The most stylish nail polish options to look professional at work

My obsession du jour? The slate nails I’ve been spying on all the slinky sylphs on Instagram.

There’s a lot to love about this most sexy of shellacs. Because the shade straddles the easy-to-use, not-quite-neutral spectrum, grey is great for greenhorns – call it the 50 shades of grey for nail novices, if you like.

This anything-goes nature gives you a free hand to experiment without get your fingers burned, so to speak. Consider going the grungy route for a tough-as-nails, biker chick vibe, or tread softly in a demure dove-grey topcoat. Either way, you’ll look cool as steel.

Top tip for intermediate-level beauty students: Opt for an opalescent, grey-on-grey ombre – so very sublime for the swanky soirees this time of the year.

Unwilling to work your fingers to the bone scouting for grey nail varnish? You’ll be pleased as punch to know that this universally flattering polish is being proffered left and right on the just about every makeup aisle.

Friendly reminder before I sign off: Be sure to single out 3- or 5-free formulas so as to take the menace out of your manicure, and you’ll be in good hands.

All hands on deck? Pore over these #NailsOfInstagram-worthy swag that have earned a thumbs-up from yours truly, and get cracking on putting those talons to good use!

Want more? Check out associate editor Eugene’s expert tips to protect your skin after a facial to make the effects last longer, and get all the tricks you need at your fingertips to maintain the gloss and gleam of your nails. Get your daily dose of beauty at www.herworldplus.com/beauty.

1. Chanel Le Vernis in 520 Garconne, $39

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2. Nails Inc Leather Nail Polish, $36 from Sephora Singapore

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3. RMK Nail Color EX in EX-60 Classic Gray, $25 from RMK counters

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4. Nars Nail Polish in Amarapura, $30

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5. Ciate London Paint Pots in Fit for a Queen, $23 from Sephora Singapore

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6. Marc Jacobs Beauty Enamored Nail Glaze in Stone Jungle 146, $30 from Sephora Singapore

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7. Burberry Nail Polish Iconic Colour in 200 Steel Grey, $30

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8. Butter London Trend Lacquer in Sloane Ranger, $24

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9. Yves Saint Laurent Beaute La Laque Couture Nail Lacquer in 37 Taupe Mauresque, $39

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10. Deborah Lippmann Nail Lacquer in Pretty Vacant, $33 from Sephora Singapore

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11. Make Up Store Nail Polish in Vadim, $22

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12. Maybelline Color Show Nail Polish in 410 Impeccable Greys, $6.90

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