If you’re unfamiliar with the aesthetic of “old money” you may not be alone. It’s a more refined look that says “I have money” but without trying too hard. Think a sleek middle part with a low bun hairstyle, a tailored shirt and perfectly fitting slacks with understated but impressive jewelry like pearls. Similar to preppy style, old money is more on the classy side instead of the possibly kitschy. Not saying that kitschy can’t be fun! It’s just not exactly the same aesthetic. In nail form this involves the look of French tips, tortoiseshell, darker colors and an overall impressively simple design.
If you want a manicure look that combines simplicity with luxury, then old money nails are what you’re after! This style is sure to elevate your look into one of easy elegance. More often than not you would want to choose simple styles with little or no embellishments, but there’s something to be said for nail styles with a bit more pizzazz as well. If you’re unsure of just what to choose, then continue reading on to discover the 25 best old money nail styles.
25 Best “Old Money” Nail Ideas
1. Taupe and Black V French
A perfectly nude base is topped off with a stark black V cut French on this impossibly classy set from @bees.knees.nails.
2. Ombre French
This subtle French tip set from @spring.naileducator has such a pretty ombre effect, and the glitter adds the perfect something extra.
3. Nautical Neutral
The star embellishments on this set from @nailsby._itzel give this neutral a nautical look, and we’re here for it.
4. Lace Tips
A short and natural shape with a nude base like this set from @natalie_thedollshouse fits the style so well, and the lace design French tip is just a beautiful added bonus!
5. Artistic Nude
A monochrome set is perfect for the old money aesthetic, and the artistic swirls from @bees.knees.nails take this mani up a notch!
Related: 50 Preppy Nails for a Classic, Chic Look
6. Tortoise and Emerald French
Tortoise design is such a classy look, and add the rich elegance of emerald green and gold glitter like this set from @spring.naileducator and you have an impressive mani.
7. Matte French
The ombre coloring, the matte base, the shiny French tip, how could you not love this look from @nailsby._itzel? It’s elegant and subtly impressive.
8. Dark Designs
This bright nude set from @natalie_thedollshouse includes black floral designs and dots that perfectly accent the look.
9. Black Tortoiseshell
A short and simple style is perfect for “old money,” and this alternating set from @nailsby._itzel balances impressive with not trying too hard effortlessly.
10. Black and Gold Cat Eye
Black and gold is such a classic combination, and the floral designs on this set from @bees.knees.nails are chic yet exciting.
11. Gold Cuff
This light pink nude set from @natalie_thedollshouse is feminine and sophisticated, and the gold chrome cuff adds such a refined statement.
12. Glitter Swirls
While glitter may not be the first thing you think when “old money” is mentioned, this color scheme from @spring.naileducator definitely is! The design is classy and so well done that it will fit right in while also standing out.
13. Soft Pink
This nude pink color from @nailsby._itzel is so pretty, and the single rhinestone on each nail adds a not-so-over-the-top look.
14. Black Combo
An all-black matte set with shiny black designs like this one from @natalie_thedollshouse is chic and subtle in the most perfect ways.
15. Nude Almond
Normally a more natural shape is what you’d want for the old money aesthetic but even though this almond shape is on the pointy side, how can you resist the perfect nude of this set from @nailsby._itzel?
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16. Outlined French
A combination of classic French tips and creamy neutral outlined tips from @minea.nails is intriguing and so classy.
17. Dark and Luscious
This dark black short set with holographic flecks of iridescent navy from @natalie_thedollshouse is so appealing to the eye.
18. Wavy French
This wavy French tip set from @nailsby._itzel combines a deep red color and gold chrome, which offers an elegant and rich look.
19. Floral Cuffs
A simple neutral set from @nailswithavibe is improved with a pretty and simple floral cuff design with just a touch of gold.
20. Tortoiseshell Combo
How gorgeous is this tortoiseshell set from @lindseysbeautylounge1? The addition of a subtle French tip and solid accent nail really amp up the intrigue.
Related: 31 Best Neutral Nails for a Classy Manicure in 2025
21. Subtle Florals
@nailsby._itzel provides a neutral look with white and soft pink floral designs and just the tiniest amount of gold glitter.
22. Floral French
A short square shape and the perfect shiny nude base on this set from @natalie_thedollshouse is taken the extra mile with magnolia flower French tips.
23. Neutral Chrome
This utterly beautiful simple neutral set from @nailsbykate.cle has even more added beauty through those lovely silver chrome designs.
24. White and Gold Marble
The marble effect is perfect for old money nails, and this white and gold set from @nailsby._itzel is just stunning.
25. Navy Floral
Navy is a such a classic color, and this set from @natalie_thedollshouse uses it perfectly in an all over shine, a French tip and floral designs with a touch of gold.
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