Quiet Luxury nails are the latest, subtle but expensive-looking element we're adding to our day-to-day styles, to help us harness all things chic—even at our fingertips.
Despite us being able to spritz ourselves all over with Quiet Luxe perfumes, it's still just not enough for us. We want to ooze sophistication all over, which is no doubt why we're seeing a ton of stylish but muted nail looks cropping up everywhere, from the 'glazed donut' manicure to classy 'barely-there' nails.
Even celebs like Kendall Jenner, Laura Harrier and Sofia Richie are swapping bold statement shades for understated pastel or classic French Tips and we want in. So, we've rounded up nine manicures that just give opulence, plus tips on recreating them at home...
What are 'Quiet Luxury' nails?
At this point, our obsession with 'Quiet Luxury' knows no bounds and clearly, we're not the only ones, as our social feeds are filled with neutral, 'old-money'-esque outfits, perfectly quaffed hairstyles and of course, low-key, delicate nail looks.
So, what exactly constitutes a QL manicure, we hear you ask? Well, there's no hard and fast rule, it's mainly a nail look that leaves you thinking "Mm, chic" when you see it, though we have spotted a few styles making the rounds.
Basically think neutrals and muted tones, that are basic but flattering and just elevate your vibe, without stealing focus or looking too 'done' or intentional—subtlety is really key. Nude nails for instance and all their glossy variations, like literal 'lip gloss nails' are very popular amongst 'Quiet Luxe' lovers, as are soft pastel tones and simple, French Tips and ombres. A key characteristic also seems to be the length and shape...
'Quiet Luxury' nail shapes
Right now, it appears as though mid-length almond/oval-shaped nails are in, likely in no small part thanks to the likes of Hailey Bieber, whose signature nail style is indeed the former.
Shorter, squared nails have also become a preferred shape for many, including Kylie Jenner—who has notably has something of a QL style evolution as of late.
9 best 'Quiet Luxury' nail looks
So, now that we're acquainted with the parameters of a what gives a manicure that expensive feel, let's dive into the nail trends that are set to dominate our Pinterest boards and social feeds for months to come...
1. Kendall Jenner's micro French tips
Kendall Jenner has been loving a simple, micro French mani lately, as per her nail artist (and Hails' go-to), Zola Ganzorigt.
This manicure is clean, elegant and surprisingly easy to recreate, all you need is a nude shade, a glossy top coat and a thin nail brush (at Amazon), to apply your white tip with. Alternatively, you can also use a nail stamper, also available at Amazon.
2. Vanilla French Tips
Similarly to Kenny's fave nails, these creamy, Vanilla French Tips (another Zola creation) also scream expensive.
Simply opt for a pinky nude for the base and a creamy white for your nail tips, before adding a pearly chrome powder overtop—similar to Hailey Bieber's OG nails. You can again use a detailing nail brush or stamper for this look, or leave it to the steady hands of your nail artist, the choice is yours.
3. Sofia Richie's Blueberry Milk Nails
Now neutrals aren't the only hue that fits the luxe vibe, especially if we take Sofia Richie, aka the 'Quiet Luxury' style queen herself's recent fave manicure.
Topping our list of best blue nail designs for summer, the somewhat divisive 'Blueberry milk' nail trend (TikTok hated that name lol) is a fave of Sofia's and offers the perfect, pastel pop of color to your look. We'd recommend pairing this mani with an all-white outfit.
For this look, we'd recommend opting for a short, squared nail before applying your blue polish and topping it with a glossy, clear coat.
4. 90s Super Model nails
Nude nails favoured by models like Kate Moss and Cindy Crawford back in the '90s are also having a comeback, thanks to their elegant and mature vibes.
There also very easy to recreate, just opt for a creamy tan shade or soft nude and file your nails or extensions into a shortish, square shape.
5. Sage green nail
Green nail designs are also having a moment, especially this sage green/pistachio shade. It's chic, simple and perfect for the office and beyond!
Plus, we're just loving all these monochromatic nail looks because they're so darn easy to master—just remember your glossy top coat and a dash of cuticle oil!
6. Your nails but better
Like with the lip oil nail trend, opting for just a 'your nails but better' shade or a super shiny, jelly-like top coat definitely fulfills the 'Quiet Luxury' assignment.
Just shape your nails and apply a glossy coat or nude and you're ready to go!
7. 'Rouge Noir' nails
Dark rouge nails are also very in right now and are perfect for the fall and winter months.
This trend is of course a call-back to Chanel's iconic Rouge Noir nail polish shade (at ULTA), which is alas pretty pricey, but thankfully OPI's "the cable car pool lane" (at Amazon) is a close swap!
For this look, opt for an almond nail shape like Laura Harrier's and prepare to ooze all things style and sophistication.
8. Classic red
Sticking with the red theme here, much like with a statement classic red lip, a cherry-colored manicure is the epitome of chic.
You just can't go wrong with a signature red, though we'd suggest opting for a short, squared, or rounded nail shape as opposed to a longer, almond look. Short nails seem to be the preferred style for QL lovers and will ensure your bold scarlet polish doesn't steal too much focus from your outfit.
9. Hazy purple
Another shade entering the 'Quiet Luxury' chat is this hazy mauve, which is also tipped to be a big fall nail trend.
Again, we'd recommend opting for a short, square nail shape for this hue, for a more understated mani and perhaps also a glossy clear coat overtop, to achieve that shine.
