38 White Nail Ideas With Designs For Every Occasion

White nails are like the Meryl Streep of nail designs; infinitely versatile, flitting effortlessly between classic and contemporary, kooky and commanding.

Not only do they transcend seasons (on a most basic level think icy whites for winter and dewy, sheer ivories for summer), as a ‘neutral’ colour, white is a shade that matches absolutely any outfit. J Lo’s iconic 2000 jungle Versace dress? Paired with alabaster tips. Rosamund Pike’s cool blue Cinderella gown for this year’s BAFTAs? Milky nude nails were the mani of choice.

'White is a colour that suits all skin tones and any nail shape,' confirms celebrity manicurist @RoxanneCampbell. 'It’s also great for toes; if someone’s feet aren’t the prettiest, you paint their toenails white and they instantly look great. Spring/summer tends to be the time that most of my clients opt for white but it’s a shade that works year-round depending on the finish.' It’s these nuances in finish, opacity and tone that dictate whether your whites whisper bridal chic or shout anti-establishment maximalist. 'Shape also plays a part in the overall look you’re wanting to achieve,' adds Campbell. 'Although white looks good with any nail shape, "squoval" (square with rounded edges) is universally flattering and lends a chic, elegant look to your mani.' But be warned, as with its fashion equivalent the white shirt, Campbell cautions that you need to be a little more mindful with a pale mani as they are more prone to staining from makeup and food.

Best White Nail Designs 2024

While social media offers a continuous flurry of white nail art design ideas some of which have made it into our ultimate white nail ideas edit below, we would like to take a moment of appreciation for the OG of nail art; the irrepressible French Manicure.

Whilst there have been numerous iterations of the iconic style which continues to find its way onto the fingertips of celebrities and tastemakers of every age, the term was originally coined in 1975 by Jeff Pink who was president of Orly International at the time. Created as a natural-looking way to avoid time-consuming nail changes between movie scenes in Hollywood, it was soon picked up by the A-Listers of the era including Cher and Barbara Streissand before filtering down to the masses and the rest, as they say, is nail history.

Used to embolden brights - especially as a pop of chalky white - or add dimension to pastels (a dotting tool is your friend for at-home manis), make no bones (pun intended) about it; white always makes a statement, even as a sheer wash of colour. Case in point, Hailey Bieber’s viral glazed donut nails which sent cyberspace into a frenzy as a confection of dewy frosted nails flooded our feeds, cementing them forever more in the nail hall of fame.

For multifarious takes on the French mani as well as the finest whites Insta has to offer, do scroll on.

Classic pure white nails

@robbietomkins has ensured these dazzling white nails are elegance personified thanks to the crisp colour and oval shape. Look no further for your Sunday best inspo.

Negative space half moons

Chic enough for the boardroom, cool enough to rock the rest of the week, this fresh take on a traditional focal point will help break a French tips rut. @paintbyjaz

Matte speckled white

A textural triumph giving serious flecks appeal – this matte mani with rose gold speckles is anything but dull. @robbietomkins

Abstract French mani

A simple black wave added to a classic French mani lends a deco accent that feels ultra modern. @robbietomkins

Strawberry Glaze French manicure

We have officially discovered our favourite new glazed donut flavour (and we’re pretty sure it counts towards our 5 a day too). These delectable digits by @michelleclassnails look good enough to eat.

White tortoiseshell nails

A brighter, work-friendly take on the classic tortie may just be our forever summer crush. @paintbyjaz

White chrome nails

Teetering on the edge of pink but giving the illusion of a multidimensional white, these multidimensional BIAB beauties add instant prettification. @the_gel_bottle_inc

White heart nails

Maximalist nail art has its place but boy do these oh-so-subtle hearts make a strong case for minimalism. @michelleclassnails

White floral nail art

Florals for spring? Groundbreaking. (We actually do think this floral/metallic medley is pretty groundbreaking by the way) @the_gel_bottle_inc

Wavy white tips

French with a twist; swirly tips with chrome motifs instantly jazz up a neutral nail look. @paintbyjaz

Buttercream white nails

The Gel Bottle’s creamy, ‘Cupcake’ shade is an off-white nude with a dash of icing pink that makes it a universal crowd-pleaser @the_gel_bottle_inc

Butterfly nail art white nails

A nod to naturecore but with a contemporary coffin-tip twist, @chaii_artistry has nailed our wedding guest mani.

Chrome accents

All ore nothing. Punky splodges of chrome elevate a classic white mani for a look that just grazes edgy. @_almascreation_

White and gold wedding nails

You can have your (wedding) cake and eat it. Mix up textures and techniques with milky opaques, pure whites and gold glitters because anything goes on your wedding day. @nailsmagazine

Bright white swirls

A neutral nail look muddled with creamy white highlights are stirring up all sorts of feels…

Chequer Board negative space white nails

Checkmate. Nail art can be a game of strategy and mixing chequered digits with soft pinks makes for a playful statement. @beauty_aesthetics_bianca

Studded French manicure

@nailsbymei employed some hardwear to level-up Suki Waterhouse’s elegant French tips

Winter white nails

These elongated glacial nails topped with platinum stars are giving serious ice queen vibes. @the_gel_bottle_inc

French Pearl

A single pearl on each ring finger adds a subtle, sophisticated accent to a neutral nail that just so happens to be the perfect engagement announcement as they won’t detract from the main act. @nailsbymei

Extreme French Mani

Not one for wallflowers (or kids parties), these super long, super sharp iterations of the classic mani by the talon-ted @nailsbymei are super on point.

Monogrammed white nails

 Name a better nail art trend…. We love this negative space look for every day or special occasions alike. @nailsbymei

Frozen 3D

Icy swirls and white pearls make for a multidimensional mani that offers a little more bang for your buck. @basecoatstories

Winter nail art for short nails

It’s beginning to feel a lot like our favourite nail art moment thanks to this freestyle set made up of icicles, glitter and snow cap white. @basecoatstories

Halloween ghost nails

These retro ghost tips over bare nails created by Jen Seales (@swaknails) are spookily good

White matte piping

Frilly matte waves lend a tactile point of interest to glossy Chantilly nails. @nailsbylauren.o

Pearlescent white nails

Pure and simple. These translucent triumphs are universally flattering and the round shape works especially well on shorter nails @nailsbylauren.o

Square French manicure nails

A milky base and square tips for a contemporary feel for French nail aficionados who want to make a statement. @bysadiedaisy

White squiggle tips

We’re going loopy for these elegant abstract twists which offer a nod to traditional white tips for a stunning alternative wedding nail @basecoatstories

Micro hearts

Dainty enough not to detract but with enough creative clout to set our hearts a flutter. @peachinnails

White croc nails

@colourmeprettynailsau got the croc ‘n roll memo. Animal print is always at the top of our beauty agenda and these reptilian takes on the trend give the illusion of dimension but with a softer feel.

Negative space white nails

Why commit to one look when you can sport three on each hand? From the ghost French mani to the bare heart, negative has never looked so positive. @nailzkatkat

French Mani Valentines edition

A chic stiletto French mani with a feminine pinky base hints at romance with these tiny red heart accents @nailzkatkat

Chalk white nails

Bold and beautiful, these statement whites offset darker skintones or a summer tan beautifully but look equally striking with pale skin thanks to the satin finish @lashielash

Bling finger white nails

A jewel encrusted ring finger offers a visual feast against crisp white digits. @l.annett.nails

Speckled White Nails

The off-white colour and eggshell finish lend a delicate quality reminiscent of a quails egg and are giving chic easter vibes @cheri.nailsworkspace

Ombre white nails

Whilst there is always a case for clean, crisp lines, we love this soft gradient of colour which feels super elegant set against almond nails @lolo.nailedit

Blue and white porcelain nails

Inspired by @gamfratesi’s designs for Royal Copenhagen, these blue and white heirlooms by nail artist Jen Seales (@swaknails) are definitely our cup of tea

Negative space French manicure

Girl maths; double negative equals quadruple the impact. Case in point, this double French mani by @michelleclassnails for Gemma Chan

Cassie Steer is Grazia's Acting Head of Beauty where she covers all things health, beauty and wellness.

Main image credit @robbietomkins