Hot Pink: Calling All Bombshells
The woman who wears hot-pink nail polish is chic, sexy and bold, says Catherine Baek, education manager at Orly. “To wear this feminine color, you have to be confident because it’s eye-catching and people will notice,” she says.
How to wear it: Rock the sizzling hue on your nails with a neutral or natural shade on your toes to balance the brightness, Baek says.
Get it: Va Va Voom by Orly ($7.50 at OrlyBeauty.com)
Also see: Nail Designs: Let Your Inner Artist Shine!
Yellow: Trendsetter In the House
The latest “it” color appeals to super-trendy women who have a unique sense of style. She’s “a little bohemian and a little rocker,” says Ginger Johnson, cofounder of the Ginger + Liz Colour Collection. “Even if you don’t consider yourself a fashion risk-taker, donning a sun-gold yellow nail color is a great way to punch up your look with a bright accent.”
How to wear it: Pair yellow with “cutoff jean shorts, a bias-cut T-shirt, chunky platforms, Jimi Hendrix-inspired jewelry and a smokin’ pair of sunglasses,” Johnson suggests, or team it with your favorite little black dress for nights out.
Get it: Caution! by Ginger + Liz ($12 at GingerAndLiz.com)
Coral: You’re Ready for Summer!
Sporting coral nail polish -- the quintessential warm-weather shade -- means you love summer, says Jin Soon Choi, owner of the esteemed New York City-based Jin Soon Natural Hand and Foot Spas. “Coral is very feminine, and this woman may be starting a summer fling. She’s happy -- or she wants to be happy.”
How to wear it: Coral can be worn dressy or casual. “With a pretty summer dress, coral is so cute,” Choi adds. Bonus: The peachy-pink shade is the perfect pedicure color and flatters all skin tones.
Get it: Meet Me at Sunset by Essie ($8 at Essie.com)
Also see: Katy Perry's Craziest Manicures Caught on Camera
Neon Green: Life of the Party
A woman wearing neon green is vivacious, energetic and talkative, says Baek. “She’s up for anything. She has a ‘life is short’ attitude. She’s the life of the party and strikes up conversations with strangers.” This woman probably shuns the corporate environment, Choi adds. “She works in the fashion industry or freelance and therefore likes trendy colors.”
How to wear it: The color is not for everyday -- unless you work in a creative field. Try the bold hue on your toes to perk up summer sandals.
Get it: Fresh by Orly, launches in July ($7.50 at OrlyBeauty.com)
Off-White: The Polish That Keeps on Wearing
A woman who chooses off-white is classic and confident, says Essie Weingarten, founder of Essie Cosmetics. “She knows what she likes and you can’t change her mind.” This woman does not want to be bothered by chipped nails, so she goes for low-profile colors, salon-owner Choi says.
How to wear it: Warning: Off-white nail polish does not flatter toes -- unless you have bronzed feet. Instead, keep it to your nails for the chicest look.
Get it: Marshmallow by Essie ($8 at Essie.com)
Also see: Nail Trend Guide: Seven of the Latest Styles
Light Pink: 9 to 5 and Beyond
Gals who opt for light pink are feminine and conservative, says Weingarten. “She’s classy and is always dressed right.” This is the perfect color for the career professional, Choi notes. “This woman likes to look perfect, and light pink nails always look very well-groomed.”
How to wear it: To the office, business meetings or cocktails while sporting a tailored dress or suit, ladylike pearls and sparkly baubles.
Get it: Mademoiselle by Essie ($8 at Essie.com)
Red: Not Just for Lovers
This universally flattering nail color exudes elegance, power and romance, says Choi, and the woman wearing it wants to attract her man. “This woman is in love. She might be going on a date. She wants to show that she is open-minded and very classy.”
How to Wear It: Red can be worn simultaneously on the nails and toes, Choi says, adding that it’s one of the only shades she likes to match. “It looks very polished and stylish,” she says.
Get it: Russian Roulette by Essie ($8 at Essie.com)
Also see: DIY Venture: Marbled Manicure
Blue: For the Young at Heart
Sara Liz Pickett, who founded Ginger + Liz along with Johnson, says blue nail polish tells the world you are youthful, fun and willing to try new things. “Blue nail lacquer is very on-trend this season and sends the message to admirers that you are a stylish trendsetter yet down to earth,” she says.
How to wear it: This color will steal the spotlight, so wear it either on your nails or toes, and offset the look with a more subtle color.
Get it: Chase Me by Ginger + Liz ($12 at GingerAndLiz.com)
Gold: Style Maven
This high-shine, foil-like color is for the woman who really knows fashion, says Baek. “She knows what’s in, and she knows how to mix couture pieces with her everyday wardrobe," she says. "She’s very well put together and probably gives fashion advice to other people.” She probably works in fashion or beauty, Baek adds.
How to wear it: Pair it with jeans, a fabulous top and metallic sandals, or with all black plus metallic accessories, Baek suggests.
Get it: Luxe by Orly ($7.50 at OrlyBeauty.com)
Purple: Crossing Boundaries
“Many shades of purple are sophisticated and work well for the modern businesswoman, bohemian hipster or casual prepster,” says Johnson. “Try dark purple as an alternative to vampy reds, and brighter purples as alternatives to pinks and corals.”
How to wear it: Wear dark purples for glam nights out and brighter purples for day.
Get it: Who’s the Boss by Ginger + Liz ($12 at GingerAndLiz.com)
Contest! Don't forget to submit your own DIY look to our Nailed it! contest for your chance to win a Joe Fresh nail prize pack--chock full of some of Joe Fresh's awesome new nail products--plus a $50 Joe Fresh gift card!
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