Fall 2010 Nail Polish Trend: Gray Is The New Neutral

by Jill Schuck Taylor (Subscribe to Jill Schuck Taylor's posts)
Posted Aug 24th 2010 at 12:00AM

Gray digits ruled at Jason Wu Fall 2010. Photo: ImaxTree

In past years, the end of summer meant an outbreak of vaguely Goth-y nail polish.

While black is a wardrobe staple for many women, its appearance on fingertips may be a touch too moody for personal or workplace tastes. That's why this fall's popular polishes are so fantastic: the muted shades of putty, gray and greige (a mix of gray and beige) complement all skin tones and offer a slightly toned-down way to be edgy and trendy.

Ji Baek, creator of Rescue Beauty and the most stylish nail expert in the universe, explains that these colors act as the perfect accoutrement to the season's fashion trends, from minimalism to military to over-the-top brocade and feathered accents.

"I love the idea of a subtly metallic option with simple silhouettes, and an opaque creamy texture with more embellished clothes," she says. "Matte in this color family might be a little too much, but this can be an opportunity to try something different. If your nails are short and chic, you can experiment with unusual colors.

If you're still a little wary, here are some tips on how to make it work. Jan Arnold, co-founder of Creative Nail Design, suggests darker polish shades for warm skin tones, and lighter ones for darker skin. "These colors have tonal shades of gray, stone, taupe, mushroom and beige, which are flattering on everyone and can be business-appropriate or edgy, depending on how you rock it.

Click through the gallery below for the season's best gray nail polishes, and then check out more Fall 2010 beauty trends.

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Gray Nail Polishes

A new way to wear gray for fall? On your nails. These muted shades of putty, gray and greige (a mix of gray and beige) complement all skin tones and offer a slightly toned-down way to be edgy and trendy.

Courtesy Photo

Gray Nail Polishes

Rescue Beauty Nail Polish in Concrete Jungle, $18

This smooth dove gray almost looks like liquid silver, and just might replace that nude-pink you wear every day.

Gray Nail Polishes

CND Colour in Asphalt, $9

No shimmer, no undertones, just a perfect creamy, deep charcoal.

Gray Nail Polishes

Tracy Reese for Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Wet Clay, $7

Like a mini bottle of champagne you can paint onto your nails. Plus the formula combines base coat, strengthener, growth treatment, color and top coat in one bottle, which is awesome.

Gray Nail Polishes

Essie Nail Polish in Sew Psyched, $8

Set a reminder for September 1st, when this intriguing mixture of gray and army-green will become available.

Gray Nail Polishes

Butter London 3 Free Lacquer in All Hail McQueen, $14

It's shimmery-beige and completely gorgeous, not to mention a sweet nod to the late, great designer.

Gray Nail Polishes

Rimmel London Lasting Finish Pro Enamel in Steel Grey, $3.99

The specially shaped brush is made with over 800 bristles, which means fewer strokes to apply and a smoother, non-streaky finish that's super-shiny.

Gray Nail Polishes

Lippmann Collection Nail Lacquer in Waking Up in Vegas, $16

Two words. Lady. Gaga. This is the exact color she's wearing on the current issue of Vanity Fair magazine, so you know it's a must-have.

Gray Nail Polishes

MAC Nail Lacquer in Earthly Harmony, $13

We've previously professed our love for this swoon-worthy light browny-gold, and we'll stand by that position (link to post about entire fall nail collection).

Gray Nail Polishes

Zoya Nail Polish in Kelly, $7

Is it gray or purple or some combination of the two? Who knows, but it sure is a lovely take on the trend.

Gray Nail Polishes

Sula Paint & Peel Polish in Dove, $9

For some reason, peeling off your polish is ultra-satisfying; this stuff lets you indulge without doing damage, and the medium gray color is to die.

Gray Nail Polishes

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