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Flipping the calendar from summer also means putting those hot pink and coral summer nail polish colors to the back of the medicine cabinet. Now that it’s time for coats, sweaters, and killer over-the-knee boots, it’s also time for a mani refresh with the best fall nail colors. We’re talking black, blood red, and smoky teal nails that really give you those crisp air, autumn vibes.
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Best Fall Nail Colors: Black
We can’t help but get a little The Hills nostalgia when we see black nail polish. It was the signature color for LC and now it’s been all over the fall runways for 2018. Creatures of Comfort, Alice and Olivia, and Sonia Rykiel shows all featured models sportinged the punky black color, and you can follow suit. Just keep a Sharpie on hand for chip repair to make that manicure last.
Best Fall Nail Colors: Blood Red
Your classic red manicure is getting a moody makeover with deep cool-blue tones. We’re taking a nod from Oscar de la Renta’s fall 2018 runway show and giving vampy blood reds the go-ahead for fall nails. We love the thought of pairing this color with a bare face for day, and matching with some blood red lips for night.
Best Fall Nail Colors: White
At first look, white may seem like a better option for spring and summer but hear us out! With all the dark jeans, sweaters, and jackets you’ll be wearing this season, a pop of white will be a refreshing break. It’s a neutral that will go with everything you own, it’s gorgeous against deeper skin tones, and if you want to mix things up, take inspiration from Vivienne Westwood’s fall 2018 show and add some graphic lettering.
Best Fall Nail Colors: Skin Tone-Matching Shades
Universally flattering neutrals are some of the best fall nail colors for 2018, and they’re coming in many different shades. One we highly recommend is this deeper nude color from Christian Louboutin that we could see Kim Kardashian Westwearing on her all-neutrals Instagram feed. Wear with navy leggings and a grey sports bra for extra KUWTK vibes.
Best Fall Nail Colors: Metallic
For a more toned-down version of the holographic nail polish trend we talked about earlier this spring, head into fall with futuristic metallic nails. Copy Tanya Taylor’s fall 2018 show with this metallic silver nail polish, and if you’re feeling really crazy, finish the tips with coral for a playful combination.
Best Fall Nail Colors: Terracotta
Given the obsession with being plant moms, it’s no wonder that terracotta has become a fall nail color trend for 2018. Orange is already a timeless fall color with the changing of leaves, and this earthy terracotta will blend right in with your seasonal wardrobe. We might go as far as to say that this shade is pumpkin, so you can get your pumpkin fix before Starbucks releases your go-to autumn drink.
Best Fall Nail Colors: Smoky Teal
As the days continue to get shorter and darker, it’s time to swap your clear blue sky nail polish for moodier colors. We spotted this smoky teal shade first on the runways of Phillip Lim, and we need it on our nails ASAP. It’s the perfect mix of a little taste of summer with moody gray tones for cold nights ahead.
Best Fall Nail Colors: Glitter
Glitter makeup is still going strong in 2018 with no signs of stopping. Not only is it all over the faces of models at shows like Preen, but it’s also covering their nails! Instead of swiping across the entire nail, go for a graphic look by painting just the tips of the nails in glitter, like a modern French manicure. Even if you’re not wearing jewelry your hands will sparkle!
Best Fall Nail Colors: Dark Green
The new navy is a deep, dark green. Phillip Lip had models in olive green while Cividini had holographic green claws, but we’re digging this darker-than-forest shade for fall. Even though the leaves are no longer green doesn’t mean your nails can’t be, so try swapping out that go-to black or deep red and take a chance on greener pastures.
Best Fall Nail Colors: Orange-Red
Not ready to give up your punchy orange-reds you’ve been sporting this summer? What if we said you didn’t have to? Rich reds across the board are on trend for 2018 fall nail colors. Wear it as a punchy pop of color on one nail like on Tibi’s runway show or across all nails for a fiery standout like Nina Ricci. The weather may start cooling off, but your nails will be bringing the heat.