6 chic nail colours to try this September for the perfect transitional mani
As we enter autumn's chilly clutches, these September nail ideas offer a stylish solution to the seasonal shift...


When August ends, it feels slightly wrong to keep sporting ice-cream pastels and vibrant hues but entirely too soon to dust off our darkest autumn and winter shades. Thus, aiming for something in between the two is key with your September nails...
So far, the 2024 nail trends have done well to guide us on the season's most luxe and in-demand manicures. But with summer fizzled out and plummeting temperatures yet to hit, it can be tough to decide on the perfect colour to tide you over. We're already keen to jump straight onto the autumn nail trends. If, however, you're not quite there yet, there are several intermediary hues to opt for - from stylish neutral nail designs to cool browns, all of which will easily complement your transitional wardrobe.
Indeed, these six September nails promise a taste of autumn as we steel ourselves for colder climes but won't look out of place on a surprise sunny day or outdoorsy event in the weeks to come...
6 September nail ideas to transition from summer to autumn in style
While we're all for embracing autumn as soon as September arrives, we can understand not wanting to transition from a pastel pink manicure straight into a chocolate brown or glossy black shade. Thus, we've rounded up a range of muted options - as well as a few autumnal favourites - to consider.
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Our September nail essentials
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A rich, cherry red is the perfect transitional colour for September as it combines the vibrancy of summer with one of Autumn's trendiest colours.
RRP: £8.99
This shade is perfect for an early autumn look. It's warm, glossy and will afford a very expensive look to your nails.
RRP: £17.60
A glossy, high-shine finish is one of the easiest ways to elevate your chosen nail colour - whilst also helping to make your manicure last longer by warding off chips and peeling. This reflective top coat will make any of your go-to autumn shades look more expensive.
If you're looking for some quick staples to add to your nail collection, we recommend investing in a light, warm or taupe brown as well as a soft pink nude. Both shades are timeless options and offer an elevated finish that is perfectly on theme for early autumn.
The health of your talons is also important (though this isn't specific to September), so be sure to add one of the best nail strengtheners to your kit, as well as a cuticle oil - especially if you're prone to dry fingers into the colder months. A high-shine top coat can also do wonders for elevating an otherwise minimalistic and understated nail colour.
1. Taupe brown nails
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A soft taupe brown is the perfect transitional manicure colour. It's cool-toned, muted and thus, the natural progression from summer's popular neutrals and milky pastels. This shade is also already considered a timeless autumn favourite, making it a very reliable and low-maintenance pick - especially if you pair the shade with elegant squoval or almond nails.
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2. Cream nails
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Cream nails also offer a subtle shift from summer's milkier tones. It's got a warmer tone than that of a sheer white but is equally as clean and luxe-looking. Plus, it will easily complement your lighter and heavier knitwear.
3. Dark red nails
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While burgundy is regarded as a fully-fledged autumnal nail colour, dark nails for summer were a huge trend this year, so if you're already sporting a merlot-like hue, you can skip the salon this month (unless they need a refresh, of course). Or if you've been waiting for summer to end before reverting to your go-to cold weather colour, we say just go for it - the more time you have to wear this chic and rich shade the better.
We recommend pairing this style of dark red with almond or squoval nails - though square nails are also having something of a renaissance.
4. Neutral nails
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Neutral nails are the epitome of timeless, they go with everything and always afford a very clean and chic look, so if you're at a loss for your next manicure, opt for a creamy or cool nude - especially this month, when we're in weather and wardrobe limbo.
5. Dark orange nails
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For our true autumn lovers, the chilly months leading up to Halloween, when the leaves between to change colour, are the perfect time to sport a muted or vibrant (depending on your preference) orange. We would suggest a coppery hue and opting for shorter nails, to offset the bolder colour with a more understated length and shape. This is also a great option if you're not quite ready to wear a bright, festive red on your talons.
6. Bright red nails
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If you're a lover of bright summer nail shades, opting for a classic red is the perfect transitional option for September - particularly if you're planning to then get a burgundy or dark red manicure when the winter hits. It's timeless, chic and still offers a pop of colour to your look, which is very welcome in the grey and rainy weather.

Naomi is a Digital Beauty Writer at woman&home, where she covers everything from makeup to skincare but specialises, particularly, in fragrance and nail trends. Through her work, Naomi shares her trend expertise and personal product recommendations. She is also a judge for woman&home's annual hair, skincare and beauty awards.
Previously, she worked as a Lifestyle News Writer for My Imperfect Life magazine, where she used her savvy for TikTok to bring readers the latest beauty buzzwords, fashion movements and must-have products.
Before that, Naomi split her time between both GoodTo and My Imperfect Life, whilst training for her Gold Standard diploma in Journalism with the NCTJ, for which she earned a Distinction. Interestingly though, Naomi actually has a background in design, having studied Illustration at Plymouth University but leapt into the media world in 2020, to pursue her passion for writing. Now, when she isn’t reporting on the best perfumes and latest beauty releases, you can find her drinking copious cups of coffee and probably online shopping...
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