As a professional woman, have you ever wondered what are the appropriate elegant nails for work?
Say, you aspire to project a professional, business-like image to clients but at the same time, you also want to showcase a little more of your personality.
Well, that’s totally doable.
This guide will help refine one aspect of your physical appearance so you can be out there nailing people’s first impressions of you. (see what we did there?)
It will be up to you to try these elegant nail ideas since we categorized them between the simple classics and the chic trends. You can switch it up anytime without the worry of not looking professional.
So make sure your hands are clean and your nails are neat because today we’re diving into the elegant nails ideas that are appropriate for you to wear for work.
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The Elegant Classics
• Red Nails
Red is a color that radiates power, which means it’s the perfect color to wear to work including your nails.
Editor’s Picks:
– O.P.I. Nail Lacquer Big Apple Red
– Essie Nail Polish Forever Yummy
– Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish Rhapsody Red
• French Tips
A French manicure is about as classic as it gets, but since its early days, this nail style has had its fair share of modern twists.
Editor’s Picks:
– Sally Hansen Hard as Nails French Manicure Kit
– ZOYA Women’s Starter Manicure Kit
– Orly French Manicure Kit Rose
• Neutral Nails
The perfect default nail color as they’re always deemed as work-appropriate. Not only do they look chic, but they’re also low-maintenance.
Editor’s Picks:
– O.P.I. Nail Lacquer Bubble Bath
– essie Nail Polish Topless & barefoot
– Sally Hansen Color Therapy Nail Polish Blushed Petal
• Dark Nails
Dark, moody nail polish adds some dramatic flair to an otherwise bare cuticle and can look sophisticated on anyone.
Editor’s Picks:
– O.P.I. Nail Lacquer Get Ryd-of-Thym Blues
– Revlon Ultra HD Snap! Nail Polish Commander in Chief
– essie Nail Polish Licorice
• White Nails
White nails are chic, classic, and confident. It also looks fresh and airy and would be the perfect accompaniment during work outings!
Editor’s Picks:
– O.P.I. Nail Lacquer Alpine Snow
– O.P.I. Nail Lacquer Funny Bunny
– China Glaze Nail Polish Snow
The Elegant Trends
• Sparkly Nails
Blinged-out nail polish screams glamour but the key is to not overdo it. Adding just the right amount of glitter accents to your work manicure will make it stand out from the crowd. (Imagine being a luxury realtor, your nails would look so decadent while selling mansions in your backdrop).
Editor’s Picks:
– Wet n’ Wild Wildshine Nail Polish Kaleidoscope
– Born Pretty Holographic Glitter Nail Polish
– ZOYA Pixie Dust Nail Polish
• Embellished Nails
Surprisingly, embellished nails are accepted in a more progressive office environment. They exude sass and uniqueness which can work in your favor when landing a good first impression. Again it’s a matter of not overdoing it—a little embellishment goes a long way!
Editor’s Picks:
– Square French Acrylic Nails with Rhinestone
– Pink Nude Acrylic Nails with Rhinestones
– Pearl Almond Press On Nails
• Ombre Nail
A crowd favorite, ombre nails have grown in popularity inspired by the ombre style seen on hair and couture over the years. Ombre nails represent a cool, sophisticated variation of the Classics.
Editor’s Picks:
– Pink White Ombre Almond Press On Nails
– Gradient Acrylic Nails Purple
– Brown Gray Diamond Ombre Press On Nails
• Nail Art
Nail art can be absolute fun! However for these nail designs to be appropriate for work, the designs shouldn’t be too busy and the length shouldn’t be too long. Soft colors would work best if you want to look neat and polished.
Editor’s Picks:
– Glamnetic Press-on Nails Sweetener Design
– Green Swirl Press On Nails with Glitter
– Nail Art Rose Gold Line Decal
• Mix-and-match nails
Mixing and matching colors, designs, and elements without going overboard is a true work of art. The goal is to experiment away from the monocolor manicure routine, while still making sure they’re chic and elegant nails for work. Manicure with mix-and-match designs highlights your fun and creative side!
Editor’s Picks:
– ZOYA All Spruced Up Quad Nail Polish
– Black Press-on Nails with 3D Bling
– Light Rain Reusable Press-on in Calm Design
5 TIPS FOR ACHIEVING THE PERFECT NAILS FOR WORK
- Prep your nails. Make sure your nails are free of old nail polish. Then, cleanse the nail plate before applying any product.
- Cut and file. Match your nail length and shape to your work environment. If you’re always typing on your phone or your keyboard, long pointed nails are definitely a no-no because they could interfere with your work.
- Maintain cuticles. To achieve that perfect work manicure, never neglect your cuticles. Do not pick or bite them but instead use the proper tools to care for them.
- Pick the perfect HUE for YOU. The Classics nail colors look good on just about anyone, but there are only a few hues that’d best complement your skin tone. You’ll know you found ‘the one’ when your nails and hands look healthy, glossy, and immaculate.
- Use high-quality nail products. Nobody wants to be caught sporting dry, chipped, and yellowish nails. Therefore, instead of hoarding subpar nail products, make a solid move to invest in high-quality base & top coats, nail polishes and even nail polish remover.
It will help if you understand what nail polish brands work for you. Or which nail salons have positive reviews.
Mainly because achieving perfect elegant nails for work means not skimping on the products and the care that go with them.
Why do it in the first place?
Overall, the goal is simple.
Having elegant nails makes you look and feel confident.
And when you’re confident, people notice this about you, and that creates a positive impression of you.
An aura of confidence heightens one person’s level of interest and engagement with you which in work or business can be quite advantageous.
So while it may not seem like it’s not that important to pay attention to this extra level of detail involving your appearance, successful people know better.
They know that to look well put together, they need to polish themselves.
Because once their image starts to shine through, they know its value will far outweigh the cost of a manicure.
READ MORE: Easy and Elegant Hairstyles for Successful Women
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