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It’s the return of the manicure…a hotgirl homecoming, of sorts. It’s undeniable that the past few months have been dominated by nail news, micro trends and stunning mani inspo, but sometimes the trend-of-the-day can get overwhelming. That’s why it’s important to have a few classic nail looks you love in your back pocket. The right polish, inspo photo or press-on kit can go from work to play, night to day and outlive any trend.
The Classics
You might expect intricate nail art or one of the many trends we’ve seen this year to be the most popular when it comes to what people are actually searching for. But, according to reporting from beauty and wellness marketplace Fresha, we might not be alone in our trend exhaustion. Searches for French manicures dominated 9,406,341 combined views and posts on Instagram and TikTok.
“French nails also rank as the most popular nail trend in the United States,” Fresha explains, “with an average monthly search volume of 205,703, according to Google.”
Classic nail looks like the French manicure and iterations on it (think ombrè nails, dipped nails, glazed nails, etc), are some of the easiest and most enduring ways to add instant elegance to your look. Classic nail looks can consist of neutrals like white, black, brown and nudes or even a spicy signature red.
The Summer of Nail Trends
Nails are everywhere this summer, and it’s clear that nail art is exploding into a form of creative self-expression.
“It’s clear that nail art isn’t just a trend—it’s a vibrant form of self-expression that continues to push boundaries and inspire creativity,” says a spokesperson for Fresha. “As we analyze the data, we see how each trend reflects the dynamic tastes and preferences of beauty enthusiasts worldwide. From classic French manicures to daring 3D nail art, the nail industry is a testament to the endless possibilities for personal style. We hope to empower all to explore new trends and express themselves through their manicures!”
These micro trends come down to a vibe, the feeling of a morning latte or a long day in the sun, which can be captured with just a color choice.
But what about when the vibe is “classic?”
How to “Nail” Classic Nail Looks
With the rise of the rich girl mani and the takeover of nail concealers, it’s time to take a look back to all the classic looks we love for everyday wear. Because trends change, but the classics always stay fresh.
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Let’s start simple. There’s something timeless and elegant about an all-white manicure that communicates modern luxury. Combined with any athliesure and you’re suddenly in your Challengers era. In other words: It’s a serve.
Londontown 2 / 20
On the opposite end, having the perfect one-coat black is critical. An all black manicure is the classic among classics. Necessary for any emo phase, punk rock kid or hot goth girlfriend, there’s never a bad time to get a little dark.
Manicurist 3 / 20
Get a classic French manicure without any of the salon-time with this perfect set of press-ons. The short almond length is the ideal in-between style for anyone who wants length without too much drama.
Glamnetic 4 / 20
Red nail theory anyone? A strong red shade turns up the heat on the idea of the classic, giving it that essential sexy element.
Chanel 5 / 20
A true neutral that can go with absolutely anything, a set of nude nails in a shape you love is an endlessly enduring trend. Match it with anything, and take it easily from work to play.
OPI 6 / 20
From the stranglehold millennial pink had on the culture in the mid 2010s, we know for sure that pale pink is an elegant classic. This sheer shade is quick drying and chip resistant.
DazzleDry 7 / 20
There’s more than one way to do a French manicure, and Dashing Diva knows it. This chromatic, ultra-glossy French tip set provides that coveted donut glaze effect with a silver finish.
DASHING DIVA 8 / 20
Fresh, sharp and squared-off, this squoval-shaped set brings the edge to a set of nude nails. These are no-makeup nails, the perfect way to build your rich girl mani.
KISS 9 / 20
There’s something so femme fatale about this set of alluring, darkly feminine nails. A classic with a twist, this set emulates the iconic red-soled Louboutins with that flash of red on the underside.
Static Nails 10 / 20
You don’t have to go fire-engine to get on the red nail train. Colors that evoke red wine and have a more vampiric, goth look to them bring just a touch of mystery to your look. Dark academia, anyone?
Londontown 11 / 20
Dipped in honey, these nails have a subtle ombrè that is sure to inspire your next manicure. The soft gold tinges on bronze, bringing warmth to the set.
Static Nails 12 / 20
Milky nails were all the rage last year, but this micro trend is way more of a classic than it might first appear. Diluted, pale pinks are a super easy way to add brightness to your look without overwhelming your outfit with color.
Olive and June 13 / 20
French tips can easily become fun and creative with just a little color. Experimenting with one color on the tips or even a whole rainbow will never go out of style.
BARTBOXNAILS 14 / 20
An ombré or color gradient is a sleek way to mix up your nail look. Fade from nude to the color of your choice for a classy flash of fun.
Static Nails 15 / 20
Get a little holographic with this white chrome set from Olive and June, and take white for a spin on the wild side.
Olive and June 16 / 20
When you want a naked manicure, a rich girl mani or just a barely-there look, you need a sheer nude that can stand on its own. This combination nail color and treatment in dusky rose is the perfect way to tint your nails for a healthy look.
Londontown 17 / 20
Marbled nails take us back to antiquity with a twist. A true classic of nail art, this style adds texture and depth to any look.
LAVAA Los Angeles 18 / 20
Classic doesn’t mean you can’t sparkle. This honey-glazed color is the perfect way to add some drama that will never go out of style, and we know that all that glitters is gold.
Manicurist 19 / 20
Another twist on the French tip manicure, this look is a sleek, elegant update to a timeless classic.
Static Nails 20 / 20
Get gorgeous with this deep, dark plum and dive into the romantic, mysterious side of the classics. This moody color is quick-drying and chip resistant.
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