We all want to look expensive, but with countless “quiet luxury” trends, elegance can sometimes feel a bit… dull. Thankfully, a new trend on the block is designed to let us have a little more fun: new money nails. New money nails are pushing the boundaries of what looks expensive and having a good time doing it.
What Are New Money Nails?
New money nails boast a wide range of favored shades, prints and finishes. However, the standout features of this trend are chromatic finishes and funky neutrals. This trend takes the popular rich girl manicures and naked nail favorites and elevates them with the chromes we’ve seen dominate this year. Think Hailey Bieber’s glazed manicure or the sudden rise of brown chrome—new money nails are popping up on all your favorite celebrities.
What Makes This Different From Old Money?
Old money nails stick to classic nudes and reds, whereas new money nails get creative with the palette. Old money manicures are the French tip manis of the world with clean, glossy finishes and usually just one shade—a manicure that would work court-side at Wimbledon. New money, on the other hand, is more experimental, darker and more willing to shine. If quiet luxury is from the Hamptons, this trend is from Los Angeles or New York City. These manicures aren’t afraid to get moody, like King Kylie’s recent return to her sexy licorice nails, or experiment with what’s considered neutral. The rise of trends like terracotta nails and the sudden burst of green, earthy nail shades are a part of that experimentation. Still, you’ll see some regular calling cards, with glazed, pearlescent nudes and strong neutrals taking center stage.
The Best New Money Nail Colors
New Money Nails Inspiration
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Touch of Gold
This look combines the sexy nude of an old money manicure with a touch of glam, taking these nails right into new money territory.
IG: @Denver_Manic 2 / 14
Gold Flake
Consider using gold foil or flakes to elevate a look with a delicate marbling.
@Denver_Manic 3 / 14
Navy Dipped
New money isn’t afraid to experiment with bold, dark colors. And neither should you!
@Denver_Manic 4 / 14
Floral Pressing
Nail decals designed to look like pressed flowers are an excellent way to upgrade your minimalist manicure with something more delicate.
@Denver_Manic 5 / 14
Lilac Sunrise
New money nails can also incorporate 3D effects, and we love how this gold and lilac combination elevates the look.
@julieknailsnyc 6 / 14
The Chain Event
Since new money isn’t afraid to experiment, how you add these details is what communicates an expensive air to the overall manicure.
@julieknailsnyc 7 / 14
Mermaid Gradient
While old money nails tend to stick to a single shade, new money nails are much more willing to branch out and create gorgeous gradient effects.
IG_bycheznails 8 / 14
Terracotta Nails
We’ve already raved about terracotta nails, but this look is definitely new money-coded.
IG_pattieyankee 9 / 14
Coffee-Tipped
Plays on the original French tip are an excellent way to elevate any manicure into new money territory. We suggest going against the grain with a darker color.
IG_rachelsuenails 10 / 14
Reverse French
Flipping the French tip is another way to take your mani to the next level.
IG_nailsinc 11 / 14
Crocodile Rock
While old money owns tortoise nails, other animal prints like snakeskin and crocodile patterns are absolutely taking over the new money world.
IG: @apresnailofficial 12 / 14
Pearl Chrome
New money isn’t afraid to shine and shimmer, that’s for sure!
Glass Nails by @Denver_Manic 13 / 14
Abstract Art
Expensive-looking line art instantly takes any manicure to a more elegant place.
IG: pattieyankee 14 / 14
Back in Black
A basic black manicure in a glossy or matte finish communicates a take-no-crap attitude that just screams new money.
IG: paintedbyjools 
