You may remember the understated linen nail trend from summer 2023, which went hand-in-hand with the rise of quiet luxury fashion. When it comes to this look, we’re not talking about cutting up your summer clothes or bedsheets and placing the fabric on your nails. Although that method would be sure to give your manicure some interesting texture, let’s be honest, it wouldn’t be all that hygienic or practical. Instead, the linen manicure is all about making your nails look like they’ve been covered in a soft linen veil, only you’re using lacquer instead of the fabric.
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To get this super classy and minimalist manicure, it’s all about the right polish. Think more neutral shades such as light pinks, muted browns, and even off-white shades — but all with a matte twist. While we sure do love a glossy nail, this trend is all about minimizing the shine to get that matte fabric look. It’s super versatile, too, because there are so many different shades that fit in with the aesthetic. To get you started, we’ve done some sleuthing to show you some of our favorite takes on this sophisticated manicure look.
Muted terracotta nails are an easy way to try linen nails
Reaching for a matte muted terracotta or muted coral shade is one of the easiest ways to get a linen manicure look that really will go with anything. This is particularly perfect for those who like their manicures a little more understated and simple, and the warm toned neutral is just right for summer. Keep your nails super clean with no nail art or extras for extra wearability.
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Add simple nail art
There are plenty of minimalist nail designs that can upgrade your basic beige while keeping the simplistic feel of the linen aesthetic alive. Try drawing a simple, white line horizontally across each nail to create a geometric shape. This adds just a little something extra without messing with the classic, super wearable look.
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Focus on the ends
If you still want to add a something more maximalist to the soft base associated with linen nails, focus on the ends. Adding subtle details, like polkadots to the ends of an almond-shaped linen nail brings a touch of fun to the otherwise basic manicure. This can be done in any color or design you like, but just remember that linen nails are all about muted shades and softer patterns. Keep the palette in the same family so that it all stays unfirom.
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Try stripes for linen-like texture
As linen clothing usually has a some texture to it, it’s not a bad idea to bring some of that to your fabric-inspired manicure. Paint several vertical stripes over the top of a canvas-colored base. Thicker, raised lines will mimic the natural texture we see in the fabric. Mix horizontal and vertical stripes to create a woven effect on your nails.
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Go translucent for a linen/French tip hybrid
For those who don’t like to stray too far from Princess Diana’s favorite nail look, the classic French manicure, try opting for lacquer that’s more translucent. This way, you’ll be able to see your natural tips through the polish. You can even emphasize the tip by creating a diffuse white tip. Just make sure it’s well-blended into the shade so that you’re getting that soft, matte look that’s associated with the linen manicure trend.
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