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 There's just something about a full coat of frosting white that reads a little… outdated.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.
-
Bella Hadid Is Honey Blonde! See the Hair Color Set to Inspire 1000 Salon AppointmentsIt's giving summer in the South of France.
-
Taylor Russell Is the Epitome of Baby-Doll Beauty—6 of Her Best Moments I'm Copying RNShe's taking over my makeup and hair inspo boards.
-
Artist Pass: Your Exclusive Guide to the Highly Requested Bobs Defining 2025Justine Marjan walks us through two celeb-loved looks.
-
Forget Pinterest—the Met Gala Red Carpet Is My New Source of Nail InspoI ran out of storage screenshotting these must-have manis.
-
Zoe Saldaña and Pamela Anderson Debuted Drastic Bob Transformations on the Met Gala Red CarpetSee them in action.
-
Fashion's Biggest Night Out Is Here—the Met Gala Beauty Looks That Held Their OwnI forgot it was about the clothes for a second.
-
Nicola Peltz Beckham Just Taught Me Her Genius "Tap and Stamp" Trick for Perfecting Winged LinerPlus, her fave sunscreen and go-to blush.
-
I'm a Warm Autumn, so These Makeup and Nail Looks Are Basically My NeutralsAre you color analysis curious?
