Photo: Getty ImagesSave this storySave this story
All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
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
Blunt, to my frustration, kept her hands in her pockets for the vast majority of her red-carpet posing session, but thankfully, while she was photographed meeting fans, she let the world see that perfect bright-but-not-neon, not-too-dark, not-too-light shade of bold pink.
Photo: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty Images
While I don't think I'll be attempting any daring, lacy halter tops any time soon—I salute and envy those who do—seeing this nail polish shade on Blunt has me thinking I may try either OPI Nail Lacquer in Without a Pout or Morgan Taylor Professional Nail Lacquer in Tag, You're It in the very near future.