Runway Inspired Nails for Fall/Winter

Nail polish. I always think that when your nails are done, its sort of like that last accessory that makes you feel oh-so well polished as you walk out the door, even though it’s something small it really seals the deal.On those days where your makeup might consist of the smudgy remnants of last night’s smokey eye and your hair might be that kind of cool/grungy day-old messy bun, nicely polished nails give people the impression that you got your sh*t together.

Unlike previous fall nail trends, this fall almost everything goes. You can bring out your inner goth with a dark burgundy, add some color with a pretty teal, or go minimalist chic with a sleek taupe.

Though I do have one word of caution, retire those über bright neons from summer. With the cold and grey winter weather, flouro nails might just be a tad obnoxious. Stow ‘em away they’ll new again come May.

The Sexy Goth
Dark, sexy, and seductively mysterious, these lovely dark shades are perfect for the darkening colors of fall. Unlike last fall, when the shades were creamy or matte, this fall’s new collections feature those classic darks, but also add shimmer or glitter creating a more festive and definitely more fashionable nail. Just like Gucci’s fall 2012 collection, these dark and moody shades will look just as perfect on your clothes as on your nails. The dark tones will keep your look polished while also giving you a bit of rock n’ roll edge.

• O.P.I.’s German-icure is a beautiful shimmery berry red ($8.50).
• Butter London’s Gobsmacked from their new Autumn/Fall collection, is a fun, party-ready black polish chock full with enough charcoal glitter to give it a super modern textured finish ($14.00).
• On the more luxurious end of the price range, Tom Ford’s Plum Noir is a mysterious and sexy violet plum. This color will make you feel like a femme fatale in Paris, all within the comfort of your Midwestern dorm room ($30.00).
• Lastly, for a look that’s less-goth/more-moody, check out Estée Lauder’s ‘Beyond Black’ Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Blue Blood. A stunning black with royal blue shimmer, you’ll love looking down at your nails while typing away your midterm paper past midnight ($18.00).

Minimalist Chic
A trend heralded by Céline and The Row on the runways, the neutral nail is a must for the modern stylish lady. Think of it like a foundation for your nails, giving you a smooth and even color on your nail. This is like one notch higher on the drama than the typical pinky-peach nude.

• The go-to taupe for all sleek fashionistas is none other than Chanel’s Frenzy, the brand’s signature nail color for fall 2012 ($26.00). This nail color is so popular that it is almost always out of stock in most department stores but no worries as there are plenty of alternatives.

• Modern Love is a lovely pale mauve from Deborah Lippmann’s new collection ($16.00). The lovely touch of mauve adds a little color, making it easily wearable for those who are hesitant to wear a more bold grey or beige.
• O.P.I. also debuted a beige for fall in their Berlin fashion week inspired collection with Don’t Pretzel My Buttons ($8.50). The obvious beige looks like perfection upon a well manicured nail without making the hands look too pallid with its lovely hint of pale pink.
• Lastly, Essie’s Miss Fancy Pants from their new fall collection, “Stylenomics”, represents the greiges (neutrals that are a blend of both grey and beige) of fall ($8.00). The added bit of grey makes it a color especially suited for those with cooler skin tones and darker hair.

The Blues
All shades of blue are coming up in the new fall collections. Just like in Dries Van Noten’s fall 2012 collection, these blue shades run the gamut from periwinkle to midnight navy.

• Essie’s Boxer Shorts from their fall Yogaga collection is a creamy periwinkle with a bit of grey to neutralize the tones ($8.00).
• For a mid-range hue of blue, Butter London’s nail lacquer in Blagger makes a fine choice. The bright hue will look super fresh for fall ($14.00).
• Lastly, if you’re looking for a classic navy look no further than Dior’s ‘Vernis’ nail lacquer in Blue Label ($23.00)

Not Really A Trend But Definitely Needs to be Done by Someone:

• ​Dior’s reptile chic Golden Jungle nails. The 2 nail polish set features a beautiful golden pearl, that should definitely be worn on its own occasionally, and a safari perfect khaki green crackle coat. The beautifully paired combo brings the crackle trend back from the dead with a new and über cool look.

Photo Credits: nordstrom.com, fashionising.com, essie.com, deborahlippmann.com, opi.com, fashionista.com