6 New Nail Colour Trends for October: Terracotta & Plum

Liam Brooks
BeautyShoppingTrends

Featured image 6 New Nail Colour Trends for October Terracotta Plum

While fashion runways and celebrity styles constantly set the global beauty agenda, there is a unique, intimate world that dictates the next wave of trends: the world of nails. Forget fleeting seasonal fabrics; when it comes to the perfect manicure, the true experts are the nail artists themselves, who know exactly what clients desire. To unlock the secrets of the upcoming season, we turned to the masters of the craft to reveal the six nail colors set to dominate October and into 2026.

We sat down with Metta Francis, a highly respected London-based manicurist and the visionary founder of Nails by Mets, to get her insider pick on the shades that will define the autumn aesthetic. Her insights, drawn from the latest client requests, offer the ultimate guide for those looking to refresh their look.

Here are the six must-bookmark nail colors for the season ahead:

1. Perfect Plum

(Image credit: @paintedbyjools, @smythsisters, @slipintostyle, @raelondonnails>)

Plum tones are not just sophisticated; they are the perfect autumnal statement. Francis recommends Essie’s Sole Mate for this rich hue, describing it as a deep, sophisticated shade that delivers a chic and refined finish.

Get the Look:

Nailberry No Regrets


Essie Sole Mate


Manucurist Victoria Plum

2. Midnight Blue

(Image credit: @mimixn, @themaniclub, @paintedbyjools, @mimixn>)

Francis predicts that dark blues will be a staple for the colder months. Moving away from lighter spring hues, this midnight blue offers depth and elegance, making it a perfect anchor for fall styling. For this dramatic shade, she suggests Celeste from Bio Sculpture.

Get the Look:

CHANEL 127 Fuguese


Bio Sculpture Celeste


H&M Midnight Sky

3. Jet Black

(Image credit: @paintedbyjools, @mimixn, @deborabrosa, @paintedbyjools>)

Classic is always in style, and nothing screams autumnal sophistication like a flawless jet black. Francis points to Essie’s Like It Loud, a gel-like shade that offers a glossy, dreamlike finish and is perfect for those who embrace a bold, classic look.

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OPI Lady in Black


Essie Like It Loud


Sally Hansen Back to Black

4. Terracotta Tones

(Image credit: @matejanova, @mimixn, @rebeccaferrazwyatt, @nailartbyqueenie>)

Embrace the warmth of the season with earthy terracotta tones. These warm, brick-orange hues bring a cozy, bohemian energy to your manicure. Francis suggests Kure Bazaar’s Bohemian polish for this perfect shade, adding a beautiful brown and red depth to any look.

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Manucurist Terracotta


Kure Bazaar Bohemian


Dior Rouge Cinéma

5. Rouge Noir

(Image credit: @deborabrosa, @matejanova, @harrietwestmoreland, @harrietwestmoreland>)

For a truly timeless autumnal vibe, the deep burgundy of Rouge Noir is an essential. Inspired by Chanel’s iconic shade, this deep hue adds incredible elegance to any manicure. As Francis notes, this rich burgundy is the perfect anchor for the season.

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CHANEL Rouge Noir


Manucurist Dark Pansy

6. Milky Mauve

(Image credit: @rebeccaferrazwyatt, @raelondonnails, @raelondonnails, @slipintostyle>)

For a soft, unexpected twist, pastel lilac shades are making a cozy comeback. Francis advises leaning into milky mauve, suggesting a matte finish to keep the look fresh and effortless. For this delicate trend, she recommends Nail Kind’s Just Lilac.

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#CHANEL 127 Fuguese#Essie's Sole Mate#Manucurist Victoria Plum#Nailberry No Regrets#Nails by Mets
Liam BrooksBy Liam Brooks

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