No nail art design is more perennial than the French manicure. In every era and context, classic white tips are an archetype of elegance. When Orly founder Jeff Pink created the style in the ‘70s, the goal was to save time between costume changes on Hollywood sets. Later, tabloid “it girls” and suburban soccer moms brought the French into the 21st century, including Carmela Soprano’s square white tips that stamped them into early aughts iconography. For The Sopranos' 20th anniversary, the show’s manicurist Maria Salandra told Interview magazinethat “Edie [Falco] really wasn’t Carmela until she put the nails on.”
There's just something transformative about a fresh French manicure. In middle school, when I visited a nail salon for the first time, I immediately opted for a French because I wanted to look sophisticated. The style is like a shapeshifting mechanism that you call upon when you want to summon a deeper sense of maturity or femininity. But now that the French manicure is back (although some argue it never really left), things are different. The square, white French has been reborn with new shapes, artful additions, and deviations from its classic colorway. If you're looking to spice up the classic look, we’ve rounded up seven new takes on the French manicure, below, to try at your next mani appointment.
Shimmery Streaks
If you want to dress down the French, top off your mani with metallic squiggles like these party streamer-esque designs.
Checkered Tips
Nail art is the ultimate ice breaker and these checkered tips will absolutely stir up some conversation. The alternating colorways on each hand are complementary, too.
Le Phantome
When I used to work at a nail salon and clients opted for this look, I’d call it a "ghost mani:" It has the shape of a classic French, but allows your base coat to take up more real estate, which is great if you’re not ready to immediately jump into a bold colorway.
Pearlcore Nails
In case you weren’t aware, we’re in the midst of a pearl renaissance, so there’s no better time to be matchy-matchy with your manicure and freshwater studs. Topping off a white French with pearls is a preppy take on the trend that adds texture but doesn’t stray from the classic French manicure color palette.
Lined Up
There’s something very architectural about this linear remix on the French. By reimagining the solid swipe of white as asymmetrical line work, your tips look more skyline-esque.
The Candy French
To add a pop of color, this nail tech leaned into the nostalgia of old-school candy necklaces.
Flash Tattoo French
Last year, celebrity nail artist Mei Kawajiri (@NailsByMei) collaborated with temporary tattoo artist Dani Egna (@InkedByDani) to create a set of nail stickers that can add a fun touch to any mani. Since the stickers are so easy to apply, they leave you with tips that are high-impact and low-effort.
