Expensive-Looking Nail Shades for Summer

Rich girl nails are a trend that seems to be sticking around for some time. The basis of rich girl nails is well-kept cuticles and perfectly manicured nail beds, but the biggest component is, of course, the nail polish shade. We’re looking for polish colors that whisper quiet luxury and look expensive without necessarily being all that pricey. While expensive-looking nails in the winter feature rich merlots and emerald greens, the summer shades are a bit more laid back.

Expensive-Looking Nail Shades for Summer

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Pale Pinks

Ballet slipper and strawberry milk shades are classics for a reason. They’re understated and neutral without being plain or boring. Embrace your feminine energy this summer with a pale pink manicure that still looks chic and put together.

Ones to try: OPI Do You Take Lei Away? ($12), Chanel Ballerina ($33), Olive & June Pink Sands ($9)

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Luxe Reds

Red nail polish had its days of being controversial—my grandmother still thinks it’s too racy for a manicure shade. However, we now see it on many wealthy hands surrounding the country club pools and gripping $14 iced coffees in the Hamptons. To get the look opt for a bright, juicy red.

Ones to try: Cote Secret Society ($18), OPI Cajun Shrimp ($12), Dior Rouge ($34)

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Soap Nails

Soap nails are the manicure equivalent of the no-makeup makeup clean girl aesthetic. It’s sheer perfection for those who like to look polished and put together without any poppy colors. It’s a Sofia Richie Grainge and Hailey Bieber classic—need we say more?

Ones to try: ZOYA Pink Perfector ($12), Chanel La Base Camelia ($33), Londontown Dusty Rose Tint Nail Veil ($20)

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Crisp Corals

You have to be careful when finding the right coral nail polish that fits with this aesthetic, as some can look young and poppy while others appear more luxe and upscale. We recommend richer coral shades closer to orange and red than pink.

Ones to try: Manucurist Coral Reef ($14), Olive & June Lava ($9), Essie Start Signs Only ($9)

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Classic Nudes

There’s a liminal space between nude polishes and pale pinks where gorgeous neutrals that would look at home on a White Lotus vacationer live. It’s a solid color choice for summer because it can go with any look and almost blends in like the mannequin nail trend for a sleek, chic look.

Ones to try: Londontown Linen ($16), Gucci Annabel Rose ($35), Olive & June MM ($9)

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Muted Mauves

There’s something about the color mauve that feels mature and sophisticated. The pink-purple shade is colorful but muted for a subdued elegance. From dusty pale shades to deeper, espresso-adjacent colors, mauve is a standout manicure moment.

Ones to try: Cote Cappuccino ($18), Essie Princess Charming ($12), Dior Grace ($34)