If you've got your hair and make-up sorted, it's time to turn your attention to your talons. To find out how our nails should be buffed, shaped and polished, we enlisted the help of Creative Nail Design education manager and nail pro Danelle Barr.
1. Dark and delicious
"It's time to play hide in the dark," says Barr. "Think dark plums, inky-reds, greys and charcoals and deep purples and blues." But what if deep hues aren't your thing? "Do as the celebs did at the Screen Actors Guild Awards," advises Barr. "Go for gold tones — they looked fantastic with the oh-so-feminine frocks."
2. Shape it, baby
"Last year's shape was quite square," says Barr. "But this year is much more 'squoval'," she explains. To get this look — as seen at Philip Lim, Miss Sixty and Abeate — just follow the natural shape of your nail. The only thing that can top this look is well-hydrated hands, so keep the moisturiser handy this winter and really, it doesn't get any easier than that.
3. Let's get shorty
While your nail files are still out, it's time to talk length for winter '08. "You want your nails to be just past the tip," explains Barr. So put aside those scary memories of uber-short nails from your netball days and remind yourself that a smidgen of length is A-O-K. For a really smart look, Barr advises you to team this nail length with a dark colour, a la Giles Deacon. YBS tip: Finish it off with a nice high-shine top coat.
4. The art of nails
To be fancy or not fancy? That's the question when it comes to nail art this season. "I think decorated nails are a personal preference and up to the individual," muses Barr. "If you can wear it well and it's appropriate for the occasion, then go for it," she says. A trend to try for an everyday look? White nails with black tops (AKA, the reverse French). "It's good for everyday without going over the top."
5. Lady in red
Wearing a red dress or red lipstick fast puts you on the road to attention and so do red nails. "This season go for a classic reds which have a blue base and a matte finish," says Barr. "Apply two coats for complete coverage and colour depth, then seal in the colour with a top coat." Insider advice: red enamel is often the hardest and messiest colour to remove. Barr suggests applying remover to a plastic-backed, lint-free pad. Place it on your nail and allow it to penetrate for a minute. Slowly wipe the colour away in one go.
