Beauty
Classic and clean.
Over the last few months — and in part, as a response to Sofia Richie-Grainge’s decadent, yet simply chic South of France wedding — “quiet luxury” has become a trendy aesthetic, leaving its more understated mark in the world of beauty and fashion.
Countless A-listers have adopted the aesthetic (like Ariana Grande and Jennifer Lopez, to only name a few). Though in the world of manicures, a few traditional nail polish shades have truly stood the test of time, popping up on beloved stars of the romanticized past and more modern runways alike.
Namely, “your nails but better” neutral hues that create the appearance of long, well taken care of hands and fingers are forever a staple in the world of “quiet luxury.” Though more vivid shades of traditional red that nod to the starlets of the 1950s (like Marilyn Monroe) can also read as quite elegant on one’s tips.
A major proponent of the quietly luxurious mani movement is Margot Robbie, who frequently opts for sheer pink shades and crisp French tips (even at the Met Gala). Kendall Jenner, too, has proven to be a major fan, often choosing neutral shades (in between her more colorful nail moments, of course).
From high-shine washes of “old money” scarlet hues, to elegant takes on classic French nails — below, find 17 chic “quiet luxury” nail art ideas that are clean and sophisticated, yet still a bit out of the box for the fashion-forward.
1
Glazed Donut French Tips
For subtle chromatic vibes, opt for eye-catching glazed French tips in lieu of traditional white hues.
2
Kylie Jenner’s Pearlescent Tips
As of late, the youngest Jenner sister has been a serious fan of much shorter, square-shaped tips, and most recently went with these “soft girl” pearlescent nails.
3
“Red Nail Theory” Micro French
Try your hand at the love-attracting “red nail theory” with some low-key micro French tips.
4
Hailee Steinfeld’s “Lip Gloss” Mani
Co-signed by Kim Kardashian, Hailey Bieber, and Hailee Steinfeld — “lip gloss” nails are essentially neutral shades with noticeable high-shine.
5
Cozy Vanilla French Tips
On-trend vanilla French nails are a softer take on the classic manicure.
6
Miranda Kerr’s Understated Floral Details
Nod to the luxury design house, Chanel, with tiny camellia flowers (like Miranda Kerr at this year’s Met Gala).
7
Gilded Invisible French Nails
Line your nails with invisible French details in shades of gold for a minimal mani moment (that’s actually pretty major).
8
Muted Baby Blue Hues
Worn by “quiet luxury” fans like Sofia Richie Grainge and Zendaya, these baby blue nails are colorful, yet still low-key.
9
Black-Lined Stiletto Tips
For the fans of ultra-long stiletto tips, try a pointed tuxedo French tip in a daring black polish shade.
10
Margot Robbie’s Barbiecore Sheer Pink
Go for understated, sheer pink nails (like the ones Margot Robbie wore throughout her tour de Barbie).
11
High Shine Cherry Red Hues
This Cherry Jelly sheer red polish à la Lights Lacquer creates juicy nails that shine.
12
A Touch Of Tortoiseshell
A classic design that is an ode to tortoiseshell sunglasses worn by ‘90s-era supermodels, these patterned tips are truly the epitome of luxe.
13
“Milk Bath” Manicure
Recently worn by celebs like Kourtney Kardashian Barker, off-white shades of milky white lacquer are a serious trend to watch.
14
Gilded 3D Chrome
Though a little bit bolder than a typical “quiet luxury” mani, this golden set screams all things luxurious (and will beautifully match some classy gold jewelry, too).
15
Charli D’Amelio’s Studded Frenchies
Elevate a classic French manicure with tiny rhinestones on each nail.
16
Luxury Plaid Print
Especially for the upcoming fall and winter months, a touch of Burberry-inspired plaid is a fun option to add a bit of luxe to your tips.
17
“Your Nails But Better” Hues
A tried-and-true staple for any “quiet luxury” mani, shopping polish shades that are close to your skin tone is a major must.
