Ah, the French manicure. It’s classic, it’s dainty, it’s timeless. Traditionally consisting of a light pink or nude base and a defined white tip, the style has remained a staple for every look from office chic to bridal day glam.
“The French manicure has become almost as classic as red,” says celebrity nail stylist Elle Gerstein. Having worked with stars like J. Lo and Blake Lively, Gerstein has been doing nails for 36 years now. She says that back then “French was really coming in with what they would call pink and white acrylic. It’s fun to see how the French manicure has evolved over all these years.”
Meet the expert
As with any good fashion trend, it adjusts and updates itself over time. “There are so many ways to change up the look of it by playing around with colors, textures, creating a micro French or thick French tip,” says nail stylist Rachel Joseph. “It also really looks great on any nail length or shape.”
With the promise of a crisp, cool autumn right around the corner, there is no better time to change up your nail routine. Look below for some of InStyle’s favorite French nail looks for Fall.
Disco Disco
These French tips use three different shades of polish, and are reminiscent of the disco nostalgia we all crave these days. This look can be done with any color combo, to keep it fresh time and time again.
Peak Pastel
“This design is perfect when you want something minimal but also want to play with colors. I love how this looks in black and white also,” says Paintbox creative director Mabelyn Alva.
Cling to Spring
For those who want to savor the florals of spring and summer, replacing the French tip with a small flower is the perfect way to keep the warm weather close to your heart—and hands, even as the leaves start to turn.
Golden Hour
Adding gold flakes to your tips can give your subtle manicure a shimmery edge. We love how they look against this smoked amber ombré.
Orange October
“I love how this deconstructed French pops with the matte finish,” says Alva. The bright orange hues are the perfect way to welcome in October.
One PSL Please!
For those who can’t wait for a comfy sweater and Halloween decor, this look is for you. Sparkly pumpkin nails, for the pumpkin spice lover in all of us.
Barbie Year Round
“So this client and I are simply just fully obsessed with pink and no matter what the season is, you can guarantee she will have a pink nail,” says Joseph. “For this look, we were going for a holiday vibe which is why we went for the flash effect glitter—it amplifies the glitter when there’s flash on it making it super sparkly.”
Gentle Watercolor
For those looking for a red-carpet-ready style, look no further than Gerstein’s watercolor florals. These nails were done for actress Blake Lively as a part of her “It Ends With Us” Press tour. Gerstein says that this look was intended to be dazzling, yet subtle. “We kept it on the tips to keep everything neutral and not compete with her looks.”
Keep-it-Chill Chrome
“My client was obsessed with metallic chrome nails but she’s also super subtle. So we decided on a nude nail creating a swirl/French look at the tip,” says Joseph.
Earth-Tone Inspiration
“I remember doing these during lockdown while trying to find inspiration in the objects around me,” says Alva. “That mug brought me joy during that time (as well as banana bread). I love this color combo for Fall.”
I’ll take the whole palette!
For those who can’t decide on a color use a fun mix. A rich chocolatey brown, rust red, warm cream, and glimmering gold make the perfect autumnal blend.
Glitter Gel Pen Nails
Reminiscent of the glitter gel pens that we all miss from childhood, these sparkly French tips are sure to turn heads. “You can recreate this look by using a glitter polish,” says Alva, “brushing thin layers from the tip of your nail to the center and building it with each coat focusing on the tips. Use the brush from the bottle for easier application.”
Vroom Vroom
These sunny hues combined with a fun fiery pattern, make for a French look that is anything but ordinary.
So cute we can’t bear it
Big fall camping trip coming up? Pay homage to our forest friends with a cute animal friend below the French tip. One pro-tip: These will be the only bears you want by your campsite.
Scallop Fringes
For the preppy gal in all of us, these scallop fringes put a fun, yet delicate spin on the French classic.
Glaze for Days
Glazed nails are everywhere these days, and we are not complaining. Add a glazed polish base to add some extra shine to your French manicure, like this look.
Pearly Elegance
As Jackie Kennedy once said, “Pearls are always appropriate.” This wisdom extends to nails as well—try adding some to your classic French for a fun, 3D spin.
The Duet
Who is the star of the show? The Sparkly tips and moon, or the metallic base? We say both.
Cheetah Print Party
The great thing about French manicures is that anything can be put in that top space—try an animal pattern for a dynamic style that says “I have great nails, hear me roar.”
Caught in the Web
Who says cobwebs have to be dusty? These shimmery nails are the perfect blend of Halloween fun and sparkly glam.
All Eyes on Me
Give the bottom of your nails some love with a French tip and an eye-opening design on your half-moons.
The Friendly Ghosts
These sweet Halloween nails use the French tip space to paint an autumnal scene complete with bats and ghosts.
Permanent Jewelry
“It’s hard to pick favorites but this mani is high on my list,” says Alva. “The sheer milky base still showed some of my nail tips creating a very subtle French and adding the metallic foil to be on the half moon made it look like jewelry on my hands.”
Bejeweled Half-Moons
Ok, so it’s not a French tip—but we’re obsessed with these jewel-laden, half-moon designs. Think of it as a reverse French.
There’s No Place Like Chrome
Sometimes, just the lines are enough. These delicate chrome tips are gentle, while still making a glam statement.
Crocodile
Animal print doesn’t just mean cheetah, snake, or zebra. A cute crocodile print makes for a French manicure that will stand out for its scaly style.
Extended French
“This design is the perfect way to elevate your French mani,” says Alva. “It looks great on short and long nails.”
Mix and Match
“This look is so fun and girly with the mix match nails and is proof that short nails can have fun too,” says Joseph.
A Bloody Good Look
If you can’t wait for Halloween, then these blood dripping tips might be for you. Even if you can’t start decorating your house this early—there are no rules for your nails.
SCREAM!
These detailed nails are an homage to the iconic Halloween classic Scream. It’s a look that’ll have everyone asking you: What’s your favorite scary movie?
Getaway Car
While we don’t know when Taylor Swift will announce Reputation (Taylor’s Version), we know that with this snake-inspired look, we’ll be ready when the time comes.
It’s Not Just a Moon Phase, Mom!
“This look is one of my all time favorites,” says Joseph. “My client wanted a French manicure but she also just wanted lots of color so we decided to do a colored French and add a contrasting color which is the thin line creating the moon look.”
Neon Nail Tips
When you want French nails, but still want to make a statement, a neon hue is the perfect answer. The crisp lines of this manicure make it a true show-stopper.
Original Almond
Sometimes, a classic is a classic for a reason. These white French tips are gorgeous when paired with almond shaped nails.
Ombre Nails
Defined French tip lines are just a construct. Break free with an ombré look that gently descends down the nail.
The Milky Way
Make your French mani extra bright with a milky white base. It’s a cute, misty take on the classic design.
Minnie’s Favorite
For those with big Thanksgiving vacation plans, look no further than this style from Joseph. Lean into your inner theme park aficionado with these super-cute Disney-inspired French tips.
Tortoiseshell Tips
Replace your regular base with a cute tortoiseshell look for this dynamic look.
Autumnal Inspiration
If nails are a canvas, then we love this piece of art. The matte colors combined with fall colors make for a bucket list design as 2024 comes to a close.
Fruit Salad
Hold onto the warm days of summer for just a bit long with a sweet, fruit-themed mani. “Cherry Lemonade nail inspo simply came from not being able to decide on a fruit so we did both,” says Rachel.
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