For those (or perhaps, all) of us who eagerly countdown to public holidays, there’s no need for a reminder that National Day is right around the corner. After all, a short neighbourhood walk would make it evident: the streets are stippled in red and white, national day songs play on loop from every corner, and enticing birthday deals are already in full swing. Whether you’ll be out celebrating Singapore’s 58th with a firework-stakeout, or cozying up at home to watch the parade on television, we’ll all be sharing that fuzzy feeling of pride for her, and how far she’s come.
Now, throughout the history of mankind, there has been no better way to express national pride than by donning an outfit in the colours of your country’s flag. And for Singapore, that’s red and white. This means you have two obvious choices: a red top and white bottoms or a white top and red bottoms. But the not-so-obvious, and covertly superior, choice lies in the details. For a touch of patriotic pampering, why not wear your heart a little lower down your sleeves—think, National Day nails.
While a straightforward red and white alternate-nail might suffice for some, “playing it safe” has never been in the Vogue playbook. If you need proof that patriotism can be a pretty thing, just glance our lineup of trendy nail designs inspired by our Little Red Dot’s flag. So, get your nail game on with metallic red chromes embellished with sparkling white crystals, stiletto red jelly nails pierced with edgy industrial jewellery, or even classic-with-a-twist red French tips à la Hailey Bieber. Because embracing national triumphs with nail trends that have taken the talon community by storm is the perfect way to add some flair to your festivities.
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Below, Vogue Singapore’s curation of nail designs to add to your roster of National Day nails inspiration. Be sure to wave and give the parade your sassiest salute.
1 / 10
Fireworks at your fingertips
Harness the magic of fireworks with some red, graphic sparks. Much like how firework displays exhibit a variety of rousing flares, be sure to appoint a mishmash of starry blazes to your digits too. A bright, white base would serve the red-and-white theme well, plus provide a good contrast for the fireworks to really pop.
2 / 10
Spicy stiletto flames
Forget subtle. Pay a bold ode to Singapore’s blazing heat with flame-dipped talons in fire-truck red. Then, dial up the heat with a stiletto-shape for a vivid effect.
3 / 10
Waves of red
Simple yet creative, a few wavy lines in red and white might just be the perfect National Day-nail accent. It almost reminds us of the annual Kallang wave performed by fervent spectators at the parade—just a little something extra to remind us we’re family.
4 / 10
White diamantés over red chrome
Mirror, chrome, metallic—it seems “the shinier the better” has become a new mantra among nail buffs. Red chromatic nails bejewelled with white crystals and star-shaped ornaments is definitely a revamped take on the flag theme.
5 / 10
Hearts out for Singapore
Gestures speak louder than words, and when it comes to patriotic love, a little heart per finger shows how much you truly care. Have your nail technician paint a mini heart atop classic white french tip nails to really drive home the message.
6 / 10
Red French tips
For a classic manicure with a twist, take a page from Hailey Bieber’s book and have a go with red French tips. The result? An elegant, elevated manicure that will pair well with any National Day outfit.
7 / 10
Pierced, red jello
While jelly nails are fast becoming the new clean-girl beauty mandate, these glossy red talons are miles away from vanilla. Punctured with edgy piercings and embossed with surgical bars, this manicure echoes Singapore’s small but mighty stature.
8 / 10
Y2k revival
Bring some n-aughty nostalgia back to your hooves with a fun set bearing airbrushed stars, checkerboards, and a sprinkle of tchotchke charms. In red and white of course.
9 / 10
2D cat-eye nails
Multi-dimensional nails that shine and sparkle at different angles—need we say more? Opt for an iron particle-infused manicure, also known as cat-eye nails, to achieve this magnetic glint.
10 / 10
Cosy, plaid prints
There is, perhaps, no cosier pattern than plaid. So if you’re lazing at home with loved ones this holiday, a red and white plaid nail design will be the perfect mood maker.
