Black nails (not unlike the leather jacket) are a great way to inject personality and edge into an otherwise feminine outfit.

This gothic hue had a major moment a few years ago and has been spotted on the hands of all our favourite socialites ever since. If you're doing your own manicure, paint nails with a clear base coat to keep nails from staining. Apply at least two to three coats of colour to prevent streaks.

Make a sartorial statement with your hands by experimenting with rainbow polishes, glitter finishes and flame-hued nails.

Contemporary designs like stripes or zig-zags combining complementing or contrasting colours reign supreme this season and the result is head-turning.

When layering different colours, finish with a hard-wearing top coat to ensure that your manicure lasts without chipping.

See also: Nailed It: 5 High-End Nail Salons In Hong Kong

Stand out from the crowd by swapping your pillar-box reds and pretty pinks for something moodier and more atmospheric. Ultra-glossy and an unexpected choice, navy is a wonderfully wicked colour that's a must for any It-girl.

Sunnier skies are now well and truly upon us, which makes cotton candy-pink or fuschia a must-have when it comes to perfecting your summer nails.

Wear warm rose colours with long and rounded nails for an ultra-sweet and feminine finish.

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