trending:
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Looked sleek and modern
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Less harsh than black
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Ideal for both casual and formal wear
Glossy navy manicures were especially popular for evening looks and special occasions.
Greys Went From Basic to Bold
Grey nails stepped into the spotlight in fall 2017, proving they were anything but boring. From pale dove grey to deep charcoal, this color family felt fresh and fashion-forward.
Popular grey manicure ideas:
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Cool cement grey for minimal looks
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Charcoal grey for edgy outfits
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Metallic grey for added dimension
Grey became a staple for those who wanted neutral nails with a modern twist.
Metallic Accents & Chrome Details
While matte finishes dominated, metallics played a strong supporting role. Fall 2017 manicure trends embraced subtle shine rather than full glitter overload.
How metallics were worn:
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Chrome accent nails
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Metallic French tips
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Rose gold or copper details
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Silver foils on neutral bases
These looks added just enough sparkle without overpowering the manicure.
Matte Nails Ruled the Season
Matte finishes were one of the biggest manicure trends of fall 2017. Almost every color—from burgundy to grey—was worn in a velvety matte finish.
Why matte nails were everywhere:
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Looked modern and editorial
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Made dark colors feel softer
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Perfect for fall and winter fashion
Matte topcoats became a must-have beauty essential that season.
Minimal Nail Art Took Over
Fall 2017 was all about clean, intentional nail art. Instead of heavy embellishments, designs were simple, subtle, and stylish.
Trending minimal nail art ideas:
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Thin lines or stripes
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Negative space designs
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Single-dot accents
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Geometric shapes
These designs worked best on neutral or muted bases, making them easy to recreate at home.
Short Nails Became the New Cool
Long nails took a backseat as short, natural nails gained popularity. This trend aligned with the growing focus on healthy, practical manicures.
Why short nails were trending:
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Easier to maintain
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Looked clean and modern
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Perfect canvas for dark colors
Paired with rich fall shades, short nails looked effortlessly chic.
Classic Red with a Fall Twist
Red never goes out of style, but fall 2017 leaned toward deeper, moodier reds rather than bright cherry tones.
Popular fall red variations:
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Brick red
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Rust red
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Deep crimson
These reds complemented fall fabrics like wool, leather, and suede beautifully.
How to Choose the Right Fall 2017 Nail Color for You
When selecting from the season’s trends, consider:
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Skin tone – deeper shades flatter most tones
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Outfit palette – coordinate with your wardrobe
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Lifestyle – neutrals for everyday, bold shades for statements
Mixing trends—like matte burgundy or grey with metallic accents—was a stylish way to personalize your manicure.
Fall 2017 Nail Trends That Still Feel Timeless
Many of these trends remain popular even today:
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Burgundy and wine shades
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Matte finishes
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Neutral and grey tones
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Minimal nail art
They’ve proven that great manicure trends don’t expire—they evolve.
Final Thoughts: Fall Nails That Defined an Era
The best fall 2017 nail colors and manicure trends were all about balance—bold yet wearable, classic yet modern. From deep burgundies to moody neutrals and matte finishes, the season offered endless inspiration for fashion lovers who wanted their nails to match their fall wardrobe.
Ready to refresh your nail look? Explore our curated nail polish collections and manicure essentials to recreate these iconic fall styles with a modern edge.
Suggested Internal Links:
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Explore our latest nail polish collection
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Shop fall-inspired beauty essentials
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Discover trending manicure tools and accessories
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