There has been no shortage controversial nail color trends to debut in the 2020s and take over your local salon. Butter yellow, brat green, espresso brown—the "ugly" mani shades are having a true renaissance. Personally, I'm all for it. For as much as a love a tomato red or soft neutral manicure, I also embrace an unexpected color just as often because, well, why the hell not? Live a little and make your nails a statement piece à la Megan Fox or SZA.
The latest taboo color to join the ranks of can I actually pull that off? manicure choices is none other than Miss Taylor Swift's newest obsession: orange. Teased in her Life of a Showgirl album cover and subsequent New Heights podcast appearance, Swift switched up her makeup look with an orange lipstick rather than her typical ruby red shade. Cue Internet meltdown. And while I adore an orange lip (it's shockingly wearable if you just find the tone that works for your complexion) I predict that the majority of beauty fans will gravitate towards other ways to wear what I'm now dubbing "Showgirl orange" for fall. That means orange manicures are about to take over your FYP from now until winter.
Unconvinced that an orange nail look is right for you? Don't count yourself out just yet. Brands are already getting on board with the vibrant shade (such is the power of Taylor Swift), which means the options to shop for an orange manicure are basically endless. Keep scrolling for the nine best orange polishes to try this season.
The Best Orange Nail Polishes
Soft Orange
If you hear "orange nail polish" and automatically imagine of a harsh, traffic cone shade—think again. A soft, almost buttery color (read: peach-adjacent) is a perfect transitional shade from summer into fall and looks stunning on any skin tone.
Baby peach meets soft orange, this quick-dry lacquer is an end of summer dream.
Excuse me but a marbled orange nail polish?! I'm completely smitten.
Be still my heart! This polish is golden, chrome, and a delicious soft orange shade I can't wait to wear.
Citrus Orange
The bright, cheery, classic orange shade you'd likely want on your toes all summer but I challenge you that this mood-boosting color will be the main event for manicures this fall.
A gorgeous juicy orange that is just begging for a spot in your fall mani rotation.
For an eye-catching jelly manicure with no shortage of style, reach for this semi-transparent polish.
DIY your own gels? Good for you, babe! This vivid orange polish will crank up the volume on your next at-home mani.
Neon Orange
I mean, if you're gonna do it, do it with a neon orange nail polish. Be brave and go all out with one of these bold shades at your next salon appointment.
The matte finish on this polish keeps it feeling sophisticated and attention-grabbing all at the same time.
This fiery orange shimmer shade is so jaw-dropping, I had to click "add to cart" immediately.
A clean nail polish that lasts and offers a delicious electric orange shade. What more could you want?
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