The 5 Nail Colors You Need for Fall

by Caitie Schlisserman

Published Sep 1, 2014

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Taking a cue from the runways during Fashion Week this past February, we’re calling it: understated nails are the thing to sport this fall. But don’t worry, just because you go for a more simple, subtle nail doesn’t mean your mani has to be boring. Embrace the simplicity, because when spring rolls around, we have an inkling that we’ll be right back to our brights, neons, and pastels. Take a look below—and shop!—some of the shades we’ll be wearing all season.

Pinky Nude

You can’t really go wrong with a nude nail, especially one with a slight hint of pink. One of the best parts of using this shade is that the polish typically doesn’t chip nearly as quickly as say, a bright blue—or at least when it does, it’s barely noticeable.

Inglot Cosmetics O2M Breathable Nail Enamel in #603 | $15 | shop it
Anna Sui Nail Color in N324 | $15 | shop it
RGB Nail Polish in Bare | $18 | shop it

Deep Burgundy

We’ve always been fans of vampy burgundy nails, especially when paired with a light or neutral outfit. Burgundy is classic, but isn’t in your face like some bright cherry reds—definitely one of our go-tos every fall.

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Nail Lacquer in Black Dahlia | $10 | shop it
Inglot Cosmetics O2M Breathable Nail Enamel in #637 | $15 | shop it
Kevyn Aucoin The Nail Lacquer in Bloodroses | $26 | shop it

Gray

Gray polish is one of the few colors that looks good in any sort of finish—matte, glossy, or sparkly. And we’re totally loving the wide range of choices this season. From dove to slate, the possibilities are endless!

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Nail Lacquer in Dangerous | $10 | shop it
Cult Nails Nail Lacquer in Faded | $12 | shop it
RGB Nail Polish in Seal | $18 | shop it

Gold

Gold polish doesn’t have to look like a full-on disco party and these shades prove just that. While most people probably think that gold is anything but understated, we disagree: as long as there’s minimal—if any—specks of glitter in it, you’re good to go, even for work.

Inglot Cosmetics Nail Enamel in #224 | $10 | shop it
Cult Nails Nail Lacquer in Baker | $12 | shop it
RGB Nail Polish in Gilt | $18 | shop it

Midnight Blue

When temps dip, swap all your baby blues for something more rich, like these. Similar to navy, these dark indigos, in our opinion, feel more wearable than jet black. Even though we’re talking about fall, we still like a little bit of color on nails!

Cult Nails Nail Lacquer in Time Traveler | $12 | shop it
Anna Sui Nail Color in N103 | $15 | shop it
RGB Nail Polish in Nightfall | $18 | shop it