22 Simple Acrylic Nail Designs: Short, Long, French Tips & Classy Ideas for Every Style

When it comes to simple acrylic nails, there’s no need for complexity to make a statement. Whether you’re a fan of bold colors or love a minimalist look, acrylic nails offer a perfect canvas for your creative expression. If you’ve ever wondered how to create stunning designs at home or need inspo for your next set, this guide will walk you through various styles, from classic French tips to colored looks that are anything but basic.

Elegant French Ombre Nails

This simple acrylic nails idea combines the timeless French ombre style with a soft gradient effect. The pink-to-white fade is classy yet subtle, making it perfect for everyday wear or special occasions. The long square shape elongates the fingers while keeping the look delicate and elegant. This set is a great option for those who want something pretty but simple.

Consumables:

• • Nude pink acrylic powder (recommended: Mia Secret Cover Pink)
  • White acrylic powder (recommended: Young Nails Core White)
  • Clear acrylic for finishing (recommended: Valentino Beauty Pure)
  • Top coat (recommended: Gelish Top It Off)

Application Tips:
To recreate this French ombre design at home, start by applying the pink acrylic at the cuticle and gradually fading it towards the tip. Then, apply white acrylic from the tip towards the pink, blending them together for a seamless gradient. Finish with a clear top coat for a glossy finish.

Baby Blue Cloud Nails

If you’re looking for unique nail art, this baby blue set is a stunning option. The simple color palette of soft blues with delicate cloud designs adds a dreamy and whimsical touch. These nails are long and squared off, giving them a bold look while maintaining a soft and girly vibe.

Consumables:

• • Baby blue acrylic powder (recommended: Kiara Sky in Baby Blue)
  • White nail polish for the cloud design (recommended: OPI Alpine Snow)
  • Detailing brush for clouds (recommended: Beetles Nail Art Brush Set)
  • Clear acrylic top coat (recommended: CND Shellac Top Coat)

Application Tips:
For this baby blue and cloud design, apply the solid color acrylic first and allow it to dry. Using a fine detailing brush, paint small cloud shapes with white polish, creating a soft, fluffy effect. Finish with a top coat for extra shine and protection.

Floral Blue Almond Nails

These simple acrylic nails showcase a striking contrast between solid color blue and nude with delicate white floral accents. The long almond shape gives a feminine, cute touch, while the florals add a classy detail, making it perfect for both casual and formal occasions.

Consumables:

• • Blue gel polish (recommended: Essie in Butler Please)
  • White nail polish for floral design (recommended: Sally Hansen Hard As Nails in White On)
  • Nail dotting tool for floral detail (recommended: Beetles Nail Dotting Tool Set)
  • Top coat (recommended: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)

Application Tips:
After applying your blue base, use a dotting tool to create the small white flowers on select nails. A fine brush can be used for the stems and leaves. Let everything dry completely before applying a high-gloss top coat to protect the art and keep it looking fresh.

French Twist with Rhinestones

This simple take on French tip nails adds a modern twist with rhinestone embellishments. The long square shape makes the nails look sleek, while the girly addition of rhinestones on the ring finger elevates the style, making it suitable for special occasions.

Consumables:

• • Pink nude base color (recommended: Valentino Beauty Pure Cover Nude)
  • White gel polish for French tip (recommended: Gelish Arctic Freeze)
  • Rhinestones (recommended: Swarovski flatback crystals)
  • Nail glue and applicator for rhinestones (recommended: Makartt Nail Rhinestone Glue)

Application Tips:
Start by creating a traditional French tip, painting the tips white while leaving the rest of the nail nude. Once dry, apply the rhinestones to the ring finger using nail glue, arranging them in a way that enhances the look without overpowering the design.

Soft Pink Acrylic Nails

For a simple yet pretty look, these short square acrylic nails in soft pink are ideal. They offer a clean, girly, and classy vibe, making them perfect for everyday wear. The solid color gives a fresh, minimalist look, while the short length makes them easy to maintain.

Consumables:

• • Light pink acrylic powder (recommended: Glam and Glits in First Kiss)
  • Clear top coat (recommended: Kiara Sky Non-Wipe Top Coat)
  • Nail buffer for a smooth finish (recommended: Orly Buffer)

Application Tips:
This solid color look is easy to recreate at home. After prepping the nails, apply the pink acrylic powder evenly across all nails. Buff the surface to smooth it out, then apply a clear top coat for a high-shine finish. Simple, cute, and perfect for any occasion.

Classic French White Tips

These classic simple acrylic nails feature a traditional French tip design. The nails are in a clean, white square shape with a shiny top coat, giving them a polished and classy finish. This basic yet elegant design is ideal for everyday wear or formal events and can easily be dressed up or down.

Consumables:

• • Clear acrylic powder (recommended: Mia Secret Clear Acrylic)
  • White acrylic for tips (recommended: Valentino Pure White)
  • Top coat (recommended: CND Vinylux Weekly Top Coat)

Application Tips:
Begin by applying a clear acrylic base across the entire nail. Once dry, apply white acrylic to the tips and shape into a short square design. Finish with a shiny top coat to seal the design and give it a sleek look.

Pearl-Accented Short Nails

These simple acrylic nails take short to a new level of elegance with the addition of pearl accents. The white base is soft and feminine, while the pearls along the cuticle line add a touch of glam. This look is girly yet classy, perfect for any occasion where you want to add a subtle statement.

Consumables:

• • White gel polish (recommended: OPI Funny Bunny)
  • Small pearls for accents (recommended: Swarovski Flatback Pearls)
  • Clear top coat (recommended: Kiara Sky Non-Wipe Top Coat)

Application Tips:
After applying the white base color, carefully place the pearls along the cuticle line using tweezers and nail glue. Once the pearls are secured, apply a top coat to keep them in place and give the nails extra shine.

Baby Blue French Gradient

This fresh take on a French tip combines baby blue and white in a soft gradient. The transition from blue to white gives these simple acrylic nails a unique, girly twist, making them perfect for spring or summer. The long square shape adds length and elegance without being overly dramatic.

Consumables:

• • Baby blue gel polish (recommended: Kiara Sky in Baby Blue)
  • White acrylic for gradient tips (recommended: Young Nails Core White)
  • Top coat (recommended: Gelish Top It Off)

Application Tips:
Create a smooth gradient by applying the baby blue near the cuticle and fading it into the white at the tips. Use a sponge to blend the two colors together seamlessly. Finish with a glossy top coat for a smooth and even look.

Matte Burgundy Almond Nails

These simple acrylic nails feature a deep matte burgundy color that exudes elegance and sophistication. The almond shape adds a soft touch, while the glitter accents on select nails provide a hint of sparkle. This classy design is perfect for fall or winter and pairs beautifully with evening wear.

Consumables:

• • Burgundy matte gel polish (recommended: Beetles Matte Top Coat)
  • Nude base polish (recommended: Essie Bare With Me)
  • Gold glitter for accents (recommended: OPI Glitter Off)

Application Tips:
Apply the burgundy matte polish to most nails, leaving one nail on each hand nude. Add a small floral design and gold glitter to the accent nail. Apply a matte top coat to finish the classy look.

Pink French Ombré

This pink French ombré design is a softer take on the traditional French tip. The long square shape elongates the fingers, while the pink-to-white gradient gives the nails a girly and pretty finish. This design is simple, classy, and perfect for anyone who loves subtle but chic nails.

Consumables:

• • Pink acrylic powder (recommended: Glam and Glits in First Kiss)
  • White acrylic powder for the ombré effect (recommended: Valentino Pure White)
  • Clear top coat (recommended: CND Shellac)

Application Tips:
Apply pink acrylic starting at the cuticle and fade it towards the tip. Add white acrylic at the tips and blend the two colors together for a soft ombré effect. Finish with a shiny top coat for a glossy finish.

Neon Orange and Green Matte Nails

This vibrant simple acrylic nails set combines bold orange and green tones in a matte finish. The long almond shape adds an elegant feel while the bright colors make this look stand out. This design is perfect for summer or anyone who loves experimenting with colored acrylics in their nail ideas. The subtle pink accent nail with a green tip balances out the vividness.

Consumables:

• • Neon orange acrylic powder (recommended: Glam and Glits in Papaya Whip)
  • Neon green acrylic powder (recommended: Valentino Pure Green)
  • Matte top coat (recommended: Beetles Matte Top Coat)

Application Tips:
Apply the orange and green acrylic powders, alternating the colors for a fun and unique look. For the accent nail, use a light pink base and finish with a green tip. Seal everything with a matte top coat to give it that smooth, non-shiny finish.

Pink Bow French Nails

This simple acrylic nails set takes the French tip design to a cute, girly level with soft pink tips and a 3D bow on the ring finger. The long square shape enhances the cute and girly vibe, while the bow adds a playful accent. This set is perfect for a romantic or holiday look, especially for someone who loves a pretty and classy nail designs.

Consumables:

• • Light pink acrylic powder (recommended: Kiara Sky in Sugar High)
  • 3D nail bow (recommended: Daily Charme 3D Bows)
  • Clear top coat (recommended: Gelish Top It Off)

Application Tips:
Begin by creating the French tip with the pink acrylic on each nail. For the ring finger, attach the 3D bow using nail glue and seal the entire set with a clear top coat for durability and shine.

Iridescent Baby Blue Nails

These baby blue nails are a great simple acrylic nails choice with their soft, iridescent shine. The short square shape makes them perfect for everyday wear, offering a classy and clean look. The subtle shine adds depth without overpowering the simplicity of the design.

Consumables:

• • Iridescent baby blue polish (recommended: Gelish in Water Baby)
  • Clear top coat (recommended: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)
  • Nail buffer for smooth finishing (recommended: Orly Buffer)

Application Tips:
Apply two coats of the baby blue polish, allowing each layer to dry. Finish with a clear top coat to enhance the iridescent effect. Use a buffer to smooth out any rough edges, ensuring a sleek, polished look.

French Ombré Square Nails

This simple acrylic nails design offers a beautiful French ombré effect, with a soft gradient from pink to white. The long square shape gives the nails an elongated and chic appearance, making them perfect for both casual and formal events. The blend of solid colors makes this design pretty and classy, ideal for any occasion.

Consumables:

• • Pink acrylic powder (recommended: Glam and Glits in Blushing)
  • White acrylic powder for the ombré effect (recommended: Valentino Pure White)
  • Clear top coat (recommended: Kiara Sky Non-Wipe Top Coat)

Application Tips:
Start by applying the pink acrylic from the cuticle and blend it into the white acrylic at the tip. Use a sponge to smooth the gradient transition, ensuring a seamless finish. Seal with a shiny top coat for that sleek, classy look.

Bright Yellow Short Nails

These simple acrylic nails make a bold statement with their solid color yellow polish. The short square shape makes them practical for everyday wear while the bright yellow gives off a unique, fun vibe. Perfect for spring or summer, these nails are sure to add a pop of color to any outfit.

Consumables:

• • Bright yellow gel polish (recommended: DND in Neon Sun)
  • Clear top coat (recommended: Gelish Top It Off)

Application Tips:
Apply the yellow polish in two even coats, making sure to cover the entire nail. Let each coat dry completely before applying the next. Finish with a glossy top coat to keep the solid color vibrant and smooth.

Bright Orange Ombre Almond Nails

These simple acrylic nails feature a stunning orange ombré that fades beautifully into a natural nude base. The long almond shape gives the nails a sharp, elegant look while maintaining a bold, summery vibe. This design is perfect for those who want to stand out with a striking colored manicure.

Consumables:

• • Orange acrylic powder (recommended: Kiara Sky in Citrus Pop)
  • Nude acrylic powder (recommended: Valentino Beauty Pure Cover Pink)
  • Top coat (recommended: Gelish Top It Off)

Application Tips:
Start by applying the nude acrylic at the cuticle, then gradually fade the orange toward the tip for the ombré effect. Use a blending sponge to smooth the transition. Finish with a clear top coat to enhance the gradient.

Natural Pink Square Nails

These simple acrylic nails are short square in shape and have a soft pink finish. The clean, minimalistic look makes these nails a great everyday choice for those who want a basic but polished manicure. The smooth, glossy finish adds a classy and pretty touch.

Consumables:

• • Light pink gel polish (recommended: OPI in Bubble Bath)
  • Top coat (recommended: Seche Vite Top Coat)

Application Tips:
Apply two coats of the light pink gel polish, making sure to let each layer dry before applying the next. Use a glossy top coat to finish the look, ensuring the nails stay shiny and smooth.

Floral Green Accent Nails

This playful design features a mix of green and floral accents on short square nails. The daisy patterns on two nails add a girly, whimsical feel, while the solid color green nails balance the design, making it a perfect choice for spring or summer.

Consumables:

• • Light green gel polish (recommended: Essie in Mojito Madness)
  • White and yellow polish for daisies (recommended: OPI Alpine Snow, Essie Sunshine State)
  • Detailing brush for floral design (recommended: Beetles Nail Art Brush Set)

Application Tips:
After applying the green polish, use a small brush to paint the daisy designs on two nails. Complete the look with a clear top coat to protect the nail art and add shine.

Soft Yellow Short Square Nails

These short square nails showcase a soft, pastel yellow finish, giving off a cheerful yet understated vibe. The solid color design is perfect for those who prefer something simple yet stylish, with the pastel tone making it great for spring or summer.

Consumables:

• • Pastel yellow gel polish (recommended: DND Gel in Lemonade)
  • Clear top coat (recommended: CND Shellac)

Application Tips:
Apply two layers of the yellow gel polish to ensure an even finish. Seal with a glossy top coat for a smooth, high-shine finish that enhances the pastel color.

Dark Green Almond Nails with Floral Accent

This long almond set features a deep, dark green color combined with a floral accent on one nail. The flower design adds an elegant touch, making this a great classy option for fall or winter. The contrast between the dark nails and the light floral detail adds depth to the design.

Consumables:

• • Dark green gel polish (recommended: Essie in Off Tropic)
  • White and nude polish for flower (recommended: OPI Put It In Neutral)
  • Detailing tools for floral accent (recommended: Beetles Nail Art Brush)

Application Tips:
Apply the dark green polish on most nails. For the accent nail, paint the base in a nude shade and use a detailing brush to create the flower. Top with a glossy coat to bring out the shine in both the dark polish and the delicate floral accent.

Zebra Print Long Nails

For those seeking a bold and edgy look, these simple acrylic nails feature a unique zebra print on long nails. The black and white combination with a metallic finish adds a touch of drama and makes this set perfect for those who love unique and daring designs.

Consumables:

• • Black gel polish (recommended: Beetles Gel Polish in Blackout)
  • White gel polish for the zebra stripes (recommended: OPI Alpine Snow)
  • Metallic accents for zebra stripes (optional: Chrome powder for shine)

Application Tips:
Use a fine detailing brush to create zebra stripes with the white polish over the black base. Add metallic accents for a unique shine and dimension. Seal with a top coat to protect the design and add a glossy finish.

Red and White French Twist

This simple acrylic nails set combines bold red with a modern twist on the French tip. The long square nails alternate between solid red and a white-and-red geometric pattern. This design is both girly and classy, making it ideal for events or special occasions where you want to make a statement.

Consumables:

• • Red gel polish (recommended: OPI in Big Apple Red)
  • White gel polish for the French twist (recommended: Essie in Blanc)
  • Clear top coat (recommended: Kiara Sky Non-Wipe Top Coat)

Application Tips:
Alternate between applying solid red and the French twist pattern. For the French twist, use a thin detailing brush to carefully paint the white and red lines. Finish with a glossy top coat to enhance the shine and durability.