Purple is the nail color of summer

Stuck in a nail polish rut of baby pinks and crimson reds? Then why not shake things up this summer with the shade du jour: purple. Whether you choose to go with a low-key lilac or find yourself brave enough to sport neon grape, we're almost certain you'll be sorry to see summer go so soon.

Lucky for you, however, you don't have to be. Deeper, darker shades of purple polish are a great transition into fall.

Frog-friendly: Prince had a hit with "Purple Rain." Rimmel promises this "dark as blood" shade by the same name lasts and lasts. Rimmel Lasting Pro Enamel in Purple Rain, $3.89, available at drugstores and Ulta.

All that pizzazz: While the idea of a frosty nail polish might conjure images of bad middle-school style choices, nothing about NYC's Purple Pizzazz Frost says fashion blunder. A nice dark shade of plum, this polish has a finish that is more edgy metallic than froufrou frosty. NYC Nail Polish in Purple Pizzazz Frost, 99 cents, widely available at drugstores and mass-market stores.

Bright on: One of the top brands in nail polish, OPI, has a new collection called Brights for OPI that features a shade of purple sure to help make the transition from summer to fall a breeze. With a jolt of color just right for those warm-weather hues, OPI's Purple With a Purpose is a deeper shade that will easily complement those fall colors you have stored away in your closet. Brights for OPI nail polish in Purple With a Purpose, $8.50, available at Ulta.

Nice ice, baby: With a name like Grape Icy, this vibrant, neon purple looks just as good as it smells. Part of Revlon's Scented Nail Enamel line, this polish is sure to catch the eyes and nose of everyone you come in contact with. Revlon Scented Nail Enamel in Grape Icy, $4.79, available at drugstores, mass-market stores, Ulta and at www.revlon.com.

Never say never: Part of Justin Bieber's "One Less Lonely Girl" collection for Nicole by OPI, this shade of perfect purple nail polish is called "I'm a Belieber." It's a trendy color that anyone can wear -- we won't tell if you're not 18 and a self-professed "Belieber" yourself. Nicole by OPI nail polish in I'm a Belieber, $7, available at drugstores and Ulta.

In the sky with diamonds: A beautiful shade of lilac, this light purple polish -- called Purple Diamond -- looks like it has been infused with, yes, diamonds (minus the cost). So whether you find yourself by the beach or out on the town, your fingers are sure to sparkle everywhere you go. Sinful Colors nail polish in Purple Diamond, $1.99, available at drugstores and at www.sinfulcolors.com.

Ready, polish, go: The perfect polish (and color) for the girl who is always on the go, Sally Hansen's Insta-Dri Nail Color in Lively Lilac is your go-to polish for those last minute getaways or when you just don't have an hour to spend on your nails. Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Color in Lively Lilac, $4.54, available at drugstores, mass-market stores and Ulta.