The quintessential summer manicure may just be neutral. Thus far, 2023 has been marked by high contrasts, the colorful, kitschy likes of mermaid- and Barbiecore embraced alongside the far moodier mode of goth glam. Door number three? An easy and chic neutral, a look deftly demonstrated by Sofia Richie and her latest manicure.
Richie shared a quick how-to in regard to her pretty polish job — short oval files with a barely-there finish — via Instagram stories. “Two coats of Essie Skinny Dip,” she instructed, her neutrals paired with a pleated skirt and stilettos.
In addition to its universality, this brand of neutral mani is in keeping with what TikTok calls Richie’s “Old money” aesthetic, the sort of sleek classics and stealth wealth demonstrated by the country club crowd. It also finds a sister in the rise of the American manicure, a nude-on-nude reinterpretation of the classic French.
Need a break from beauty’s extremes? You can take a pretty pause in a neutral camp — at least at nail level.
This story originally appeared on vogue.com.
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In addition to Essie’s Skinny Dip, you can also use OPI’s Nail Lacquer in Put It In Neutral or reach for Olive & June’s Nail Polish in HZ. If painting your own nails leaves you with something that looks more like a Kindergartener’s art project than a manicure, try press-ons instead. (Or peruse our comprehensive guide on how to DIY manicures if you’re looking to improve those skills.) Kiss’s Nudies Bare But Better Nude Nails look almost exactly like Richie’s own nails.
