The lore behind the color Nantucket red is deep and storied in New England, but if you live outside of the preppy coastal radius, you may not be familiar with the town’s signature shade. Nantucket red is a faded red that’s like a deeper salmon or dusty rose or even a fresh sunburn. If you recently watched Sirens, you surely saw the color mixed into many of the local characters’ outfits.
The color is said to have come from the red sun-faded pants of sailors, but now everyone from wealthy grandmothers to college seniors can be seen sporting the shade. Red nails are classic for summer, but a Nantucket red manicure is something fresh. We scoured the internet for nail polish shades that resemble Nantucket red so you can get a little bit of an East Coast summer wherever you are.
Nantucket Red Nail Polish Colors
1 / 6
OPI My Solar Clock Is Ticking ($13)
This is our unofficial campaign to bring back the iconic discontinued Nantucket Mist shade from OPI. Until then, this burnt red from the brand pairs perfectly with a classic Nantucket red cap.
OPI 2 / 6
CHANEL Fabuliste ($33)
For the luxe Nantucket red fans, of which there are many, might we suggest this CHANEL shade? “The shade of red is versatile and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual day out or a special event,” writes one reviewer.
Chanel 3 / 6
Dazzle Dry Campus Crush ($22)
With so many preppy college students sporting Nantucket red accessories, it’s only right that this adjacent color is called Campus Crush. It’s a medium salmon shade with coral undertones, perfect for summer.
Dazzle Dry 4 / 6
Essie Woven at Heart ($13)
This clay-colored polish with rosy undertones has the power of providing a gel-like manicure at home—no UV light necessary. It’s a gorgeous color with impressive staying power.
Essie 5 / 6
Londontown Flushed Cheeks ($16)
Described as a sun-kissed blush, Flushed Cheeks is a great option for a Nantucket red-inspired manicure for the summer and beyond.
Londontown 6 / 6
Sienna Muse ($29)
This dusty rosebud shade features a plant-based formula from a coastal town on the other side of the world: Byron Bay, Australia. It’s a stellar shade for any skin tone.
Siena
