There are so many details to consider about your appearance before a date.
You want to make sure your outfit, perfume and hair combine to tell the most authentic story about you and your personality. Your nails also contribute to this image – and whoever's sitting across from you will probably notice if you choose something quirky and unique or classic and subtle. To help you choose, we asked relationship experts for the best nail polish colors to wear on a date. From bright and bold to soft and feminine, you're sure to find your perfect match.
1. Pink: a timeless classic
Pink nail polish never goes out of style. Nicole Moore, relationship expert and coach at L'Amour Fonctionnel, considers it a must-have choice for dates. “It's the perfect mix of classic, cute and sexy, and it's a safe choice without being too boring,” she says. “A medium pink color is romantic without being overtly sexual and is ideal for those who want to convey: I care about how I look, and I'm cute and fun, but I'm also looking for something more serious.” Over time, the color has come to represent femininity, softness, romance and warmth. By lacquering it on your nails, you'll be showing that these qualities are important to you. For the perfect shade, Moore suggests Olive and June's SE color.
2. Red: the color of passion
When you think of fiery romance, you probably see the color red. Well, use these associations to your advantage by sporting the hue on your nails for a date. “Numerous research studies have found that when women wear the color red, it subconsciously reinforces a man's attraction to her,” explains Sarah Melancon, PhD, a board-certified sexologist and senior researcher for the Women's Health Interactive Center. “One study even found that women's personal ads received more contacts when they wore the color red in their photo: nearly 21% of men expressed interest in contacting a woman who wore red, compared with nearly 15% for black and 16% for blue.”
In a viral video, TikTok user @GirlBossTown explained her theory as to why red nails are attractive. “In the '90s, when we were growing up, women had red nails a lot, especially like our moms,” she said. “And I think oddly enough, men are attracted to red nails because it reminds them of their mothers when they were growing up taking care of them.” Commenters on the video noted that they often received more offers of dates when they wore red nails.
3. Bordeaux: intrigue and mystery
A second color close to red is burgundy. “It plays on the red energy, which is fun and sexy, but it also denotes depth,” explains Moore. “Wearing burgundy on your nails is a great way to let people know you're more than you seem. It's a color that denotes intrigue and mystery and is ideal for introverts or those who are slow to open up to people.” It's also a gorgeous choice for fall and winter when a poppy red can seem too bright. Moore suggests Olive and June's Ombre Obsédé.
4. Nude: elegant sobriety
It doesn't get more classic than nude. “A natural blush, nude or mauve color, which gives nails a neat look without being ostentatious, works well for women who have a more minimalist beauty approach or who like to look more feminine than sexy,” says Melancon. These nails are fairly easy to maintain. You can slide a coat of clear polish over a well-filed, clean nail or visit the salon for a fresh color every couple of weeks. This manicure shows how important it is for you to present a refined, understated look.
5. White: stand out with elegance
Want something neutral that still stands out? Choose a bright white for your next date. “This color is perfect if you want to stand out as unique and not be afraid to grab attention,” says Moore. “White pops against everyone's skin color and will make you stand out, but it's still classic and natural enough to make you look cool, not crazy.” If you're in a relationship, though, take note. TikTok has decided that white is a color for singles. According to a popular theory on TikTok, white nails communicate your relationship status to the men around you. The wearer of white nails is not committed to anyone and is ready to be approached by potential partners.
It's important to note that you should take the “symbolism” of each nail color with a grain of salt. Before your next date, paint your nails with the color that gives you the most confidence. By doing so, you'll have the best possible date.
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