A nail expert just revealed the unexpected colours set to define October.
It used to be that, come October, I’d start the annual ritual of neglecting my feet, given that open-toe season was officially coming to a close. And yes, I’m aware that this is probably sacrilege for a beauty editor to admit. However, with temperatures still flying high, my feet are very much on display and, frankly, I’m not ready to put them away just yet.
The upside? I get to experiment with a whole new wave of pedicure colours . Not sure where to start for this transitional pedicure season ? I spoke to Daisy Kalnina, founder and CEO of The GelBottle Inc. , who reveals the six colour trends she predicts will be everywhere this month.
So, whether you’re jetting off in search of some last-minute sunshine or simply want to keep your feet looking their best for a little longer, here are the six pedicure shades to know about now.
Rebecca Ferrazwyatt sporting a green pedicure
"We’ve seen so many variations of teal for nails this year, and for October, I think we’ll start to see it transition to pedis," reveals Kalnina . Darker than a normal teal and with a hint of shimmer, October's take is the perfect choice to signify the change of season. Heading to the salon? Ask for Room Service from The GelBottle.
I'm a big fan of Nailberry as they're formulas are nail kind and chip-resistant.
"While we started to see this transition happen for manis as early as August, it’s only a matter of time before deep, rich chocolate shades make their way onto toes," reveals Kalnina . Think ultra-dark espresso browns with a high-gloss finish that feel incredibly high-end.
Rich and glossy, this is a must-have shade if you're looking to opt for coffee-inspired pedi.
For a milkier version, try this chocolate-esque polish from & Other Stories.
"For those who love deep, cool-toned colour, rich blues are stepping into the spotlight as October's most striking pedi choice," Kalnina tells me. Its rich, inky hue looks very cool paired with peep-toe heels.
Rich, inky and statement-making, this colour is made for autumn pedicures.
You can also lean into a deep petrol blue for instant depth and drama, suggests Kalnina .
Super glossy purple bridges the gap between vibrant berry tones from summer and deeper, midnight shades for winter, believes Kalina . They're also a nod to the jewelled purples that made a major impact on autumn/winter runways.
Not too pastel, not too jewell-toned, this purple is just perfect.
In a rush? This dries in double quick time for those on the go.
"2026 has seen magnetic (or cat-eye ) finishes continue to grow in popularity, alongside the massive jelly nail trend we saw for spring," says Kalnina . But now she predicts that texture will move to pedis.
"We’ll start to see layering of subtle shimmer, icy velvet cat-eyes or high-flash sparkle." Noting that this can be alone or over dark, moody bases. "It transforms the classic autumn pedicures and brings multi-layered dimension to feet," she adds.
I love how this subtly changes colour as you walk.
A great shout for those who's toe nails need some TLC.
Red is a pedicure staple, but October elevates it into 'quiet luxury' territory. "Oxblood and vampy burgundy undertones feel deliberate, expensive, and polished rather than loud," adds Kalnina .
This rich, lacquered red is sure to command all the compliments.
Infused with peony and pistachio extracts, this gorgeous formula helps enhance nail health while delivering a beautifully polished finish.
At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including some skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.
Perdita Nouril is a London-based beauty editor with over 15 years of experience in beauty and health media. She is widely regarded as a trusted authority, known for her ability to spot emerging trends and translate complex scientific insights into clear, consumer-friendly advice. She also regularly conducts in-depth interviews with high-profile celebrities, offering insight into their health and beauty routines and personal philosophies.
Her work has appeared in leading national newspapers and magazines, including The Telegraph, Sunday Times Style, Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, Grazia, Stylist, Refinery29 and Vice. Perdita currently serves as Beauty Editor at Women’s Health UK and Grooming Editor at Men’s Health UK. She is also the co-host of The Outspoken Beauty Podcast.