@glosshouse / Instagram
So often, people assume that nail art must be inherently bold. On the contrary, were here to shed a little light on elevated nail designs that are subtle enough for conservative work environments and sophisticated enough for black-tie affairs. The color palettes are largely more neutral and the designs more simple, but let us be clear: These nail art ideas are anything but boring.
Keep reading to discover dozens of subtle-yet-elevated, classy nail art ideas. Be sure to screenshot the ones you want to recreate so that you have an inspiration image on hand for your manicurist (or yourself).
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Two-Lined Gold Tips
@thehangedit / Instagram
We love this simple and elegant mani that gets a dose of glam via the gold tips. Here, a shimmery gold fully outlines the tips, making the fingers look like pieces of jewelry.
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Pale Pink Marble
@lolo.nailedit / Instagram
You can embrace one of the seasons prettiest nail trends while still embracing an office-friendly nail look. Case in point: These pretty pale pink marble nails. Heres hoping theyll give you the power of rose quartz while you wear them.
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Matte Neutrals
@betina_goldstein /Instagram
We love a neutral nail, but adding a matte topcoat ensures the look is ultra-classy. If this look is too simple for your tastes, try adding a single patterned nail art to add some whimsy.
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Pearl Accent
@thehangedit / Instagram
A French manicure is as classy as it gets, but with the addition of one pearl on each nail, the look veers into special-occasion territory. Try using flat-back nail charms like these ($7) to replicate the look.
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Alternating Black and White Dots
@betina_goldstein / Instagram
This Chanel-inspired manicure is elegant and still simple. Here, each nails gets a clear base, but over top are black and white dots (one on each nail, in alternating colors).
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Pale Base With Gold Hearts
@themimid / Instagram
These clean and simple nails get a (tiny) dose of drama thanks to diminutive gold hearts painted on each. You could use a nail sticker to replicate the look, or try painting a heart using a toothpick.
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Peachy Nude
@glosshouse / Instagram
An elevated nail look can be as simple as picking a gorgeous subtle hue. Take one look at these peachy nails, and youll know what we mean.
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Stacked Jewels
@lolo.nailedit / Instagram
Gemstones go a long way when it comes to creating elegant nail looks. This one would be perfect for a bride (or anyone who loves a little bling).
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Abstract Champagne
@glosshouse/ Instagram
This manicure might be abstract, but thanks to the subtle, glimmering nail shade, it offers a sophisticated, artsy vibe. Best of all, since its abstract, its easy to recreate. Dip a toothpick or dotting tool into rose gold nail polish and twirl it along each nail. Finish with topcoat.
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Traced in White
@amyytran/ Instagram
Achieving an elevated nail look doesn’t require covering all of your nails in full coats of color. Here, you can see how stunning white outlines and well-placed gems and dots can enhance your look in a minimalist way.
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Short Acrylics
@beautyof3_ / Instagram
Milky pink ombré nails? Talk about the most gorgeous subtle acrylics.
One secret to a clean mani is to gently buff nails first, to help polish to stay in place. Use a high grit buffer, such as OPI Edge White 240 Grit File ($2) with a light touch, and focus on the cuticle area.
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Glitter Ombré
@lolo.nailedit / Instagram
Pale purple glitter ombré? Yes, please! We love how the deeper color sits on the tips of the nails, moving into a lighter hue toward the cuticle.
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Rounded French Tips
@amyytran/ Instagram
Point blank: You can never go wrong with a classic French manicure.