Sienna Miller just debuted the chicest bare manicure at Wimbledon, and it's all the persuasion we need to do the same and hit pause on those high-maintenance, monthly nail appointments.
If there was ever any doubt that bare, 'naked' nails were ruling the 2026 nail trends, Sienna Miller indeed just delivered irrefutable evidence whilst enjoying a day of tennis on July 4th, in the form of her own au naturel manicure. The actress could be seen with neat and short almond nails, topped with what looked to be just a clear polish, which allowed for natural details - like the white tips and half moons - of her nails to shine through.
This style of subtle manicure has been on the up for some time, along with a focus on nail health and treatments like the Japanese manicure gaining popularity. That said, when summer rolls around, there is often a pressure to instead opt for bright or perfectly painted, holiday-ready talons. Thankfully, it seems, we're off the hook both in terms of statement, hard-to-wear shades, and high-maintenance upkeep, as we can follow Miller's lead with a subtle look that we can quietly tend to at home.
RRP: £24
To shape and prep your nails for polish, Digital Beauty Writer Naomi Jamieson's recommends this glass trio from Manucurist, which features a double-sided cuticle pusher, a nail file and a nail buffer.
RRP: £30
To recreate Miller's minimalistic look, Digital Beauty Editor, Fiona McKim, recommends Chanel's La Base Camélia, having used it to achieve her own 'naked' mani this weekend. "It's not totally clear, more like a sheer skin tint for nails," she says, "but it essentially looks like nice bright bare nails on." As for the formula, it features camellia oil to strengthen, smooth and create a protective layer over your natural nails.
RRP: £10.99
To boost shine even further and add another layer of protection to your nails, a glossy top coat, like essie's popular and quick-drying Gel Couture polish, is a must-have. And in case you're looking to add a cuticle oil to your kit too, Sienna Miller has previously shared that she's a fan of Kure Bazaar's rose cuticle oil.
As mentioned, Miller looked to be wearing just a clear or very sheer nail polish and had opted for a shorter, almond style, which, along with being a very functional length, really elevates and complements the more minimal look.
Like a pastel pink or milky white, this sort of 'naked' but ultra-glossy manicure feels chic and, of course, goes with every outfit and setting - from a tennis championship (as Miller proves) to a beachy holiday. Plus, unlike the rest, it's a look that is very forgiving and doesn't require as much upkeep. A chip, for instance, would look very obvious with a red manicure and even some pastel shades, whereas a lifted bit of clear polish would not be so glaring.
This bare nail movement also offers the perfect opportunity to take a break from more intensive and often damaging treatments like gel manicures, allowing your nails to recover. Especially with many of the best nail strengtheners also doubling as a sheer or shine-boosting base coat.
It's also a look you can recreate with ease and in about 10 minutes, which makes it all the more appealing this summer, when you might be jetting off on holiday, with no time or budget to hit the nail salon - or just be heading out the door to enjoy a sudden surge of sun, and want to give your nails a quick makeover. So if you're someone who prefers to take a more laid-back approach to their nails, you can rest assured that just adding a quick clear polish puts you right on-trend and in very stylish company.
