Old Money manicure: the chic and sober New York trend to adopt this summer

The Old Money manicure is conquering the streets of New York. This trend, which appeals to women and men alike, is shaping up to be the great beauty revelation of summer 2026. With its sobriety and impeccable finish, this style could well cross the Atlantic to our Parisian nails.

The Old Money manicure: a trend from New York

This new nail art trend has been taking the Big Apple by storm for several weeks now. Its particularity lies in short, round or oval nails, covered with a milky, transparent varnish. The effect is reminiscent of a delicate blush, barely visible but perfectly polished.

Unlike the usual summer trends, the Old Money manicure rejects patterns, polka dots and bright colors. Instead, it relies on impeccably clean, candy-pink hues. Tom Wambsgans of the Succession series would probably approve of this choice.

This style is equally suited to a day at the office or an evening at the opera. So there’s no room for faux pas with this chic, minimalist approach.

A craze confirmed by New York women

“In New York, we love shiny, chic nails. Places like Mellow Bar nail salon in Greenwich Village have started doing color mixes that offer a barely visible finish for a perfect result.”

These are the words of Lucy Woodall, a British woman who has lived in the NoHo district since last year. Her testimony illustrates the scale of the phenomenon in the city.

The aesthetic of this trend is similar to that of the clean girl, but with a few nuances that set it apart. What’s more, its creamy, slightly transparent shades evoke soap nails.

The key steps to a successful Old Money manicure

To achieve this sophisticated look, nail preparation plays a central role. The right cut, shape and cuticle care make all the difference. So don’t neglect this step before applying your polish.

Polishing lengthens the nail bed and creates symmetry towards the base. Some people prefer not to cut their cuticles because of the risk of introducing bacteria into the skin. In this case, a simple push-back is all that’s needed.

• Opt for creamy, milky colors
• Choose a round or oval shape
• Keep your nails short for a natural look
• Avoid opaque shades in favor of transparent finishes
• Take care of your cuticles before each polish application

An insider’s tip is to take a nail brush and gently scrub your nails with warm, soapy water. This technique removes dry skin, which can make your manicure look less clean.

Cuticle oil: a precious ally

Cuticle oil is more of a luxury than a necessity. Yet it can prolong the flawless appearance of your nails for days. Apply it every evening for optimum results.

Shades should approach soap nails rather than opaque pastel pink. This subtle shade makes all the difference between a successful Old Money manicure and a simple nude polish application.

Nail polishes to recreate this look

Several brands offer the perfect shades for that made-in-New York effect. Manucurist Green Milky Pink varnish, €14, offers an ideal base with its clean formula. Its milky finish is exactly in the spirit of this trend.

For those on a budget, Kiko Smart Nail Lacquer Rosy Nude at €2.99 is an affordable alternative. Its light texture makes application easy, even for beginners.

Lovers of luxury can turn to Les Mains Hermès with Rose Coquille enamel varnish at €53. This delicate shade perfectly embodies the understated elegance we’re looking for. Last but not least, the classic OPI Bubble Bath, available at €11 instead of €13, has been a safe bet for years.

The Old Money manicure seduces with its refined, minimalist approach. It proves that when it comes to nail art, simplicity can surpass the most elaborate designs. From now on, this New York trend looks set to conquer Parisian salons this summer 2026.

• Old Money manicure