Once upon a time, all you had to do to achieve instant glamour was coat your nails in scarlet red. Well, things have changed. Now, to have your finger firmly on the pulse, you need to unearth the most unexpected of nail colours. Collectively, we're calling them sludgy nails – because that's what they are. But the real oddity of it all is that, shockingly, they work – elevating your fingertips to total catwalk cool. Stylist's beauty director Joanna McGarry has picked her favourites:
GOING UNDERGROUND
A grown-up, sophisticated shade with pearly pigments to catch the light. Its chip-resistant formula makes this one of the most hardworking polishes around. Dior Vernis in Underground, £17.50
CATWALK KHAKI
Inspired by the collections at Elie Tahari, Kinder Aggugini, John Galliano and Yves Saint Laurent, this khaki shade is all about fun. Looks great against a pale complexion. Nails Inc. London Limited Edition in Fouberts Place, £11
TAUPE OF THE POPS
Is it chocolate? Is it taupe? All we know is that this hot new shade from the go-to brand for top manicurists suits everyone. Launches on 3 August. O.P.I. Nail Lacquer in A-Taupe The Space Needle, £10.50
ENJOY A COFFEE BREAK
Rich and creamy, this is the exact colour of our morning caffeine fix. It's a great colour for any season but, come the autumn, it'll look the business with all those burgundy and claret hues you'll be wearing. Orly Nail Lacquer in Coffee Break, £6.95
YOU'RE IN THE ARMY NOW
Utilitarian is a dark khaki-grey shade that gives nails a moody, sleek look without being as gothic as traditional black. We're big fans of the hard-wearing Topshop Nails range and this one particularly suits olive skintones. Topshop Nails in Utilitarian, £5
