The '00s Called to Let You Know That French Nails Are Back in Style

By Kelsey Castanon, POPSUGAR

Are French Nails Back in Style?

Bon Qui Qui had her nail art, but suburban housewives? They had the french manicure. Back in the early aughts, everyone who was anyone walked around with white-tipped nails — acrylics optional, but not required — until all of a sudden . . . they didn't. A few years later and the look was all but swept under the rug, dismissed for the next decade by many as "too cheesy."

Then suddenly, inexplicably, french nails traveled in time to 2018, showing up in blockbuster movies, red carpets, and even music videos. (Ocean's 8 and "Thank U, Next," anyone?) "Fashion has taken a '90s turn from influence, so of course the trends have returned from that era," said Elle, celebrity nail artist for LeChat. "I'm enjoying the new modern twists, maybe because it comes from my era. But how you approach the modern take is vital; the nail shape should be a ballerina, not a square."

Unsure how to do it yourself? Follow the lead of Ariana Grande, Kim Kardashian, and more ahead. But remember: "If it's not done right, it will become 'basic,'" Elle said, which — to steal a phrase from one particular country — is the opposite of très chic.

Ariana Grande's French Manicure

Because Ariana Grande's "Thank U, Next" music video was an ode to iconic movies of the early '00s, the reappearance of french nails on the singer makes perfect sense. Hit play to watch for yourself (or click ahead at the 45-second mark to peep the look).

Gabi DeMartino and Ariana Grande's French Nails

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A post shared by Gabi DeMartino (@gabi) on Nov 27, 2018 at 9:02am PST

It wasn't just Grande wearing french tips on set of "Thank U, Next," either; Gabi DeMartino — who also appeared in the music video — wore the look as well.

Paris Hilton's French Manicure

Paris Hilton was a fan of the french mani back in the early 2000s, and she is still one today. In 2018, however, she's taken the trend and made it fashun, which, as you can see from a recent appearance in November, involves carefully placed gemstones on each nail.

Blake Lively's French Manicure

It might be hard to see Blake Lively's fingertips from here, but Elle let POPSUGAR in on how she did her nails that night a few weeks ago: "I did a modern take on a chevron french manicure for Blake Lively for a Chanel event," she said.

Anne Hathaway's French Manicure

If you paid close attention to Anne Hathaway's character in Ocean's 8, Daphne Kluger, you'll notice she's wearing french tips throughout the film. This, according to a Glamour interview with the film's head of hair and makeup, was on purpose: "Anne felt that these kind of cheap-looking nails are what [Daphne] would think is very classy and elegant," said Louise McCarthy.

Kylie Jenner's French Manicure

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A post shared by Kylie (@kyliejenner) on Aug 1, 2018 at 8:10pm PDT

Never one to shy away from bold throwback trends, Kylie Jenner posted a photo at the end of Summer with this nostalgic look (which has garnered more than four million double-taps of approval since).

Ramona Singer

She may bring the drama in The Real Housewives, but in her everyday life, Ramona Singer keeps her french manicure relatively simple.

Kim Kardashian's French Manicure

Like little sis Kylie Jenner, Kim Kardashian stepped out at the Met with a gilded dress and long, white-tipped nails. (The key to making it work here, Elle said, is that her nail shape was "tapered," which made it less retro.)