19 French Nail Ideas For May, From Pastels to Gradients

Splashes of color everywhere.

Few nail designs have stood the test of time like French tips. Since it is such a classic look, it has evolved over the years, with pros and DIY nail artists using vibrant colors, textures, layers, and shapes to make it their own. And while you can wear a French manicure any time of the year, we think spring is the best time to experiment with one of those French evolutions—think color-rich floral designs, bold blues, and pastels galore. Scroll on for 19 French nail ideas perfect for May.

Muted Rainbow

Recreating this set is all about color choice. Using four to six pastel nail polishes—such as those in the Lights Lacquer What's the Tea? Quad ($40)—alternate your bases and tips to create a spring-forward French mani.

Pastels and Flowers

One of the ways artists add extra spice to the French tip is by throwing in a few accent nails. This set, with pastel flowers on two almond-shaped nails, is a prime example of mixing it up.

Floral Arrangements

Here, nail artist Dyanna I. Sapiens kept things sleek with two or three oversized flowers on each finger. For her French tips, she went with an understated cream shade.

Pink and Green

Combining a soft-pink base with emerald green tips, this almond-shaped set is equal parts sophisticated and maximalist. We especially love the baby pink swirls on the sides of each nail.

Blue Lining

This minimalist French manicure utilizes negative space for an impossibly chic set. This design will pop on any nail shape, but an almond silhouette is next level.

Groovy Swirls

For a '70s-inspired manicure, consider adding a few swirly accent nails to your set. The blue, orange, periwinkle, and pink here make us think of the Scooby Doo gang.

Starring Cherry Hearts

Here, nail artist Lauren stayed true to the classic white French tip but added cherry heart accents on three fingers. For accent nails, she opted for white stars and hearts neatly drawn over a solid, soft pink base.

Metallic Barbie

You can never go wrong with pink-on pink. We love how the long, almond-shaped manicure utilizes a metallic finish on the bold pink tips.

Baby Blue Water

Nails that resemble ocean waves are just divine. The tiny, curved slits in the French tips add to the watery vibe.

Green Marbles

These green marble nails combine sage and milky white. (And almost have jade vibes.) Medium-length, almond-shaped nails are perfect for the springtime.

Hip to Be Square

Hot pink, orange, and yellow are the perfect sunset tones to take your manicure from spring to early summer. The medium-length square tips are super on-trend.

French Torties

Tortoiseshell combines shades of brown and black, making it a fun way to keep things neutral. While the tortoiseshell technique is relatively simple to DIY, given that this look utilizes such small real estate, you'll probably want to leave it to a pro.

Rainbow Overhead

This French Skittle set features yellow, pink, blue, orange, and green–almost all the colors of the rainbow. Despite the vibrant tips, the shorter length, almond shape, and glossy neutral base help keep this manicure low-key.

Rosy Red in the Garden

It might not be considered the most "spring" shade, but as far as we're concerned, red is a manicure color for all seasons. This simple set features bright red French tips and a solitary solid accent nail.

Ode to Green

Why pick a favorite shade of green when you can wear them all? This green gradient manicure is perfect for spring. (And we love the short, manageable tips.)

Vintage French

Glam up your set with sparkly gems. In this French manicure, long, almond-shaped nails are dressed up with a single rhinestone on each nail. It's the perfect way to elevate a classic design.

Warm and Two-Toned

We're living for this orange-toned red paired with Barbie pink. If you're confident enough in your nail art skills to create half-and-half French tips, this could be a fun DIY project.

Red Rose and Pink Peony

The bright red, hot pink, and baby pink in this manicure make us think of walking through a flower garden. To get glass nails like this you'll want to seal everything in with a super glossy top coat, like KB Shimmer's Clearly on Top Quick Dry Top Coat ($7).

Y2K Moment

Square-shaped nails give off "It Girl" vibes, and these French tips remind us of the '00s. The heart accent on the pinky nail adds a sassy touch.

Read the original article on Byrdie.