13 Best Polishes to Wear on Nails This Fall

Even if you don't have the guts or the budget to strut the most coveted couture this fall, you can always turn to your manicure. Unleash your inner fashionista by trying one of these fall nail colors, which range from ultra-bold to pretty and subtle.

By Ariana Finlayson

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avon matte nail enamel in violetta
Courtesy of Avon
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Matte

This velvety finish is a trend you'll want to try on your fingernails, even if it's just once. It's edgy but still very wearable — just keep nails filed short and square at the top, says Jillian Dempsey, Avon Global Color Creative Director and Hollywood makeup artist.

Avon Matte Nail Enamel in Violetta, $5; avon.com

chanel nail colour in paradoxal
Courtesy of Chanel
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"Grurple" (Gray-Purple)

Although it looks violet in the bottle, on nails it takes on a more grayish hue, thus becoming a lovely hybrid shade. Better grab a bottle fast — we can see this following in the sell-out footsteps of Jade and Black Satin.

Chanel Nail Colour in Paradoxal, $23; chanel.com

china glaze in emerald fitzgerald
Courtesy of China Glaze
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Dark Green

This shade hails from China Glaze's Vintage Vixen collection for fall. Inspired by the glamour of the '40s, this jewel-toned turquoise can be layered to take on a moodier, deeper green.

China Glaze Nail Lacquer in Emerald Fitzgerald, $6.50; sallybeauty.com

essie limited addiction
Courtesy of Essie
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Deep Red

This season, classic cherry-red nails are stepping aside to make room for their darker counterparts. Turn to this crimson creme polish on days you want to bring out your inner vixen.

Essie Limited Addiction, $8; essieshop.com

Courtesy of Deborah Lippmann
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Lots of Glitter

Pop culture is a huge influence on beauty trends, and we like to think that Deborah Lippmann harnessed that affinity in these two hues. Across the Universe (pictured left) pays homage to the 2007 award-nominated movie-musical. The navy polish has flashy blue and green specks, which take on the form of nail art. Lippmann went Gaga over Bad Romance (right), a smoky black hue infused with purple glitter. They go on sheer, so you'll need to layer for maximum color.

$18 each, lippmanncollection.com

Courtesy of MAC
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Cobalt Blue

Blues get a little brighter this season, which is good news if you're not ready to give up your electric summer colors just yet. MAC has teamed up with nail genius Jin Soon for the Nail Trend F/W 2010 collection, inspired by Imperial China. This particular hue reminds us of the detail on antique Chinese plates.

MAC Nail Lacquer in Ming Blue, $13; maccosmetics.com

Courtesy of OPI
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Light Purple and Graphite

OPI's Swiss Collection, like any of its spreads, includes an impressive array of colors, and we couldn't choose just one. The Color to Watch (pictured left), surely lives up to its vain name — the shimmery lavender is one of those great in-between-seasons transition colors. Lucerne-tainly Look Marvelous (right) is a sheer dark gray glitter — layer it on for an edgier look.

$8 each, opi.com

Courtesy of Orly
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Foil Effects

This spill looks as if we're gazing out into the starry night sky through a telescope — and we're not too far off course. Orly's Cosmic FX Collection is all about metallics and texture. This hue is a black-plum mixture that will make your fingers and toes look out of this world.

Orly Nail Lacquer in Out of This World, $10; sallybeauty.com or ulta.com

Courtesy of Pop Beauty
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Nude

This on-the-verge-of-pink shade is flattering on most skin tones. The neutral color will balance out your look amid all the sequins, leather, and hardware of this fall's fashion trends.

Pop Beauty Nail Glam in O'Boy, $10; cvs.com

Courtesy of Sally Hansen
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"Greige" (Gray and Beige)

Although this hybrid color made its debut last fall, the surface of its popularity was barely scratched. Used on the Tracy Reese F/W runway, this hue channels the super-soft and lush fabrics worn in the show.

Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Fedora, $7; mass retailers

Courtesy of Sephora
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Subtle Shimmer

The mix of silver and bronze makes this sheer pewter a keeper for the holidays. It's festive but still sophisticated for when you're looking to add a little flash to your nails.

Sephora by OPI Nail Colour in Already Famous, $9; sephora.com

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