Tuxedo Nails Are the Black-Tie Mani Trend Perfect for Formal Events

If you're looking to make an elegant statement with your manicure, there are, of course, plenty of classic options—you can always go for a traditional French or a sophisticated solid-red set. But might we suggest something a little more formal (wear)?

Tuxedo nails take their name from the satin-detailed suiting often donned for special occasions. The look marries classic black and white in geometric designs ranging from spot-on recreations to sets that simply evoke the attire. Read on to learn everything you need to know about the trend.

What Are Tuxedo Nails?

Tuxedo nails feature graphic, geometric designs in solid black and white—there are no florals, auras, or chrome here. Any combination of black, white, and sheer or negative space works (for example, a sheer base with black and white geometric details or a black base with a white French tip). What makes it a tuxedo manicure is the combination of colors and the geometry of the designs.

Behind the Trend

The trend—as personified by manicures created by Tom Bachik for Jennifer Lopez and Camila Cabello—takes inspiration from traditional formal wear, creating a timeless, elegant, and sophisticated look for the wearer. The black-and-white color combination not only reflects that of a tuxedo but creates a striking contrast that is visually appealing. "The trend features minimal nail art [such as] line work, geometric, French tips... using the two most contrasting colors: black and white," says nail artist Queenie Nguyen.

How to Get the Look

Nguyen tells us there are a few ways to rock the trend, including "contrast black/white French tips—in which half of the French is black [and the other is] white—black and white geometric shapes to overlap each other, and micro reverse French tips with black at the tip and white at the base of the nail to contrast." To complete the tuxedo look, nail technicians might add details such as bow ties, buttons, lapels, or pinstripes to the nails by hand painting or adding stamps or stickers. To notch up the elegance factor even further, a matte top coat can be applied for a velvety, non-reflective finish.