9 nail colours to try in November for a luxe mani that's wintry, but not festive

Dark, cosy and perfectly chic, these November nails are perfect for the weeks ahead...

On the right, a hand with metallic copper nails by nail artist Mateja Novakovic/ @matejanova   and on the left, a hand with a dark purple manicure by nail artist Megan Rose/ @gel.bymegan/ in a beige to grey sunset-style template
(Image credit: (R to L) Mateja Novakovic/ @matejanova | Megan Rose/ @gel.bymegan)

If you're bored of the autumnal colour palette and yet aren't quite ready for a merry red or shimmer, these rich and cosy November nails will tide you over in style...

Though the 2024 nail trends are by no means lacking in stylish options, when you find yourself at the end or beginning of a season, it can often be hard to settle on a manicure. November is one such transitional month when you may be feeling the autumnal nail design fatigue but at the same time, aren't in the festive mood yet either. Thankfully, we have a solution in the form of nine stylish shades, all of which are perfectly on-theme for the season ahead but offer a refreshing change from the browns, warm neutrals and wine-like hues we've already been wearing. Plus, some of these designs may just become the precursor to your party season mani.

So, for all those who are looking to depart from the short autumn nail trends but want a manicure that still oozes winter cool, here's a selection of November-ready hues to consider...

9 November nails to embrace the cold and ease you into party season

While we would argue that many of autumn's looks are timeless nail colours, we can understand feeling a little bored with the selection. And while we can practically smell the mulled wine and cinnamon in the air, December is still a way off.

Thus, your November manicure is the perfect opportunity to sport something a little different - perhaps a shade that's not quite autumnal, not quite festive but very much chic.

Our November nail staples

Regardless of the season, nail care is essential for healthy-looking talons, cuticles and fingers but it's especially key in the harsher winter climates. Thus, we recommend adding one of the best hand creams to your kit, along with a glossy base coat (both for protective and aesthetic reasons), as well as a cuticle oil - especially if you're a frequent gel or BIAB nail getter.

1. Espresso nails

While autumn ushered in several warm, chocolatey hues, November is the perfect opportunity to sport a rich, espresso-like colour. The finish is so expensive-looking, especially when paired with short squoval and square nails.

2. Berry burgundy nails

While wine and burgundy have been autumn's most requested shades, this dark berry colour is the perfect alternative for November. It's not a huge departure from the dark red tones but is just different enough to feel fresh.

3. Dark forest green nails

A dark green is the perfect pre-festive nail colour. It evokes thoughts of evergreen trees and wreaths but doesn't scream Christmas. With that said, you can easily wear it all December long.

4. Cherry chrome nails

If you love a glazed nail look or a chrome bauble-like red manicure come December, this metallic cherry look is perfect for easing you into the season and fuelling your festive excitement. It's also already proving to be very popular, which is always a good sign when choosing your new-season manicure.

5. Warm and sheer nude nails

If you want a palate cleanser and to give your nails a little breather before December arrives, opt for a cosy sheer nail polish as well as a short and versatile nail length - especially if you're planning to get special festive gel extensions and so on.

6. Glossy black nails

A high-shine black manicure is always a timeless pick but it's especially apt for the moody and cold days of November.

7. Metallic Copper nails

November is synonymous with fireworks and bonfires and this molten, fiery shade is the perfect way to embrace that. Plus, it will transition perfectly into a festive glitter or gold nail look come December.

8. Chestnut brown nails

If you're not quite ready to ditch your warm browns and neutrals, this reddish-chestnut shade is another great option. It's cosy and looks so chic on square and squoval nails.

9. Black cherry nails

Another dark nail option that will relieve your burgundy fatigue whilst still affording a similar luxe look is black cherry. It's dark and rich and will complement all your cosy winter knitwear.

Naomi Jamieson
Digital Beauty Writer

Naomi is a Digital Beauty Writer from woman&home, where she covers everything from skincare to fragrance but specialises, particularly, in makeup and nail trends. Through her work, Naomi gets to share her trend expertise and share her own shopping recommendations and product reviews. 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, after always having a 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, drawing and probably online shopping...