While I too have been guilty of this faux pas, it is hard to look put together with battered fingers. You may think that this is non-sense, but you could put the cutest sundress on and still look unkept with that hideously chipped purple polish as you're sipping your high tea in front of your best client.
If you are unable to maintain your fingers here are a few alternatives:
1) Next time instead of colored polish use a clear coat or buff in shine with a multi-sided buffer.
2) Instead of dark polish go for a baby pink or nude. This looks very classy, is easy to do yourself, and the flaws are A LOT less noticeable.
3) If you are a professional who is expected to look your best, go fake. This may not sound appealing, but it is lower maintenance than polishing your own nails up to 3 times a week. Acrylics or Gels stay in perfect shape for 2 whole weeks before you will need another fill. Plus someone else can do the dirty work for you! (Be sure to ask around for a clean salon that cares for their clients. Some of those quick nail shops can destroy your nails by filing too far.)
