We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Style Nails The 13 Best August Nail Colors To End Summer With A Bang Meet the perfect "in-between" polish shades. By Kaitlyn Yarborough Kaitlyn Yarborough Part of the Southern Living team since 2017, Kaitlyn Yarborough Sadik is a Georgia native living in Austin, Texas, who covers a wide variety of topics for both the magazine and website, focusing on culture and lifestyle content, as well as travel in the South. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Published on July 25, 2024 OPI Claydreaming. Photo: OPI As much as we love the bright manicures of summer, we're get just as excited to end summer nail season with a bang that feels befitting of the transitional time between summer and fall. Since August marks the beginning of the in-between time of summer and fall, bridge the beauty gap by picking the best late-summer nail shades for your monthly manicure. Go for one of these more robust neutrals instead of your usual milky white or pastel pink, or try one of these rich and vibrant shades that feel almost ready for fall. For those wishing to hold onto summer just a bit longer, go brighter with shades of sunset orange, creamy nude, and metallic. Here are 13 perfect nail colors to try in August. OPI Barefoot in Barcelona PHOTO: Opi $12 at Amazon $12 at Target $12 at Sallybeauty.com This shade leans totally into nude territory without being washed-out. It's a warm-toned dusty pink-nude that is so versatile and feels perfect for the end of summer as you're heading into fall. Essie Swoon In The Lagoon PHOTO: Essie $10 at Amazon $11 at Walmart $10 at Target If you're a fan of pink nails year-round, try out this raspberry pink instead of your usual baby pink or hot pink. It's a bit more suited as you head into the end of summertime. OPI You're Such a Budapest PHOTO: OPI $12 at Amazon Periwinkle feels playful and vibrant without being overly bright or summery, making it extra perfect for finishing out summertime. Essie Expressie Skip the Track PHOTO: Ulta $9 at Amazon $12 at Walmart $10 at Target Lavender is one of the shades we don't want to give up after spring and summer is over, and luckily we don't have to—thanks to this muted lavender that is more taupe-based than pastel. Essie Butler Please PHOTO: Essie $8 at Amazon $10 at Walmart $9 at Walmart Trust us on this sleeper hit. Royal blue has been trending even more than red nails this year, and it's the fun pop of color you've been looking for. OPI Claydreaming PHOTO: Amazon $12 at Amazon $10 at Walmart Celebrate the coming season of cozy nail colors with a darker lavender-taupe shade that isn't too dark to wear in August. Essie Penny Talk PHOTO: Amazon $9 at Amazon $9 at Walmart $10 at Ulta This metallic copper polish teeters the line between summer and fall perfectly, giving nails a warm glow. OPI Alpaca My Bags PHOTO: Amazon $12 at Amazon View on Opi.com This dusty turquoise nail color is unexpectedly flattering and definitely more fun than your usual neutral. August is the perfect time to go for something you might not during another season. Essie Expressie Party Mix & Match PHOTO: Walmart $10 at Amazon $10 at Walmart $10 at Target Perhaps it's time to retire the summer candy pinks for a while and try out something a bit more demure, such as this muted rose pink that is subtle and sweet. OPI Put It In Neutral PHOTO: Ulta $12 at Amazon $10 at Walmart $12 at Target This pinkish beige is a longtime best-seller for a reason. It's a dependable neutral that feels bit less spring-oriented than its sibling shades Bubble Bath and Funny Bunny. Sally Hansen Soak At Sunset PHOTO: Ulta $8 at Amazon $8 at Walmart $11 at CVS Nothing says goodbye to summer like a sunset-hued manicure that makes the most of any leftover summer glow from beach days and lake hangs. The slightly metallic polish absolutely glows on fingers and toes. Revlon Pure Pearl PHOTO: Walmart $8 at Amazon $11 at Walmart $6 at Riteaid.com Glazed nails have been trending all year long, and they're not stopping from summer to fall. For those who wear Funny Bunny anytime, try out this pearl nail color that is finished with a glossy, pearlescent sheen. OPI Big Apple Red PHOTO: Amazon $12 at Amazon $10 at Walmart $12 at Target Bold, bright nail polish colors are a fun way to add a pop of color. Plus, there is no season that doesn't have a slot for a Big Apple Red moment. It's the perfect true red that can be worn on your fingers and toes. For those with certain collegiate allegiances with red school colors, it might get you in the spirit for game days to come. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit