Expert-Approved Gel Nail Colors for September

Even if the weather hasn’t gotten the memo, autumn is upon us. And as we welcome a (balmy) fall, it’s high time we switched up our manicure. When it comes to long lasting gel polish, choosing the right shade is a must, and September’s transitional vibes can make it tough to know what’s got the longevity and versatility to work for you all month long. Unsure about how fall-coded to keep your nails? Looking for the perfect hot-to-cool temperature shades? We’ve got you and your mani covered!

Expert-Approved September Shades for Gel Manicures

The official start of fall in the Northern Hemisphere is September 22, but according to manicurist and co-creator of the Nail Excellence Awards, Tanaya Middleton, the whole month is basically fall for nail artists, with clients gravitating toward “rich and warm tones,” she says. “Deep burgundy, chocolate brown, olive green and mustard yellow always make a statement. I also like to add metallic touches like copper or gold for that autumn sparkle.”

But if you’re looking for a gel nail polish shade that fits the slightly more transitional vibe, Chief Educator at MiniLuxe’s Paintbox studio, Evelyn Lim, explains that earthy shades are a great choice. “For September, I’m loving warm, grounded shades that ease the transition from summer to fall. Muted earth tones like terracotta, olive green and soft brown or caramel are perfect for the month.”

Gel Nail Colors for September

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This bronzy magnetic polish is a gorgeous warm shade with just the right amount of dimension and shimmer. The bronze and copper tones make for a perfect fall-coded mani that still reads bright.

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Get moody with this deep burgundy, ideal for the cool, rich girl aesthetic and soft grunge makeup trends dominating beauty right now. This shade is timeless and luxe.

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This muted green makes for a great transition away from those deep tropical shades of late summer, and it works as an everyday neutral.

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Deeper than a dusky rose, this rouge polish has an edge to it, and rides the line between a fall berry shade and more reserved maroon.

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Want a deeper, truer olive shade? This earthy green is a perfect match for your fall wardrobe!

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A rich, chocolate brown, this polish’s high-gloss finish makes this color feel ultra elegant. Subtle red undertones help keep this brown fresh and warm.

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A creamy, pumpkin-pie orange, this shade is a great transition away from tropical melon and fruit tones. Wearable and nearly terracotta in color, this orange is an excellent early fall neutral.

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If you’re looking for a lighter pink that has an autumnal vibe, this dusty rose is the prefect fit! A baked-in-the-sun warmth helps make this color a great pairing with burnt oranges and deep burgundies.

Le Mini Macaron Gel Polish Rose Buttercream

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Every season needs the perfect red, and this core color in OPI’s at-home gel collection is definitely fall’s ideal shade.

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This creamy terracotta is made for pairing with your favorite blue jeans. Whether you’re thinking light wash or deep blue, this rusty rouge is the perfect accent color.

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This wine-red is a luxe upgrade to a traditional red mani, and it’s got quiet luxury written all over it.

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Love a bit of sparkle? A gold shimmer gel polish is a perfect choice for those autumn sunsets.

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This buildable mustard yellow has a richness that helps make it ideal for early fall, with earthy and warm undertones that transition away from the limoncello and butter yellow shades trendy this past summer.