10 Pretty Pedicure Colors to Try While It’s Still Sandal Season

When September rolls around every year, I am in denial about saying goodbye to summer without fail. Yes, even in 2020 when we haven’t really had the most “normal” summer. I usually refuse to wear jeans, pants, tights, and other leg-covering materials until I find myself shivering away. And I sparingly wear boots, flats, and closed-toe shoes, trying to get the most out of what’s left of sandal season. So yeah, you can say I have a hard time letting go of things.

But because I am still pushing the limits of my sandal wearing until October, I have one concession for fall: I like to choose autumn-inspired hues for my pedicures. You know, the dark, moody, sexy colors of cooler months. And hey, even if you’ve been wearing boots, you don’t have to feel left out. You can still treat those toes of yours to a fall pedi. Make it a part of your self-care routine.

Whether you’re all in with fall or are having trouble like me, I’ve gathered some of the best fall pedicure color ideas and nail polishes to get the look.

Red is always a classic nail color, but you can take a darker turn this fall with hues like wine, burgundy, maroon, and crimson.

I love the color palette of autumn: reds, oranges, and yellows reminiscent of fallen leaves. Just looking at those hues brings vibes of warmth and coziness. So if you’re leaning toward those in your wardrobe and décor this season, why not experiment with them on your toes?

Summer is time for the sunny and neon yellows, but fall is an opportune moment to reach for shades like saffron, marigold, and gold. Plus, this color is pretty unexpected for a pedicure.

Inky blue is a different option for a fall pedicure. It’s not your usual dramatic black or classic red, yet it still gives off that moody vibe.

Dark greens like forest or hunter seem so natural and fresh. A pedicure in these shades could be inspired by a walk through the woods on a crisp fall day.

I love a dark, dark purple shade on my toes. It’s so mysterious and unique. My favorites are the deep hues that look black in some lighting but purple in other lighting. 

When you don’t want to reach for the black polish or the inky blue, why not opt for a brown shade? You could go with deep brown or a sandy mocha.

Of course, gray is another cool-weather pedicure staple. It strikes the right balance of the moodiness and coolness of the season. And the shades run the spectrum from darker gray to a more cloudy version.

Since there aren’t any hard-and-fast rules regarding which colors you can wear in the summer and which ones you can wear in the fall, it’s safe to say that nude hues know no season. So if you’re having a hard time transitioning to fall, you can start with a beige-like shade.

Black is, for sure, a statement maker, but it isn’t loud at all. Dramatic, moody, and a little sexy, it’s a grounding option for fall and beyond.

Next up, 14 Nail Polish Brands Manicurists and Beauty Editors Are Obsessed With