Every summer, we put on the longest disguise to force ourselves into wearing bright colors and having pastel manicures so no one knows our hearts are as cold as a frozen marg all year round. Obviously, this summer was no different. Even if you were still stuck on wearing all black everything during the hottest months of the year, you probs couldn’t resist giving in to subtle blonde highlights or a millennial pink manicure at some point. Since autumn is approaching v quickly, soon enough we’ll put this masquerade of ours away to show our true colors—until next summer, that is, and I mean this both literally and metaphorically. It’s something about the colder temperatures and dying nature that makes us feel as though wearing gothy sophisticated lipstick and edgy clothing that basically resembles our MySpace pictures in 2006 is totally fitting for our soul the occasion. Whether you’re holding a PSL, throwing back spiked cider, or happily content on your couch sobbing over This Is Us (Just me?), here are the best nail polish shades to ask for this fall so your manicure goes perfectly with your temperamental personality.
1. Essie Nail Polish In Knee-High Life
Essie’s fall 2017 collection is inspired by rebellious spirits of the 90’s so like, a collection perfectly made for all of us and our moody selves. Swap out your bright summer red for a shade that resembles your fave wine—a Merlot grape. It’s a dark wine with purple undertones and since it says it all in the name, it’ll look phenom with an oversized cardigan and knee-high socks.
2. OPI Classic Nail Lacquer in Turn On The Northern Lights
This fall, OPI wants you to travel to Iceland to see cool shit like volcanoes and glaciers. Thanks for the offer, but I can’t even deal with east coast winters so I’m gonna pass. However, I will vacay there vicariously through their new Iceland collection, especially with this shade of shimmery blue and purple. Its sparkly cool tone and deep hue says sophisticated AF for a work-focused attitude you probs won’t have for more than a week come next season.
3. Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in Roubachka
Any shade of purple usually suggests you’re into like, mysterious men solely for the reason that they use pickup lines you only hear in movies without showing any depth of character. Sounds about right, so it only makes sense to draw them in with a darker chic manicure. A deep purple such as this captivating shade complements every skin tone and gives off an intense secretive effect. Boys love that shit. I’d assume “roubachka” backs me up on this but I literally can’t find any other translation other than “Russian blouse” so I’m rolling with it. Side note: Every time I use a polish from the Le Vernis line, my nails never chip and they last longer than my pedicures, which is unheard of, so I promise this one is worth the splurge.
4. NARS Nail Polish in Blow-Up
Nothing says basic bitch fall like a pure orange to remind us of literally everything fall represents: Halloween, pumpkins, leaves, more pumpkins…etc. Most would stray away from an orange nail because well, it’s orange and not really anyone’s first choice, but with the weather getting cooler and skies getting darker, the bright shade will enhance your skin tone for a subtle warm glow and provide a nice pop to your depressing neutral wardrobe.
5. Marc Jacobs Beauty Enamored Hi-Shine Nail Polish in Baby Jane
A combo of gray and that neutral beige we’ll be wearing too much of is this gorg color. It’s the new nude to hold you over during the next few months with brown hues and cool smokey undertones. Wear for a clean classy look to perk up your mood in the bland office or let it complement any bold outfit you choose to blackout in Labor Day weekend.
