I go through phases with my nails; I won’t get a manicure for years on end, and then suddenly, one day, something clicks over in my brain and I’m back to a high-maintenance nail routine. I got my first set of nail extensions in over a decade last month, and as you might expect, I’ve been thinking about nail colors and textures a lot since then.
When you combine that with the fact that I think about bags a lot all the time and bags and nails are two things that come in contact with each other near-constantly, the time seemed right to combine the two. Spring 2016’s new bags are arriving in stores left and right, and many of them are particularly rich in color combinations and prints that beg for interesting mani pairings. Below, I’ve selected 15 such duos for some spring wardrobe inspiration. After all, the devil’s in the details.
Céline Belt Bag
$2,400 via Céline
RMS Beauty Nail Polish in Beloved
$15 via Net-a-Porter
Several years ago, Céline made a grey bag that had very subtle neon orange edge paint; I’ve been obsessed with the idea of minimalist grey shapes accented in clashing neons ever since.
Chanel Denim Drawstring Bag
$2,800 via Chanel
Christian Louboutin Nail Lacquer in Rouge Louboutin
$50 via Sephora
There’s something so aggressively French-nautical about a denim Chanel bag that a true red counterpoint seems like the only appropriate option.
Chloé Hudson Bag
$1,990 via Net-a-Porter
NARS Nail Polish in Arabesque
$20 via Sephora
Even though beige is nominally a neutral, its warm tone feels somewhat limiting when it comes to summer brights. This glitter polish is in keeping with the tone and spirit of the design, plus a little extra sparkle on top.
Coach Saddle Bag
$395 via Coach
Smith & Cult Nail Polish in Check the Rhyme
$18 via Net-a-Porter
Okay, so, I might as well admit it now, because we’re going to talk about it some more before we’re done: I’m obsessed with contrasting edge paint on otherwise simple bags. This mustard-yellow Coach is trimmed in smoky purple, as should your nails be.
Givenchy Obsedia Shoulder Bag
$2,390 via Net-a-Porter
Eve Snow Nail Polish in Pigalle
$16 via Net-a-Porter
The coolest thing about Givenchy’s spring leopard is its use of pale, rosy pink instead of beige, and pale pink nails will help to highlight what makes it special.
Gucci Cat Lock Bag
$3,800 via Gucci
Burberry Nail Polish in Antique Gold
$22 via Net-a-Porter
One of the defining characteristics of Gucci’s new generation of bags under Alessandro Michele has been the worn-looking gold-tone hardware, and this polish is the perfect way to replicate it on your nails.
Kate Spade Cedar Street Rose Maise Bag
$278 via Kate Spade
Formula X Nail Polish in Extraordinary
$10.50 via Sephora
The thing that makes this floral interesting is the greyscaled background to the pink blooms, and pale grey polish looks both modern and spring-appropriate.
Louis Vuitton City Steamer
$4,550 via Louis Vuitton
Uslu Airlines Nail Polish in DSL
$16 via Net-a-Porter
I bet you guys can figure this one out.
Marni Flap Shoulder Bag
$2,260 via Barneys
Givenchy Beauty Nail Polish in Pourpre Défilé
$22 via Net-a-Porter
This pairing doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with this specific bag; I just think the Marni woman would wear a deep plum manicure well into spring and not think twice about the seasonality.
Prada Calf Hair and Calfskin Shoulder Bag
$2,520 via Bergdorf Goodman
Jin Soon Nail Polish in Blue Iris
$18 via Net-a-Porter
My favorite thing about Miuccia Prada is her willingness to experiment with difficult aesthetic combinations. Of course a red and leopard-print bag needs a deep, bright blue!
Proenza Schouler Extra Small Courier Bag
$1,350 via Proenza Schouler
Marc Jacobs Enamored High Shine Nail Polish in Lux
$18 via Sephora
Proenza Schouler’s current collection uses the lime green of this polish rather extensively; this floral is my favorite implementation.
Saint Laurent Sac de Jour Tote
$2,890 via Barneys
Nails Inc. Gel Effect Nail Polish in Queens Garden
$15 via Net-a-Porter
These contrast-interior (and contrast edge paint!) SDJs are the first versions of this popular bag that have genuinely appealed to me, and I think a creamy aqua nail would set off the stark combo perfectly.
The Row Origami Shoulder Bag
$6,900 via Barneys
RGB Nail Polish in Beach
$18 via Net-a-Porter
You just know that the Olsens would set off a bag with this much embroidery by doing a totally neutral mannequin hands manicure.
Tory Burch Turnlock Crossbody Bag
$495 via Tory Burch
Lauren B Beauty Nail Polish in Catalina Cruise
$18 vie Net-a-Porter
When the universe gives you an opportunity for turquoise nails, you should take it.
Valentino Embroidered Lock Bag
$4,245 via Saks
Tenoverten Nail Polish in Austin
$18 via Sephora
Valentino’s seasonal bags always have so many color details when you look at them closely; in this one, I’d want to pull out the greyed-out blue green accent.
