Look, nothing against classic pink and white tips, but perennially cool beauty fans know a colorful French mani is the key to looking luxe in 2026. You see, unlike bolder nail art (which does have its time and place, I should note), simply dipping your nails in burgundy, blue, or brown allows you to add a little something extra while keeping your overall nail look minimalist-chic—like tossing a pretty, on-trend accessory on a capsule wardrobe item.

There’s a smattering of hues you can choose, but if you want to really lean into opulence, experts recommend selecting one expensive-looking shade: dark purple. “Purple is such a regal shade that, when deep enough, is a stark contrast to the traditional French,” declares professional nail tech Lia Smith. Be it plum, eggplant, or a red-tinged mulberry, a super-rich purple also pairs excellently with just about any outfit; essentially, you could consider it a neutral, especially when paired with a glossy, “your nails but better” base.