Nail polish trends have been swinging back and forth from very light to very dark over the past few seasons. As Fashionistas move into summer and begin to pare down their spring wardrobe in preparation for steamy temperatures, everyone is beginning to see their black shaded finger-tips as a bit, well, shall we say, so last season!

While Black Pearl from Chanel and similar shades from designers and beauty companies across the globe have graced the fingertips of the fashion-savvy since December 2010, fingertips have rebelled for summer and are going pale beige or bright pink.

Instead of one dominant color for nails this summer, the “IT” fingertips shade is either beige or bright pink while the “IT” toe color is either bright pink or sunshine yellow; Mimosa by Chanel to be exact. While black polish still has its place in nail color royalty for the summer, the shade has been relegated to the toes and paired with beige fingertips.

Wondering what exact shades to look for this summer? Mimosa by Chanel is the ultimate yellow for your toes. Morning Rose is the “IT” shade of pink for all of your nails and Beige Petale is the neutral beige for your fingertips. The one nail color rule this summer is that bright colors, other than pink, belong on your toes. Fingers are to be kept neutral in either beige or spring’s black.

The reasoning behind this “nail polish color rule” is that bright and bold colors in apparel and accessories are HOT for summer and Fashionistas need to be able to wear any shade they please, without having to worry about their fingertips clashing with their ensembles. 

Chanel Summer nail color from left: Beige Petale, Mimosa and Morning Rose.
Photo by Bay Area Fashionista ©2011

The nail polish colors from spring 2011 are moving swiftly into summer without too much of a change.Chanel’s Black Pearl continues to be the “IT” polish of the moment and is expected to continue as the alternative to beige this summer; until the fall 2011 colors hit store shelves. The change for summer 2011 that was not en vogue for spring 2011 is that fingers and toes are moving in different directions for summer; contrasting directions that is  Summer 2011 is moving away from matching fingers and toes and moving into opposite territory.

While black or beige fingers are continuing into summer from spring, toes are getting into a rebellious mode by going beige or brightly colored. 

Beige toes are appearing on the feet of Fashionistas everywhere for summer 2011 when the fingers of said Fashionista are painted in a black tone. Fashion savvy finger painters who opt for beige nails on their hands are going bold and bright on their toes by choosing bright yellow, apple green, hot pink or royal blue.

Since the bold color trend is hot for spring and summer, it is only natural that nails take on the colorful trend as well. While feet are enjoying a trendy summer, fingers are staying neutral in either vampy black shades or soft neutrals such as beige or subtle shades of gold.

Wondering where to find the right colors for summer? Chanel’s Black Pearl or Beige Petale for the fingers and Miami Peach or Mimosa for the toes can be found at Macy’s, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus stores. For nail polish under $10, Sally Hansen and Nicole by OPI offer a rainbow of shades every season and can be found in the beauty department at Target Stores everywhere. Happy shopping, and stay fabulous