Trendy Manicures You Can Wear At Work
If you have an office gig, you might think a trendy manicure is out of the question. But, with just a few changes to your color schemes, even the trendiest looks can become office appropriate. Here are a few of my favorites:
Classic Red: Bold and confident, but high-maintenance
Red, if worn correctly, can be an easy color to pull off. Start with a fall-inspired shade like burgundy or deep burnt red, which is much more sophisticated than the traditional fire engine red. Add a glossy top coat to transform it into a classy, clean look that’s right on trend with the season.
But remember that red requires regular upkeep - this shade can look sloppy and even cheap if it’s not well-maintained, so keep your manicure fresh.
Classic French: An old favorite that never goes out of style
This is a natural, simple manicure that can take you from day to night with ease. Even women who don’t like the fuss of long nails can embrace a French manicure, which naturally gives nails an elongated appearance.
This fall, keep it trendy by opting for squared-off nail tips. You can visit a salon, or if you prefer, try an at-home manicure set that contains stick-on guides. Keep your French manicure looking clean and classy by making sure the tips don’t become dirty or discolored, which can happen if you spend time in direct sunlight or use tanning beds. Invest in a protective topcoat to keep your nails looking shiny and healthy.
Half-Moon: Daring, fun and surprisingly wearable.
This trend has been spotted all over the runways. The half-moon is a spin-off from the French manicure - but instead of nudes and pinks, half-moon manicures showcase contrasting colors, such as white on black. At first glance it might look too bold for the office, but try it with more subtle colors to tone it down for the office: deep gray with burgundy, pale gold with soft pink or nude with muted red.
Metallic: Metal for your nails that won’t weigh you down
The metallic look is huge this fall, and it’s been spotted on the runway in every color of the rainbow. If you’re worried that wearing metallic shades will make you look too edgy for the workplace, rest assured that not all metals are created equal.
The top colors this season are burgundy, gray, gold and blue, which can be worn in softer shades for the workplace. Bolder, darker colors tend to work better on shorter nails, while lighter metallic shades work best on longer nails. This look is meant to be shiny, so make sure to add a strong topcoat after color is applied.
Nudes: The new and improved naked nail
Nude colors have come flying down the runways and have been met with a sigh of relief for those who like to keep things simple and muted. Almost-nude nails are professional, office-appropriate and easy to maintain. With these lighter colors, however, your hands themselves will draw more attention because the nails will now blend in, so make sure to show your hands some love and attention as well.