Classic nail polishes continue to be on the rise in autumn/winter 2026, but with a very different proposal from previous seasons. Instead of traditional and predictable versions, the season focuses on revamped shades, more sophisticated and full of personality, following consumers’ desire for versatile colors that go well with everything, but more current and interesting.

According to the educator and mentor of manicures and instructor at Instituto Embelleze, Carol Lucena, the main trend of the moment is precisely the updating of these already known shades. “The classics remain strong in winter, but now they appear with new finishes, undertones and a less obvious aesthetic,” he says.

She explains that, for autumn/winter 2026, the colors are elegant and easy to use, but in renewed versions. “This appears a lot in cards that explore deep wines, sophisticated neutrals, closed greens and contemporary grays. An example is the Última Chamada collection, by Dailus, which brings reinterpretations of these classic tones for the season”, he adds.

Among sophisticated reinterpretations of classic neutrals and deep tones, the expert highlights some colors that should gain strength in autumn/winter 2026. Check it out!

1. Intense and plum wines

Wines remain a sure bet for cold days, but they win deeper versions and sophisticated, with a purplish or brownish background. The trend replaces more open reds with elegant tones, inspired by plum, merlot and cherry mocha.

2. Elegant browns and coffee tones

Chocolate, cappuccino, mocha and latte appear as modern alternatives to the season’s dark classics. Browns arrive creamier and more sophisticated, reinforcing the aesthetics quiet luxury which continues to be on the rise in the beauty universe.

3. Cool beiges and sophisticated neutrals

Neutrals remain strong, but now with a more refined reading. gray beige, off-whites and buttery tones appear as options minimalist and elegant for those who prefer discreet nails, without giving up sophistication.

4. Contemporary Grays

From light gray to soft graphite, gray tones appear as one of the season’s biggest wildcards. Modern and versatile, they work as an urban alternative to traditional nudes and match different winter styles and outfits.

5. Sophisticated moss green and olive

Closed greens follow gaining space on the nailsmainly in versions inspired by nature and in earthy tones. Moss, olive and military green appear as elegant choices to escape the classics without exaggeration.

6. Petroleum blue, navy and midnight

Dark blues are one of the main bets for autumn/winter 2026. Sophisticated and modern, the shades of petrol, navy and midnight blue work as elegant substitutes for black, bringing depth to the look in a less obvious way.

7. Gray pastel

Even on cold days, the soft tones are still present, but in more sophisticated and less vibrant versions. Washed lilac, burnt pink and mist blue appear with a grayish background, bringing balanced delicacy to the season’s palette.

In addition to the colors, the finishes they also help update the season’s classics. Intense shine, gel effect, ultra-creamy texture and mirrored appearance appear among the main bets for making nails more sophisticated and contemporary.

For Carol Lucena, the movement reinforces a change in consumer behavior within beauty. “Today there is a greater search for versatile and timeless nail polishes that still have personality. The classic is still present, but now it is reinterpreted, more modern and much less basic”, he concludes.

By Caroline Amorim