The 19 Ballet Slippers Nail Ideas of 2024

Hand with white shirt and sheer pink nails — @lolo.nailedit / Instagram

There are trends that feel decidedly new and fresh, yet simultaneously eternally classic. Ballet slipper nails are one of the rare looks to fit in that category. Though the pale pink hue is nothing new, the fan-favorite Essie Nail Polish in Ballet Slippers is once again getting all the attention. What makes the color extra special is that anyone can wear it—it’s just about finding the right shade for your skin tone.

One misconception you might have about ballet slipper nails is that they’re basic. Sure, you could go with a solid coat of polish and be done, but it looks elegant and graceful—just like the actual ballet. However, keep in mind that ballet slippers nails run the gamut from simple to all-out nail art. Think twists on French manicures, graphic add-ons, and the fact that it’s the perfect base color for a floral design. Below, we rounded up the best ballet slippers nails ideas to spark your imagination.

01 of 19

The Classic

You can’t talk about ballet slippers nails ideas without giving a shoutout to the genre’s most iconic polish. Essie Ballet Slippers is the perfect shade of pale pink. A single coat gives it a translucent effect, while more layers deliver the trendy milky nails vibe.

02 of 19

Shimmery Almond

Silver glitter manicure — @themaniclub/Instagram

Take ballet slippers nails to the next level with a flawless nail shape and added shine. This silhouette shows off almond nails in all their color while a sparkly top coat is sure to catch the light.

03 of 19

Heart French Mani

french manicure with heart tips in light pink — @overglowedit/Instagram

It often feels like the variations on French manicures are endless. Turning those tips into hearts is one more! And the soft pink shade makes it even more romantic.

04 of 19

Petal Pink

sheer pink nails — @lolo.nailedit/Instagram

No matter what you call them—lipgloss nails, neutral nails, ballet slipper nails—this look is a winner. Sheer polish is both classic and on-trend these days.

05 of 19

Blue Accents

reverse French mani with bright blue — @iramshelton/Instagram

Play with colors and patterns with a reverse French mani. The pop of bright blue is quirky and unexpected. It’s the ultimate ballet slipper nail idea with a twist.

06 of 19

Swirly Twist

Sheer peachy neutral manicure with white swirl designs — @brushedbyb_

The classic ballet slipper and white color combo is not just reserved for the classic French mani. A thin white swirly design adds a little more substance to your nail art while still feeling subtle and dainty.

07 of 19

Glazed Pink

shimmery light pink nails — @essie/Instagram

Glazed donut nails meets ballet slippers nails in this shimmery mash-up. The mega-watt design is easy to recreate. Simply add an icy chrome top coat and you are good to go.

08 of 19

Garden Variety

pink nails with floral tips — @saruhnails/Instagram

We love this dainty ode to a garden manicure with delicately placed flowers and vines, all on a ballet slipper pink base.

09 of 19

Pink and Orange Florals

Hot pink and orange pops of color on pale pink nails — @melanated.mani/Instagram

Adorn pale pink nails with bursts of hot pink and orange. This color combo makes it interesting and optimistic. Here, these shades are detailed in a tropical floral design.

10 of 19

Sparkle With Rhinestones

pale pink french manicure with rhinestones — @overglowedit/Instagram

Need a little bling in your life? Here’s a ballet slipper nail idea with a side of sparkle. A soft pink French mani goes the whimsical route with the addition of rhinestones.

11 of 19

Blue Crush

Blue half-moons on pale pink nails — @lolo.nailedit/Instagram

Feeling blue? Contrasting colors are a go-to in nail art for a reason. Electric blue half-moons not only mix up the color scheme, but add a modern twist.

12 of 19

Gold Polka Dots

golden dot decals on pale pink nails — @amyle.nails/Instagram

Looking to add a little pizzazz to your favorite neutral base? Simply apply golden decals to make your manicure look fancy and festive. It brings a sparkle and textural touch.

13 of 19

Silver Charms

nude nails with silver polka dots — @brushedbyb_/Instagram

Dress up a basic base with small silver charms. From far away they look like petite polka dots, while up close you can see the 3D texture.

14 of 19

Rainbow Accents

pale pink nails trimmed in the colors of the rainbow — @imarninails/Instagram

If you’re looking for a colorful twist on ballet slipper nail ideas, here’s the perfect one. This design offers a classic base trimmed in the colors of the rainbow. The thin lines keep the effect subtle, not screaming.

15 of 19

Neon Florals

Flower design on pink nails — @brushedbyb_/Instagram

Get two classics—ballet slippers nails and florals—in one mani motif. Throw in a throwback feel for even more fun. Between the color scheme and oversized buds, these are giving major 60s vibes.

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Falling Petals

light pink nails with florals — @lolo.nailedit/Instagram

Milk bath nails are a design strong enough to stand on their own. But when you add in pretty florals, it hits it out of the park. The pastel palette is divinely romantic.

17 of 19

Milky Pink

Milky nails are here to stay. Do a double trend by opting for the effect in a ballet slippers hue. The result? The perfect ballerina pink manicure.

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Triple Threat

Instagram / @brushedbyb_ — @BRUSHEDBYB_ / INSTAGRAM

Why go for just one nail trend when you can have three? French tips, polka dots and a shimmer shade are a killer combo. A ballet slippers base grounds the look in its classic appeal.

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Pink Bow French Mani

pink french manicure with bows — @essie/Instagram

Talk about major Bridgerton vibes! All tied up in a pretty bow, this ballet slippers mani is the perfect present for your fingertips. We love that it incorporates French tips, too.