Search
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with finding one shade that speaks to you and throwing it on. After all, plain doesn’t have to mean inane.
If a plain color is to be your choice for the day, you have any number of options ranging from subdued pastels to bold reds, blues, and greens. Feeling a little more creative?
Try both green and blue in pastel for a sweet and subtle pattern idea. There’s no need for complex designs or shapes. You can alternate or just leave one color all by its lonesome. You can have one hand in baby blue and the other in light green. Don’t be afraid to experiment or just leave it however you see fit.
What’s fun about painting your nails plain is that there are so many colors to choose from, many of them otherwise overlooked.
For example, have you ever thought of trying gray, tangerine, or banana yellow? Additionally, nude and glossy white are becoming increasingly popular.
Speaking of glossy, plain colors can be had either in matte or gloss, matching the day’s outfit or mood. It might be cheating a little, but you could also try glittery nail polish just to spice it up a little, too.
Ultimately, plain doesn’t mean your choices are limited as they may seem. More colors than you can imagine are available for you to choose from, allowing you to mix and match in any way you like.
Sometimes, one plain color is all you need. Maybe that’s all you want, or maybe you want to alternate two colors for that extra bit of detail.
I love bright neon orange for the summer; it’s warm, fun and rather sassy in tone. This color in particular can be difficult to match with the rest of your outfit colors, so plan ahead wisely. I reserve this bold fingernail style for when I want my personality to do all the talking and not my outfit.
When it comes to lavender, I just can’t get enough of the beautiful flowers and the incredible fragrant aroma. Of course, the light purple color is a dream to rock on your fingernails too. With a solid design, and gloss finish, this fingernail look is super simple and exceptionally beautiful.
Solid, vivid violet makes for a bright and fun manicure. Purple is a color that can work on anyone and work with so many different outfits! This neon hue is a great choice for a plain nail color that still has pizzazz!
Pastel greens and purples make a great combination! You can mix it up even more by changing the topcoat on just one nail. Having the ring finger be shimmery instead of matte, adds even more interest to a manicure with just two solid colors!
Sleek and sophisticated plain solid color nails are created when using this ultra-shiny, pastel, slate gray. I love the way that just the tiniest hint of a shade of gray, elevate these nails so much! This would match just about any outfits as well and would be a great go to!
The slightest variation in shades from light to dark create a beautiful ombre effect! The classic plain pink manicure is elevated so much by just a variety of shades being used. Pastel and neon are combined flawlessly here.
Just two colors make for a very interesting plain nail idea! Pastel and neon variations of lime and sky blue. The silver leaf effect on a single nail, makes for an interesting but still cohesive look. This would be so fun for a special occasion!
I love the glittery effect on this grape shade! The stiletto shape and high shine topcoat are such a great way to finish off the manicure and is a very exciting combination while still being understated and not overdone.
Bubblegum and Barbie’s come to mind when I see this shade! It is so fun and youthful! The simple shape keeps it looking a little more grown up. The solid color makes it perfect for everyday wear. It would be great for summer!
This color combination reminds me of Lisa Frank and life as a 90s kid. Light bright pink, yellow, purple, and blue make for a super fun manicure, that would be great for everyday in the summer or spring or even a 90s theme party!
Jet black, high shine, and an elongated round shape, make this all black plain manicure idea, look both Goth and sophisticated! Black goes with absolutely anything and the high shine topcoat makes a bold black manicure look all grown up!
This pinky maroon color is so deep and dramatic! The micro glitter and high shine in the polish makes this funky color look very put together. This would perfect for a special occasion like a holiday party but could be paired well with everyday clothing as well!
Milk comes to mind when I see these matte, and slightly transparent white plain nails. While keeping it basic with white nails, the slight effects elevate them, and keep it interesting and unique! Plus, they would look good with just about any clothing you choose!
I love the elongated square shape that is used on these nails. They look very sophisticated and high fashion. The different plain beigey shades look bold when juxtaposed next to white and black pinkies. Using only the basic of colors, these nails manage to look so bold!
Beige and beautiful! The ombre effect created with the combination of a nude color all the way to a blackish brown is such a great way of using simple shades to create a sophisticated and creative manicure that stands out while still matching anything in your closet and maintaining a professional appearance!
A slow and subtle gradation from pastel dusty pink to a slightly brighter blush, makes these pink nails pop! The subtle ombre effect that is created, looks so sophisticated and feminine. The pink shade is fun without being loud or too youthful looking.
Plain navy baby! This dark Navy blue makes a striking choice. Choosing one bold shade can be just as interesting as choosing multiple! Especially when you elongate the basic round shape. This manicure looks sophisticated but also so high fashion!
Nude can be noticed too! The matte nude shade looks almost as if you aren’t wearing polish at all. The matte effect and longer length still allow the nails to make a statement. Super trendy, and cute, and great for everyday wear! Nude is a safe but stand out choice!
When choosing multiple colors to use on one manicure, choosing colors that are in the same color family and match in level of shine helps to create a cohesive look. This is a great example. The combination of matte aqua blues and periwinkle shades create a cool and refreshing vibe!
Mocha manicures? Yes please! This color looks like a refreshing iced coffee! This color is a perfect edgier neutral to wear in fall and could work on anyone and with so many different outfit colors. I can’t wait to try this for everyday wear!
These colors scream fall fashion! The olive green, bright white, coral orange, and gold hue look so perfect together. They remind me of a favorite fall sweater, cozy and warm, while a little more muted and understated! Somehow even with all this color, they look professional and not overly loud!
Chocolate brown and teal look so good together! One of my favorite combinations! The addition of the pale yellow and slate gray makes for an unexpectedly gorgeous manicure! I love the basic shape being used with the different colors, to keep it looking put together, but still poppy! These are perfect for fall!
Ruby red can’t be wrong! Red nails are a classic plain color style for a reason, and these shorter lengths keep the nails looking a little more subtle than and not quite as provocative as the color can be sometimes! It’s such a rich and fun shade perfect for anyone looking to stand out from the crowd, but still look sophisticated.
This combination looks very mature. Sparkly red, white, blue, orange, and black polishes bring me Halloween meets 4th of July vibes. Mixing unexpected colors can be fun and different and they will catch eyes wherever you go!
A more pointed shape pairs so well with these deep pink nails! The tiniest amount of shimmer elevates the color that much more. A classic color you are sure to find just about anywhere, this is a go to shade for any season, or any occasion!
If you are wanting to go super bright and bold, a neon tangerine is a great polish color! This will bring the brightness of summer right to your fingertips! It would look fabulous on a tropical vacation or alongside your favorite bikini!
If you want some polish to have your nails looking nice but want them to be neutral a shiny nude is the way to go. This barely-there plain color will have your nails camouflaging and matching with anything in your wardrobe. Simple, and on trend. Neutrals are so in right now.
What is hotter than hot pink? A fun and funky shade. This can still match with quite a few different colors and can look good for a variety of occasions. It would be great on vacation, at a party, or club setting, or even just a fun summer choice!
Shape of nails can really change the look, when going with a simple solid colored manicure. The sleek maroon shade with micro glitter, stands out even more with the straight line created by the squared off shape. These would look perfect at a holiday party!
A smaller surface area that is created with a shorter length is a great way to keep a bright color a little more withdrawn. If you want something a little more subtle, having the bright shade on only a few nails and keeping the rest rather pastel is also a great way to tone it down!
Sometimes the bolder the better! This neon pink color looks flawless on these elongated round tip nails! The bold color works well on its own and needs no competition! This shade would be perfect for someone who wants to stand out!
Bright red just screams Christmastime to me! Wouldn’t this fit in perfectly with a cozy sweater dress and heels, and just bring holiday cheer to everyone who sees them? The squared shape brings a bit more sophistication, and the classic shade seems updated and fresh!
Glitter brings all that much more fun to an already vivid holiday shade! The classic shape and glitter add so much pizzazz and personality to this classic plain nail hue. The perfect manicure for any holiday party or outing!
Primary colors are so often overlooked. They can still be stunners, as shown in this bright blue glittery pick! This color would not be overdone or seen on everyone, but is poppy while still looking sophisticated and unique!
A primary blue is made high fashion, with the high shine topcoat and the longer stiletto tips that are used to create this look. Like a pair of good jeans, this blue could match with so many different outfits and would make a statement without being over the top!
Springtime is at your fingertips with this sweet candy colored pastel colors! Although 5 different solid colors are used in these plain nail designs, the pastel coral, pink, purple, blue, and green look so cute together, and the short, squared shape keeps them looking a bit more grown up! I love the opalescent topcoat too; subtle but so pretty!
Milky and marvelous! These nails are so edgy while being as simple as they come, a basic French white is extended all the way to the cuticle to make a feminine, sophisticated, understated and still beautiful manicure!
As shown here a horizontal ombre effect can be created with any color. The green and yellow shades that are used on each nail vary just slightly to create a beautiful gradation of color. Shape and sheen can also be adjusted, though matte is used here, you can see how a different nail length and shape really changes the look.
A true classic hot pink, is a fun and bright way to perk up your nails! This plain nail color idea reminds me of Elle Woods on Legally Blonde, or Mean Girls, so many popular movie queens rock this shade. Why not rock it yourself?
Sunny yellow is combined with a very muted, beigey nude here to create a very different but flattering manicure. The sparing use of the vivid shade allows it to really pop against the rest of the more subdued nails and the square shape keeps them looking sophisticated.
Most popular plain nail tattoo design ideas
Different types of plain nail styles to consider 1. Basic Gold: This luxurious look evokes a feeling of high-end glamour. The gold adds an opulent touch to any outfit and is perfect for special occasions or a night out on the town.
2. Glossy White: For a timelessly chic style, try glossy white nails for added sophistication. It’s so simple, but a true plain classic.
3. Creamy Nude: Nude tones are always popular for their subtlety and versatility — they’re simple yet elegant, ideal for everyday wear or formal events alike.
4. Metallic Silver: Nothing screams “luxury” quite like silver. A metallic hue can instantly take your look from basic to bold, making it perfect for those wanting to make a statement while still keeping it classic. Just don’t go overboard on the sheen level of the silver if your end goal is to keep a more discrete, plain style.
5. Matte Black Polish: A bold black color creates an edgy vibe that always looks amazing on short nails, but you can also make this shade work on longer nail lengths as well! Personally, I find that a plain matte black goes with just about any fashion style or outfit out there.
6. Rose Gold: If you want to add some extra glitz and glamour to your manicure, opt for solid rose gold polish — it will gently shine and shimmer in the light, while still having a plain look. Again, with the metallics, keep them as subtle as you can for a softer look.
7. Soft Grey Shade: Grey is often overlooked when it comes to nail colors, but its subtlety makes it ideal if you’re looking for a modern plain nail style. Of all the plain nail looks, matte grey is by far one of my all time favorites.
