Choosing a nail polish colour for bridesmaids can be a daunting task, with so many colours and styles to choose from. The nail polish colour should complement the bridesmaids' dresses and the wedding palette, as well as the season and the bridesmaids' skin tones. Neutral shades such as nude, white, and light pink are always a safe bet, as they go with any dress colour and are unlikely to clash with the bride's dress. For a bolder look, consider colours that complement the dress shade, such as olive green or mild sage for a burgundy dress, or silver for a black dress. For a playful and chic look, yellow dresses can be paired with white nail polish, while coral dresses can be matched with a neutral shade. Timeless options include a French manicure or a modern twist on the classic French manicure, such as adding colour or playing with shades from the same colour family.
Characteristics | Values |
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Colour | Neutral, Nude, White, Light Pink, Pale Pink, Pale Lilac, Pale Blush, Beige, Light Beige, Light Blue, Lavender, Dark, Sultry Wine, Light Nude, Pale Greyish Blue, Coral, Pale Grey, Pale Purple, Pale Blue, Peach, Mint, Chrome, Jet Black, Silver, Deep Metallic, Bronze, Yellow, White, Creamy Coral, Moody Plum, Champagne, Smoky Mauve, Light Brown, Translucent Nude, Almond, French, Green, Emerald, Peach, White, Pink, Brown, Beige, Pink, Coral, Pink, Pink, White, Pink, White, Rose Gold, Blue, Gold, Navy, Purple, Taupe, Chocolate Brown, Rose Gold, Bronze, Metallic Blue, Gold, Silver, Blue, Purple, Red, Orange, Cream, Apricot, Pale Greyish Blue, Light Pink, Pale Blush, Red, Beige, Pink, White, Pale Pink, Pale Blue, Pink, White, Blue, Green, Lavender, Cool-Coloured Blue, Green, Lavender, Sage-Mint Green, Blue, White, Light Blue, White, Blue, White, Rose Gold, White, Pink, White, White, White, White, White, White, White, White, White, White, White, White, White, White, White, White, 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What You'll Learn
Neutral nail polish colours
Neutral nail polishes are a great choice for bridesmaids as they complement any bridesmaid dress colour and are deemed "workplace" appropriate. Neutral shades are muted and inherently versatile, ranging from beige, brown, cream, and white to pastel pink.
If you're looking for a neutral nail polish for your bridesmaids, here are some options to consider:
Essie Nail Polish in Skinny Dip
This glossy shade of light peach is a favourite of Sofia Richie, the queen of the clean girl aesthetic. Essie nail polishes are long-lasting and provide streak-free manicures.
Essie Nail Polish in Perennial Chic
This nude polish with peachy undertones is a great choice to pair with coral bridesmaid dresses. It's a clean and beautiful colour that will complement the fun and flattering hue of the dresses without overloading the look.
OPI Nail Lacquer in Put It in Neutral
This opaque pinky shade is a great option for bridesmaids with fair skin tones. It will flatter their skin without washing it out. OPI polishes are known for their long-lasting formula, providing up to seven days of wear.
Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Polish in Instant Coffee
For a practical neutral shade that only requires one layer for complete coverage, Sally Hansen's Insta-Dri Nail Polish in Instant Coffee is a great choice. It's a gorgeous neutral brown that will dry in less than five minutes, saving you time on the big day.
Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in Organdi
This dusty mauve nail polish is a favourite of celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec, who uses it frequently on her client, Jessica Chastain. It's a beautiful neutral shade that will complement fair skin tones.
Dior Vernis Nail Polish
The Dior Vernis collection offers a range of neutral shades inspired by iconic pieces within the House of Dior archives. Their unique nail polish formula enhances nails with peony and pistachio extract, providing a stylish and elegant manicure for your bridesmaids.
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Matching the dress
The most important thing to consider when choosing a nail polish colour for a bridesmaid is whether it matches the wedding aesthetic and complements the colour of the bridesmaid dress. It's best to consult with the bride if she has a specific vision in mind. If not, the choice is yours but it's recommended to consider the dress colour, wedding attire and time of year.
For a bold look, you could match the colour of the nail polish to the bridesmaid dress. For example, if the bridesmaids are wearing yellow, yellow nails could work for a bright spring shade. However, this might be too much colour for some. In this case, a nail artist recommends a surprising nail polish colour: white. "White would be my pick. It complements yellow. They melt together nicely, and it's super chic".
If the bridesmaids are wearing grey, silver nails could be a good option for a daytime wedding. For an evening wedding, a deeper metallic shade with a hint of bronze could bring the drama.
If the bridesmaids are wearing red, a burgundy nail polish could work to "offset the red" and "leave room for makeup to have colour as well as accessories".
If the bridesmaids are wearing black, black nail polish could work for a look that's fresh off the runway. For something more demure, sheer, barely-there shades could give nails a healthy shine without colour.
If the bridesmaids are wearing coral, a neutral shade could work well. A nail technician recommends a nude with peachy undertones to complement the fun and flattering hue.
If the bridesmaids are wearing blush, a matching pale pink polish could be a good option.
If the bridesmaids are wearing navy blue, a bold chrome could work. A nail technician says: "I love a good chrome against a navy dress. I think it pops but still reads as elegant and sexy as well as sophisticated and trendy".
If the bridesmaids are wearing white, an opalescent nail polish could work. However, it's important to ask your bridesmaids to keep their nail colour neutral to avoid drawing too much attention from the rest of the bridal party's looks.
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Seasonal colours
When choosing a nail polish colour for bridesmaids, it's important to consider the season of the wedding. Here are some seasonal colours to consider:
Spring
Spring is the perfect time to embrace pastel colours. A dusty lavender shade is an excellent choice for March, reflecting the sweet baby buds of the season. For April, a pastel coral peach will match the bright and fresh mood of the month. If you're looking for something a little different, try a minty blue shade for May. This vibrant pastel will get everyone excited for the summer that's just around the corner.
Summer
Summer calls for bold and bright colours. A classic coral red is a great option for June, whether you're attending a cookout or hitting the beach. For July, a whimsical white nail polish is a stylish and patriotic choice. Rose gold is the perfect metallic pinky copper for August, as the last month of summer slowly transitions into fall.
Autumn
For September, a reddish mauve or burnt orange shade is a beautiful choice, offering a punchy neutral to bridge the summer and autumn seasons. In October, a dark cherry or vampy red will have you feeling ready for fall. And for November, a burnt orange polish will match your classic Thanksgiving decor.
Winter
Winter is the time to go deep and moody or bright and shiny. A dark plum violet is a romantic and gothic choice. You can also try a classic red, going a shade or two darker than usual for a wintery feel. If you want something a little lighter, a soft mauve is a vintage-inspired and understated option. For a fun and bright wintery look, a sheer pink pearl shade will add a touch of sparkle to your nails.
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Classic colours
Nude nails are a simple and neutral choice that will match any dress colour, style, or season. It is also a good option for those who want to keep their manicure low-key. A simple nude colour can be made more interesting with an almond or square shape.
Pink nails are a cute and classic choice, especially for bridesmaids wearing blue or dark-coloured dresses. A soft pink is close to neutral and can add a pop of brightness to an otherwise moody outfit. Glitter or sparkly decorations can be added to a sweet pink for an extra touch of chic.
White nails are a subtle and minimalist option that matches almost any dress colour. This colour is also a great choice for darker shades and can serve as a foundation for nail art.
Dark colours such as black, burgundy, navy blue, dark green, or dark purple are classic and elegant choices. These shades are neutral and won't steal the spotlight from the bride. They are especially suitable for a matte coat and look great in shellac or gel nails, which have less chance of chipping.
The French manicure is another classic choice for bridesmaids, offering a cute and fresh look that goes well with any dress colour or style. This versatile option is perfect for classy bridesmaids and can brighten up any dark-coloured dress.
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Bold colours
Choosing a bold colour for your bridesmaids' nail polish can be a fun way to add a pop of colour and a touch of personality to their look. Here are some ideas to consider:
Metallics
Metallic nail polishes, such as gold, silver, bronze, or rose gold, can add a touch of glamour to your bridesmaids' look. These shimmering hues will catch the light and add a festive touch to the wedding palette. They pair especially well with burgundy dresses, bringing out an unexpected yet harmonious pop of colour.
Deep Greens or Navy Blues
For a daring and sophisticated look, deep greens or navy blues can serve as striking complementary colours to a burgundy dress. These shades create a subtle divergence without clashing and can be an elegant choice for evening weddings.
Pinks
Soft pinks provide a romantic and feminine contrast to burgundy, while bold pinks can add a fun and playful touch. Pink is a versatile choice that can complement a variety of dress colours, including blue, green, and lavender.
Blues
Light blues, such as a soft blue or a pale grayish-blue, can be a great choice for a bold yet subtle statement. These colours can also double as your "something blue" for the wedding.
Reds
For a bold statement, consider a red manicure. A true crimson with rich, cool undertones can be an elegant and eye-catching choice.
Glitter
Glitter nail polishes in various colours, such as gold, silver, or colourful glitter, can be a fun and celebratory choice for your bridesmaids. They can add a touch of sparkle and glamour to the overall look.
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Frequently asked questions
Neutral nail polish colours are always a safe bet for bridesmaids. Nude shades, white, and light pink are beautiful options that will complement any bridesmaid dress colour.
For bridesmaids who want to make a statement, bold colours such as gold, silver, deep green, or navy blue can complement a burgundy dress.
Seasonal trends often reflect the changing colours of nature. For spring and summer weddings, brighter tones like peach or coral are popular, while darker, more muted colours like taupe or chocolate brown are suitable for autumn and winter.
For a simple yet elegant look, consider a classic French manicure or a semi-sheer taupe or beige nail polish. These colours are understated yet polished and will complement any bridesmaid dress.