20 Classic Nail Looks That Never Go Out of Style (2024)

Whether you need a breather from intricate nail art or just love a clean and simple look, classic nail looks are always a good idea. Think: French manis, pretty pinks, and deep espresso browns. These are the looks that will never go out of style and look gorgeous.

"Classic nail looks are great because they give off a timeless, polished look," says manicurist Mazz Hanna. They are also typically easier to achieve and lower maintenance than most nail trends, which makes them practical and versatile for any occasion."

Meet the expert

To inspire your next clean and classic look, sift through 20 gorgeous options, below.

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Creamy French

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"French nails are a timeless and elegant option," says Hanna. This look was created using Bio Seaweed Gel in the shades Milkshake ($18) and White ($18).

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Sheer Pink

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"Sheer pink nails are a go-to for so many occasions," says Hanna. "It’s one of those your-nails-but-better types of looks. You can never go wrong."

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Chocolate French

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"Classic French nails are pink and white, but the options are endless when it comes to color combos for modern French," says Hanna. This look features a yummy chocolatey brown polish.

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Bubble Gum Pink

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Light pinks are a perfect classic look. This poppy bubble gum shade is probably as bright as you can go before leaving "classic" territory.

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Vampy Red

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Dark, vampy nails will always be in. This look features a deep red wine shade that's perfect for fall and winter but honestly looks gorgeous any time of year.

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Simple Accent

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Accent nails are a great classic option for those who want a subtle touch of nail art," says Hanna. "It’s a great way to add a fun twist to your look if you prefer an understated look."

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A Little Sparkle

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If you want a classic look that sparkles, going for a super finely milled glitter is key. This look features a mauvey pink toped with a super fine silver shimmer.

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Rouge Tips

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Celebrity nail artist Sarah Chue created this look using Addiction Tokyo polish in the shade Guilty Apple ($19) along with the brand's Top ($19) and Base ($19) coats. The look is "putting a twist and adding some color to the classic French," says Chue.

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Peachy Orange

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Especially once we get into the warmer months, bright oranges and corals are a great option. This peachy shade has a bit of white in the formula, allowing it to veer more pastel than neon.

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Baby Pink

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There's nothing like a soft baby pink for a feminine touch.

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Bright White French

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"A true classic way to tip off a French manicure is using a bright white lacquer, such as the Addiction Tokyo - 'The Arctic' ($19)," says Chue.

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Glossy Nude

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Ever-classic, nude is a perfect polish to choose when you want a simple look. This manicure features a glossy, semi-sheer nude.

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Bright Red

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Go bright with a classic red manicure. This one features a red with orange undertones, so it reads fun and friendly.

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Sparkle Accent

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A little twinkle is always a welcome addition to a manicure. Instead of going for a chunky glitter, you can keep the look a bit simpler with a sparkle-inspired design.

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Milk Bath Nude

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If you want to use a mix of colors in your manicure, the key to keeping it classic is making sure the shades are tonal and similar. This look features the shades Almond Milk (middle), Cashew Butter (index finger, pinky) Roasted Chestnut (thumb, and ring finger) from Sally Hansen (each is $10).

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Short Square French

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Short square nails are having a moment —even Meghan Markle was spotted in a short square French manicure recently.

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Pinky Beige

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This pinky beige color is great if you want an opaque nude polish. It's got the smallest hint of color while still remaining neutral.

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Espresso Brown

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This deep, espresso brown is gorgeous for a classic nail that makes a statement. It's a super rich, neutral brown that gives big '90s vibes.

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Double Line French

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If you want to switch up a French tip just a bit, it's great to accent the design with small half circles either below the smile line of the tip or at the base of the nail, creating a half-moon design.

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Subtle Ombré

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Instead of going for the stark line of a French manicure, you can emulate the classic look in a softer way with an ombré. This look fades from a milky white tip to a sheer nude base.

20 Classic Nail Looks That Never Go Out of Style (2024)

FAQs

What is the classy nail shape? ›

According to Huber-Millet the classiest nail shape of all is round or square. 'A square nail shape is a timeless classic that never goes out of style,' it's a great pick for those who love a chic and simple style.

What nail color makes hands look younger? ›

Lighter Tones: Choose lighter shades of any color, such as pastels or light grays. Lighter tones help to brighten the hands and create a more youthful appearance. Sheer and Natural Finishes: Consider using sheer or natural finishes, like a sheer pink or a clear coat.

What is the most attractive nail? ›

Red conveys a direct attraction and is associated with sensuality and erotic interest. Black, one of the favorite colors, is considered particularly trendy and is therefore also associated with attractiveness.

What nail length is classy? ›

Medium length nails are lively, sophisticated, and classy.

What is the best classic nail shape? ›

What is the Best Nail Shape?
  • Oval Nails. Oval nails are a classic and timeless choice that suits a variety of people. ...
  • Square Nails. This shape is ideal for those who appreciate a clean and modern aesthetic with its straight edges and a flat, squared-off tip. ...
  • Almond Nails. ...
  • Coffin Nails. ...
  • Stiletto Nails. ...
  • Squoval Nails.

What nail shape is best for aging hands? ›

"An oval-shaped nail helps fingers look longer and, in turn, makes hands look younger," she explains. Another grooming tip from the pro: pay attention to your cuticles and use regular cuticle oil to prevent dry skin. "Be sure to keep your fingers well-manicured," she says.

What nails do guys find hot? ›

Soft pastel shades like baby pink, lavender, or light blue can evoke a sense of sweetness and femininity. These colors are often associated with a gentle and approachable personality. Many guys find pastel nail polish attractive because it gives a feeling of innocence and charm.

What is the rich girl nail trend? ›

"Rich girl" nails don't necessarily have to be nude in tone—they just have to be neutral to effortlessly go with everything. With this in mind, a subtle, shimmery white nail look can qualify as a "rich girl" manicure, too.

Which nails are more attractive? ›

Red Nails Theory is a theory that suggests that men are more likely to be attracted to women with red nails. The theory has been backed up by research, which shows that men find women with red nails more attractive than those with any other color nails.

What color pedicure goes with everything? ›

A timeless tone of beige or nude goes well with both formal and casual ensembles. It has a refined and tidy appearance that complements any color scheme. Beige or nude nails look elegant and classic, offering them a flexible option for any setting.

What are chocolate milk nails? ›

While milk-bath nails typically feature a white, milky base color, and strawberry-milk nails feature a translucent pastel pink, chocolate-milk nails feature a light-brown color that resembles the look of chocolate milk, hence the name.

What color are toenails in spring 2024? ›

"The spring pedicure trend is pastel glazed colors, especially lavender and yellow," Tokyo says. These shades are perfect for adding a gentle pop of color without overdoing it.

What nails make you look rich? ›

The classic rich-girl nail is long and filed in a tapered square shape, which he says helps elongate your fingers. Next is the color choice: Stick with a full-coverage neutral shade that is either one shade darker or lighter than your own skin tone.

What is considered classy nail? ›

Some great choices are neutrals, reds, and pinks. The hue should match your skin tone, if possible. And, more importantly, avoid colors that look synthetic and over the top. So, for example, if you want pink nails, go for something more subtle, like a light or dusty pink.

Which nail color looks elegant? ›

A neutral gray shade can be a sophisticated choice that pairs well with a wide range of colors and styles. It gives your nails a contemporary, stylish, and sophisticated touch without overtaking your entire appearance.

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