These days, if you're sporting a perfect bag and impeccable clothes, you can get away with chipped nails

Jun 11, 2008 08:12 GMT  ·  By
Chipped nail polish is all the rage these days - but be careful at how you work the trend
   Chipped nail polish is all the rage these days - but be careful at how you work the trend

If any of our mothers or - why not - even grandmothers are reading this, they are definitely going to be horrified and probably feel that the current generations (that is, all of us young folk) are doing their best to slaughter each and every staple of common sense fashion and personal grooming in the universe. First, we stepped out in public with the black roots showing under our lovely blond 'dos. Then we decided it was fashionable to tear our jeans and show our bra straps. And now, reputed media outlets such as the New York Times have confirmed that it's apparently quite fashionable to step out in public wearing chipped nail polish.

Those of us who grew up believing that chipped nail polish was among the biggest fashion no-nos out there will undoubtedly recoil at the thought and even utter a low scream for added dramatic effect. To them I say, don't be too quick to judge. You see, despite the more pessimistic outlooks on the issue, the desecration of the traditionally impeccable manicure comes with a twist: your nails may be chipped and careless-looking, but the rest of your clothes and accessories must be among the most expensive ones available - otherwise, you'll simply be seen as a big fat slob.

"Having streaked, chipped or just plain grotty nail polish no longer suggests drug addiction, manual labor or pure laziness. Like untied high-tops, thread-worn jeans and bed head, it's now part of a deliberate look", the Times proclaims. In other words, as long as you're sporting a $5,000 purse, the latest designer shoes and impeccable clothes, you can get away with a less-than-perfect manicure.

Because, as many of today's leading designers admit, there's just too much pressure on career women to look perfect at any time. As long as your clothes are prefect, chipped nails merely make you look interesting and quirky. However, make sure your nails always look perfect when you go on a date. Men, apparently, are less fashion-forward when it comes to manicures than even the most open-minded style gurus.