Maybe it's because I painted my nails with White Out all of middle school (a beauty gal through and through!), but to me, bright white polish just feels a tad juvenile. Don't get me wrong, I love a white nail moment when it's milky and sheer, and I will forever adore creamy French tips; I'm also one to sport a pearly, glazed-donut finish every so often. There's just something about a full coat of frosting white that reads a little… outdated. Recently, though, I saw Rihanna's bright white pedicure (paired with a similarly polarizing Canadian tuxedo), and I've officially changed my tune. Her polish looks expensive, creamy, and perfect for summer, so I've decided to compile all the inspo.
On Sunday night, the singer and pop-culture icon (and, ahem, self-made billionaire) stepped out for a late-night dinner at Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica wearing a full denim-on-denim outfit with strappy sandals—a warm-weather uniform practically begging to be paired with a bright, summer-coded pedi. On Rihanna, the stark white polish instantly brightens her ensemble (similar to butter yellow tips) yet still appears minimalist chic. It makes a statement without going full neon or bright pink, and rest assured, it suits every color outfit and shoe selection, though I must say, it does look extra expensive against a pair of sleek leather flip-flops.
In case it's giving too Wite Out, you'll be happy to know that you don't have to opt for bright, brilliant white to hop on the trend. Ivory, eggshell, vanilla, and antique white look just as classy, so feel free to choose whichever hue best suits your undertones; just make sure you apply two or more coats for an opaque, creamy finish. I, for one, will be copying Rihanna with a snow-white version, but these luxe iterations below have also been consuming my brain space.
More White Pedicure Ideas for Summer
Glossy and elegant.
See? A white pedicure looks striking against black leather sandals.
Here's some more evidence.
I rest my case.
This pearl moment is just so pretty.
Shop White Nail Polish
You can't go wrong with this classic OPI shade.
This Essie number is also a staple.
Dior's white polish has the glossiest finish.
Funny Bunny is a cult favorite for a reason! One coat will deliver a dreamy, milky finish, while two or more coats reads creamy and opaque.
This bright white lacquer dries in just 60 seconds.
Glossy, bright-white gel nails will always look chic.
Technically, this polish is marketed for French tips, but you can give your entire nail plate a coat if you please.
Aptly named Icing on the Cake, this white polish has a creamy, frosting-like finish.
Here's another opaque lacquer I'll use for at-home French tips but looks stunning as a full mani. Plus, it's 10-free and long-lasting.
-
Heads Up: Every Stylish New Yorker Is Already Wearing This Rich-Looking Manicure TrendNot burgundy, not black.
-
Um, Dua Lipa and Augustinus Bader Just Dropped a New Skincare Line—Every Product Is Destined to Sell OutIt's her secret for dewy skin "from morning to midnight."
-
It's Official: Dua Lipa's Red Halo Nails Are the Coolest Way to Wear a Fall-to-Winter ManicureIt's simple and chic.
-
I Searched Instagram for the Most Elegant Autumnal Pedicures—5 That Made Me Hit SaveClassic! Chic! Timeless!
-
My Milky-Pink Nail Polish Is So Perfect, People Assume It's a Custom Combo—Here's the RevealHint: It was seen at Sandy Liang and the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.
-
8 French Tip Nail Designs That Are Autumn-Coded, Expensive-Looking, and So Easy to CopyPlus, how to create them.
-
Hailey Bieber's Velvet Snowflake Manicure Is the Trend I'm Taking Straight to the Salon in NovemberSuddenly, I'm excited for winter.
-
It’s Time for a New Mani—“Chiffon” Nails Is Officially the Chicest Take on Classic NeutralsPrepare to see it everywhere.
