If you’ve had trouble mastering the swirly twirly nail art trends of 2013 (you killed us, water marbling), you’re going to love what’s on the horizon for Spring/Summer 2014. Hundreds of models walked the runway this New York Fashion Week earlier this month wearing the season’s latest gotta-have-it looks, but one trend rose above the rest: Clean, neutral nails.
OPI was the backstage staple of Fashion Week, manicuring models on 11 different runways with fresh designs in sheer pink lacquers. From classic white tips on JOIE’s models to pale peach on Houghton’s, muted colors complimented the layered fabrics and abstract patterns soon to dominate clothing racks.
Samoan Sand, a shiny neutral, was the go-to polish on the BCBGMAXAZRIA runway, while Holmes & Yang models wore the creamy nude shade of So Many Clowns…So Little Time with a slanted swipe of I Saw…U Saw…We Saw…Warsaw across the tips for a deep blue pop of color.
Warm pink hues in Barre My Soul dotted the toes and fingers of both Hervé Léger and Candela models, while barely-there peach swipes of You Callin’ Me a Lyre? grounded the intricate designs of Reem Acra’s Spring line.
Yet, one of our favorite nail designs spotted at Fashion Week was not the new nudes, but the classic half-moon mani on Jenni Kayne’s models.
The larger, more equally proportioned white arc and modern color blocking invigorates this old favorite, giving it a minimal-yet-chic new twist.
To get the look for yourself, grab two complementary neutral colors (think: Off-white and beige or cream and tan), and paint nails with one or two coats of the lighter color (OPI manicurists used Alpine Snow). Let nails dry completely, then lightly apply one paper reinforcement sticker (remember these donut-shaped stickers from elementary school days?) to partially cover the nail and cuticle. (Or, for a geometric twist, angle two pieces of tape to form a V, instead of a rounded arc). Next, paint the top half your nail with two coats of your darker color (try Don’t Pretzel My Buttons). After nails totally dry, slowly peel off stickers/tape and finish with a clear top coat. It’s muted and modern, but uber-sophisticated!
Pictures courtsey of OPI