As Sienna and Cara show, red nail polish for summer is a chic idea
Jessica Wilkins So far this decade, minimal manicures have dominated nail trends. The nail equivalent of 'no make-up make-up', variations on the theme feature semi-sheer neutral polishes, understated nail art, and the more natural version of French tips, the American manicure. Even naked nails are back.
So far, so chic. But alongside neutrals, red nail polish remains a classic choice for those craving a more colourful alternative that still aligns with the 'quiet luxury' mood of the moment. Just ask Cara Delevingne and Sienna Miller, who both attended the Wimbledon Tennis Championships this week sporting rich red manicures.
An extension of their outfits, both used their nails to bring a pop of colour to muted palettes; Delevingne wearing all black with a beige Ralph Lauren blazer and Miller dressed in a navy jumper and white jeans for her second Wimbledon outing (for the first she chose a blue and white striped Ralph Lauren suit). Just like a summer blazer or a simple navy jumper, red nail polish is a sartorial classic.
However, red nail polish has also been at the centre of a controversial TikTok trend this year. Based on the idea that red nails tap into the male gaze, the Freudian-esque hypothesis has been amplifying the nail shade, with videos tagged #rednailtheory amassing 212.2 million views to date. But whether viewed as sexy, strong or conservative (or all/none of these things!), there's no denying red nail polish's enduring appeal.
Some of our favourites include the OPI Nail Lacquer in Big Apple Red – a bright shiny red reminiscent of Miller's, and the cooler red Essie Nail Polish in 56 Fishnet Stockings – which looks similar to Delevingne's. For a longer-lasting gel, reach for the CND Shellac Gel Polish in Devil Red, the fire engine red Rihanna wore at the 2023 Super Bowl as part of her top-to-toe red ensemble.
