French Style Upgrades for Late Summer It Girls

The summer fashion calendar is a whirlwind of bright hues and playful accessories—think aquamarine everything, crochet caps, and mermaid-inspired manicures. Amidst this dazzling cycle of fleeting trends, one beauty staple remains eternally timeless: the French manicure. It’s the ultimate polished look, effortlessly chic, and the perfect foundation for any ensemble.

But let’s be honest: while the classic pinky-nude base and svelte white tips have stood the test of time, they are ready for a summer upgrade. Forget settling for tradition; this season is about injecting personality into your nails with fresh, playful creativity. Whether you lean toward minimalist elegance or maximalist flair, there is a dazzling French tip style waiting for you.

We spoke with top manicurists across Milan, London, and Los Angeles to uncover the late-summer looks that are brimming with It-girl energy. Get ready to ditch the predictable pink and embrace these six must-try French tip ideas for August:

Turquoise Velvet

Step into the cool waters of trend with the stunning Turquoise Velvet look, inspired by celebrity manicurist Zola Ganzorigt and Kylie Jenner. This vibrant combination of velvety polish and aquamarine hues is an instant slam dunk, blending high fashion with a dreamy summer glow. If you prefer a more understated vibe, you can easily adapt this rich color palette to shorter nails for a naturally polished finish.

Butter Yellow

Inject some sunshine into your routine by mimicking the effortlessly chic style of Tate McRae. Celebrity manicurist Analysse Hernandez swapped traditional white tips for a soft, pale yellow, creating a look that is both seasonal and deeply satisfying. This subtle shift keeps the classic French tip structure while delivering a warm, sun-kissed feel.

Disco

When it comes to sparkle, the Disco trend is all about gleam and glamour. Editorial nail artist Oksana Zavora has masterfully combined several summer trends—including turquoise, studded details, and scattered rhinestones—to create a show-stopping manicure. This look keeps the French tip structure as the main character while throwing in brilliant accents that catch every light.

Vanilla Glaze

For a sophisticated refresh, try the Vanilla Glaze approach. Ganzorigt channeled the popular glazed donut nails by layering chrome powder over nude French tips instead of stark white. The result is a subtle, sun-kissed effect that feels totally fresh and modern, offering a beautifully minimalist take on a classic.

Monochrome Velvet

Embrace the luxurious texture of velvet by exploring the Monochrome Velvet look. This style involves painting half-moons in a rich velvet shade, accented with delicate rhinestones for a trick-of-the-light effect. It’s an elegant way to play with bold textures without overwhelming the look.

Baby Animal Print

Finally, for those who love a touch of wildness, the Baby Animal Print iteration of French tips offers irresistible intrigue. This micro-French approach uses barely-there strips of pattern, allowing fun prints like tortoiseshell or cheetah to peek through while maintaining that clean, minimalist base. It’s perfect for experimenters who want to keep it clean and effortlessly funky.

By Ethan Wright