It's a Fact: These 10 End-of-Summer Nail Shades Exclaim "I Possess Exceptional Taste"
Well, here we are—those awkward final weeks of August signaling the impending arrival of autumn. Your last trip to the beach has come and gone, sunsets are distinctly shorter, and attention is now on the early fall trends, including new shoe styles, fresh fragrances, and rich, luxurious nail colors. Although applying a moody plum polish might not seem quite right when temperatures still hover around 80 degrees (even if gothic "summerween" manicures are trending right now). Instead of abruptly swapping out your bright colors, consider opting for transitional nail shades as we approach the official start of fall.
Of course, there are no strict rules when it comes to manicures, so feel free to wear whichever nail color you prefer. If you enjoy pretty pastels or luscious jelly tones, go for it! However, if you typically like to match your nail polish with the season, experts have a few favorite colors to transition from summer to fall. "The shift from summer to fall should focus on dialing down the brightness rather than making a sudden leap to darker shades," advises celebrity manicurist Gina Edwards. "Late August is my preferred time for wearing 'in-between' shades that aren’t overly summery or too autumnal." Consider choosing softer, more subdued versions of summer favorites—like terracotta instead of tomato, smoky lavender instead of lilac, olive instead of pistachio, and so on. Below, discover the most stylish options for your next salon visit.
The 10 Most Stylish Summer to Fall Transition Nail Colors:
**Soft Terracotta**
"I'm really into colors that come across as sophisticated rather than dramatic," says Edwards, who suggests a soft terracotta hue. Earthy and warm, it's an excellent choice for those wanting to switch their orangey-red nails. While true red will always be in fashion, terracotta provides that same fiery essence but with a muted, fall-appropriate twist.
**Pearl**
Glazed, pearlescent nails are timeless. While they don’t fit neatly into any seasonal category, professional nail technician Lia Smith describes pearl manicures as a "cool, crisp choice" to replace stark white. "[Some people] appreciate the sun-kissed glow of summer and how nudes or white stand out," she explains. Pearl polish gives a similar contrast with a sheer finish, making it feel less summery. Even so, an icy white manicure can look chic in winter; the polish is timeless!
**Cinnamon Nude**
Cinnamon-spiced manicures are making a comeback! Following last year's trend, brown shades are set to be popular this fall. However, before fully diving into cocoa tones, Edwards suggests starting with a more subdued neutral. This cinnamon set from nail artist Oksana Zavora features just the right amount of shimmer for a subtle appearance, and the pastel pink accents add a perfect summery flair.
**Creamy Mocha**
Brown tones remain a staple. This creamy mocha manicure from celebrity manicurist Iram Shelton is softer than rich shades, making it an ideal in-between color for late summer sets. Think of it as an iced latte, rather than espresso.
**Mushroom Taupe**
For fans of cool-toned nail polish, a soft mushroom taupe could be ideal. "The most stylish manicures aren’t necessarily the boldest; they’re the ones that feel deliberate," Edwards notes, and this understated hue certainly qualifies. A blend of brown and gray, it's the epitome of a classic neutral. Smith agrees, describing it as a "nude with depth [that] works for either season." OPI's Berlin There, Doin' That is her top polish choice from the brand's popular Most Requested Collection.
**Smoky Lavender**
It's well-known that lilac has been a hit this season, from eye makeup to pastel manicures. As we transition into fall, we can expect nail styles to become more gray-toned and hazy. According to Edwards, "smoky lavender" is one of her recommended transitional shades.
**Muted Olive**
"Another unexpected favorite is a muted olive green," Edwards shares. Green nail polish is here to stay, but instead of mint or pistachio, try a deeper olive shade. This color maintains yellow undertones like pistachio, yet its richer tone is more fitting for the transitional season.
**Burnished Caramel**
Not entirely brown, yet not quite gold, a burnished caramel nail color is arguably the perfect shade for late summer. It’s rich yet radiant, glowing but soft, and makes a chic statement all on its own without needing nail art. However, the aura design created by celebrity nail artist Queenie Nguyen is worth considering for your mood board.
**Warm Blackberry**
A deep blackberry hue looks incredibly stylish—especially on shorter nails! If committing to a darker polish feels too intense on sunny, humid days, you might prefer a warmer dark purple tone, as suggested by
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It's a Fact: These 10 End-of-Summer Nail Shades Exclaim "I Possess Exceptional Taste"
Celebrity nail artists are in agreement.
