Best Nail Colors for Women Over 50 You’ll ‘Fall’ in Love With This Autumn

This time of year, many of us love to switch gears when it comes to our nail color. While colors like red and pink remain a true neutral when it comes to nail polish, we’ve been obsessing over some of the the best fall nail colors for women over 50. We know that choosing a dark and moody autumnal nail color can be a bit daunting. That’s why we’ve connected with nail experts to give you the best advice on autumn nail colors and trends! Keep reading to see what colors are trending this year plus where to buy the nail polish that’ll help you achieve these trends. 

Nail Polish Over 50: What Should Stay and What Should Go 

We should preface our answer with the most important rule when it comes to nail polish: Wear what makes you feel good. If a slick, jet black manicure is your ultimate fall go-to, do it! However, if you’re looking for advice on fall colors that will help aging hands, here are some tips to finding the best fall nail colors for women over 50. 

Put away your blues and greens. Blue and green polish colors are lovely. Unfortunately, they can draw attention to the veins in your hand, making them more noticeable and ultimately highlight aging hands. 

Pick up an orange-based red. The weather might be cooler, but your red nail polish should be as warm as ever. Just as above, blue-based nail polish can age hands, so it’s important to pick up an orange-based red. How do you tell the difference between an orange and blue-based red? Compare two shades of red! The orange-based red will look brighter and warmer where the blue-based red will look cooler and deeper. 

Put it in neutral. When it doubt, a neutral nail color is the way to go. For ladies with fair skin, opt for a nude or neutral with a slight pink undertone to counteract any sallowness. If you have a medium skin tone, a warm caramel or taupe is the most flattering shade. For those with darker skin tones, opt for a mauve or cinnamon color that will bring out the natural richness of your skin tone. Consider a fun neutral acrylic nail design to spice things up. 

Leave the black on the back burner. While one of the most elegant colors around, for women over 50, stark black polish can emphasize fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. 

Embrace the glimmer. One of the easiest ways to jazz up hands without aging them is to pick up a gold or silver nail polish. Chic and classy, aside from adding an extra sparkle, gold and silver polish makes the perfect accent for most jewelry. 

Go gray. Gray nail polish has been having a moment for a while now for a reason. From pastel grays to rich steel-colored tones, this shade is an ideal match for any skin tone. Best of all, gray nails make a statement without drawing attention to things like dark spots, lines, and fine wrinkles, so all the attention lies with your manicure and not your hands. 

Best Fall Nail Colors for Women Over 50

Ready to find your new favorite fall shade? You’ll have beautiful nails in no time.

Best Brown Nail Polish

“In order to achieve the perfect manicure at home, follow these simple steps,” Worthen says, adding:

1. Start by pushing your cuticles back at the base of the nail bed by using a
   cuticle pusher
2. File and shape the free edge of the nail to desired length and shape
3. Ensure your nails are clean and free of any debris/ nail polish
4. Apply a base coat using the three stroke method, starting in the center of the
   nail and then on either side. Get the polish as close to the edge of the nail as
   possible without getting it on the skin. Ensure to cap the free edge by gliding
   the polish brush across the free edge of the nail.
5. Once the base coat has been applied, begin to repeat the same process with
   the polish of your choice. The type and color of polish will determine how
   many coats of polish will be necessary to achieve your desired result.
6. Lastly, repeat the same process with your top coat and finish with cuticle oil.

Best Pink Nail Polish

There’s something so classic and simple about a fresh, pink nail. It must be the versatility of this nail color — it’s flattering and universally appealing on any skin type because there are so many shades to choose from. From soft pastels to bold magentas, pink offers a wide range of shades that suit any occasion, outfit, or mood. We love this option from Glamnetic because it’s so universal! 

Double French Nails 

Double French manicures are just like a traditional French manicure, but instead of one arch, there are two. Instead of trying to paint this somewhat intricate design on yourself, we suggest the press-on option above from Glamnetic. They’re super-easy to apply and can last up to two weeks if you maintain them properly! 

Beetlejuice Nails 

Of course Halloween nails are on-trend, but with the 2024 release of Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, so are nail colors inspired by the cult classic! We love this one from s.i.s. Each nail polish is formulated with Vitamin E to help protect your nails from UV rays, Vitamin B7 and biotin to help promote nail growth, avocado oil for conditioning, and organic hemp seed oil to nourish and hydrate. Glamnetic also has a ton of Beetlejuice-inspired press on nails! 

Neutral Nails

Like pink nails, neutral nails are another go-to manicure for many of us. Neutral nail polishes offer a sense of effortless-ness we’re all after. Popular neutral shades include beige, nude, soft pinks, and taupe — basically anything that complements your skin tone and makes you feel good! We love this low-maintenance press-on mani in Maple Glaze. It’s perfect for fall!

Preppy Nails

The preppy nail trend is all about clean lines, classic patterns, and a polished, collegiate-inspired aesthetic. For fall, we’re loving preppy nails inspired by autumnal elements like sweater textures or monogramming. It’s a refined yet playful style that exudes a polished, put-together vibe, perfect for those who love a fresh, tailored look with a touch of nostalgia.

Nude Nails 

Nude nails are basically another way to say neutral, but we love this trend nonetheless. These shades are perfect for any occasion, which is probably why they’re so popular, especially among women who have very little time to get their nails done at a salon! We love this option from Glamnetic — those floral accents are everything. And if you like to paint your own nails, OPI’s Samoan Sand is the perfect neutral nail polish. 

Gold Chrome Nails

Get trendy and try gold chrome nails (or gold chrome accented nails like the ones above)! Gold chrome brings a glamorous edge to any manicure and makes a statement that’s perfect for the holiday season. Prefer to paint your own nails? Try this Color Foil Nail Polish from Sally Hansen in Gold Standard. 

Rose Gold Nails 

Rose gold nails bring the best of both worlds: you’ve got the soft neutral pink that goes with everything and a pop of shimmering gold to bring the flair. This warm metallic nail color works with all kinds of skin tones and will play nice with all of your fall and holiday styles!