The Nail Colors the World's Most Stylish Women Are Wearing Now
When the weather gets warmer, it's fun to mix things up with your nail colors. Buh-bye to the dark red, navy, and black polishes of the moody winter months. You served us well. Hello to the bright and bold colors of spring and summer. It's your time to shine.
That's not to say you can't wear dark colors in warmer months and bright colors in colder seasons, but there's something that just screams "summer" when you've got a bold manicure. There's just something cheerful and optimistic about bright colors. And don't we all need it right now?
For inspiration, I asked some of the most stylish women we know for their favorite bright colors to wear on their nails. See what they said below, and add these to your wish list.
Reds and Pinks
Tamara Mory counts bright-red polishes as one of her go-to colors, along with burgundy, dark red, and nude when she wants something natural. "It's pretty classic, but that's what matches most of my outfits and I never get bored of. I usually wear OPI—it's my favorite," she says.
"I'm not a huge pink fan, but I love the violet undertones in Desert Rose. It's the perfect shade to accentuate a nice summer tan."—@evemeetswest
Our Picks
A nail polish that's described as watermelon is as bright and summery as it gets.
Let your nails speak for themselves with a fiery red.
OPI's Telenovela Me About It is inspired by the vibrancy of Mexico City. It's a dramatic pink that has a little bit of sparkle.
Orange and Yellows
"Yellow is such a happy color! It brightens up your hands and makes you look more tanned. I am clearly obsessed with pastel colors."—@lauranadineherbert
Nnenna Echem recommends Essie's Check Your Baggage, a golden and sunny yellow that just exudes happiness.
"I love Barry M and have used this brand for at least 10 years! At the moment my favorite colors are Blood Orange, Pink Lemonade, Açaí Smoothie, Black Cherry, Under the Sea, and Coconut Infusion in Oyster."—@nlmarilyn
Barry M's Blood Orange reminds us of vibrant summer sunsets. Unfortunately, this brand of polishes is hard to find in the U.S., but this similar hue from Orly is a good option.
"It's the perfect cantaloupe orange for summer."—@evemeetswest
Our Picks
If you really want to stand out, Londontown's Camden Chic polish is bright orange with a hint of shimmer.
Yellow is an underrated nail polish color but is so flattering and fun, especially when the weather hits the 90s.
Blues and Greens
Echem also is a big fan of YSL's Kinetic Blue, a happy sky blue. It's sold out at most stores, but this similar hue from Jinsoon will give you the same cheery vibe.
"You can easily match light-blue nails with lots of outfits. It's such a fresh color!" — @lauranadineherbert
"It's a perfectly bright pistachio light green that sets off any manicure." — @evemeetswest
"Such a beautiful color. A bit harder to match with different outfits, but it's an underestimated color."—@lauranadineherbert
Our Picks
If you're wary of going too bright, this subtle minty green is a good way to try it out.
You can also just go all out with an electric green with a hint of shimmer, like this one.
Even if you can't make it to the beach, you can feel like you're there (sort of) with this aqua color.
Purples
"It's perfect for spring/summer. It's fun to play around with some colors these days!"—@thevycsource
"I love all pastel colors in general! But one of my favorites at the moment is definitely lilac."—@lauranadineherbert
Our Picks
If you dare to go bold, try this shimmery bright purple from OPI.
White
A bright-white manicure is super fresh for summer. Bettina Looney recommends OPI's Funny Bunny, a pearly white that you can keep sheer or layer for a more opaque look.
"I always have white nail polish with me whenever I go on vacation. It's my go-to nail polish for beach days!"—@lauranadineherbert
Our Picks
With this polish, it doesn't take too many layers to get that chic, opaque look.
This creamy white nail polish will make your nails shine, but it's also formulated with extra ingredients to strengthen your nails.
Next Up: WWW Editors Share Their Favorite Minimalist Nail Colors That Go With Everything
This article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Sarah is lifestyle writer and editor with over 10 years of experience covering health and wellness, interior design, food, beauty, and tech. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she attended New York University and lived in New York for 12 years before returning to L.A. in 2019. In addition to her work on THE/THIRTY andBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , she held editor roles at Apartment Therapy, Real Simple, House Beautiful, Elle Decor, and The Bump (sister site of The Knot). She has a passion for health and wellness, but she especially loves writing about mental health. Her self-care routine consists of five things: a good workout, “me” time on the regular, an intriguing book/podcast/playlist to unwind after a long day, naps, and decorating her home.
-
No Nail Polish Remover? No Problem—Manicurists Share the Best Tips (and What Not to Do)
The more you know!
By Jamie Schneider
-
Megan Fox's "Deep Red Jelly" Manicure Is the Coolest Way to Wear Holiday Nails
Edgy and untraditional.
By Kaitlyn McLintock
-
I Never Thought I'd Try Acrylic Nails, But This Manicurist Guide Has Me 100% Convinced
Now you know.
By Maya Thomas
-
J.Lo Wore the Crystal-Inspired Manicure Set to Replace Your Favorite Nude This Winter
BRB, booking a salon appointment.
By Kaitlyn McLintock
-
I'm a Pro at Spotting Nail Trends Before They Take Off—5 I Know Will Dominate Well Into 2025
An expert backed me up.
By Grace Lindsay
-
Sorry, French Tips—This Is the Chic and Very Cute Nail Trend I'll Be Wearing Throughout December
An Insta-worthy manicure.
By Grace Lindsay
-
Exclusive: Cynthia Erivo Shares the "Little Details" That Make Her Wicked-Inspired Nails Really Sing
"I love to think of Elphaba as someone who really takes care of herself."
By Jamie Schneider
-
I Quit Gel Nails After Discovering This $13 Product Keeps My At-Home Manis Chip-Free for 2 Weeks
I'm never looking back.
By Eleanor Vousden