21 White Nail Designs That Are Anything but Basic

It doesn't get more classic than a simple white base, which has been a go-to for wedding nails and minimalist looks for decades. What's special about this design is that it never goes out of style and can feature a glossy finish or matte look.

Pillow nails don't just come with a cushioned look but are one of the most trendy nail designs of the season, according to Kandalec. The design has a thick, matte texture to resemble a pillow and can be styled with a shimmery finish for a more flirty look.

Embrace the coquette trend with this delicate look. It uses 3D bows paired with flirty details such as mini hearts and floral patterns. It also incorporates negative space, drawing eyes to your décor.

Kandalec loves a simple floral nail on a nude base. You can use different colored flowers or keep it to a single shade. The nude background helps make the flowers really pop.

Playing with shapes and negative space helps amplify your nail art while bringing your line work to attention. This look starts with a nude base and uses white swirls to complete the manicure.

We can you not fall in love with these heart nails? The manicure relies on negative space by using a clear base topped with white hearts to create a spotted look.

Dip your toe — or in this case, finger — in the milky-white trend using a base topped off with a matte V-shaped tip. Rather than use a nude base, the translucent background will create a soft focus appearance.

Kandalec praises the milk-bath nail trend, which has also blown up on social media for its translucent, soft sheen. This look adds a twist by lightly adding a chrome layer for a more shiny look.

Even the simplest looks can make the biggest statements like these micro-french tips. Like a traditional french manicure, you'll use a nude base and top it off with a thin white line for the tips.

This manicure combines a few trends to create a chic yet simple style you can show off at weddings or brunch. The design features a french manicure base with gold accents, including 3D spots for a more abstract look.

Your nails will glimmer and glint in the light with this pearly shade. Rather than use glitter or a chrome finish, a pearly-white shade will be more luminescent when the light catches it.

Bring the sky to your fingertips by adding fluffy clouds to a nude base topped with a clear coat for extra shine. If you want to make it a nighttime sky, add gold stars.

Fully embrace the Y2K theme, say goodbye to cheetah spots, and hello to cow-print nails. This style mixes shades of white, black, and clear to create the design.

Minimalists will praise these half-tip nails, which rely on negative space and a hint of white to create a simple, versatile manicure. You can use a nude base, then top it off with a thin white line along only part of the nail tip.

White shapes will really pop when placed on a nude base. For an even bolder look, add thick black outlines.

Trade spots for stripes with this pattern that ditches clean and crisp lines for uneven stripes. Instead of repeating the design on every finger, you can mix and match with plain white nails and a french tip.

You can't go wrong with the classics, like these glittery white nails. The pattern incorporates white and silver flakes for a shimmery appearance.

The texture of these nails creates a marble-like appearance using milky white and matte-white swirls. The addition of gold lines mirrors the veining in the stunning stone.

Kick your french manicure up a notch with some pops of color underneath. Just add small dots underneath the tips for a splash of color that'll transform your simple manicure into a statement.

Milky white shades can be diffused for a hypnotic ombré design. To glam them up, add glittery accents.

Bring the spotlight to your fingers with star accents over an almost sheer base. The contrast of the plain white nails helps draw the eye to the main attraction.

Rylee Johnston is a New York City-based freelance writer who covers everything from beauty, fashion, and celebrity trends to home, pets, and more. With a degree in journalism and over three years of industry experience, she enjoys interviewing experts and testing out products to make the best recommendations for readers.