L.A., NY, and London: My Stylish Coworkers Reveal Their Favorite Mani-Pedi Color Combinations.
Last month, I found myself at the nail salon, contemplating a wall of nail polish and trying to decide which colors to select for my manicure and pedicure. I aimed for shades that would be different yet harmonious. Should I opt for a soft shade for my manicure (typically OPI's Bubble Bath at $12 for me) and a vibrant color for my pedicure (like cherry red or cobalt blue)? After five minutes of uncertainty, a realization hit me. As a beauty editor surrounded by some of the most stylish individuals I know, why not ask my colleagues for their favorite manicure-pedicure color combinations? I made a note in my app to remember to ask them.
A few weeks later, I collected their suggestions. Since I believe in sharing, I'm passing them along to you. Below are the trendy mani-pedi color combinations that my fashionable coworkers swear by—no more indecision at the nail salon for me!
**Jamie Schneider, Senior Beauty Editor**
**Jamie's First Combo**
"I truly love vibrant, striking polishes and write about them nearly every day! However, I often lean towards bare manis since I dislike the look of chipped polish and my hands are always busy typing and opening packages, not treating my nails kindly. Chanel's Ballerina is a must-have at home for me. It’s sheer and elegant, providing my nails with a subtle milky finish—just enough for an everyday look. For my toes, I like to have more fun, embracing summer trends with shades like Essie's Butler Please. The deep cobalt is incredibly cool."
**Jamie's Second Combo**
"If color is a must for my hands, I prefer warm tones. Lately, I've been enamored with citrus nails—particularly Hermès Orange Boîte. Wearing the brand's signature color instantly makes me feel chic. I pair this vibrant citrus shade with a lively coral like OPI's Cajun Shrimp. Together, they complement each other beautifully without being overly coordinated, creating a captivating look from head (or actually hand) to toe."
**Aniyah Morinia, Fashion and Beauty Editor**
**Aniyah's Combo**
"For my manicures, I always opt for one coat of OPI's Bubble Bath followed by two coats of OPI's Put It in Neutral! It's a perfect sheer nude with pink undertones. Even with my stiletto nails that are quite long, I consider this combo my go-to for a natural finish. While I’m not planning a wedding anytime soon, I often say this is the color I’d wear on that day—truly timeless. For my pedicures, I love OPI's Big Apple Red. Since I wear open-toed shoes daily, I enjoy the striking red at the bottom of a chic outfit. Pro tip: My mesh flats play best with a red pedicure!"
**Alyssa Brascia, Associate Beauty Editor**
**Alyssa's First Combo**
"I adore mismatched nails. Honestly, I’ll do different shades and designs on each nail if I have the time (I’m all about DIY nails!). But for busy summer getaways where my manicure needs to match several outfits, I love this cute, limoncello-inspired pair from Essie. The sheer formula adds a trendy aspect (thanks to the jelly nails craze), and the pale yellow looks adorable alongside milky white toes."
**Alyssa's Second Combo**
"I seem drawn to darker manicures paired with lighter pedicures, as this blue combination is another summer favorite of mine. Rich royal or navy blue polishes are among my recent favorites, and I really enjoy the in-between shade of this Londontown option. Baby blue has a distinctly summery feel and is a refreshing alternative to the typical white pedicure in warm months. Together, they evoke a nautical East Coast summer vibe—think striped button-downs and linen pants, a look I embrace every time."
**Eleanor Vousden, Who What Wear UK Beauty Editor**
**Eleanor's Combo**
"I'm very consistent with my mani and pedi colors. Throughout the year, you'll usually find a sheer pink on my fingers and some red variation on my toes—and I rarely stray from it. You might call me boring, but it works for all occasions and seasons! At the moment, I’m loving Essie Gel Couture in Sheer Fantasy, a milky pink that keeps my hands looking neat (and lasts over a week without chipping when topped with the Gel Couture To Coat). For my toes, my favorite is Chanel Incendiare, a bright red with orange undertones that's perfect for summer with sandals."
**Maya Thomas, Associate Beauty Editor**
**Maya's Combo**
"I'm not into mismatched nails and usually go for soft, neutral shades that enhance my natural nails. For my manicures, I opt for pink shades that provide a clean, polished look on my short nails and beautifully complement deeper skin tones (which
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L.A., NY, and London: My Stylish Coworkers Reveal Their Favorite Mani-Pedi Color Combinations.
No more uncertainty about choosing a nail salon.