Nail art is everywhere right now. From garish, colourful designs to dainty and pretty creations, it’s safe to say we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to inspiration for our nail appointments. With that in mind though, is anybody else feeling a little (dare we say it) overwhelmed?! Don’t get us wrong, we’re all for embracing our creative sides when it comes to our nails, but the minimalists inside of us are itching for a break from the colourful chaos of the nail trends of recent seasons. We hate to say it, but we’re ready to embrace simple.
And no, that doesn’t mean we want to wear our nails bare, rather we just want our nail designs to be easier to wear, more understated, and, most importantly, easier to maintain. Because while busy nail art looks great at first, after a couple of weeks of wear and tear, it’s time to call the salon again. Simple nail designs, however, eradicate the risk of clashing outfits, work with seasonal transitions, and they require less upkeep. So, if like us you’re reading to dial it down with your nail choices, keep scrolling for 25 simple nail designs you’re going to want to show to your manicurist.
Proving that rainbow nails don’t have to be bright, we’re head over heels for this purple-hued tonal look. If you’re going for block-coloured polish, be sure to reach for a super-glossy top coat to keep things looking chic and (pardon the pun) polished.
While we’re used to seeing tonal, ombré rainbow nails, something about the clashing chaos of this manicure is screaming out to us.
If a full-blown rainbow nail isn’t you’re thing, why not opt for rainbow tips instead?
We couldn’t be more in love with this design if we tried. Keeping the majority of the nail looking ‘bare’ with a nude polish is the perfect way to dial down an otherwise busy design.
Keep rainbow nails summer-ready by reaching for pink and orange sunset shades.
Nothing says simple elegance quite like a classic French mani. Make like celebrity manicurist Harriet Westmoreland and keep your tips super-skinny for a chic take on the timeless design.
Just because your nail design is simple, doesn’t mean it can’t be creative—and this cow-print French mani proves it.
Dubbed the ‘double French’, these outlined tips scream low-maintenance upkeep while looking inexplicably cool.
If there’s one nail design we’re itching to try this summer, it’s this rainbow, French-tipped manicure, ideal for those that like to live a simple life—just with a bit of colour.
Taking the concept of the ‘skinny French’ to new levels, we love how dainty the tips of this manicure are. Plus, it’s got us thinking of the countless ways we can incorporate pastels in our upcoming French manis—the possibilities are endless.
The simple mani reaches new heights with this design. Paint nails with a clear gloss, keeping any sort of design limited to one nail only. This mint heart is unbelievably cute.
Have you ever seen a chicer nail design than this? We think not. The best bit is, it requires little effort to execute. Look for metallic stickers and secure them in place with a coat of clear varnish.
Another nail sticker idea, paint nails in a natural-looking nude and use stickers to create something your free hand wouldn’t be able to achieve. It’s not cheating, we promise.
A skinny French with a dainty accent heart on the ring finger is a recipe for simple manicure greatness.
We’ll admit, this design isn’t simple to create. However, if your nail tech has the skills, we’re obsessed with how this intricate starfish accent gives off understated coolness.
This is how negative space nail designs are supposed to look. If you’re asking us, this look totally redefines cool-girl nails.
If you struggle to keep on top of nail regrowth, this negative-space design will last for weeks without looking like you need a trip to the salon.
Block polish, French tips, and negative space? It sounds like a lot but in practice, it’s a simple, understated masterpiece.
Create the illusion of a French manicure without any of the fuss by keeping tips and nail beds free from polish.
Black and nude nails are having a real moment, and this geometric design is the crème de la crème.
Look closely and you’ll see the subtle metallic accents at the nail beds of the design. This is simple nail design at its finest.
Balance a bright French mani by incorporating a super-fine, nail-bed accent in a matching polish.
The best bit about this design is that you really don’t have to go to the salon to get expert results. Simply paint nails in a sheer nude and use a dotting tool to apply your spots.
A pastel French manicure with matching nail-bed accents? Sign us up.
The mini heart accent has been in the nail spotlight for the entirety of 2022, with no plans to step out any time soon. This simple design couldn’t be any chicer.
