Grab Fall 2010's Top Nail Polish Trends

Chalk it up to impatience, but we're beyond ready for fall 2010's most wanted accessory: new nail polish! After a summer of striking, bright varnishes that captured the life-of-the-party, warm-weather vibe, we've been itching for a glimpse into what's on deck for fall nail trends. And from mysteriously dark to the tippy-top of glam, polishes really nail it this season, zeroing in on striking gemstone shades, heavy metals, luxe neutrals, and clear-cut pops of purple—a welcome shift from the ubiquitous beige/grey. Don't get us wrong, greige was definitely last year's color-du-jour and a cool game-changer, but we're ready to paint on some supersexy shades that really grab the fall's moodier, upscale vibe in a big way. Just read on for our top four fall nail polish trends and pick your poison for the season ahead.

1. Purples: Whether it's Purple Rain or Purple Reign, this provocative shade is leading the pack in fall nail colors.



Above, from left: Chanel Nail Polish in Paradoxal, $23, available at Chanel; YSL Nail Polish in Belle de Nuit, $30 the set of two, available at Nordstrom; Butter London 3 Free Lacquer Nail Polish in Marrow, $14, available at Butter London.

2. Metallics: Elements of precious metals twinkle and shine throughout theses deep, eye-catching shades that pack an almost vampy, multi-hued luminosity.



Above, from left: Lippmann Collection Nail Polish in Bad Romance, $18, available at Nordstrom; Dior Vernis Nail Polish in Black Sequins, $21, available at Nordstrom; Zoya Nail Polish in Cheryl, $7, available at Zoya; Orly Cosmic FX Nail Polish in Its Not Rocket Science, $10, available in September at Orly Beauty.


3. Neutrals: If basic instinct is more your game, go with the understated power of soft cream shades that channel the crushed leaves of a crisp fall season or the buttery softness of a timeless vintage Chanel bag.



Above, from left: Sephora by OPI Nail Polish in Do I Know You?, $9, available at Sephora; Essie Nail Polish in Sew Psyched, $8, available this fall at Essie; Tracy Reese for Sally Hansen Nail Polish in Bittersweet, $7, available this fall at CVS.


4. Gem Tones: Striking color rules with these rich, jewel-tone shades that perfectly transition your digits from a playful summer to a rich, technicolor fall.



Above, from left: OPI Nail Polish in Cuckoo for Color, $8.50, available this fall at Ulta; Estée Lauder Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Blue Dahlia, $18, available at Nordstrom; M.A.C. Jin Soon Nail Trend Collection Nail Polish in Imperial Flower, $12, available this fall at M.A.C..