I have a system for this, which is surprising to those who know me as I hunt, work outside, and do other activities that would ruin nails.
I take into consideration:
-upcoming events: Am I wearing a dress to this event? What color is the dress or in the outfit? (find a color that matches or compliments the dress/outfit)
- upcoming holidays: What holidays are in the near future? Christmas? Red and green with glitter. New Year's? Blue, gold, and silver.
-seasonal colors: In the summer, I mostly do pinks, yellows, and light blues; Winter is more purple or blue; Spring is pink, purple, blue
- "Screw it": When I'm tired of thinking, I just say "Screw it!" and choose a random color. I never do white or black though.
I never get fake tips though, because I had two-inch ones for prom (my first time ever). But, I ended up going to Europe for two weeks, so I had to suffer until I got back to America!
I'm a bit tomboyish, so my nails are one of the few ways I express my femininity.
It varies depending on my mood and what I am doing.If its juts a casual week with nothing specific planned than any random color.If its a college football game then orange or or purple. If its a special night then match whatever I plan to wear
It depends on the season...spring and summer are more bright fun colors, and fall and winter are more dark sexy colors. My mood has a lot to do with it too, I switch up a lot. I do my own, I don't like other people touching my feet and both my finger nails and toe nails have to match.
I tend to just go with my mood- I have a rather large collection of polishes and I just look at them and select the one that speaks to me in that moment.
I usually go for pinks, red, or purple, and some blues. Lighter shades in warmer months and darker in colder months. I don't go wild and bright and do not like my nails very long.
Clear nail polish and a fresh salon manicure every 3 weeks keeps me in good shape. I hate chipped polish and I don't have time to stay on top of that kind of thing every week.
My toes however...I love burgundy and steel grey mostly and I do my own pedicures once a month. They last great and they are always ready for sandals
My wardrobe is the biggest deciding factor for my nail color, which is ultimately influenced by the seasons. Fortunately I live in an area that has a 'true' Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter, which allows me to have a practical and comprehensive wardrobe.
I do neutral/darker colors in the cool seasons and light/bright colors in the warm seasons.
Fall/Winter colors tend to be darker/more neutral, so even if the color(s) I choose isn't an exact match to what I'm wearing, it won't ever clash or distract from my outfit.
The same logic applies for my wardrobe in the Spring/Summer when I'm wearing brighter/lighter colors.
However, if I feel like wearing a color regardless of the seasons, I do so...but more often than not, I go with the seasons, because I dress according to the seasons for the most part.
i choose my nail color based on the seasons, or just my mood at the moment. i keep nothing but a clear topcoat on my fingernails. my toenails is where i play. in the spring and summer, i like pastels and brights. in the autumn and winter, i prefer deeper richer colors. if going by strictly mood, i may use a glitter polish, or do a design.