Unfortunately -- my own personal experience confirms this article. This is a LONG post, but I feel compelled to share my story in hopes of saving some other woman entering the professional world from my embarrassment.
I was a go-go dancer at a nightclub for several years in my younger days as a part time college job. Not a stripper -- but I have to admit, shamefully close to that. All the girls I danced with, including myself, always had acrylic french tips. Not super long ones, just your standard set. But it was as much a part of the uniform as the booty shorts and rhinestone bras.
The older and wiser me now works in a major law firm that has several female attorneys and partners. Not a single french manicure in sight -- acrylic or otherwise. The only exception is the receptionist, who I should add, also wears way too much frosty hot pink blush and is the only staff member without a college degree.
Now the embarrassing part. I was a bit of slow learner and continued sporting my french tips for the first few months of work. One day, a senior female attorney who had become a mentor of sorts to me, presented me with a little gift bag. Inside was a bottle of a translucent pastel pink nail lacquer and a clipping from a recent fashion/society section of New York Magazine. (excepted in relevant portion below).
Quote:
| Traditionalists have sworn by Essie's Sugar Daddy hue for years. It's clean and natural, and it filled the void left by the long-abandoned French manicure (although you may spot a few holdovers on the subway). |
I went to lunch with my mentor that same afternoon and asked her about my nails. She explained that french tips are not appropriate to wear in front of clients. And that french manicures, in general, are pretty much passe. I refused to believe this at first. I LOVE my beautiful french tips and thought they were oh so glam.
But then I started paying more attention to women's nails. If you look in any issue of vogue or any other fashion mag, NONE of the women pictured ever have french manicures. Celebrities in Hollywood never have french manicures either. I slowly realized that the only french manicures I ever saw anymore were worn by the saleswomen when I went shopping or the waitresses when I went out to dinner. In these circles, the white tips seem as popular as ever. But I never caught other businesswomen with french manicures. In fact, what high profile pubic figure, in fashion, politics, society, business, or otherwise has french nails? I can only think of three. Pamela Anderson, Victoria Beckam (though I know that Posh has weathered a lot of editorial criticism for this -- yet I admire her sense of independence) and Dolly Parton.
Around the same time that I finally realized it was time to give up my beloved french tips -- I was also newly married. My new husband's family is pretty embedded in the local professional society. My father-in-law is a partner in a land investment firm and my mother-in-law sits on the board of a large charitable foundation. As a result, my new husband began bringing me to lots of black tie social functions with his family. I was uncomfortable getting ready for my first formal function sans acrylics. My hands felt so naked and bland. On the car ride there, my husband took my hand was pleasantly surprised. He told me that he was so glad I got rid of "those nails" as his two sisters had always wanted to say something to me about them since they first met me, but that he wouldn't let them for fear of embarrassing me. Clearly, I was convinced.
My conclusion. French tips are totally acceptable for certain social circles, but definitely not for others. Though I have to disclaim that I'm in California and can't speak for the South (perhaps Miss Parton is totally in vouge with her hometown fashions...). Lastly, this is merely a trend, not a rule. There is nothing wrong with doing as Posh does and flashing high society the french-tipped-finger. I'm writing from the perspective of a young attorney and young wife, wanting to fit into her new professional and social environment.
. Like someone else said people shouldn't judge. 
. lol I love the look on their faces
