We’ve been fired up for fall, a season when style is all in the layering and details. Some of our favorite finds from the Fall 2012 runway shows were the diverse nails spotted throughout various collections. From the chic, sophistication of Thakoon to the kooky, unpredictable dabbling of Rachel Antonoff, we’re here to show you how to do it yourself. Here are some looks you can most definitely afford to take straight from the runway and apply immediately.
The French Mani
The French manicure is always a seasoned staple. She represents the mature, fine-tuned and well-groomed gal who exudes sophistication and class through her wardrobe. Thakoon, Joy Cioci and designers alike took a simple look and spiced it up with reverse colors. The concept is simple, keep your nail base color muted and natural, but find your favorite contrasting color to line your tips. Color blocking is prominent in ensembles this season so what’s a better way to mirror a must have style than through your nail art? Whether it’s dark, neon, lace or sparkle- don’t commit to just wearing your emotions on your sleeve, paint them on your nails too.
Half Moon Mani
Don’t confine yourself to the basics. The Half Moon mani turns the conventional upside down. It embodies the chic, classic taste of the standard French manicure, but delivers with a curve ball. The Half Moon mani emphasizes the bottom of your nail as your neutral palette, while highlighting the color of your choice on the majority of your nail bed. Antonio Berardi and L.A.M.B. are some designers willing to risk the conventional and paint their picture upside down.
Flower Child
At fashion week it’s easy to find designers who need a muted nail and would rather keep it neutral. Blacks, nudes and metallics were a called for staple. Rachel Antonoff refused to keep it neutral and showed us how her patterned prints combined perfectly with her collection. Starting with three colors, you choose a base color to cover your entire nail. When you’re ready to get real frisky you use a striping brush to create a floral pattern on the bottom half of your nail bed. You’ll be ready to rock any color blocked basics or bring an added funk to a patterned clad look.
Whether you decide to remain Plain Jane or try out a wild pattern, we are sure you’ll manage to be right on trend. Which look are you going to steal from the catwalk and bring to the sidewalk?
by Stephanie Powell
Images by Amethyst Wang, via Beautyblitz and Harpers Bazaar
