I’ve reached the point in August where I’m simultaneously trying to squeeze every last drop out of summer and getting low-key embarrassingly excited about fall. I still want bright colors and anything that looks good next to a tan, but I’m also suddenly eyeing black polish and every shade that could reasonably be described as pumpkin spice. My favorite nail looks this week reflect that exact state of mind.
On one end of the spectrum, there are butterfly motifs, tiny stars, and a colorful striped French that still feel right at home in August. Then there’s the other camp: glossy black, zebra print, molten orange chrome that practically screams pumpkin spice, and deeper shades creeping onto toes before we’re quite ready to commit to them on our fingers. Somewhere in the middle, mixed-metal chrome and a polka dot deep red French make a very convincing argument for ignoring seasons altogether.
That’s probably why I like this week’s lineup so much. It feels like permission to follow whatever mood you’re in that day—hold onto summer with a tiny star manicure, flirt with fall via a burnt orange chrome, or skip the seasonal debate entirely and go for something that just looks really good. Here are the best nail looks of the week.
Metal Mixer
(Image credit: IG @bw.nails)
I’ve never subscribed to the idea that you have to be a gold or silver person. This manicure takes that same approach, splitting the hands between molten gold and mirror-like silver chrome. Consider the metals officially mixed.
Côte Beauty
Alchemy Nail Polish
Butterfly Effect
(Image credit: IG @bw.nails)
The first of not one, but two butterfly-inspired manicures that made my saves this week. This version goes moodier, translating the intricate pattern of a wing into smokey blue-gray nail art via blooming gel.
Chanel
Le Vernis 125 – MUSE
Red Hot Dots
(Image credit: IG @glossyleny)
A red French tip already has my attention, but the tiny silver studs are what sold me. They play into the polka dot trend, only much shinier.
Stripe Right
(Image credit: IG @nailswithjennym)
Summer isn’t over yet, and these striped nails clearly got the memo. Bands of pink, mint, yellow, brown, and white turn a classic French into something much more fun, with a few tiny crystals thrown in for good measure.
Nail Reformation
Surf Stripe
Split Decision
(Image credit: IG @houseoforangebali)
This is exactly where my brain is in late August: pale, barely-there polish on the fingers; nearly black polish on the toes. You can have one foot in fall without completely abandoning summer.
Pumpkin Spice
(Image credit: IG @tombachik)
Fine, I’m ready for pumpkin spice—at least on my nails. The burnt-orange shade is fall enough to scratch the itch, while the high-shine chrome finish keeps it from feeling too autumnal too soon.
Flutter By
(Image credit: IG @_citre)
Where the first butterfly manicure is dark and detailed, this one pulls from the hazy greens, golds, and amber tones of actual wings for something softer and almost translucent-looking.
Le Mini Macaron
Le Sweet Nail Polish Collection – Matcha Latte
Gone Wild
(Image credit: IG @betina_goldstein)
Animal print is basically a neutral in my book. Glossy black nails keep this manicure feeling sleek, while two sheer accent nails covered in fine zebra stripes add just enough zhuzh to be interesting.
Chanel
Le Vernis 161 – LE DIABLE EN CHANEL
Star Light
(Image credit: IG @m.o.n.a.j)
Sometimes the tiniest detail does all the work. A sheer pink base and a scattering of miniature metallic stars feel like one last little ode to summer.
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