Nailing It: A Guide to Summer 2010 Nail Colour Trends

By Souzan Michael
[Ladies Fashion]

Barely There
Pale pink or almost nude nails are always chic, regardless of what season it is. This shade looks great on all skin tones and is the trendier version of a classic French manicure. This colour ensures your nails constantly look polished and glossy. Another plus: chips are hardly noticeable! If you want to try out this colour – or lack thereof – make sure your nails are trimmed and neat. This shade just doesn’t work on long nails.

Minty Fresh
Warning: if you want to try out this super-fun shade, make sure you use a base-coat underneath to avoid staining your nails. No one wants awkward, barely-there green nails sans nail polish. Moving on, this fresh and unique colour is bold while still being soft and versatile. So if you’re looking to add a pop of colour to an outfit but don’t want to go back to your trusty but overused basic red polish or bring back last season’s obnoxious neon shades, this pale green is perfect for you. Besides, it’s a proven fact that pastel colours generally cheer you – and those around you – up. At least that’s what I’ve learned from Burberry this season. So maybe it’s not a “proven fact”, but I digress.

In the Navy
Tired of constantly going back to short, black nails? Me too. While black is certainly timeless and chic, why not go for something trendier, while still remaining stylish and refined? That’s exactly what you get with navy nail polish. In the same family as black, navy is not only a neutral, but adds an undeniable class and sophistication to any look. Pair it with a white dress and red accessories for a cute, fresh nautical-inspired outfit, or tone down a bright dress with navy nails. The possibilities are truly endless.


This summer, I urge you to step away from your trusty and reliable nail polish shades and reach for one of the colours mentioned above. You’ll look and feel trendier than ever and people will notice. Here are some easy tips to follow: if you want to go for a simple clear polish for a pretty manicured look, choose taupe instead for a soft hit of colour. When you crave a French manicure, which often looks dated and cliché, pick light pink or beige instead. If you’re dying for your bright bubblegum pink polish, pick mint for a similar bold effect.

Finally, if you miss the comfort of black nails, go navy: you’ll barely notice the difference at first, but others certainly will! Don’t be afraid to experiment with your nails. After all, what’s the worst that can happen? If you don’t like the colour, remove it and start over. Just because trends are constantly changing doesn’t mean you should throw in the towel and give up, it means you should pick your favourite looks each season and incorporate them into your look. You won’t regret it!

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