The Look: Filed (or cut) to hug the natural curve of your finger.
Ideal For: Those who put a premium on simplicity and ease. Busy multi-taskers, beauty minimalists and beach-combers who prefer sand to the salon.
Maintenance Level: Low. Just cut and file as needed and maintain a monthly manicure appointment for professional upkeep.
Key Tools: Clippers and a nail file; cuticle cream.

The Look: Round tips that peek discreetly over the edge of your fingertips (or the outgrowth of the aforementioned Short & Sporty after a two-week tour of the Mediterranean).
Ideal For: The end of a summer holiday when a subtle nail touch-up is required. Fourth of July barbeques that demand both an attractive manicure and full use of your hands (those limes are not going to squeeze themselves).
Maintenance Level: Medium, pending on how quickly your nails grow. Have a file handy to keep edges smoothly rounded and even.
Key Tools: Nail file; no clippers necessary.

The Look: Vintage-inspired, almond-shaped tips that taper softly to an oval point.
Ideal For: Channeling Faye Dunaway in Network or Joan Crawford in anything. Impatiently drumming your fingers while your backgammon partner ponders their next move. Ladies who lunch (at the tennis club).  
Maintenance Level: High. Expect weekly trips to the nail salon. Button flies and soda tabs might also pose a challenge.  
Key Tools: A trusty file, nail strengthener, a standing manicure appointment.

The Look: Glamorously impractical. Long, sharp and filed to a point.
Ideal For: Accessorizing an itsy-bitsy bikini. Back scratches for your paramour.
Maintenance Level: Extremely High. Button flies, iPhones and soda tabs might pose a challenge. 
Key Tools: Do not try this at home. Trusted nail artist should be kept on speed dial.