The color of nail polish can dramatically change the look of your hands. While classic reds and nudes are timeless choices, the array of colors available today means you can really get creative with your manicure. So what are the best nail polish colors for different occasions, skin tones, and nail shapes? Read on for tips on choosing the most flattering shades.
Factors that influence nail color selection
Several factors come into play when determining the most attractive nail polish colors for your nails:
Skin tone
The undertone of your skin – whether cool, warm, or neutral – makes a difference in how nail polish shades will look against your skin. Cool-toned skin with pink or red undertones pairs best with cool-toned polish colors like purples, blues, and silvers. Warm skin with yellow/olive undertones looks great with warm earth tones and corals. Neutral skin can pull off both cool and warm shades.
Nail length/shape
Long almond-shaped nails can pull off bold colors and busy patterns that would overwhelm shorter nails. Shorter square or round nails look best in solid colors or subtle French manicures. Darker shades tend to make nails appear shorter.
Occasion
While any polish can work for casual everyday wear, certain colors and finishes are better suited for the office, a night out, or a formal event. Sheer, neutral colors are office-appropriate, while metallics and brights are fun for parties and weekends. Classic reds work for all occasions.
Personal style
Your own personal style, wardrobe colors, and comfort level with boldness vs. subtlety will guide your polish choices. A minimalist who wears neutrals may prefer sheer nudes and pinks, while someone who loves color can rock emerald greens and neon yellows. There are no rules – choose what you love!
Season
Lighter pastels and nudes work well in spring and summer, while vampy plums, wines, and berries flatter in fall and winter. That said, any color goes any time of year!
Popular nail polish colors
Now that you know how to pick shades that complement your skin and style, here are some of the most popular nail polish colors and how to wear them:
Reds
Red is a classic that suits every skin tone. Blue-reds are cool-toned, while orange-reds are warm. Dark vampy reds like burgundy work for fall and winter, while brighter cherry reds are fun in spring and summer. Sheer red jelly polishes are office-friendly.
Pinks
Feminine pinks also work for all skin tones. Mauve-y pinks are flattering on cooler skin, while coral and peach pinks glow against warm skin. Pastel ballet pinks say spring, while hot pink makes a bold summer statement. Subtle sheer pinks are versatile year-round.
Nudes
Nude polish provides a clean, natural look. Look for warm beige nudes if you have warm yellow skin, and cool pinky nudes for cool pink skin. Sheer jellies and milky neutrals work on all skin tones. French manicures with a sheer nude base and white tip are classic and elegant.
Whites
Crisp white polish pops against tan summer skin. Sheer sparkly whites like pearlescents add subtle shimmer year-round. White tips on a French manicure instantly polish any look. Stick to creams; frosty whites can look dated.
Blacks
Sleek black polish is modern and edgy. It works best on short nails since it can make nails look shorter. Matte black is striking, while shiny lacquer blacks are elegant for evening. Grayish blacks are softer for day.
Metallics
Metallics like gold, rose gold, silver, and bronze add instant glam to nails, especially during the holidays. Shimmery chromes work for all ages while high-shine foils skew younger. Metallic ombré French tips are fun too.
Blues
Blue nail polish is a great choice for cooler skin tones. Dark navy and cobalt blues are classic. Pastel powder blues are sweet on shorter nails in spring. Royal blues are regal year-round. Grayish blues are toned down for office polish.
Greens
Green polish works nicely on warmer skin tones. Dark forest and olive greens are sophisticated.Minty seafoam greens say springtime. Lime green is playful for summer. Avoid yellow-greens if you have pink in your skin.
Purples
Purples and lavenders flatter those with cool pink undertones. Pale lilacs are pretty in spring. Royal purples are elegant all year. Eggplant and wine purples are vampy for fall. Lavender French tips soften any look.
Orange
Vibrant orange polish screams summer! Coral oranges with a pinky base flatter cool skin, while deeper oranges with a yellow base look great on warm skin. Sheer jellies are youthful. Creams and shimmers are both fun.
Choosing nail polish by occasion
Here are some nail polish do’s and don’ts for various occasions:
Work/Office
DO choose sheer, natural shades like nude, pink, and beige that blend rather than contrast with your skin tone. Neutral pinks and reds work if they are cream (not shimmer) finishes.
DON’T wear bright colors, dark vampy colors, frosty/shimmery finishes, sparkles, or loud nail art.
Cocktail parties
DO have fun with metallic chromes, medium-toned brights, and shimmer finishes. Gold, silver, rose gold are festive.
DON’T go too dark or gaudy. Skip black, dark green, dark purple, and glitter polish.
Formal events
DO stick with classic elegant reds, French manicures, sheer pinks and nudes. Subtle pearlescents read glamorous but not overdone.
DON’T wear brights, neons, frosts, black, or dark colors. Avoid heavy glitter or nail art.
Job interview
DO polish your nails neatly in a soft muted neutral like sheer nude or light pink. Well-groomed clean nails make the best impression.
DON’T wear dark, flashy, or loud nail polish. Skip the French manicure; it can look dated.
Casual daily wear
DO have fun and express yourself! Any color works for running errands and weekends. Match to your mood or outfit.
DON’T let chips and growth get unruly. Keep nails looking done.
Choosing nail colors for skin tones
Here are flattering nail polish shades for different skin tones:
Light cool-toned skin
– Baby pinks
– Mauve pinks
– Pastel purples
– Royal blue
– Forest green
– Deep wine
– Soft sheer nudes
Light warm-toned skin
– Coral pink
– Peach pink
– Melon
– Mint green
– Lavender
– Baby blue
– Gold shimmer
Medium cool-toned skin
– Brick red
– Fuchsia
– Plum
– Navy
– Royal purple
– Emerald green
– Rose gold
Medium warm-toned skin
– Tomato red
– Burnt orange
– Olive green
– Chocolate brown
– Soft gold
– Neutral nudes
– Moss green
Dark cool-toned skin
– True red
– Burgundy wine
– Eggplant purple
– Forest green
– Deep navy
– Antique gold
– Grayish nude
Dark warm-toned skin
– Orange-red
– Coral
– Mustard
– Bronze
– Espresso brown
– Soft pink
– Warm nudes
Most flattering nail shapes for polish colors
The shape of your nail bed also impacts how colors look. Here are polish recommendations based on nail shape:
Long oval nails
Long oval nails can pull off any colors, trends, and nail art since the length helps balance and elongate the nail bed instead of widening it. Feel free to go bold!
Short square nails
Short square nails look best in solid cream colors or subtle French manicures. Stay away from dark shades, which can make square nails appear even smaller. Sheers and neutrals keep the focus on the nail tips.
Round nails
Round nails tend to be on the short side. Stick with solid medium to lighter colors that extend the look of the nail. Avoid very dark or black polish. Simple designs are cute but keep details minimal.
Almond-shaped nails
The slender oval shape of almond nails allows them to wear any colors. Like long ovals, feel free to play with trends, glitters, jewels, and bold shades without overwhelming your nail bed. Have fun!
| Nail Shape | Best Colors | Colors to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Long oval | Any colors, glitters, art | None |
| Short square | Solid creams, French | Dark shades |
| Round | Medium solids | Very dark |
| Almond | Any colors, glitters, art | None |
Top tips for choosing the most flattering nail polish colors
Choosing nail polish colors that enhance your skin tone, style, and nail shape isn’t hard once you know what flatters you most. Keep these tips in mind:
– Test colors against your skin to see if they are cool-toned or warm-toned
– Sheer finishes look more natural and professional for work and interviews
– Dark colors can make nails appear shorter while light colors elongate
– Round and short square nails look best in solids vs. busy patterns
– Long oval and almond nails can pull off any colors and designs
– Pick colors you love – there are no rules, only what makes you feel confident!
Conclusion
While classic reds and pinks look lovely on everyone, don’t be afraid to branch out and try shades outside your comfort zone. The array of colors available, from brights to holos to glitters and more, means you can switch up your nail color as often as you change your mood and outfit. Most importantly, choose what makes you feel happy and confident when you look down at your fingers. Nail polish is meant to be fun self-care, so find your perfect colors and rock them proudly!