As summer winds down, we likely aren’t the only ones feeling bittersweet about the season change. While it’s sad to put the swimsuits, summer nail art and beach days behind us, we’re looking forward to fall nail colors, sweaters and changing leaves. But right now, smack in the middle of the summer-to-fall transition, we’re facing a very specific manicure dilemma: We’re starting to crave the richness of fall, but we’re not quite ready to send our bright summer shades into hibernation. Enter: summer-to-fall transition nails, the happy medium between the two seasons.
Instead of jumping straight from hot pink and neon orange to oxblood and dark chocolate, transitional manicures borrow a little from both—think dusty versions of your favorite summer colors, warm neutrals and earthy shades that subtly nod to the upcoming season. This time of year, pair your transitional nail polish colors with classic nail shapes and lengths. “I’m seeing clients gravitate toward two shapes the most: almond and short square,” says New Jersey and New York celebrity nail artist and educator Erica De Los Santos. “Almond continues to be a favorite, especially for clients who like a little length. It gives the nails a softer, more elongated look and works beautifully whether they’re keeping the design simple or adding nail art.”
Meanwhile, “short square nails are definitely having their moment,” she says. “Clients are loving a shorter, clean, more natural-looking manicure that still feels polished and put together. I’m seeing more clients choose a practical length that works with their everyday lifestyle without sacrificing style.”
Ahead, the best summer-to-fall transition shades to try for this in-between moment.
1 / 12
Sage and Olive Green Nails
“Green is another easy transition color,” says De Los Santos. “If you’ve been loving lighter sage greens for summer, start moving into olive. It’s still a pop of color, but the earthy tone makes it feel much more fall.” Try Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Nail Polish in Pound the Pave-Mint ($4).
Instagram / @lolo.nailedit
2 / 12
Mauve Nails
“You really can’t go wrong with mauve,” says De Los Santos. “It’s a great neutral when you’re not ready for those darker fall colors yet. You still get a little bit of pink, but it’s muted enough to start giving fall.” Try Essie Expressie Quick-Dry Nail Polish in Get A Mauve On ($10).
Instagram / @lolo.nailedit
3 / 12
Cherry Red Nails
“Instead of immediately going super dark with burgundy, start with a rich cherry red,” says De Los Santos. “It still has that sexy, bright red feel, but it’s deeper and richer than the reds we normally reach for during summer.” Try Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in Pompier ($34).
Instagram / @craftedbyaprince
4 / 12
Blue-Gray Nails
“If you’ve been wearing all those bright blues this summer, try bringing some gray into your blue,” says De Los Santos. “A smoky blue-gray still gives you color, but it feels a little softer and more muted for the change of season.” Try Olive & June Gel Polish in Vintage ($12).
Instagram / @lolo.nailedit
5 / 12
Sheer Shades
“I will always say sheer nails work in every season,” says De Los Santos. “Instead of completely changing your sheer manicure for fall, change what you pair it with. Try a sheer pink or nude with a chocolate, burgundy, navy, olive or even black French tip. It’s such an easy transition.” Try Zoya Naked Manicure Perfector in Pink Perfector ($12).
Instagram / @nailsby.rian_
6 / 12
Golden Orange Nails
“Orange is definitely going to be one of my favorites for the transition,” says De Los Santos. “It’s a beautiful orange cat-eye that still feels fun and bright enough for summer, but the golden warmth makes it a color I can see being a huge favorite going into fall.” Try The GelBottle Inc Gel Colour in Golden Hour Magnetic ($21).
Instagram / @lolo.nailedit
7 / 12
Jelly Nails
“I’m not ready to give up jelly nails just because summer is ending,” says De Los Santos. “The trick is going a little deeper with the color. Think berry pink, plum-purple, smoky blue or even a deeper wine jelly. You still get that translucent jelly look, just with more fall energy.” Try Nails.INC 45 Second Speedy Gloss Ready To Jelly in Aria ($8).
Instagram / @craftedbyaprince
8 / 12
Mushroom and Taupe Nails
“If you’re a nude girl, try switching your regular nude for a mushroom or taupe,” says De Los Santos. “You’re still staying neutral, but those gray and brown undertones make the manicure feel a little more fall without being too dark.” Try Essie Gel Couture Longwear Nail Polish in Tassel Free ($13).
Instagram / @lolo.nailedit
9 / 12
Caramel and Toffee Nails
“Before we get into those really dark chocolate browns, I love caramel and toffee tones,” says De Los Santos. “They’re warm, creamy and look especially pretty when you still have that end-of-summer glow.” Try OPI Nail Lacquer in Route Beer Float ($12).
Instagram / @lolo.nailedit
10 / 12
Dusty Rose Nails
“For my pink girls who are not giving up pink for fall, you don’t have to,” says De Los Santos. “Just take your pink a little dustier or deeper. A muted rose gives you the pink you love without feeling too bright or summery.” Try Essie Nail Polish in Eternal Optimist ($10).
Instagram / @lolo.nailedit
11 / 12
Plum Nails
“I love plum for this time of year because you can play with how deep you want to go,” says De Los Santos. “A brighter, juicy plum still works for the end of summer, and as we get further into fall you can start going deeper and richer.” Try Manucurist Green Nail Polish in Victoria Plum ($14).
Instagram / @lolo.nailedit
12 / 12
Champagne & Bronze Chrome
“Yes, we are still doing chrome,” says De Los Santos. “Instead of the super bright white or pearl chrome from summer, start warming it up with champagne, soft gold or bronze. It’s the same beautiful effect, just with a fall twist.” Try Essie Metallics Nail Polish in Imported Bubbly ($10).
Instagram / @craftedbyaprince
