8 Ways to Wear Rich-Girl Nails, According to an Expert

With TikTok fawning over old-money aesthetics, the vibes were bound to reach our nail-art mood boards eventually. So if you're looking to get a manicure that perfectly encapsulates quiet luxury, then rich-girl nails are about to become your new go-to look.

Coined by celebrity manicurist Tom Bachik (whose A-list clientele includes Jennifer Lopez and Selena Gomez), the term rich-girl nails described "perfectly manicured, perfectly polished, medium-long to long, full-coverage nude nails," he tells InStyle. "Fresh, clean, and understated, but deliberate, is the vibe." But the best part of this ultra-chic look is just how easy it is to do on your own...no on-call glam squad needed.

How Do You Get Rich-Girl Nails?

Rich-girl nails start with how you shape and file your nail, Bachik says. The classic rich-girl nail is long and filed in a tapered square shape, which he says helps elongate your fingers. Next is the color choice: Stick with a full-coverage neutral shade that is either one shade darker or lighter than your own skin tone. Then, finish off with a glossy topcoat for some shine and you're good to go.

It seems straightforward enough. But, as with any trend, there are countless ways to put your own spin on it.

What Products Are Needed?

To get your nails filed the right way, he recommends using a manicure kit like his Tom Bachik x Tweezerman Ultimate Nail Care Set. It has seven nail tools so you can cut and file your nails into the perfect shape and prep the nail bed for color.

Next up is you neutral shade. He particularly likes the colors Essie in Topless and Barefoot, Chanel Le Vernis in Organdi, and Aprés Nails in Forgotten Film. Once you've chosen your favorite, top it off with a thick, glossy topcoat — and be sure keep your hands hydrated with a good moisturizer.

If this has inspired your next mani, you've come to the right place Below are eight ways to wear rich-girl nails.

The OG

The mani that started it all, this look on Lopez is a classic neutral. It features medium-length square tips and a glossy, bare-nail shade that matches her skin tone almost exactly.

Barely There

For the minimalist at heart, all you need is a clear polish to embrace the quiet-luxury vibe. If you don't want square tips, no problem — a rounded edge looks just as sophisticated.

Matte Revolution

If glossy shines aren't your thing, you can get even more muted vibes by opting for a matte finish. It's elevated and chic, yet unexpected.

Shimmer Detail

Sometimes you want to sparkle, and that's okay. Add a subtle shimmer to your bare base to put a more extroverted spin on the rich-girl nail look.

Glazed Finish

Pairing one viral trend with another, go for an extra layer of shine by giving your rich-girl nails a glazed finish.

Deep Taupe

While the rich-girl nail calls for something similar to your skin tone, rules were made to be broken — and a light taupe just pops so nicely against darker skin tones.

Bare Base

The milk-bath nail trend goes fancy with this almost-bare nail, which is simple and understated.

Warm Neutral

This creamy tan is the perfect shade for medium to dark skin tones. It provides warmth and depth for a neutral nail that gives off rich-girl energy.

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