Nail trends and nail art come and go, but there are some classic nail colors that truly stand the test of time. No matter the season, you’ll find these requested in salons year-round—trust me. Among those timeless shades, red nails are considered to be one of the most classic shades, followed by pink nails and neutrals like beiges and browns. But, there is another shade that I think is deserving of timeless status among this roster of classics, and that is white nails.
Okay, hear me out. You might associate white nails with a summer nail trend, but I’m here to tell you otherwise. I agree that white nails make a perfect holiday or summer manicure in general, but, there is something to be said for this monochromatic hue year-round. For one, it goes with absolutely everything in your wardrobe, and it also has the ability to instantly brighten your fingertips. White nails are bright without being as loud as neons are, yet they still managed to be understated.
And there are so many ways to wear white nails. We’ve seen the sheer, milky white nails take off this year, as well the as white chrome effect from the glazed doughnut nail trend (thank you, Hailey Bieber). But, white looks just as good in a lacquer of standard polish, too. In fact, there are so many white hues to choose from. Much like how there are hundreds of whites to choose from when you’re looking to paint your bedroom walls, there are a variety of white undertones to choose from—think bright, brilliant white or those more subdued off-white tones, or even creamy oat milk or vanilla hues. There, I’ll say it: white nails suit absolutely everyone (and it works great as a pedicure color too).
Ahead, you’ll find plenty of white nails ideas and designs for your next manicure.
A sheer white instantly makes your nails look healthy.
We’re still not over chrome doughnut-glazed nails.
I love this off-white shade which is more subtle than bright white.
Can we have a moment for these moonstone white nails?
White nail polish and long almond nails are a perfect match.
This vanilla hue paired with a white French tip is an unexpected yet chic pairing.
White nails make a great base color for chrome powder to achieve this glazed effect.
This shade of white almost looks light blue in the right light.
A sheer white is so classic and brings out the subtle pink shade of your natural nails.
A sheer white polish underneath chrome powder looks so chic.
White nails look amazing on short nails.
This manicure is the equivalent of a crisp white shirt.
White is the OG hue for a classic French manicure.
If you prefer something more subtle, look for white polishes with pink, lilac or beige undertones.
Square nails look so sleek painted in white.
White is a great color to experiment with nail art.
How pretty is this cream and blue French manicure?
A reverse French feels ultra luxurious in white.
This almond milk shade looks expensive.
I love this Euphora-inspired nail art in white.
A shimmering white polish looks so pretty—look at the way it catches the light.
White makes the ideal hue for micro nail art.
Abstract swirls look great in this negative space and white nail art.
Dior’s Jasmin shade is *French kiss.*
I’ve been wearing this chic polish on repeat.
Prefer a vanilla hue? Essie’s Allure is so flattering.
Fake the glazed doughnut look without chrome powder with this iridescent white polish. It looks great worn alone or on top of nail color.
This hue has a subtle shimmer, which is so pretty.
OPI’s Funny Bunny is a classic white polish—it’s the perfect sheer white that can be layered for more intensity.
I’m buying this polish just for the pretty bottle alone.
This pearly white shade from Rimmel dries in 60 seconds flat.
This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK.
