She’s one of the most stylish members of the royal family, so if anybody was going to lean into one of spring’s most chic – and slightly daring – beauty trends, it’s Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh. While royal protocol normally dictates a preference for paler, neutral tones on fingertips, the Duchess has tapped into a bolder option that’s proving a surprise hit this season: the ‘anti-spring’ manicure.
Although we’ve seen plenty of the usual lighter pastel trends doing the rounds, from pink ‘soap’ nails to picnic-inspired designs, it seems there’s a surprise nail trend in store for us this year, and Sophie is paving the way.
Looking as chic as ever, Sophie stopped by The Yellow Labrador Club in Windsor for an afternoon spent with puppies. Dressed in elegantly understated neutrals, her manicure stood out with an unexpected pop of colour – a rich merlot red. It added a striking touch to her puppy-patting duties, and Sophie kept the manicure both chic and practical by opting for a short, perfectly groomed almond shape. While it’s hard to know for sure, the shiny finish could be a gel polish or even a hardwearing set of BIAB nails to ensure her mani stays chip-free for any amount of hand-shaking or dog-stroking.
While red polish may not seem like the obvious choice for April, it has always been a classic (and for good reason). There’s just something about a red manicure that makes you feel put-together. If any colour can shake us out of our usual spring rotation, it’s undoubtedly going to be red.
Nail expert Leighton Denny MBE says, ‘Red is the perfect ‘anti-spring’ manicure shade. Wearing a red nail is both instantly chic and a knowing nod to the weather being so unpredictable. While pastels are always thought of as the classic spring nail look, red is the subtle, stylish way of saying you’re not entirely convinced the sunshine is here to stay.”
He continues: ‘As a lot of us are stepping out of post-winter hibernation, we want to bring out that fiery side that’s been locked away for all those months. This season, it’s all about embracing that vibrant red heat. It’s an intense, lively shade, perfect for when you’re feeling a little daring and ready to spice things up!’
Come rain or shine, as demonstrated by Sophie, the bold shade will pair effortlessly with your spring wardrobe, making it a surprisingly versatile mani. A deep red will add a chic contrast to everything from classic neutrals to fondant pastels, elevating any outfit. Leighton also notes that, ‘It’s a shade that looks fantastic on all nail lengths and shapes, with shades that flatter all skin tones.’ You can’t go wrong!
If, like us, you’re now pushing the pastels aside and searching for the perfect red shade, we have you covered. We’ve rounded up the best deep red polishes to buy now…
