If the French manicure was once a symbol of understated elegance and refined decadence, today it's... well, anything but. TikTok is awash with variations, from dreamy soft serve toppings to brutally contrasting '90s versions that you might have spotted on the Versace runways in 1998—or on a VHS tape of your mom's wedding. And if there was ever a "manicure by season" rule, it can officially be erased. Now, there's a manicure for every season—it's just a question of what impression you want to make.
French Manicure 2025: On one hand we have a delicate, almost ethereal soft version – a gentle line, an almost imperceptible border between the natural base and the whiteness at the tip. On the other hand, a call for an aesthetic that is loud, confident and completely devoid of any desire for subtlety – french from the nineties, in all its dazzling contrast. The fashion world has a new dilemma, and your nails are its battlefield.
1. Soft French Manicure: Blurred Edges and Effortless Manicure
Welcome to the world where “clean beauty” philosophy it's no longer just for the face. Soft serve French manicure is everything a natural-look lover wants – and yet wants something more. This trend is like a silk blouse: subtle, yet always noticed. The spikes are still there, but they don’t scream – they just gently hint that you’re aware of the details.
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This variation of the French manicure is almost meditative. It is a blurred transition between the natural color of the nail and the tip, often done in milky tones, pastels or even a slightly peachy color. The tip is not strictly defined – as if a light breeze from the Côte d’Azur had blown on it. And although it looks minimalist, the result is extremely sophisticated. It goes especially well with almond-shaped nails and perfectly groomed cuticles, where symmetry plays a major role.
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2. 90s French manicure: big contrasts and an even bigger statement
On the other hand, there is power french – is not afraid to be the center of attention and revives the aesthetic that taught us in the 90s that more is more. The white edge is sharp, thicker and more pronounced. The base of the nail is usually in pink or beige tones, but it is that rough dividing line between the tip and the base that defines this trend.
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Although once reserved for long, blocky nails (yes, acrylics are making a comeback), it's now making a comeback in a more modern guise: almond-shaped, high-shine, maybe even with a pop of color—burgundy tips, chocolate tones, or contrasting black. The new '90s French is no longer just a copy of the past—it's a reinterpretation of nostalgia with a modern twist.
And let's face it: sometimes it's nice when your nails make more of an impression than your handbag.
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Which trend will you choose this fall?
Choosing the perfect French manicure for fall 2025 isn't just about aesthetics, it's about mood. Feeling light, delicate, and in love with pastel sunsets? Are you ready to rule the day with the confidence of a '90s supermodel?
The good news? You don't have to choose one thing forever. One manicure doesn't define you—only your current vibe. And with fashion reinventing itself every day, it's perfectly okay to be soft serve today and deep French tomorrow.
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Bonus tips for a flawless French look:
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- The cuticle is key. Even the most beautiful polish can't solve untidy nail areas.
- The shape of your nail should suit your hand. Almonds elongate, square shapes emphasize. Know your proportions.
- Experiment with colors. French is no longer limited to white. Chocolate, wine red, dark blue – they're all allowed.
- Top coat is your best friend. Shine is what makes the difference between a homemade attempt and a salon-worthy result.
