It may still be on the warm side outside for some of us, but fall fashion is officially in full swing. In my kid-free days the new season meant a shopping spree was in order, but today I’m more apt to update my look with a new nail polish shade. Checking out the Pantone fall 2014 Color Report, I’ve put together a guide to fantastic polishes that hit all the right color notes. Hey, is it so wrong to want my toes to match my bag?
Radiant Orchid
Deborah Lippmann Good Vibrations, ($17, Deborah Lippmann Online)
I love this color, and we all have since radiant orchid was announced as a hot shade by Pantone this past spring. It’s super feminine without being garishly so. It also looks great with all the jewel tones for fall.
Royal Blue
Essie Style Cartel, ($8.50, Essie Online)
This bold blue is not for the faint of heart. Try it on a pedicure- it’s our editor Liz’s favorite fall go-to toe color, and this from a former all red, all the time devotee. You’ll be surprised how flattering it is.
Aluminum
Nails Inc. Cambridge Terrace, ($9.50, Nails, Inc. Online)
Beyonce rocked this shade at the VMAs. I love the idea of wearing stainless steel on my nails — well, if other, more expensive metals aren’t available, ha.
Aurora Red
Jin Soon Cherry Berry, ($18, Jin Soon Online)
A classic red nail shade is perfect any season, for any occasion. This blue-red shade makes it super wearable for all kinds of skin tones, even as your summer tan fades.
Misted Yellow
Maybelline Color Show Nail Polish in Fierce’n Tangy, ($1.99, Target Online)
We know, yellow is definitely not for everyone. But if you’re looking to make a statement at your next PTA meeting, here ya go. Or hey, save it for a winter break trip somewhere warm and put yourself in a sunnier state of mind.
Sangria
L’Oreal Paris Color Riche Nail Polish in Violet Vixen, ($5.99, Ulta Online)
This deep violet shade is classically pretty and flattering on so many skin tones. Lots of the high-end brands are out with similar shades right now, but it’s nice to find a really affordable one from L’Oreal.
Mauve Mist
Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Sweet Lilac, ($27, Nordstrom online)
Yes, mauve was the butt of jokes for years, but in this shade, which tends more towards lilac, it becomes a fun and flirty twist on pink. I am not afraid to say it – I love mauve!
Cognac
RGB Toast, ($18, RGB Cosmetics Online)
I find that there’s nothing more chic than a manicure in a rich nude shade like cognac. It’s subtle and sophisticated; but try it out on a single nail first so that you know it looks good with your coloring. You don’t want to look like your nails are the exact same shade as your skin.
Bright Cobalt
NARS Night Out, ($20, NARS Cosmetics Online)
For another fun, bold choice, cobalt is still in from 2013. Cobalt is a brighter, more fun take on navy and also can be surprisingly flattering. Great pedicure color!
Cypress
Butter London British Racing Green, ($15, Butter London Online)
This deep green shade has a way of looking like a funky neutral when painted on in two coats. Butter London is a wonderful brand if you haven’t yet tried it, and this shade should take you all the way to spring.
