9 Cozy Pedicure Colors to Wiggle Your Toes In
As we head into the -ber months, update your pedicure with these shades.
Getting a pedicure during the -ber months 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. “It’s 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.
These days, you can expect deep, moody colors and ultrarich earth tones. “These hues totally set the 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 palette. Read on to discover the pedicure colors that capture the many vibes of the current months.
Meet the experts:
Sarah Chue is a nail artist based in Los Angeles.
Erica De Los Santos is a nail artist and founder of Nail’d It Beauty Lounge in Kenvil, New Jersey.
Mazz Hanna is a Los Angeles-based manicurist and CEO of Nailing Hollywood, a boutique agency.
Julie Kandalec is a New York City-based manicurist, educator for CND, and brand ambassador for Kiss Nails.
Lily Nguyen is a manicurist and founder of Labo Beauté Salon in Los Angeles.
Sojin Oh is a 3D nail artist based in Los Angeles and creative consultant to Kijibae.
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.”
Some sage shades to try: OPI Nail Lacquer My Studios On Spring or Zoya Nail Lacquer in Satin Sage.
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,” says Oh.
We can recommend trying Sally Hansen Hard as Nails With the Beet or Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in Zip Wine.
Burnt Orange
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 Barry M Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint in Apricot Tart, Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro in Hot Child In The City or OPI Stop at Nothing.
Oxblood
Like the jacket you reach for as soon as the temperature dips, oxblood is a timeless 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.”
Try Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro in Single Ladies and Blazin’.
Earthy Browns
Rich shades of brown—from deep espresso to warm amber—add a touch of depth to any look. “Earthy browns feel naturally fitting with Western-inspired footwear and add warmth to both structured and textured designs,” says De Los Santos.
Try Bobbie Nails Ultra Shine Collection in Seductive Cocoa and Barry M Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint in Chai Latte.
Concrete
Cool grey is an elevated way to complement the sheer flats that have been all over your feed. “Colors like bone gray or charcoal gray offer up a bit of attention, but not too much,” says nail artist Sarah Chue. “For the most part, we don’t want to draw much attention to the toes, but if you were to see them, they’re well-kept and chic.” If you want to play with a matte finish, Chue notes the effect is especially flattering over lighter grays.
Get your hands (and nails!) on Orly Breathable Nail Lacquer in Aloe Goodbye and Deborah Lippmann x Grey Jason Wu Grey Day if you want to try this trend.
Taupe
Feeling more of a neutral vibe? Taupe, the happy medium between beige and gray, is a versatile choice that plays well with minimalist and maximalist aesthetics alike. “Taupe is an understated neutral,” Hanna says. “It’s soft, wearable, and works with just about everything in your wardrobe.” For a taupe that makes an impact, go for Orly’s Breathable Nail Lacquer in Staycation or Sally Hansen Hard As Nails Xtreme Wear Bare Hug
Dark Denim
If an inky black lacquer feels too intense to wear on all 10 toes, consider a dark indigo in its place; the end result is just as polished without feeling too severe. “Navy pedicures are sleek, polished, and always in season,” Hanna says. “It’s a cool weather staple that’s a softer alternative to black.”
To match your toes with your favorite pair of jeans, try Orly’s Breathable Nail Lacquer in De Stressed Denim or Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in Blueberry.
Sheer Neutral
Mimicking the appearance of a bare nail with a little extra shine, Julie Kandalec, a New York City-based manicurist, has been noticing many celebrities going color-free on the red carpet. “I have just started seeing some non-polished toes on celebs like Anne Hathaway and Hailey Bieber, and I do see this as a trend as well,” she says. “I don’t mean completely undone. I mean a perfect cuticle with the sheerest of pink and white gel polishes to mimic a perfectly healthy, buffed nail.”
Try Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Only Have Ice For You or CuCo Sheer Nail Polish in Bareable.
Cozy meets festive
Whether you go with something deeper and richer like oxblood or plum, or lean towards the lighter end of the spectrum with a taupe or sheer neutral, keep in mind that the -ber months usher in a spirit of festivity and celebration, so be sure to have fun with your pedicure color, whichever it may be!
