When it comes to 4th of July weekend style, we're all for showing American flair. But that doesn't necessarily mean running out to buy a stars-and-stripes bikini , flag print crop top , or other clothing you can basically only wear once a year—and in specific settings.
Instead, try one (or more!) of these red, white, and blue nail polishes that feel of-the-moment but will still look great for the office and beyond. Stick to a single hue or pair a few of these 4th of July nail polishes for a manicure that will make you want to salute your squad. (They've all got to see your mani, right?)
A classic hue in any of the red, white, or blue color families will look appropriate for the holiday weekend, but still feels timeless even long after the BBQ leftovers are gone. For a universally flattering shade, look for semi-opaque formulas with glossy finishes. "Reds and blues with cool undertones work with the most skin tones," says celebrity manicurist Jin Soon Choi and founder of JINsoon Hand & Foot Spa. "OPI Big Apple Red and JINsoon Nail Lacquer in Coquette, for instance, have cool, blue-ish undertones that make your skin appear lively," says Choi. "Essie nail polish in Blanc is this amazing Wite Out-like color that makes your skin look instantly tan," says Olive & June founder Sarah Gibson Tuttle. If you're going for a truly classic look, avoid shimmer or glitter textures and trendier matte finishes.
From left to right: OPI Big Apple Red, $10; Ulta.com . Essie Nail Polish in Blanc, $9; Nordstrom.com . JINsoon Nail Polish in Cool Blue, $18; Barneys.com
Sometimes what you see isn't always what you get, but these polishes promise to deliver the same saturated color on your nails as it appears in the bottle. "The consistency of Marc Jacobs' Enamored Nail Glaze in Lola makes it so easy to apply," says Choi. "The creaminess of the RGB nail polish in Cobalt makes a high impact and looks great on all skin tones," says Tuttle. One coat does the trick with these polishes, but two gives you even more opacity.
From left to right: Marc Jacobs Enamored Nail Glaze in Lola, $18 Neimanmarcus.com . OPI Alpine Snow, $11 ; Sallybeauty.com . RGB Nail Color in Cobalt, $18, RGBCosmetics.com .
Subtle, see-through red, white, or blue nails feel festive, but won't seem like you're trying too hard. The caveat is that "it's sometimes tough for translucent white or sheer navy to look good on your nails—especially with just one coat," says Tuttle. But the trick is to stick with super-shiny, gel-like finishes to offer just enough personality and use two or three coats to minimize the appearance of streaks. "The layerability of sheer polishes makes them great to wear alone or mix and match beyond the summer, too," says Choi.
From left to right: YSL La Laque Couture Pop Water Collection, $27; YSLBeautyus.com . Essie Nail Polish in Marshmallow, $9; Essie.com . Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish in Misty Morning, $18; DeborahLippmann.com .
"Nail polish with a hint of metallic shimmer feels so fun for a night of fireworks or getting dressed up for a summer date night," says Rita de Alencar Pinto, the founder of Vanity Projects. When dealing with glitter or shimmer, a "deep navy or jewel-tone ruby helps the polish feel more versatile with the pieces in your wardrobe," says Pinto. When it comes to whites, choose a creamy polish with a pearly iridescence, rather than one with noticeable chunks of glitter .
From left to right: Zoya Nail Polish in Delilah, $9; Zoya.com . OPI Girls Love Pearls, $13; Macys.com . Nars Night Flight, $20; Nars.com .
Matte finishes allow vibrant shades like red, white, and blue to look bold on both fingers and toes, but will add a modern twist. "They also dry faster than regular nail polishes, which makes them easier to apply and layer when you're in a rush," says Choi. A matte topcoat turns any of your existing nail polish into a cool, shine-free texture, but we love these colored matte polishes that help us skip a step.
From left to right: Zoya Amal MatteVelvet, $10; Zoya.com . Sonia Kashuk Nail Colour in White Lie, $5; Target.com . Essie Nail Polish in Spun in Luxe, $9; Essie.com .
Your might also like: Things Your Nails Can Tell You About Your Health
