Getting a monthly pedicure is sort of a ritual for me, and I consider myself a regular at my neighborhood nail salon, not just in the spring and summer months, but also in the fall. I’ll admit that during the summer, my standard pedicure shade is white, and I don’t tend to deviate from it very often since it’s an easy pick and it goes with pretty much anything. That said, a drop in temperature obviously calls for something a little different, and I make it my mission to switch things up once autumn rolls around.
My favorite fall pedicure colors are some of the more typical deep, dark, vampy shades that match the moodiness of the season, though I may have one or two unexpected hues in my usual lineup (spoiler: more white!). After a few years of regular pedicures, I’ve narrowed down my go-to nail polish colors that I tend to switch off between for fall. Read ahead to discover my top picks.
Crisp White
I know it’s long been considered a faux pas to wear white after Labor Day (though MC fashion editors beg to differ), and I know that this rule likely does extend to the colors you choose to wear on your hands and feet, but I’ll simply never give up white pedicures. Sue me!
Believe it or not, not all white nail polishes are created the same, and for years, this was my go-to color in the salon because it’s a very stark white as opposed to other softer, creamier tones.
This luxury option from Dior also has a very crisp, white finish that looks perfectly bright and glossy against deeper skin tones.
Oxblood
Deep, dark reds are some of the first colors that come to mind whenever the temperatures start to drop, and that’s because they truly embody the moody-but-cozy energy of fall. These colors are also great for when you want something dark but don’t want to go fully off the deep end with black nails.
Don’t be fooled by the initial appearance of this polish. It’s a deep, wine red with black undertones, making it look like a black cherry color when it’s actually applied to the nail.
This is another vampy red that’s so deep, it almost appears black until you do a double take.
Black
Black nail polish has always been a staple in my rotation of colors, and it especially gets a lot of love during the fall and winter months, whether I’m painting my nails an all-over black or getting a black nail design. Black has always been associated with the gothic and grunge trends, and while I believe we’ve evolved far beyond that stereotype, I do think that now would be the perfect time to put the dark color to the test as grunge makeup seems to be back on the rise.
Are you really a black nail enthusiast if you didn’t grow up wearing Black Onyx? This is a classic, beloved shade from OPI, and it’s the holy grail black nail polish that I’ve been wearing since high school.
Usually it’s recommended that you apply at least two coats of polish before topping it with a top coat to get the best coverage, but ILNP’s black is so pigmented that you can achieve an all-over color in just one coat. And you can’t beat that.
Chocolate Brown
I don’t consider brown to be a very traditional manicure or pedicure color, but it’s one of my favorite neutrals, and rich, chocolate brown colors are often my go-to during the season because they’re deep and sophisticated without being as harsh as black.
This is a deep brown that can almost pass for black upon first glance, but when you look closer, you can see the rich brown undertones.
This is a brown that’s more on the chocolate side, and it’s ideal for when you want a color that’s rich and deep, but not as dark as an espresso color.
Burnt Orange
No color captures the energy of fall quite like a deep, burnt orange nail. If you’re looking for a warm hue that can also serve as a subtle reminder of the foliage, this is the one.
This is a creamy, amber color that honestly reminds me of a pumpkin spice latte. It’s a great in-between shade if you want an orange that’s not too deep, but also isn’t as bright as a traditional, summery orange.
This earthy color matches a variety of different skin tones, and it features just the right blend of orange and red to feel perfectly on brand for fall.
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