By Tariq Aziz, founder of Bling Art — designed in Yorkshire since 2014

Bridgerton fever hasn't quite let up since Season 1, and the show's aesthetic has become a serious reference point for soft-romantic styling — weddings, garden parties, summer events. Regency-era nails were obviously natural and unpolished, but Bridgerton-inspired nails take the era's pastel-and-pearl palette and translate it into something modern. Here's how to do the look right.

The Bridgerton nail palette

Think pale pinks, dove greys, soft lavenders, ivory, pearl whites, blush nudes. The show's costume design is built around dawn-sky pastels, not strong colour. Your nails should sit in that same range. Glitter is fine if it's subtle and pearl-toned rather than disco. The pink matte oval set is the obvious starting point.

Pearl and shimmer picks

For a hint of Regency-ball shimmer, the beige glitter oval set works beautifully. It's neutral enough for daytime and catches candlelight at evening events without overpowering. Pair with pearl drop earrings and you're channelling Daphne Bridgerton without effort. The white polished oval French set reads as more refined daytime garden-party.

Shape: oval, always

The shape that fits the era is oval. Regency portraits show natural, almond-curved nails — nothing square, nothing pointed, nothing dramatic. Short to medium length keeps it era-appropriate. Avoid stiletto, ballerina and very long coffin — they belong to a different visual reference completely. My shape guide covers this in depth, and the oval collection has every pastel option.

Bridgerton wedding or themed party

If you're going to a Bridgerton-themed wedding, hen do or garden party, lean into pearl glitter. The gold glitter oval set works if your dress is cream or ivory — gold reads as Regency-appropriate where silver reads modern. For all-pastel events, the beige glitter mentioned above keeps things soft. See my wedding press-on guide for full event prep.

Practical: making the look last

Garden parties, themed evenings and weddings all share the same nail problem: long days plus drinks plus heat. Apply two days before, follow the prep from my application guide, and stash a glue tube in your clutch. For more wedding-style inspiration browse our wedding nail collection. The salon nails at home guide covers the proper sit-down version.

FAQs

What colour nails did women actually wear in the Regency era? Almost none. Painted nails were considered improper. Bridgerton-inspired styling references the costume palette, not historically accurate manicures — the show takes serious creative licence with realism.

Are gold or silver tones more Bridgerton? Gold. The show's metallic accents are predominantly warm — gold jewellery, brass candlesticks, golden embroidery. Silver feels too modern for the aesthetic.

What's the best Bridgerton nail for a wedding guest? Pearl glitter on a nude base, oval shape, short to medium length. Reads as soft-romantic without competing with the bride.

Can I do a Bridgerton look with darker skin tones? Absolutely. Pearl shimmer and warm gold tones flatter every skin tone — the Bridgerton palette is built around warmth, not paleness, despite popular shorthand for the look.