New Different Ways to Wear a French Manicure

The French tip dates as far back as the 18th century. The look had a brief hiatus sometime in the mid-2000s, but the latest incarnations are a far cry from the thick, angular acrylics of decades past. Rainbow details, minimalist outlines, and fishnet accents offer new ways to wear a French manicure right now.

MINT FADE

This nail artist combined a mint french tip with an ombre fade. No matter what colors you choose, always start with your lightest shade first and give yourself ample time for each coat to dry. Design by @palemoonseattle

MONDRIAN OUTLINES

Focus on this manicure's ring finger. The white tip is lined in black for a graphic, Mondrian-esque design. Design by @nail_unistella

The Classic

If you're loyal to the traditional French manicure, modernize your look by matching it to a white, cat eye. Design by @sephoracollection

Black Rainbows

Rainbows lend themselves well to a curved tip. Try this technicolor twist on the Frenchie, but paint them with a black base for a moodier look . Design by @nail_unistella 

The French Line

The minimalist approach to the French manicure is the French line, where you trace along your nail bed in black. Honestly, it's so easy. Design by @flowidity108

Black and White Graphics

Play off your white French tips with hyper-graphic details in black. Design by @spifster

Monochrome Split

A French tip, half-moon combo, this monochrome look is a mod design that will go with anything. Paint one color first and give it ample time to dry before applying your second lacquer. Design by @jessicawashick 

Marble Tips

Marble nails are an ongoing trend. Why not try it this summer with French tips? We're especially fond of this purple version, complimented by a full marble nail. Design by @amivnails 

French Fishnets

French tips and fishnets go hand in hand style wise, so why not combine the two vampy choices into one? Start with a bare nail, then hand paint a grid or use a nail stencil to get the crosshatched design. Once dry, paint your tips white and finish with a clear base. Design by @me_julielee

Understated Stripe

This look, worn by ELLE.com's own beauty guru Julie Schott, is a subtle way to update the French manicure. After your white tips are dry, underline each with a stripe of nude and finish off the look with a clear topcoat. Design by @naominailsnyc

Floral Decals

An easy addition to the French tip? Decals. After creating the traditional look, layer a thin coat of clear top coat. While tacky, gingerly set your design and press down. Finish with a topcoat to secure. Design by nataliepavloskinails

Oil Spill Tips

Take the oil spill nail trend to another level by applying the foil just at your tips, leaving the rest of your nail bare. Design by @paintbox

Checkerboard

For this checkerboard nail, start with a classic French tip. Once dry, apply black boxes to create the grid and finish with a clear topcoat. Design by @mpnails

Double Lined

This minimal nail updates the French tip with the simple additional of a corresponding middle line. For that section, mimic the curve of your tip to get the cleanest look. Design by @aliciatnails

Freeform Details

For a quirkier French tip, freehand your design all over like this mash-up of grapefruits, watermelons, and '80s motifs. Design by @nailsbymii for @vanityprojects

French Fade

Apply the concept of French manicure—white tips with a nude base—to the ongoing ombre trend. For best results, apply the two polishes on a makeup sponge and continuously dab onto the nail. Finish with a topcoat. Design by @sohotrightnail

Micro Details

Bust out a thin brush to paint micro details to the base of your nail for a playful design. This back-to-school manicure by nail artist Kro Vargas features a yellow bus, a pencil, and a teeny tiny chalkboard.

Design by @krocaine

What is your french manicure style this season? Share with me!

Lots of Love!!!

XOXO