Key Takeaways
- Flip flops and jeans it the perfect late-summer-early-fall outfit, and we found the best pedicure to wear with it.
- A dark pedicure color like navy, berry, and black looks so chic with sandals and pants.
Alas, chilly weather came along sooner than we thought it would. That doesn’t mean there won’t be pockets of warmth before things get really brutal, but it does mean we need to think about our fall wardrobes sooner rather than later.
The good news? This year’s transitional outfit inspiration is better than ever before. Though it’s technically too early to pick a winner of in-between-time style, an early contender is the jeans with flip flops trend.
Because you need it now, I’m here clue you in on the perfect pedicure to go with the look, or whatever your almost-fall go-to may be. The dogs are staying out longer this year, and they need their pre-winter coat.
The Trend
The ideal polish in question is a deep, dark, and moody shade that gives both “cozy” and “it’s warm enough to expose my toes to the elements.” While we’re partial to navy polish, a berry or black also does the trick.
@harrietwestmoreland/Instagram
When paired with a summery sandal and long pant, the shade has the energy of that special kind of beach day where it’s too cold to swim but the perfect temperature to enjoy the salty air while wrapped up in a cashmere sweater. Think iced pumpkin lattes. Wearing a jacket to lunch but shedding it while you sit in the sunshine. Bonfires where the mosquitos have already gone away for the year and its safe to show skin.
@maryljean/Instagram
The Inspiration
The energy here comes less from the pop-girlie-night-out side of Y2K style, and more from the chill day spent sipping a blueberries and cream frappuccino side. The Dixie Chicks’ Fly album cover shoot (a big moment for denim and early aughts footwear) is a good vibe reference point, as is Byrdie’s guide to the moody ’90s manicure.
Getty Images
At Copenhagen Fashion Week earlier this month, the streets were full of cute girls in jeans and flops. Scandi style worships fun but semi-safe color options, and navy on the toes is a surprise that still feels fairly home-y. The flip flops and jeans combo does the same trick.
@harrietwestmoreland/Instagram
How to Get the Look
Unlike, say, a bob, this is a super easy and quick trend to pull off this fall. All you need is your favorite dark nail polish! If you hate it, remover is easy to come by. (I promise Big Apple Red will always be waiting.)
@samreid___/Instagram
Manucurist has a classic Navy Blue, and OPI’s Aquarius Renegade is lovely with a bit of pearly sheen. If you’re team berry but not blueberry, I’d go for Essie’s Berry Naughty or Zoya’s Brynlee, and OPI’s Lincoln Park After Dark is a near-black purple that suits the trend perfectly.
As far as the outfitting part goes? There’s not much to explain! After painting your toenails, you throw on your favorite pair of jeans and flip flops. You go out in the world. You look cool. You find comfort in the fact that summer will someday come again, and the Havaianas don’t have to retire just yet.
