Fall Nail Preview

You could say that the slick nails coated with crushed crystals at Alexander Berardi were certainly about form-over-function. But for an edgy in-your-face look, we can’t imagine anything cooler. TRY: CND Colour in Blackjack, $9

While tortoise shell reminds us of the wide plastic headbands of our youth, we love the idea of the pattern painted on nails. The polish mix of slightly contrasting colors at Douglas Hannant perfectly complemented the collection’s abstract prints. TRY: OPI Nail Poiish in Lincoln Park After Dark, $23

Chocolate brown seems like a natural progression from spring’s ever-present taupe, and leave it to the elegant Carolina Herrera to make the unexpected shade feel nothing but ladylike. TRY: CND Colour in Chocolate Milk, $9

Past polish fads have included jade green, dark eggplant and the now-famous “greige.” But rich gunmetal was the name of the game on the fall runways, and we think that the shade at Marc Jacobs came pretty close to perfection. TRY: Perfect Formula Nail Lacquer in Avant Gray, $15

We fell for the elegantly retro look at Monique L'huillier, where models’ poppy red nails were teamed with velvety red lips. The only thing missing was a matching handbag, which was purposely left out to keep it all modern. TRY: Butter London Nail Lacquer in Come to Bed Red, $14

Talk about a layered look: Tracey Reese placed black Leaver’s lace over a simple, nude shade to create a customized textured look for her show. We love lace when it comes to lingerie but wonder if it works on nails? TRY: Sally Hansen in Wet Clay, $7

With collections chock full of bold hues, the electric plum nails at Nina Ricci seemed right on point. And after the pastel pedi craze of summer, we are happy to welcome back the brights. TRY: Perfect Formula in Post Moderne, $15

Inspired by film negatives, this chrome manicure at Jason Wu was intended to look like sepia (a pale, vintage photo finish). But even with its quiet subtlety, you can still strike a pose. TRY: Butter London Nail Lacquer in Diamond Geezer, $14

We love the idea of nails-as-accessories, and this look takes the idea to the limit. Cutting edge designer Gareth Pugh created a manicure where nails were literally dripping in chains. But with fans that include Lady Gaga, would you expect anything less from this forward designer? TRY: CND Colour in Ivory Coast, $9