If fall had a signature nail color, it would be plum. Somewhere between a rich berry, a deep purple, and a chocolatey wine shade, plum has all the moodiness we want from an autumn manicure without defaulting to the usual burgundy or classic red.
The shade feels particularly good right now because it can go in so many directions. Wear it nearly black for something dramatic, keep it slightly warmer for a wine-inspired manicure, or choose a softer muted plum for something that feels a little more understated. Whatever version you choose, the common denominator is depth.
Plum Nails Are In Season
There is something inherently luxurious about a dark purple manicure. It has the same richness as burgundy but feels a little less expected, which makes it an easy way to refresh your fall nail rotation.
Plum also plays beautifully with the colors already taking over our wardrobes. Chocolate brown, charcoal, camel, gray, cream, burgundy, and black all make the shade look even richer. It is one of those colors that manages to feel dramatic on the nails without overwhelming an entire look.
And unlike brighter purples, a deep plum has a sophistication that makes it surprisingly wearable. Short nails, long almond shapes, rounded nails, or a classic square manicure can all make the color work.
The Darker, The Better
For the moodiest take on the trend, go deep. Think aubergine that is so saturated it almost reads black until it catches the light and reveals its purple undertone.
OPI Lincoln Park After Dark is the quintessential example. The iconic near-black purple has been a longtime favorite for exactly this reason: it gives you the drama of black polish with just enough plum peeking through to make it more interesting.
The key to making an ultra-dark manicure feel polished rather than heavy is the finish. A glossy topcoat makes those deep purple undertones more visible and gives the whole manicure that lacquered, almost jewel-like effect.
OPI Lincoln Park After Dark
Or Keep It A Little Softer
If nearly-black polish feels like too much of a commitment, a muted plum can give you the same autumnal mood in a slightly softer way.
essie Gel Couture in Not What It Seams is a muted plum-purple that sits comfortably between neutral and statement shade. It has enough color to feel distinctly plum but is less dramatic than an aubergine that borders on black.
It is also a particularly good option if you want a manicure that will work with everything. The softened purple has the versatility of a neutral while still giving your nails a little more personality than your standard brown or nude.
essie Gel Couture in Not What It Seams
How To Wear Plum Nails
Plum does not need much embellishment. In fact, the color is at its best when you let it be the entire point of the manicure. A short, neatly shaped nail with a high-shine finish makes the shade feel modern and expensive.
If you want something a little more detailed, try a plum French tip over a sheer nude base, or reverse the combination with a deeper plum base and a barely-there neutral tip. You can also play with finishes by choosing a glossy plum for most nails and adding one matte accent nail.
For an October manicure, though, we are partial to keeping things simple: one rich, saturated shade, perfectly polished, and just dark enough to make you want to reach for your favorite fall sweater.
The Plum Polish To Save For Fall
Consider plum your invitation to go a little darker this season. Whether you prefer an almost-black aubergine or a softer, muted purple, the shade brings just enough drama to make your fall manicure feel fresh without straying too far from the classics.
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