For a larger image of the ombré nails, click here.

"The ombré manicure is a nail trend that has been going strong for about two years," says Rita Remark. Along with the half-moon and the two-tone French manicures, ombré nails have achieved classic nail-art status.

What we love most about this pale, faded manicure is that you don't need to have crazy-good dexterity to achieve this look at home. "It's like nail art for dummies, but in the most fabulous way," says Remark.

We like this gradient mani best in dreamy, soft hues, but Remark says any polish palette could work. "Choose colours that are in the same family and then line them up from darkest to lightest." For this look, Remark pulled her polish palette from the blue hues found in Amanda's Peter Pilotto skirt. Five different polishes were selected, ranging from the darkest on the pinky to the lightest on the thumb.

As for shape, keep nails looking natural and short: "Rounded edges, nothing too sharp or squared." She suggests mirroring the shape of your cuticle to make the nail look as flattering as possible.

From pinkie to thumb:
Butler Please
Lapis of Luxury
Mint Candy Apple
Essie Nail Polish in Lilacism
Blanc, $10 each, essie.com

For more on nail art, check out these easy DIY designs.
                                             

This story was originally titled "Fade to Blue" in the May 2014 issue.             Subscribe to Canadian Living today and never miss an issue!