@glosshouse/Design by Cristina Cianci
So often, people assume thatnail artmust be inherently bold.
Keep reading to discover dozens of subtle-yet-elevated nail art ideas.
Here, a shimmery gold fully outlines the tips, making the fingers look like pieces of jewelry.
@glosshouse/Design by Cristina Cianci
Case in point: These pretty pale pink marble nails.
Here’s hoping they’ll give you the power of rose quartz while you wear them.
Try using flat-back nail charms to replicate the look.
@thehangedit/ Instagram
Alternating Black and White Dots
@betina_goldstein/ Instagram
This Chanel-inspired manicure is elegant and still simple.
You could use a nail sticker to replicate the look, or try painting a heart using a toothpick.
Take one look at these peachy nails, and you’ll know what we mean.
@lolo.nailedit/ Instagram
Stacked Jewels
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).
Best of all, since it’s abstract, it’s easy to recreate.
@betina_goldstein/Instagram
Dip a toothpick or dotting tool into rose gold nail polish and twirl it along each nail.
Short Acrylics
@beautyof3_/ Instagram
Milky pink ombre nails?
Talk about the most gorgeous subtle acrylics.
@thehangedit/ Instagram
Glitter Ombre
Pale purple glitter ombre?
For a look like this, ask your manicurist to make the tips bright white, for contrast.
Gold Glitter Chevron
Gold glitter chevron over dark berry creates an eye-catching contrast thats sophisticated and fun.
@betina_goldstein/ Instagram
Black French Tips
@the_gelbottle_inc/ Instagram
Another option is to transform the classicFrench manicureinto a black-tipped beauty.
Its a particularly fabulous option for black-tie affairs.
Sparkly Mauve
Glittery pink nails can look sophisticated, too.
@themimid/ Instagram
Subtle Acrylics
@nailssbymk/ Instagram
Acrylic nails dont have to be incredibly long.
These square-tipped nails prove it.
They also show just how alluring an asymmetric take on French tips can look.
@glosshouse/ Instagram
Milky Brown Diagonal Tips
@iramshelton/ Instagram
Minimalist brown-dipped tips?
Nail striping tape will make recreating this nail look a cinch.)
Khaki and Gold
@paintboxnails/ Instagram
Khaki and gold can make for quite the pairing.
@lolo.nailedit/ Instagram
Plus, negative space gives the manicure a clean grow-out.
Nude Hearts
Even seasonal nails can look sophisticated with the right design elements.
Just look at these heart nails.
@glosshouse/ Instagram
With nude backgrounds and ultra-fine white lining, they look positively demure.
Geometric Negative Space
Looking for a sophisticated manicure worthy of a black-tie affair?
Look no further than these geometric stunners.
@amyytran/ Instagram
Gold Foil Speckles
Diagonal mauve tips with gold flakes throughout?
Its one abstract design that looks subtle and undoubtedly elevated.
Berry Fade
Want to get in on the rainbow nail trend without actually wearing a bold rainbow?
*@beautyof3_/ Instagram*
This pink-to-berry ombre grasps the trend while looking office-friendly.
Minimalist Art Deco
@basecoatstories/ Instagram
Prefer to make more of a statement with your nails?
These subtle art deco nails will make you swoon.
@lolo.nailedit/ Instagram
Neutral Acrylics
Acrylic nails are often automatically viewed as bold.
Chocolate Drip
This water-marbled brown ombre manicure is giving us major milk chocolate-caramel vibes.
Lilac Stunners
Carefully placed gold foil can go a long way.
@amyytran/ Instagram
One look at these proves that they’re magically elegant.
Glitter Halfsies
Opting for only half a nails worth of glitter makes for a fun-yet-elegant nail look.
And good news: Its easy to recreate.
@lolo.nailedit/ Instagram
Remove the tape once fully dry and finish with a topcoat.
Nude Fade
This is probably the subtlest rainbow mani weve ever seen.
We love the mix of neutral tones.
@amyytran/ Instagram
Tiny Evil Eyes
Teeny evil eyes make for almost undetectable nail art.
In other words, tres elevated.
This one, in particular, is easy to DIY.
@the_gelbottle_inc/ Instagram
All you need is a nude base with white squiggles and dots on top.
@amyytran/ Instagram
@nailssbymk/ Instagram
@iramshelton/ Instagram
@paintboxnails/ Instagram
@amyytran/ Instagram
@amyytran/ Instagram
@amyytran/ Instagram
@lolo.nailedit/ Instagram
@amyytran/ Instagram
@amyytran/ Instagram
@the_gelbottle_inc/ Instagram
@basecoatstories/ Instagram
@bysadiedaisy/ Instagram
@bysadiedaisy/ Instagram
@paintboxnails/ Instagram
@iramshelton/ Instagram
@iramshelton/ Instagram
@iramshelton/ Instagram
@nailsbycanishiea/ Instagram
