17 Plain Nail Looks That Are Chic, Clean, and Anything But Boring

• Simple manicures look clean and elegant without calling too much attention—perfect for those wanting a break from bold art or frequent touch-ups.
• Understated nail designs can include nude, milky white, or sheer hues that mimic a naked nail or monochromatic solids that offer a color drench, sans faff.
• Minimalist manicures are both refined and versatile, flattering any nail length or shape.

In the world of wild and wonderful nail designs, it sometimes feels incredible to go back to the basics. We’re talking nude nails, simple nails, and monochromatic no-design nails. The clean girl aesthetic has notably made a raging resurgence, bringing with it the return of basic, no-frills nail looks that serve as the perfect (albeit minimal) cherry on top. 

“Plain nails are great for when you’re in between sets and want a little break from designs,” says California-based nail artist Pitrizz Gangcuangcoz. “I definitely see the clean girl aesthetic coming back—so anything from like an OPI Bubble Bath pink to a milky white. I feel like milky/sheer colors give a nice effect versus an opaque solid color.”

No matter the season, these are clean and classic looks that truly go with everything. See below for InStyle’s favorite plain nail looks.

Meet the expert

• Pitrizz Gangcuangcoz is a California-based nail artist.

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Almond Shaped Clean Girl Nails

Almond-shaped nails pair perfectly with a no-color nude base. The shiny, holographic effect above makes for a look that will stand out—by blending in.

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Shiny Gray Skies

Nothing says chic like a simple coat of gray nail polish. Add a shiny top coat for a simple but effective statement nail.

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French Ombré

This ombré design combines the gradient look everyone’s fallen in love with, with the simplicity of a French manicure. The nude base seamlessly blends into the white tip for a diffused look free of any crisp lines.

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Milk Bath

If you’re not yet ready to part with that signature French tip, consider a milk bath manicure to soften the look. The tones between the base color and tips are only slightly different, creating a much more minimal vibe overall.

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Aura Points

Aura nails are all the rage—and for a reason. This gentle pink color fades into a white base, making for a radiant yet simple look.

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Short and Sweet

If your version of clean means barely there, this almost-nude manicure delivers. These short, square nails look clean and elegant with a shiny rose-tinted nude shade.

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Pretty in Pink

Need a gentler transition away from maximalist nail art? This warmer iteration of an aura manicure features barely detectable hearts at the very center. Pink is the color of the heart chakra, after all.

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Flushed Blush

For those who want to keep it plain, but cannot let go of their signature pink, try this mauve blush on for size. The sophisticated pink is perfect for year-round manicures.

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Warm Undertones

These long oval nails are the perfect length for someone who wants their nails to make a statement—even if that statement is a pinkish, nude whisper. While most hues in this category tend to err on the neutral or cool side, the warmth of this particular polish flatters the natural undertones in the skin.

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Green Screen

For those who want to celebrate the holiday color palette, but don’t necessarily need something wild and covered in tinsel: This look is for you. The monochromatic green still stays in the holiday spirit while remaining chill.

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Double Take French

Blink and you’ll miss it! These plain nails have the smallest hint of sparkle at the tip. Short and sweet, this French manicure is perfect for when you’re looking for a clean look with just a little shimmer on the side.

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Clean Slate

These plain white nails are simple, neat, and anything but boring. With an almost milky white quality, they are bright and airy and perfect for winter knits or showing off a summer tan.

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Nude Fix

The nudest of the nude, the “is there even polish” look, is the perfect staple for someone who just wants their nails to look sharp.

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Nude Chrome

For those who can’t get enough of the chrome trend, know that it can be done with a simple, nude color. The trick is in finding the best color chrome to layer over top for all that glossy dimension.

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Glazed and Gorgeous

For the glazed donut look everyone is obsessed with (and rightfully so), these almond-shaped nails are the perfect accessory for a day in the office, or a night out on the town. 

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Red Hot

Most manicure enthusiasts would agree that red lacquer is such a timeless classic it basically qualifies as a neutral. If a bold, cherry red take feels too loud, consider a brooding burgundy or muted brick instead.