The French manicure is a timeless, tried-and-true style perfect for nearly any occasion, but let’s face it: What white tips offer in classic, clean style, they lack in creativity. If you’re looking for a way to spice up the stylish staple, click through for our roundup of updated French manicure nail designs.

 

Black on Black French Manicure

 

PHOTO: PHOTO COURTESY OF CHLOE’S NAILS

 

This monochromatic manicure from Chloe’s Nails is the definition of sleek and stylish. Pair a matte black polish with a glossy black for an edgier, more modern French manicure.

 

 

 

Double Black French Manicure

 

 

All you need to recreate this trendy, understated double French mani is black polish, a clear coat, and a nail art brush. This is the perfect nail art for staying on trend in a professional envoironment. See the video tutorial here!

 

 

 

Silver Tipped French Manicure

 

 

This silver tipped manicure is a sweet and subtle way to rock two of the year’s hottest trends: pastels and metallic. Start with pink polish as a base coat, and use a nail brush or tape to add a silver tip.

 

 

 

Floral Tips French Manicure

 

 

 

A floral French manicure is the perfect pick-me-up to get you in the warm-weather mood. Using a nail art brush or dotting tool makes this nail art easy. Get the steps for this look here!

 

 

 

Edged French Manicure

 

PHOTO: PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NAIL BUFF

 

The edging on the Nail Buff’s beige and black French manicure is a super professional and polished update on a timeless nail style. Get this look by painting only the very edges of your nails rather than a line on top.

 

 

 

Diagonal French Manicure

 

PHOTO: PHOTO COURTESY OF SONAILICIOUS

 

Use a cream-color base coat with light pink and hot pink accents to nail this flirty French manicure from Sonailicious. Use nail tape to section off the diagonal edges, but be sure to leave ample dry time between coats.

 

 

 

Reverse French Manicure

 

 

Want something a little more edgy than the classic French manicure? Try this reverse look from Nail Junkie by tipping the bottom of your nail with a contrasting color.

 

 

 

Striped French Manicure

 

PHOTO: PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NAILASAURUS

 

Adding gray stripes to a white and pink French manicure is a pretty way to add preppy flair to any summer outfit. We love this bold, minimalist look from the Nailasaurus!

 

 

 

Pointed French Manicure

 

PHOTO: PHOTO COURTESY OF KAYLA SHEVONNE

 

This pointed French manicure by Kayla Shevonne is the perfect way to rock trendy geometrical designs without worrying about a busy pattern. Use nail tape and black polish to create the pointed tips, and add nail gems to the center for an extra dose of glamour.

 

 

 

Ombre French Manicure

 

PHOTO: PHOTO COURTESY OF REESE KISTEL

 

Ombre nails have been everything the past few seasons, but Reese Kistel’s take on the French manicure is so much more sophisticated. Use a makeup sponge with beige and white polish to create this fresh look.

 

 

 

Grunge French Manicure

 

PHOTO: PHOTO COURTESY LOVE VARNISH

 

This gold glitter tipped black nail is a rocker-chic update on the prim and proper French manicure. This edgy look from Love Varnish is one of our favorite updates.

 

 

 

Mermaid French Manicure

 

PHOTO: PHOTO COURTESY OF POLISH ART ADDICT
 

The best part about the Little Mermaid-inspired French mani from Polish Art Addict is that it’s subtle enough to be taken seriously, but cute enough to make you feel like a kid at heart.

 

 

 

Chevron French Manicure

 

PHOTO: PHOTO COURTESY OF KERRUTICLES

 

Deck out your digits with Kerruticles’ flirty chevron French manicure nail art. Section off your nail with nail tape and accent with peach and gold polish.

 

 

 

Heart Shaped French Manicure

 

PHOTO: PHOTO COURTESY OF ISHAH X BEAUTY

 

This sweetheart nail art from Ishah x Beauty is a simple update to the classic French mani. Use pink or red polish to make curves in the shape of a heart. All you need is a nail brush and a steady hand.