Old Money Nails: Picture your immaculately manicured nails gleaming in the golden hour as you sip champagne on a yacht off the Amalfi Coast. No, you can get the atmosphere without a real yacht or a trust money. Greetings from the realm of Old Money Nails, where subtlety and sophistication collide and your manicure speaks for itself.
Neon colors and gaudy rhinestones aren’t the focus of this trend. Nope, Old Money Nails are classic, subtle, and effortlessly stylish—the nail industry’s equivalent of a cashmere sweater. Subtlety is not dull, either; it takes skill to achieve this refined, affluent-aunt look. What’s the best part? To join the club, you don’t need a private plane.
What Are Old Money Nails, Anyway?
The phrase “Old Money Aesthetic” has likely appeared alongside pictures of beige blazers, pearls, and flawless hair if you’ve been browsing Instagram or TikTok recently. The trend has now spread to manicures, and we are totally on board.
According to Vanessa Sanchez McCullough, a well-known nail artist, Old Money Nails is all about “class, elegance, and status.” Imagine rich reds, gentle pinks, sheer nudity, and flawlessly polished cuticles. No glitz. Avoid excessive nail art. “I winter in St. Moritz and summer in the Hamptons,” said the nails.
The Classic Look:
- Colors: Neutral shades like sheer pinks, milky whites, and bold, rich reds.
- Shape: Medium-length squoval or short soft square nails.
- Finish: Glossy top coats for that polished effect.
Why Are Old Money Nails So Popular Right Now?
Old Money Nails is a welcome return to minimalism in a world where maximalist fads like pop art nails and bimbocore manicures have been taking center stage. It pays homage to classic style in a period of rapid fashion and ephemeral trends.
And let’s be honest, nothing feels more opulent than well-executed simplicity. Both the always stylish Hailey Bieber and actress Sofia Richie Grainge have been spotted with Old Money manicures, and their effortlessly stylish looks have ignited a social media firestorm of inspiration.
How to Get the Old Money Nail Look at Home
Don’t worry, you can get the look without scheduling a regular appointment with a celebrity manicurist. You may create discreet luxury at home with the correct equipment and polish colors.
DIY Old Money Nails in 5 Simple Steps:
- Prepare Like a Pro: Begin with well trimmed cuticles and manicured nails.
- Select Your Shade: Opt for milky whites, rich reds, nudists, or sheer pinks.
- Shape Is Important: Choose soft square, squoval, or short shapes.
- Apply Polish Accurately: For a smooth finish, apply two to three light applications.
- Gloss It Up: For a salon-quality sheen, apply a glossy top coat after sealing.
Pro Tip: Schedule a Russian manicure for flawlessly clean cuticles for the ultimate Old Money look.
The Power of Color: Shades That Define the Trend
While Old Money Nails lean heavily into neutral territory, there’s still room to play with color—if you do it the right way.
- Sheer Nudes & Pinks: Your nails, but better.
- Rich Reds: Classic, bold, and undeniably powerful.
- Milky Whites: Clean, soft, and universally flattering.
- Dark Shades: Navy blues or deep greens—moody but still sophisticated.
So, whether you’re reaching for OPI’s Bubble Bath or Essie’s Bordeaux, remember: less is more.
Pop Culture & Old Money Nails: Who’s Wearing Them?
If you need inspiration, simply browse the Instagram accounts of celebrities that have perfected the Old Money look.
- For months, the queen of understated glam, Hailey Bieber, has been sporting milky nude nails.
- Sofia Richie Grainge: Her effortlessly stylish wedding nails went viral.
- Zendaya: Consistently ahead of the curve, Zendaya’s understated manicures are a masterwork of understated elegance.
These classic manicures are not just exclusive to celebrities but tutorials and gorgeous photos of them abound on Pinterest boards and streams on TikTok.
Is This Trend Here to Stay?
Of course. Old Money Nails are based on traditional beauty ideals, however trends like glazed donut nails may come and go. They are a way of life rather than merely a fad. You can’t go wrong with a manicure that looks as nice in comfortable loungewear as it does in a business suit.
Popular Old Money Nail Colors
Which shade of Old Money Nails is your favorite?
- Sheer Nudes: Ideal for a barely-there, organic appearance.
- A softer, creamier substitute for strong whites is milky whites.
- Rich Reds: Use shades of deep crimson or cherry to channel your inner femme fatale.
- Soft Pinks: A feminine touch is added by light, glossy pinks.
- Navy Blues and Forest Greens: These hues offer just enough edge without deviating from the theme, making them ideal for anyone who want a darker, moodier vibe.
Leave your selection in the space provided here!
Conclusion
Old Money Nails are your secret to carefree elegance, whether you’re sipping lattes in a Parisian café or just trying to give a little bit of fancier vibes to your Monday Zoom meeting. They prove that sometimes the simplest things can be the most impactful.
So go ahead and set up that DIY station or schedule that manicure. Plus, just smile and say, “It’s all about quiet luxury, darling,” when someone asks about your nails.