The Classiest Manicures Always Have This Simple Element (I Asked the Pros) (2024)

I know cool-toned silver jewelry has a strong hold on the fashion set right now, but I will forever and always be a gold gal. I'm always somehow adorned in the precious metal, be it a dainty chain, chunky pair of earrings, or chic stack of rings. Each is just so chic and timeless, especially paired with an equally elegant gold manicure.

Don't scoff just yet! You might associate gold nail polish with New Year's Eve festivities or other costumey garb, but gold actually looks so elevated for everyday nail looks. Just like jewelry, gold polish can be dainty, bold, kitschy, and everything in between. "I wear my jewelry every day, so I think it's the same thing—nails are accessories after all," agrees celebrity nail artist Julie Kandalec. "I do think they are a timeless option for any and every season."

The metallic hue complements an array of colors and designs too, from neutrals to striking, on-trend shades. "Even when applied to just an accent nail, gold gives a stylish look. It can add both glamour and a modern twist," says editorial manicurist Jin Soon Choi, founder of JinSoon. "Best of all, gold has the power to transform a simple manicure into something truly special and edgy." Get ready to screenshot! Below, I'm sharing the chicest gold nail designs to consider for your next nail appointment or at-home manicure.

17 Gold Nail Designs to Try

1. Creamy, All-Over Gold

This creamy, buttery shade of gold has just enough shimmer to catch the eye. Champagne shades like this instantly make you look elevated, IMO, so they're perfect for adding a touch of elegance to classic manis.

2. Mosaic Gold Leaf

Gold leaf paper might seem intimidating, but all you really need is a glossy topcoat and pair of tweezers to position each flake. You don't even have to be too precious about placement. In fact, the more haphazard the better—the mosaic negative space on this manicure looks effortlessly chic.

3. Full Gold Leaf

That's not to say you can't go full gold leaf if you please. Coat your entire nail plate with the delicate material, and they'll look like tiny treasures. Bonus points if you add a sweet floral decal like celebrity nail artist Betina Goldstein.

4. Gold Micro French

Kandalec is partial to subtly gilded manicures, such as a gold micro French. "When you use gold as a small element, it reminds me of quiet luxury," she says.

5. Teddy Bear French

I couldn't hit "Save" fast enough after seeing this teddy bear lacquer dipped in gold. The warm shimmer contrasts so beautifully with the rich brown. I'll 1000% be sporting this design come fall—just you wait!

6. Bejeweled French

To add a sparkly touch to your French mani without using glitter, nail decals like rhinestones and stickers are king. Choose a few digits to bejewel like London-based celebrity nail artist Imarni, or go ahead and adorn them all—artist's choice.

7. Touch of Glitter

As discussed, a thin line of gold adds such a special touch to a micro French mani, but it looks especially divine when you dial up the sparkle. It can easily read festive yet looks subtle enough to be your everyday staple. A glitzy polish is so versatile.

8. Gold Glitter Splash

Choi says a sprinkle of gold glitter on sheer nails can instantly elevate your manicure and mood. I'm inclined to agree. I mean, just look at that sparkle!

9. Pom-Pom Glitter

You can also dress up a multicolored mani with that same gold glitter technique, as demonstrated by Choi here.

10. Embellished Gold Tips

I'm squealing at Goldstein's embellished French tips. They look so lovely! The design appears so elevated, but all you need is a rich gold polish and a little dotting tool (like this one from Amazon) to create the tiny studs.

11. Abstract Art

"I'm really into abstract designs," Choi says, and incorporating gold into the mix adds an artistic flair. Feel free to use any polish underneath, but black and gold do make a great pair, don't you think?

12. White-Gold French

White and gold are a top-notch pairing, especially for minimal French manis. A thin stripe of white right underneath the gold draws the eye right to those gilded tips.

13. Gold Marble

Oh wow, this marbled mani is so stunning. The gold leaf accents add a little something extra that totally works here.

14. Gold Moons

"A classic moon shape with a touch of gold combined with a sheer shade adds a modern twist," Choi explains. According to Kandalec, it's also a great at-home design to rely on when you're due for a new mani. "If your polish is growing out, you can take a little liner brush and fill that little space in, and it gives you another two weeks," she shares. "It's really chic."

15. Golden Ballerina

A creamy ballerina pink paired with warm gold makes for a sophisticated, youthful, and modern manicure, says Choi. She loves this design particularly for almond-shaped nails.

No polish? No problem! These adorable gold decals courtesy of celebrity manicurist Brittney Boyce can elevate any basic polish. I love popping nail stickers on my naked nails when I'm feeling too lazy to break out my at-home mani kit—no fuss, no dry time.

17. Dark Gold Graphics

This dark-gold double French looks incredible on Hang Nguyen's squoval nails. The added stripe provides such a cool graphic element.

FAQ

What is the best nail shape for a gold manicure?

Short answer? Any nail shape can work for a gold mani. That said, "The best nail shape for a gold mani depends on the occasion," Choi explains. "Long almond or oval shapes give a Hollywood glam look, while short, round, and square shapes make for a modern vibe."

Which shade of gold should I choose?

Gold is universally flattering, so it really depends on the occasion (festive glam or everyday) and your outfit. You don't have to think too hard about it, but you may want to consider your undertones when selecting a golden hue. "Some [shades] are a little more yellow gold. Some are slightly rose-like, pink-toned gold," says Kandalec. She recommends testing cooler and warmer shades before landing on the polish that best suits you.

Are gold nails in?

Well, gold nails are arguably never "out." You may associate the shade with holiday nail art, but gold can be incorporated into many elevated looks year-round.

"The key lies in clever color combinations," Choi says. "For instance, nude and gold create a timeless sophistication, while pastel and gold evoke springtime freshness. Pairing gold with a bright pop of color can add a cool touch to hot summer days, as opposed to reds and gold, which create a classic holiday vibe. Even unexpected combinations, like brown and gold, can offer a sophisticated autumnal touch." In short, gold polish is truly timeless.

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