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The Best Nail Colors for Your Holiday Season

Royall Bryan Student Contributor, Christopher Newport University
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CNU Contributor Student Contributor, Christopher Newport University
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at CNU chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

As Finals Week comes to a close and Christmas Day looms near, making sure you look your best for that much awaited for Christmas party or dinner is probably one of the things at the top of your Wish List for this year. And, while I’ve never been the expert on clothes, I can say that nail colors and nail art have been something I’ve gotten compliments on in the past. Today, I’m here to give you a quick list of colors that I’ve seen circulated around, as well as a few that I just think will look great this holiday.

Maroon

This is probably the number one on my list. I love deep, shiny colors that contrast and compliment skin tones. The best part about maroon is that it goes well with dark and light skin tones, and there are so many shades of it that everyone is sure to find something. It also goes really well with gold and silver (I never recommend wearing both at the same time, though), so you’ll never have to stress about finding clothes to match your nails. You can choose a shade that has more of a plum lowlight to it or more of a red, which makes it brighter.

Navy Blue 

Sure, CNU’s official blue shade is “Royal Blue” (which works great for me! Because, ya know, my name is Royall… Okay, moving on), but sporting a darker shade of blue, like navy, will not only remind you of your days at CNU, but it also gives a wintery feel for those who don’t really want the traditional red-and-green Christmas themed nails. You can pair it with a silver accent nail, or just leave them plain. 

Nude 

Nude colors go with everything. Normally, if you do a nude color, it’s not supposed to match your skin tone. However, each is own when it comes to picking your perfect shade. I, for one, like the more medium-toned nudes because you can’t see them through latex gloves. However, sometimes a darker nude looks better against paler skin, and a lighter nude looks better against darker skin. It all just depends on you and your preferences. But, the best part about nude shades is that they definitely go with everything you wear: it’s nude! It’s meant to go with everything!

Sparkles/Glitter 

Sparkles or glitter are usually used for an accent nail, but why not just have it on all of them? At the nail shop I used to go to, they have an array of sparkle/glitter combos, and if you get shellac it shines even brighter! If you choose to go the accent nail route, make sure the color you choose for your other nails compliments your accent nail – after all, that is the point of an accent nail!

Dark Green

I can’t not add this in here. My Slytherin-esque personality comes out whenever I see dark green nails on someone. The shade is just so perfect; rich and, depending on some lights, can almost look black. It definitely is perfect for those of you closeted Christmas-lovers who don’t want your parents to realize it and try to force you to go to Christmas Town or Botanical Gardens to look at the lights. However, be warned: dark green usually compliments pale skin tones the best, but far be it from me to tell you that you can’t wear a shade just because it looks better on someone else. 

Mint, Coral, or a Pastel 

That’s right, I’m adding these colors in here. Sporting a nice, bright color will help you reminisce about Spring and Summer breaks and remember that we have only a semester to go until we can all chill poolside or enjoy an afternoon boating. Plus, wearing bright colors always makes me feel happier, so just one look at your bright, energetic nails will make spending a gruesome evening with your annoying Great-Aunt Bertha who always asks about when you’re going to get a boyfriend much easier to handle.

There you have it, folks! No matter if you choose to follow my guide or not, I hope you pick a nail color that makes you feel confident and excited for the Christmas season!

Stay classy, Captains!

You can categorize Royall as either Leslie Knope when she has her color-coded binders:



or Hyde whenever Jackie comes into a room before they start dating:



There is no in-between. 

Royall recently graduated with her B.A. in Sociology & Anthropology from CNU and now studies Government & International Relations at Regent University. She also serves as the Victim Advocate and Community Outreach Coordinator for Isle of Wight Co., VA in Victim Witness Services. Within Her Campus, she served as a Chapter Writer for CNU for one year, a Campus Expansion Assistant for a semester, Campus Correspondent for two years, and is in the middle of her second semester as a Chapter Advisor. 

You can find her in the corner of a subway-tiled coffee shop somewhere, investigating identity experiences of members of Black Greek Letter Organizations at Primarily White Institutions as well as public perceptions of migrants and refugees. Or fantasizing about ziplining arcoss the French Alps.