These nails are a lot of work, and are they aren’t usually for everyday, around-the-house wear. They might make a fun addition to a homecoming outfit or could be perfect for a military ball, with a bit of a glamorous touch.

See the full 4 step tutorial on NailPro’s website.

Army-Inspired Nails

Army Star Nails

Nothing says “Army” like the US Army Logo, so these are undoubtedly the most recognizable Army nails I have seen. While this is an elaborate design, it’s composed of simple shapes and just three colors, so it’s not too complicated. Nail Pro has an awesome Army Star tutorial.

Maya Szydlowski, a self-proclaimed fashion enthusiast who taught herself how to create nail art designs, says that the trick to great nails is all in the timing.

“Being patient and letting the polish dry after each step (is the key),” said Szydlowski. “That is CRUCIAL and will determine how clean the nail art will look in the end.”

Army Green Nail

Army Greens are pretty popular, and you can find more subtle versions of the famous shade of olive in versions with glitter or muted shades. All Laquered Up did a great review of greens in their post on the Army Green trend.

Camouflage Nails

My absolute favorite Army inspired nails are the camo nails. There are a number of great videos on YouTube that demonstrate easy ways to make these yourself.

Style 101 recommends white nail polish and simple designs.

Navy-Inspired Nails

Nautical Nails

The great thing about fashion inspired by the Navy is that you can borrow all sorts of nautical trends. Style Tips 101 did a post about wearing nautical themed outfits and had some awesome ideas for nautical nails!

Navy Nail Decals 

If you do not want to freehand or paint your own designs, I have also seen lots of decals that you can add to your beauty stash like these Navy nail decals from Pretty Girly Girl. (They carry decals for other military branches as well!)

Nails at Home has a full tutorial on their blog. (Bonus: you do not have to try to paint a star!)

Marine-Inspired Nails

Dress Blues Inspiration

Lets face it, everyone’s favorite fashion look for the Marine Corps is the Dress Blues. So why not use the Dress Blues as inspirations for your nails. For more ideas, check out the blog “Things I Love at the Moment” — she posted about her Dress Blue inspired nails that she wore on Veterans Day.

Minimalistic Marine Nails

I love nail designs that convey the idea and feeling but are not overly designed. That is probably why I love this design from Lisa’s Nails at Home blog (shown on the right). I love the simple modification of the French manicure with a Marine-inspired feeling!

More adventurous nails

If you are feeling a little more adventurous you should try tackling this elaborate Marine themed nail set from iCandy Nails.

Maya’s tip on elaborate designs is to use a dotting tool for small designs. (If you don’t want to spend the money, you can easily use the tip of a pen or a toothpick.)

NerdPolish has some awesome nail art skills, check out her Air Force Logo nails!

Air Force-Inspired Nails

Blue and Silver Nails

Air Force inspiration is great in blue and silver and looks very elegant. There are some great simple blue and silver tutorials like this half moon one from The Beauty Department.

Air Force Logo

Nerd Polish did a twist on painting the logo and stretched the air force logo across her nails. I love how this turned out and it keeps you from having to paint the whole design on one nail.

Flight Themed Nails

For a little more whimsy, why not try nail art base on planes and flying? I love these airplane nails from Mimi’s Vanity Box. You could probably even modify this with decals of your favorite military jet if you are so inclined.

The Daily Varnish shows off her nautical themed manicure!

Coast Guard-Inspired Nails

Nautical with Flair 

These nautical nails from The Daily Varnish are awesome. The lifeguard ring just adds an extra touch that I think is perfect!

Tip for painting: don’t worry about getting polish on your skin. In fact, paint right across it. After your nails are fully dry, you can wash the polish off your skin with soap and water.

Patriotic Themed Nails

Don’t forget the red, white and blue designs. I have seen tons of these. Check out this tutorial from Pixie Polish to turn your nails into the American Flag.

Hope we gave you some ideas. Let us know if you try any of these designs, we would love to see your results!

Part One: 4 Clues to Cracking the Military Ball Dress Code

The military ball is the annual event that every service member looks forward to. As a night full of honor, food, drinks, laughs and dancing, it is hard to see why any military member and their guest would want to miss out. However, for first-time attendees, the thought of attending such an event can seem a bit overwhelming. To help you prepare for the event, here is a list of things to expect to see at any military ball:

Cocktail hour is a great time to mingle.

The Cocktail Hour

The evening generally begins with a cocktail hour that precedes the main event. It is a great time to mingle, meet new people and chat it up with friends and your service member’s military buddies. Having a few drinks is definitely acceptable — just remember that the night is long and to pace yourself. My personal advice is to limit the drinks you consume during the cocktail hour. In my experience, it can make for a long, rough night ahead if you don’t.

The receiving line is a chance to have a brief introduction to the host.

The Receiving Line

Once the cocktail hour has ended, a receiving line will form so that you may be seated for dinner. Women are always expected to be in front of men, even female service members. It is a formality that seems archaic that is really only still followed out of tradition. The announcer will head the receiving line, and you are not expected to shake his or her hand. You simply need to introduce yourself, or allow yourself to be introduced, and provide a short greeting.

It might be nice to brush up on formal dinner etiquette for the military ball.

The Plated Dinner

If you aren’t used to place settings or which forks are for what courses, you may want to brush up on your etiquette. I have never seen anyone called out for not knowing the formal rules, but if you are like me, you may want to know what exactly is going on.  The dinner at a military ball generally consists of several courses so knowledge of formal dinner setting rules, including ways in which dishes are supposed to be passed, can be a lifesaver!

A table is set for service members who never made it home.

Honors and Presentations

The military prides itself on tradition and ceremony, so expect to see these activities scattered throughout the night. The honor guard often sets a table for POW and MIA service members and the cake is often cut with a sword. During dinner, expect to witness several presentations that will be made to honor various service members. You will also see the tributes to colors, and should ask your military member in advance what the proper protocol is for their military branch.

Dance the night away.

Dancing

After the presentations conclude, the dancing will begin. Typically dancing is kicked off with more formal dances, so learning a step or two before the ball may be fun, or at least make you feel more comfortable. While things may loosen up on the dance floor as the night progresses, don’t lose sight of where you are and keep the dance moves appropriate for the occasion.

Overall, don’t be nervous. These events are full of tradition and formality, but they are supposed to be about having a good time. Don’t be too daunted by the pomp and circumstance of it all. I have always had a great time at the military ball, and I am sure I have committed a faux pas or two. Think about it as a great excuse to get dressed up and get out of the house!

Photo courtesy of Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, 101st CAB, Wings of Destiny, Offutt Air Force Base, Expert Infantry and U.S. Army Africa

The age-old question: What should I wear?

The military ball is an event that’s looked forward to by military members and their dates alike. It’s a night where those who have so dutifully served are allowed to indulge in some longstanding traditions, great food and drink, and a whole lot of fun.

For those who will be first-time dates to this year’s military ball, here are a few tips to keep in mind to make sure that you look appropriate and stylish:

Complement the Dress Uniforms

As a date to a military ball, you’re there to complement your date, the service member. So don’t wear a bold dress in a loud color. This is the military member’s day, not yours. Try finding a dress in black, navy or even deep red or white, all colors that will nicely complement your date’s dress uniform. Keep it simply with no loud prints, and keep it classy, with just a few rhinestones or other embellishments here or there.

When picking out your outfit, consider how you’ll look together.

Keep it Classy

When it comes to the cut or style of a dress, I’m always a strong advocate for wearing a dress that best flatters your figure. It will make you look stunning and feel most comfortable. Keep in mind that while wearing a slinky, short and backless dress may be fun and sexy for a night out at the clubs, it isn’t appropriate at a ball. Think about what your outfit says about you and remember that what you wear does reflect on your spouse. A military ball is a formal occasion and the general consensus is that women should wear a floor-length gown as a matter of formality. I advise that when you question if an outfit is appropriate, err on the side of caution. Plunging necklines, backless numbers and thigh-high slits are common trends in formal wear, but just because something is popular doesn’t make it any more appropriate.

Keeping your dress on the simple side is better than going over-the-top

Take the Time to Prep

A military ball merits well-manicured nails and well-done hair, so make sure you book your appointment in advance. You don’t need the up-do that you donned during prom, but a sophisticated hairstyle goes great with a formal dress.

Don’t Forget the Heels

Leave the flip flops at home. Even if you have a floor-length gown, you still need elegant shoes to match. Heels are always a great option. Just make sure to keep the heel classy, too, with few straps and only a mild peep toe. Also, wear them before the ball to break them in and make sure they’re comfortable enough that you will not end the night limping!

A military ball is a must-attend event. No matter how concerned you are with your outfit for the evening, always keep in mind that first and foremost, this is an event for your service member. So, instead of fiddling with your hair or worrying about the pain your heels are causing, be sure to let the service member in your life know that this is his special night and that you’re proud of him.

Photos courtesy of Laurie Avocado, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District and Maneula

It’s an exciting time for military communities to get together, but often times, spouses get anxious about what to expect as they honorably represent their service member. Each branch runs their event differently, so some of the following advice varies, but here are a few general things spouses may want to know about military balls:

A military ball is a great excuse to dress up and feel like a princess.

What to Wear

In a military ball, service members wear dress blue or class A uniforms while guests complement them with formal attire. Male guests typically wear dark suits with a bow tie or a tuxedo. Women wear knee- to floor-length gowns, but also have the option of cocktail dresses, as long as detailing is minimal. Patterns and bright colors should be avoided.

Women are not expected to get their hair professionally done, but many sport fancy curls or elegant hairdos. Since spouses will be greeting people with handshakes, hands should be well groomed. If a woman chooses to wear gloves, proper glove protocol includes removing the right glove and holding it in the left hand while meeting other guests.

Cocktail Hour

The night kicks off around 5 or 6 with a cocktail hour where service members and guests can mingle. There may also be a photographer for formal pictures. Just be sure to pace any drinking you may do, because when the cocktail hour ends it’s typically time for the receiving line.

Receiving Line

Before you head to the receiving line, be sure to leave all food, drink, extra garments and umbrellas in the check area. Women are permitted to bring their purses with them.

When walking as a couple, women walk in front of the men in a single-file line, even if the woman is the service member. The first person you’ll encounter is the announcer and you do not shake his or her hand. You simply introduce or are introduced by your last name. As you continue through the line, short greetings are appropriate, such as, “Good evening, it’s nice to meet you.”

Dinner Hour

When dinnertime is sounded by a horn, it’s time for you to take your assigned seat. It’s a good idea to open the lines of communication

Marine Corps ball attracted celebrity guests in 2011

and introduce yourself to your table. You may find a program at your table with the evening’s events as well as any responses you should give during toasts and speeches.

Several courses will be served for which you may want to brush up on your table setting etiquette. In addition to knowing what fork to use, be sure to ask for items to be passed rather than reach across anyone. Use common courtesy as to not apply makeup or fix your hair at the table.

There will be presentations to honor service members as well as tributes to the colors, so be sure to ask your spouse about proper protocol.

After Dinner

When the presentation ends, the dance floor and bar will open up. It may begin with formal dances such as waltzes or foxtrots, but depending on the band or DJ that runs the show, more contemporary music can be played. You can let loose on the dance floor, but be sure to leave the club moves at home.

Have you attended a military ball? What was your experience?

Do you have any advice or things spouses should know before they go?

Photo courtesy of Jayel Aheram and DVIDSHUB