Why The White Manicure Is A Classic Summer Staple

Like a white linen sundress or a crisp Oxford button down worn as a coverup over a one-piece swimsuit, there's something inherently summery about whites. It extends past apparel into accessories, too, from freshwater pearl pendants to your white leather purse and a matching mani-pedi.

The trouble with the latter — as anyone who has ever worn white polish knows — is that the formula is tricky. Too sheer or watery, and you have to layer five coats to get any color payoff. Overly opaque, and your fingernails look like they've been spackled with Wite-Out. To help find the sweet spot, we tapped a few nail pros to break down their favorite white polishes ever made. From a full-coverage option from Tenoverten to an $8 Essie classic, shop your favorite bottle and consider it a foolproof summer style investment.