French Women Have the Chicest Manicures—5 Colours They Always Ask for

If you're new here, then I should let you know that at Who What Wear we are always taking inspiration from French women for our beauty routines. Whether it's testing out the best French skincare brands, asking French makeup artists for their tips and tricks or studying the hairstyles of some of our favourite French influencers, we've done it all.

However, one thing we are particularly interested in is French nail trends. Much like their outfits, French women always seem to have the chicest manicures, and I for one am desperate to recreate this elegant aesthetic. So, this week, I decided to spend my time doing some research into the French nail colours that we can expect to see everywhere this summer.

You probably already know that French women tend to take a more minimal approach when it comes to their hair and makeup, and it seems that the same could be said for their nails. Forget bright colours and bold nail art, as this summer it's all about classic manicure shades and natural nails that look as immaculate as possible. If this sounds like your kind of thing, then keep on scrolling for all the inspo you need on the biggest nail colours that can be seen all over Paris this summer...

1. Bold Reds

@lenafarl sitting in a cafe wearing a bright red nail polish

(Image credit: @lenafarl)

One look on Instagram and it's clear that all the French girls are wearing bright red and coral-toned nail polishes this summer. It's no surprise, really. This shade is chic, timeless and always makes a statement.

@juliesfi sitting on a chair wearing bright red nail polish

(Image credit: @juliesfi)

If you want to take things up a notch, why not match your nail polish to your lipstick?

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2. White French Tips

@harrietwestmoreland French tip manicure

(Image credit: @harrietwestmoreland)

It wouldn't be a roundup of French-inspired nail ideas without a French tip manicure. This stylish design is perfect for summer as it will compliment all the colours in your wardrobe.

@paintedbyjools French tip manicure

(Image credit: @paintedbyjools)

To keep things really chic, opt for a short, square nail shape.

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3. White Hues

@claire_most milky white manicure

(Image credit: @claire_most)

I've noticed a lot of my favourite French influencers opting for white nail polish shades this summer, from milky white hues to bright white polishes.

@iramshelton white manicure

(Image credit: @iramshelton)

This is another timeless nail trend that will compliment any outfit.

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4. Chocolate Brown

@frannfyne taking a selfie with chocolate brown nails

(Image credit: @frannfyne)

The French really know what they are doing when it comes to chic summer nail colours. Forget bright shades, as it seems many are opting for warm chocolate brown hues instead.

@harrietwestmoreland brown French tip manicure

(Image credit: @harrietwestmoreland)

There are lots of different ways to wear this nail colour, from a chocolate brown polish to brown French tips.

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5. Natural Nails

@raelondonnails natural manicure

(Image credit: @raelondonnails)

Want a low-maintenance nail look? According to the French, this summer is all about embracing your natural nails. Yep, now is the time to stock up on good-quality nail files and nail strengthening treatments.

@emmanuellek_ taking a selfie with natural nails

(Image credit: @emmanuellek_)

This trend is perfect for those of you who like a simple summer beauty routine.

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Grace Lindsay
Junior Beauty Editor

Grace Lindsay is the junior beauty editor at Who What Wear UK. At the age of 18 she decided to train as a makeup artist before going on to study english and media at Goldsmiths University. It was during that time that she explored her love for journalism by interning at a small beauty start-up based in Shoreditch. Since then, she has worked at a number of publications including Marie Claire and Hello!, where her love for all things beauty continued to grow.

As Who What Wear UK's junior beauty editor, she covers everything from the latest hair trends to the stand-out makeup products of the season.