If you thought we were going to let you out of the house this summer wearing last season’s nail colors, you’ve got another thing coming, Missy.

While last fall and winter’s trendy blacks, blues, and deepest purples (aka “the bruise collection") aren’t Over by any means, they certainly have no place in the spring and summer lineup. 

 Almost everyone is going with a nude fingernail these days, and the tropical hot pinks and corals (rather than, say, the mauves and latte-browns of summers past) seem to be the “In” toe colors with the fashion-forward crowd. 

For instance, our Top Secret New York Correspondent, who will be spending most of her weekends this summer frolicking in the Hamptons, currently likes Essie’s Limo Scene or East Hampton Cottage for fingers, and Carousel Coral or Clambake for toes. 

But remember, like fine wine, nail color is all about proper pairings. If your toes are in the coral range, be sure your nude polish isn’t too pinky, and visa versa.  And be careful not to go too orange-y with the corals or too purply with the pinks--you still want some red tones in the mix).



Here are four of our favorite combos:

(We used mostly Essie and Opi because that’s what most salons carry, but that certainly doesn’t mean you can’t find similar colors in other lines.   For reviews of some popular nail polish brands, be sure and check out what tbo.com’s Beauty Board found.)

Of course, these mouth-watering colors just beg for a pair of these season’s newest sandals. 
(Sigh. ) Is our work never done?