In the 19th century pastel colors were fashionable in most of Europe ... she says—and by 1940 pink and blue took root as the intensely gender-associated colors they continue to be today.

The soft shades return each year in updated iterations, and often a noteworthy shade that falls within the pastel color ...

Though the nails photographed here are longer and pointy, the color would work just as well on shorter lengths. These pretty nails pair a pastel pink with a deeper purple for a bit of contrast.

At the Golden Globes, Zendaya subtly announced her engagement to Tom Holland with her tips painted in the pastel pink hue. Anya Taylor-Joy also sported the color on her nails and paired them with ...