It's a Fact: These 10 End-of-Summer Nail Shades exude "I Have Exceptional Style"
Well, here we are—those uncomfortable weeks of late August signaling the arrival of autumn. Your last trip to the beach is behind you, sunsets are noticeably shorter, and attention shifts to early fall, with new shoe styles, fresh scents, and rich, luxurious nail colors. While applying a dark plum polish may feel out of place with the temperature still hovering around 80 degrees (even if gothic summer manicures are trending), instead of abruptly switching to deep shades, consider opting for transitional nail colors as fall officially begins.
Of course, there are no set rules for manicures, so feel free to wear any nail color you desire. If you fancy a pretty pastel or a vibrant jelly shade, go for it! However, if you prefer to align your nail polish with the changing seasons, experts have some recommendations for summer-to-fall favorites. "Shifting from summer to fall is really about toning down brightness instead of making a sudden change to darker hues," explains celebrity manicurist Gina Edwards. "Late August is my favorite time to wear 'in-between' shades that don’t feel too summery or overly autumnal." Consider softer, more muted versions of summer staples—terracotta instead of tomato, smokey lavender instead of lilac, olive instead of pistachio, and so on. Below are the most fashionable options for your next salon visit.
The 10 Most Stylish Summer to Fall Transition Nail Colors
**Soft Terracotta**
"I love colors that exude sophistication rather than drama," says Edwards, who quickly recommends a soft terracotta shade. Earthy and warm, it's an ideal choice for those wanting to update their orangey-red manicures. While a true red is timeless, terracotta provides a fiery vibe with a subdued, fall-appropriate finish.
**Pearl**
Pearlescent nails are timeless and not confined to any specific season. Professional nail technician Lia Smith describes pearl manicures as a "cool, crisp transition option" to replace stark white. "[Some people] enjoy the sun-kissed glow of summer and how nudes or white stand out," she mentions. A pearl polish delivers a similar contrast with a sheer finish, avoiding any overly beachy feel. But just to reiterate, an icy white manicure is also stunning in winter; the polish is classic!
**Cinnamon Nude**
Ready for cinnamon-spiced manicures? This fall, brown tones will take center stage again; however, before diving into deep cocoa shades, Edwards suggests starting with a more muted neutral. This cinnamon set from nail artist Oksana Zavora has just enough shimmer to keep it subtle, while the pastel pink ribbons add a perfect summery touch.
**Creamy Mocha**
Brown tones are consistently in vogue. This creamy mocha manicure from celebrity manicurist Iram Shelton is muted rather than rich, making it a fantastic in-between color for late-summer styles. Consider it an iced latte rather than espresso.
**Mushroom Taupe**
For fans of cool-toned nail polishes, an earthy mushroom taupe is a great option. "The most stylish manicures aren’t necessarily the boldest or trendiest; they’re the ones that feel purposeful," Edwards states, and this gentle, refined color certainly meets that criteria. A blend of brown and gray, it exemplifies a timeless neutral. Smith concurs, referring to it as a "nude with depth [that] works in either season." OPI's Berlin There, Doin' That is her top polish choice from the brand's sought-after Most Requested Collection.
**Smokey Lavender**
Lilac has been a dominant trend this season across various styles, from makeup to blush to pastel nails. As we gradually enter fall, nail styles can be expected to adopt a hazy, grayish quality. Edwards names "smokey lavender" as one of her favorite transitional nail color suggestions.
**Muted Olive**
"Another surprise favorite is a muted olive green," shares Edwards. Green nail polish remains popular, but instead of mint or pistachio, consider wearing a darker olive shade. This color keeps the warm undertones of pistachio but has a softer, richer appearance more suited to the transitional season.
**Burnished Caramel**
Not entirely brown, yet not quite gold, a burnished caramel is arguably the most suitable shade for late summer. It’s rich yet radiant, soft yet luminous, making it a chic choice—all on its own without any nail art. However, this aura design from celebrity nail artist Queenie Nguyen is definitely worth adding to your inspiration board.
**Warm Blackberry**
A dark blackberry shade looks incredibly stylish—especially on shorter nails! If you’re hesitant to commit to a deep color when it’s sunny and humid, consider opting for a warmer shade of dark purple, as shown by celebrity manicurist Julia Diogo. Trust me, when it catches the light, it looks even more striking.
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It's a Fact: These 10 End-of-Summer Nail Shades exude "I Have Exceptional Style"
Celebrity nail artists are in agreement.
