How to Wear the Season’s Top Nail Trends (including white!) and What Accessories Pair Best

As said by nail pro Shari Gottesman, “When it comes to nails, there is a color for everyone and a right way to experiment with every trend, no matter how intimidating it may seem at first.” Read on for her suggestions on wearing your most thought about lacquers.

1. Opaque Nudes
This has been one of the biggest, yet most unconventional summer color trends, and it shows no sign of abating come fall. These “greige” tones can easily be over-the-line unflattering, so there are a few important things to be aware of. First, your manicure must be perfect. Nails do not need to be extremely short. Mid-length or shorter will be most flattering and either square or slightly rounded. Go for a browner tone if you still feel uncomfortable at the office.

2. Whites
Turning up all over the place on runways, find a shade that is not 100% white. It’lll be a little more forgiving if it has a slight tone to it. A very sheer coat looks great on all nails but is a tad more favorable when taken to its opaque extreme. Go for one gorgeous piece of jewelry as a focal point to balance out the hand.

3. Bold, Heavy Metals
This is a very fashion forward look, so if you’re going to go there… then GO there!  Use a mattifying top coat for a total fashion slave effect. Also, this look loves lots of bold jewelry, so break out your rings and bracelets.

4. Bright Oranges & Pinks
The easiest trend to pull off by far, vivid hues looks just as good on feet as on hands. A suited match on long nails and short, round, oval or square, the most important thing to do is use a high gloss top coat to keep the color looking wet and unabashed. Plus, chips must be tended to immediately! Beachy bangles that won’t compete too much are best, jewelry-wise.