I don’t know who needs to hear this, but summer nail looks don’t always have to reflect poolside hues and playful, picnic-inspired designs. Yes, those are the trends that tend to live rent-free in everyone’s minds as they plot their next OOO message, but the coolest summer manis tend to lean unexpectedly understated—at least according to stylish celebrities and their nail artists.
Case in point? The “tuxedo” nail trend I’ve been seeing all over my IG feed as of late, endorsed by A-listers across the globe. It’s not brand new by any means (J.Lo and Camila Cabello both debuted tuxedo manis during summer 2023), but it’s officially back—and classier than ever. Below, discover the sophisticated nail design meant to make you look like a million bucks.
What Are Tuxedo Nails?
You don’t have to necessarily commit to bow tie–themed manicures (unless that’s your jam, then by all means, carry on!). The “tuxedo nail” trend simply refers to crisp, black-and-white nail designs with some sort of geometric shape—circles, triangles, half-moons, etc. Keep the lines clean and contrasting—unlike aura or ombré nails, which focus more on a soft bloom of color—and you’ll wind up with a set that appears sophisticated and classy.
Take Kylie Jenner, for example, who paired her black-and-white gingham Miu Miu minidress with an equally chic “twisted French” design, courtesy of her longtime nail artist Zola Ganzorigt. The look (pictured above!) features two slim, black stripes on the tips of her otherwise classic French—minimal yet mesmerizing. Cardi B also switched up the timeless design at the Stéphane Rolland couture show during Paris Fashion Week, opting for black French tips set against an opaque white base. The set, mastered by nail artist Coca Michelle, beautifully complements the rapper’s striking, architectural black-and-white gown.
(Image credit: Getty Images; Marc Piasecki/WireImage)
A tuxedo nail design makes any manicure look instantly more refined, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take the trend in a more playful direction. Dua Lipa, for one, sported dainty, black-and-white daisies on her nails during her Italian getaway with fiancé Callum Turner. The look still falls within the tuxedo nails camp with its minimal, geometric design, but it’s a far more casual, summery option to try. You see, tuxedo nails don’t always have to read black-tie.
More Tuxedo Nail Inspiration
This sharp contrast is everything.
Combine two summer nail trends in one by opting for black-and-white polka dots.
Have you seen anything chicer?
Another Chanel stunner, courtesy of celebrity nail artist Betina Goldstein.
Okay, fine, if you must add some color to your tuxedo mani, go full steam ahead with a rich caramel.
Shop the Trend
Here’s the exact opaque white polish Michelle used for Cardi B’s base…
…she then traced each tip with a stripe of Black Onyx.
Another luxe, snow-white shade.
CHANEL
Le Diable En Chanel
You’ll have this timeless polish forever.
Chillhouse
Black Tie Affair Chill Tips Press-Ons
Have a tuxedo mani in minutes with these easy-to-use press-ons, aptly named Black Tie Affair.
Sally Hansen
Insta-Dri Black to Black
Sally Hansen’s Insta-Dri polish dries down in just 60 seconds, so it’s perfect for nail art.
Essie
Nail Polish Set in Licorice Black + Blanc White
This stunning, two-for-one set has all you need.
Opening Image: @kyliejenner
