To enter a new era, all the advice is the same: embody the person you want to become. We all want to give ourselves the best chance of achieving our goals in the new year, and acting as if you’re the version of yourself on your vision board is how you embody—and become—them. What time do they wake up? What’s in their capsule wardrobe? And, yes: what do their nails look like?
It might seem small, but we look at our nails all the time. Think of how good a fresh manicure makes you feel. Why not take it a step further and romanticize your manicure by leaning into the person you want to be? For inspo, look no further than your favorite characters in your favorite shows.
Featured image from our interview with Cyndi Ramirez by Belathée Photography.
How to Romanticize Your Manicure
If you’re anything like me, you get outfit ideas from your favorite characters. I pretty much watch Hulu’s High Fidelity with a notebook and pen. My Pinterest searches and my Letterboxed watch list go hand in hand. But I can’t change my wardrobe every time I watch a new show. An easy way to channel the characters who inspire me? A manicure.
Main Character Nail Ideas for 2025
Want to experiment with a new trend? Maybe channel your inner Olivia Pope? Or embrace all the Miranda Priestly vibes? Experimenting with a new signature style can help you dip your toes into a new era without making a big commitment. So with that in mind, I’m trying “main character nails” for 2025—a small but significant way to carry that energy into my life. Want to join me? Discover all the nail ideas ahead.
Miranda Priestly, The Devil Wears Prada
Let’s finally be honest: Miranda Priestly is the real protagonist of The Devil Wears Prada. A no-nonsense businesswoman, she inspires everyone around her to reach their fullest potential. How she does it? Could use some work. But how she looks while doing it? No notes. This classic manicure is deceptively simple but painstakingly curated—just like everything else she does. It’s almost nude but polished with just the slightest bit of chrome or gloss. Glamorous.
Andy Anderson, How to Lose a Guy In 10 Days
Everyone talks about the yellow dress Kate Hudson wears in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days—as they should. But we don’t talk enough about the soft glam she paired with that look. From the perfect glossy pink lip to the milky pink nails, it’s effortlessly romantic. If you’re in your lover-girl era, this look is for you.
Betty Draper, Mad Men
Mad Men might be a period piece but Betty Draper’s red lip and red nail combo is timeless. You’ll always look put-together with a red nail. Whether you’re going for classic or French-girl style, you can’t go wrong.
Lorelai Gilmore, Gilmore Girls
Another fan of the red mani is Lorelai Gilmore—who can forget her telling Rory that “Bad girls always wear red nail polish.” But, of course, she puts her own twist on the classic with a darker, more cherry shade. Dark reds are perfect for the colder months. If you’re feeling en Vogue, try this season’s burgundy trend for your mani.
Olivia Pope, Scandal
The second I feel a chill in the air, I take it as a sign to rewatch Scandal. I love channeling Olivia Pope for fall—long coats, roll-neck sweaters, a bouncy silk press, and a glass of red wine. Her nails match her sophisticated wardrobe with a signature almond shape and a milky chocolate brown manicure. Whether in a pantsuit or Fitz’s navy t-shirt, she keeps it classy.
Portia, White Lotus
In an experimental phase of your life? Maybe you’re making big changes or still looking for where you belong. Portia might not be TV’s most likable character, but she is a relatable reminder that things will work out in the end. So why not take some risks on the way? Buy an eclectic statement piece, have an adventure, and wear chartreuse nail polish while doing it.
Sally Albright, When Harry Met Sally
It’s a Meg Ryan fall and I’ll have what she’s having: mauve nails. Mauve was apparently all the rage in the late 80s, and this is my formal request to bring it back. Trust Meg Ryan to be a timeless style icon. And who hasn’t always wanted to feel like Sally Albright, running around New York in the fall in perfectly tailored pants and enviously voluminous hair?
Cher Horowitz, Clueless
Inspo for a classic French manicure? Cher in Clueless. (Though I think Cher in 2024 would go for a French with a little nail art detailing like a bow or a heart—or even a colorful tip.) Since she can’t, you should.
Desna, Claws
Can’t talk about TV manicures without talking about Niecy Nash’s role as Desna in Claws—a show all about women and their nails. The moral of the story: bigger is better. Take this as your sign to experiment with acrylics, even if it’s only for the holiday season. And the drama that comes with the sound of acrylics? Nothing more main character than that.
