20 French Accent Nail Ideas to Spruce Up the Classic Manicure

French manicures never go out of style. But in 2025, we’d like to mix it up a bit. I mean, 50 years of the same exact arched French manicure can be a tad dull, even if it is tres chic. With that said, we went on the hunt for the most beautiful French accent nail ideas to add some extra zest to the classic 1975 original. Whether you’re in the mood for a timeless white and nude look, a pastel update worthy of spring, or something otherworldly, you’re in luck. Below, check out 20 French accent nail inspiration that left us doing a double-take while scrolling our feeds.

1. Metallic Femme French

Let it be said: pink and red color pairings don’t have to be reserved for Valentine’s Day. We adore that this metallic version includes splashes of silver for a space-age French that appears otherworldly. >

2. Aura Blush French

Crème finish your pink and red aura manicure. You can DIY the heart-shaped cherries using a nail art brush—or take this photograph to your nail artist so they can execute it for you. >

3. Flushed Cyber Aura French

If you like brighter, brasher color combinations, allow us to acquaint you with this rosy cyber glow French manicure. To replicate the look yourself, begin by applying a hot pink and white aura base. After it is dry, apply the burgundy design using a nail art brush. Top it all off with a top coat to impart an extra glossy finish. >

4. Groovy Cobalt Mismatched French

Here is another bright blue French accent nail design for you to consider. As off-the-wall as this mismatched appearance is, you can always put your arches together with a single other pattern.

5. Matte Contrast French

Cobalt blue has a lovely partner in many, many colors. We recommend the creamy pastel lime color to create a French accent design high in contrast. >

6. BHM French

February is Black History Month, so this red, yellow, and green French tip nail design is a good option. The colors honor Black culture and represent unity, and can be applied in stripe, dot, ombre fade, or pretty much any pattern in between.

7. Blue and White Chintz French

How cute is this blue and white chintz mani? You can DIY the look with a fine-line nail art brush. But let it be stated: With a design that is as detailed, patience is essential.

8. Creamy Floral French

You can’t lose with a white cream manicure, and this flower French set is an especially clear winner in our opinion. And here’s a newsflash: It’s easy to make at home. You can achieve the teeny-tiny daisy details using a two-ended dotting tool.

9. Earthy Mix-and-Match French

If you tend to prefer earthy tones regardless of the season, this aura mix-and-match French manicure is your ticket. With strokes of taupe, white, charcoal, and sage, it’s a soft yet gritty set.

10. Milk Chocolate Swirl French

For an impartial French accent manicure, stick with a milk chocolate swirl design that is sweet. Working with dark polishes, it’s particularly important to clean up your edges for the most polished result.

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11. Blue Mix-and-Match French

Bright shades of blue are trending in 2025, so if dainty florals aren’t your thing, perhaps this head-turning mix-and-match mani will suit your fancy. From wavy checkerboard designs to groovy flowers, this set has it all.

12. Cherry Doodle French

We adore how whimsical this cherry-doodle French manicure is. To get this adorable French accent mani, you’re going to need to leave your perfectionism in the entryway. The best part about this look is that everything is freehand artwork.

13. 3D Plum French

For a more edgy French accent nail design, take a look at this dark 3D aura plum nail. After doing a dark purple and white aura base, use clear builder gel in your desired shapes.

14 Mismatched Coquette French

This would be ‘I’m just a girl’ if it were a manicure. Pink French tips, tiny red bows, and tortoiseshell print – what’s not to adore?

15. Tortoiseshell French

Tortoiseshell is an ageless beauty declaration, like a French manicure. That is to say, the print is the ultimate accompaniment to the classic style.

16. Trippy Check French

In the meantime, if you desire a trippier, more out-of-this-world French mani, try this wavy check design. Pair the design with plain Black French tips.

17. Negative Space Burgundy French

Negative space nail art is back. And dare we say, this burgundy French tip has us hooked.

18. Sage Bloom French

This dusty sage bloom nail design puts images of unfrozen grass into our heads. In that sense, it’s the ideal spring nail design.

19. White Swirl French

If you adore a traditional white and nude French manicure but need to spice it up, lose two French tips to allow for delicate swirls. Next, toss in a few hearts to the design for an added adorable factor.

20. Sunny Springtime French

Wanting spring? This bright French accent nail art brings all the new springtime feels.

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