Maybe it’s because I was an ‘80s kid, but there’s just something about hot pink nail polish that, in my mind, exists in an exclusive Venn diagram of video vixens, aspiring real-life Barbies, and gaudy grandmothers (like my late, perpetually bedazzled Grandma Bea). I have never once felt like myself when I’ve worn it, and you really don’t see it on too many celebrities, perhaps because they share that inexplicably restricted perception of hot pink nail polish with me. Which is why I was so pleasantly surprised to see it pop up on Emily Blunt, the epitome of Hollywood ladylikeness.
Blunt attended the Smashing Machine premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on Monday, September 8, in a Stella McCartney look that’s a departure from both the Devil Wears Prada sequel-filming peeks we’ve been seeing and her own usual red carpet style. Topping off wide-led, black, pinstripe pants was a black halter top with two triangular cutouts—one open mid-bust and one covered in sheer lace. Revealing even more skin was the strappy back design.
The look was arguably quite racy—and yet, on Blunt, it’s downright sophisticated. Demure, even. And that may explain why the hot pink manicure she paired with it, against all odds, doesn’t give ‘80s party girl but rather cool, mature, fancy yet understated lady. I’d even go so far as to say modern baroness.
Photo: Getty Images