Nail It: The Best Colors for Summer-into-Fall

OPI Mod About You

OPI’s Mod About You, my current selection, feels just right for right now. $9.50, Ulta

I was so tempted to opt for dark gray when getting a manicure last week, but I refrained as we are still a few weeks away from Labor Day. Shouldn’t we still be feeling sunny and bright and pink? In the end, I went with a bold, nearly fluorescent coral on my toes, but couldn’t bring myself to do pure summer on the fingers. Settling on a pink-lilac that is every so slightly dusty, I was prompted to think about cool transitional colors to carry your style from the height of summer into Labor Day, back-to-school, and the first hints of crisp air. Here’s what we’re loving:

chanelAtmosphere

A bit neutral, a hint of pink, and a double dose of pearlescence makes this limited edition CHANEL hue a clear winner. It is at once ethereal and refined, making it perfect for those final poolside bashes but just as smart for the first PTA meeting of the year, or one last fair-weather wedding. CHANEL Le Vernis Nail Colour in 620 — Atmosphere. $27, Neiman Marcus.

tomfordTom Ford’s polishes have major sticking power, so plan to enjoy this bold and pretty color for at least ten days (two weeks or more on your toes!). It’s pungent and pretty, and plenty summery still, but the depth of the purple makes it just fall-ish enough to get you ready to reach for those 3/4 sleeve shifts and closed-toe flats. Tom Ford Nail Lacquer African Violet. $32, Violet Grey.

d&gGo for the gold with a winning hue that’s not too yellow, but also not too mellow. Warm metallics make the summer-to-fall transition a super-stylish one. And Dolce & Gabbana polishes pack a major punch. The Nail Laquer — Dolce & Gabbana in Metallic Gold. $25, Sephora.

ncla

It might be too soon to make the move into deep, dark gray, but you can satisfy your craving with a funky option from NCLA. These spirited polishes offer chunky glitter and other game changers to enhance the background hue. Here you have a traditional soft gray punctuated by pops of electric blue and purple. Fresh and fun for now, and you’ll definitely reach for it again in a month or two. NCLA Nail Polish in Sugar Fix. $16, Beauty.com.

27183896b_052_b

Have one last hurrah with your favorite brights! A striking blue like this one is head-turning and cool for the end of summer but won’t look out of place paired with a blazer and jeans in a week or two. Essie The Neons Nail Polish in Bouncer, It’s Me. $9, Urban Outfitters.

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About Jenny

Jenny Studenroth is a cosmetics junkie and bridal blogger from New York City. After graduating from Middlebury College in 2007 with a creative writing degree, she went on to the beauty departments at Elle and the Wall Street Journal magazines, before becoming a freelance writer. Her wedding blog is BorntobeaBride.com. Jenny and her husband Josh split their time between Brooklyn and Washington, DC along with their cat Dolce and pup Harry. The family is expecting their first human baby in the fall.