Getting a pedicure during the fall is like wearing a particularly daring lingerie set under your outfit. It’s a thrill! And a way to experiment with something that might be outside your comfort zone. “Fall is the ideal opportunity to try out bolder, darker, or unexpected shades without the pressure of constantly coordinating with open-toe footwear,” says Erica De Los Santos, manicurist and founder of Nail’d It Beauty Lounge. If the mood strikes and you want to unveil your look, you’ll be walking more confidently than ever.
This season, you can expect deep, moody colors and ultrarich earth tones. “These hues totally set the fall mood,” says Sojin Oh, 3D nail artist and creative consultant to Kijibae. “They’re cozy, grounded, and have depth.” You’ll also find unexpected colors like sheer neutrals, concrete, and sage green, adding a soft, subdued take to the fall palette. Read on to discover the pedicure colors that capture the many vibes of the season.
Sage Green
Burning sage is said to help cleanse and reset energy. IMO, getting a sage color pedicure can have the same effect. “Sage is a soft, transitional green that bridges summer and fall,” says Mazz Hanna, manicurist and CEO of Nailing Hollywood. “It adds a subtle pop of color without clashing with deeper autumn shades.”
Try your hand at the cat-eye effect with Devil’s Ivy by Mooncat, which has a silver shimmer that you can activate by hovering a magnet above the wet lacquer. If a sparkle-free finish is more your speed, pick up the Manucurist Nail Polish in Sage. Looking for something deeper? Opt for the rich and creamy OPI Nail Polish in Leaf by Example.
Plum
If milky lavender or punchy purple tones are your go-tos during the warmer months, consider plum their moody big sister with the best goth-rock playlist on repeat. “Deep plum gives the same sultry vibes seen in velvet and wine-hued accessories, which are always popular in the fall,” says Oh. ILNP’s Currant and Ten Over Ten’s Orchard are classic creme-finish plums that are ripe for the cooler weather.
Feeling something with a little more dimension? Londontown Lakur in Vixen Red is an eggplant infused with pink shimmer that would look right at home in the Hocus Pocus makeup trailer.
Burnt Orange
Whether you’re inspired by the changing foliage or the seasonal treats you pair with your pumpkin spice latte, warm siennas pair especially well against an otherwise neutral ensemble. “Burnt orange brings a surprising pop of color that’s fitting for cooler weather,” says manicurist Lily Nguyen. “It’s a shade people don’t tend to reach for when it comes to their toes, but it works well in the fall.”
Go for an opaque option like Tandoori by Habit Cosmetics. We also love I Yam What I Yam by Cracked Polish, which has a jelly finish, and Kokie’s Green Polish in Hotline, which is packed with shimmer.
Oxblood
Like the coat you reach for as soon as the temperature dips into the low 50s, oxblood is a timeless fall staple. “This shade evokes the cozy, warm feeling of fall, mirroring seasonal changes like turning leaves,” De Los Santos says. “Deep reds also exude a sense of elegance, making them a go-to for those looking to add a sophisticated touch to their pedicure.”
Pay homage to your favorite campy, bloodsucker-themed YA series with Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Color Nail Polish in Vampire’s Touch or Le Mini Macaron Nail Polish in Cassis. CND Vinylux in Take Root also nails the oxblood trend and comes with a built-in base coat, eliminating the need for that extra step.
Earthy Browns
Rich shades of brown—from deep espresso to warm amber—add a touch of depth to any look and are perfect for the peep-toes you might be wearing while the weather’s still mild. “Earthy browns feel naturally fitting with Western-inspired footwear and add warmth to both structured and textured designs,” says De Los Santos.