Pretty, Professional Polishes

I must confess: I am totally, 100% addicted to nail polish.  There is not a shade I will not try at least once.  My typical philosophy when it comes to polish is “the brighter the better.”  I was at a loss when I started to think about what colors were appropriate for an office environment.  While I love a classic fire engine red nail or a more demure, baby pink, I was determined to search for some office-appropriate alternatives to these beautiful albeit somewhat tired and cliché shades.  Here are my findings:

This delicate shade of mauve (“Lady Like” by Essie) is by far my favorite, go-to variation on the classic pink nail.  I bought this color a few months ago and had to buy another bottle because I went through it so fast.  It is universally flattering on every skin tone (I have painted the nails of three of my friends with this shade, all of whom went out immediately to buy a bottle for themselves).  It is the perfect neutral for business meetings, interviews, or any event that requires a more toned down look.

Another great alternative to pink is a beautiful lilac (such as “Care to Danse” by OPI).  It is subtle, professionally polished, and pastels are perfectly on trend for this season.  Pastels in general are a great option during these warmer months and go well with sundresses and suits alike.  Besides, small chips in a color like this are barely noticeable, making this shade practical for the woman who is constantly on the go.

The perfect shade of coral (“California Coral” by Essie) is my favorite alternative to red for the summer season.  It works just in a professional setting or by the pool, and adds a bit of brightness and punch to any outfit without being distracting.  Besides, a color like this is guaranteed to make you smile whenever you look at it!

If you are a fan of the "Tangerine Dream" craze of 2012 (this year's hottest color), then this toned down  orange cream is a great alternative for the workplace ("Hayden" by Nail Vernis).  It is still young and vibrant without being over the top, and once again is perfectly appropriate for warmer summer weather.  And yes, I swear, the right shade of orange can look great on almost any skin tone--I was skeptical too at first.

If you or your job are on the more traditional side, then finding the perfect red is a worthwhile search ("Big Apple Red" by OPI).  This shade is my personal favorite red nail polish.  The color is long-lasting and vibrant, and it does not fade too much in the heat of the summer sun.  Wear it with a matching red lip for an unforgettable yet professional and put-together look!