The tan and talon set

Matching your handbag and shoes is historic, syncing your nails with your outfit passé. This summer, the trendy set are tailoring their nail shade to complement their tan.

The Colour Complement

"This season, the girls at the House of Holland show came from the sun-drenched beaches of California. Colour-complement the dusky, rose-tinted tan with a watermelon nail shade for a fresh look," says celebrity nail guru Nichola Joss.

Key products: Allow two coats of St Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Lotion (£30.64) to dry before brushing the Bronzing Powder (£20.43; st-tropez.com) around shoulder blades and beneath collar bones. Nails Inc in Shoreditch (£11; nailsinc.com) will add a fruity finish to talons.

Suits: skins with a naturally grey undertone.

The Tone-on-Tone Trick

"A translucent veil of colour adds a finish to the skin that looks natural," says James Harknett.

"Pair it with a fleshy-toned nail."

Key products: Mix Sun Believable Self Tan Mousse in Medium (£30; sun-believable.com) with your body moisturiser. Add Maybelline Forever Strong varnish in Porcelain (£4.09; boots.com) onto your nails.

Suits: China doll types.

The Matte-Shine MisMatch

"Add definition to your body by adding a light-reflecting, golden warmth," says tanning maestro James Read (sandersonlondon.com). "Contrast this with a matte nail in darkest cherry."

Key products: Apply Famous Dave's Spray Tan (from £23.95; famousdave.co.uk) followed by L'Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Gel (£8.98, boots.com) to add colour with a sheen. Top Orly Bus Stop Crimson (£9.25, orlybeauty.co.uk) with Essie Matte About You topcoat (£10.95, lenawhite.co.uk) for the correct tan-talon contrast.

Suits: Those flashing some flesh at an evening event.