Vanilla Chrome Nails Are the Latest Rich-Girl Manicure Trend to Follow

The Gist

• In a vanilla chrome manicure, a creamy white base color is transformed with a layer of chrome.

• See 10 examples of the quietly luxurious nail trend, ahead.

Most manicures with a whimsical name are pretty maximalist, as evidenced by trends like crystal candy nails , Bambi nails , and frosted French tips (just to name a few!). Vanilla chrome nails, however, are a rare exception. Characterized by a creamy white base color and a layer of chrome on top, the manicure leans more into the quietly luxurious " rich mom " aesthetic than its playful name might lead you to believe.

While coconut jelly nails were the go-to neutral manicure of summer, vanilla chrome feels just right for fall. The creamy base color is a natural match with cold-weather neutrals like chocolate brown and navy, while the chrome finish creates an elegant contrast against cozy knits and matte leather.

Vanilla chrome is the ideal choice for minimalists who are looking to date their signature neutral manicure without straying too far from their comfort zone. "It's a classy 'clean-slate' look that's not as flashy as cat-eye, but still adds an eye-catching pop," Holly Nguyen, manicurist and founder of Nails of Fig , previously told InStyle .

Ahead, find 10 examples of vanilla chrome nails that drive home the manicure's quiet luxury status, plus pro manicurist tips on how to recreate the look at home.

Meet Our Expert

Mimi D is a celebrity manicurist and educator.

How to Get the Look

Getting vanilla chrome nails is pretty simple. First, choose a cream—not white—shade of polish to get that vanilla feel for the base. Manicurist Mimi D notes that you'll also need a white chrome powder to get that signature sheen. Then, apply two coats of the cream polish and seal everything in with a top coat before using a sponge to apply the chrome powder to each nail. Once you cover all 10 fingers, seal again with another layer of a top coat. As you would with any at-home manicure , make sure to let your polish dry for at least a half hour before using your hands.

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The Classic

With warm, creamy undertones and a glazed finish, vanilla chrome nails stand out on their own. Nail artist Alexandra Teleki even created and shared the ultimate how-to guide on Instagram so you can borrow the look for yourself.

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Faint Sheen

A vanilla chrome nail doesn't have to be full coverage. (Your nails, your rules.) Opt for a single swipe or two so that your bare nail peeks through for a minimalist vibe.

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Sleek Square

With a manicure this simple, your nail shape becomes especially important. Stick to the classics with either an elongated almond or a sharply filed square nail, as shown above.

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Warm Ivory

An opaque base color gives this minimalist look eye-catching contrast. Still, it's simple enough to match your entire fall wardrobe.

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Pink Sprinkles

The same milky base color can be totally transformed based on the chrome layered on top of it. Here, pearly pink chrome adds a surprising yet subtle pop of color.

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Freshwater Pearl

For the simplest DIY recreation of vanilla chrome nails, apply two coats of a pearly white nail polish, then seal it in with a high-gloss top coat. You won't get quite the same level of dimension as you would from using chrome, but the effect is similar.

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Peach Undertones

Here, the vanilla base gets added warmth and interest from a peachy hue. We also love the rounded shape, as it enhances the softness of the look.

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All in the Details

Looking to add a little something-something to your vanilla chrome nail? These tiny metallic details are subtle, but they still elevate the entire look. Plus, they're fated to spark up a conversation.

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XL Length

A longer length instantly amps up the drama of even the simplest nail looks. Here, a sheer white base color keeps the long square shape looking light and airy.

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French Accent

When in doubt, adorn your vanilla chrome nails with a French manicure, aka the ultimate timeless classic.

Read the original article on InStyle