The “Fancy” French Manicure Trend Will Be Everywhere This Summer

There’s nothing more satisfying than a crisp French manicure, and this attitude has been shared since the ‘70s. The nail style was created in 1975 by Jeff Pink, CEO of Orly, who wanted to find an everyday manicure that would work for actresses constantly changing their outfits. Thus, the French manicure was born, and the style has held up for a reason—it can be subtle, sparkly, long, or short, and no matter how you wear your French tips, the look always feels classic and timeless.

In 2024, the French manicure has since had some trendier updates. The “muted” French manicure, for example, was popular last year, and “deep” French tips have been all over the red carpet this spring. But as the summer season creeps closer, we anticipate a bold new take on the classic look. Enter: “fancy” French nails that add maximalist chrome sheen and bejeweled details to the staple nail art. Ahead, everything you need to know about the trend, and how to get the look yourself.

The Trend

The “Fancy” French manicure combines the original style’s minimalism with a touch of fun from glitter accents, jewels, or chrome finishes. Adding these details to a French manicure isn’t anything new, however, it’s becoming increasingly popular. Maximalist nail trends like 3D art and color-blocking have been everywhere this spring, but they can be polarizing and somewhat impractical for everyday wear. The Fancy French is the perfect mid-point of maximalism and minimalism.

Lisa Peña Wong, a celebrity nail artist who often works with Taylor Swift, previously told Byrdie that while she expects to see maximalist trends this year, they’ll likely have a softer approach (a lá a touch of sparkle or chrome-y, glazed finish). “The glazed effect will be in full force,” Wong tells Byrdie. “OPI Glitter Mogul ($14) is a beautiful polish that can achieve this look. I love wearing this on its own and sometimes even adding it like a topper over a color or French tip.”

Celebrities are all-in on the trend, too. Sydney Sweeny loves to add fun details like 3D flowers and red gems to her classic French manicures, and wore a glittering French manicure to Paris Fashion Week earlier this year.

Chloë Bailey is also a huge fan of a gem-encrusted French manicure, and wore a fancy French mani complete with silver tips and crystals for her Coachella performance earlier this April.

How To Get The Look

Since the fancy French leaves room for creativity, all nail shapes and sizes can achieve the trend. However, longer and medium-sized nails will have more room for things like gemstones and jewels.

The most important step? Choosing how you’ll gussy up your French manicure. Maybe it’s by dusting on some chrome powder for a glazed finish or it’s as simple as swapping classic white tips for a silver polish. That’s the beauty of the trend—the options are pretty much endless!