When it comes to the updated French manicure, you don't need to stop at trying out different patterns. With the new "American" French manicure, the old rules are thrown out in favor of mix-and-match styles. As nail expert Dasha Minina told InStyle, "Many different designs, color patterns, and textures can be incorporated to make a unique version of the French manicure."

While French manicures were once an understated nail design with only white tips and a neutral color below, they've now been revamped to be eclectic and completely non-uniform. In other words, don't limit yourself to having the same design on each nail. Alternate tip colors and kick neutrals to the curb. Nail artist Naomi Yasuda's glittery nails for singer Lily Allen are a great example.

One micro-trend is to create a geometric or V-shaped design on the tip of the nails, using mixed and contrasting colors to achieve a modern aesthetic. These tips can then be spruced up with dots, flowers, and other motifs. But don't think you have to apply French tips to every nail to pull off the modern French manicure. Paint some tips, while filling in the entirety of the other nails for an unexpected finish. The key here is to tie the nails together with similar colors, such as all bright, warm tones, or unifying them with a similar pattern.