Spring is the traditional time for rebirth and renewal, which makes spring the perfect season for trying out new styles. Along with donning shorter skirts and outfits in brighter hues, trendsetters may want to experiment with unique colors and nail art techniques this spring. The word for Spring 2014 nails is “subtlety,” so step outside the box and elicit compliments wherever you go with the following understated spring manicure styles that are easy to do at home.

Tortoiseshell

The ombré nail trend is still going strong, but the coming of spring gives you the opportunity to play with it a little and make it your own. Try the tortoiseshell, or ecaille, technique as an alternative. Recently demonstrated as a hair technique by celebrity fashionistas including Jessica Alba and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, tortoiseshell fading also looks great on your nails. With this technique, two nail colors, usually complementary, fade into each other much more subtly than with traditional two-tone ombré contrasting.

Pearled

Who knew that the timeless elegance of pearls could come to life on your nails? For a simple touch of luxury that works perfectly with your favorite little black dress, coat your nails with two layers of a sweet-colored polish, like bubblegum pink or sky blue. Using tweezers, carefully add pearl rhinestones at the base of each nail, covering about one-third of the surface.

Textured

Textured nails were on display at New York Fashion Week’s Spring 2014 runways, and adding a bit of texture is a great way to have fun with your nails without being too gaudy or over-the-top. Start with a light pastel or Earth-toned polish. On a paper plate, mix the polish with a few teaspoons of coffee grounds or coarsely-ground sugar, then apply. Make your three-dimensional nails shine by finishing with a topcoat.

Radiant Orchid

Radiant Orchid, 2014’s color of the year is bold and striking, and it’s perfect for those who like to stand out. On your nails, use the tortoiseshell technique with Radiant Orchid and a lighter violet or lavender hue, or accent a neutral-toned outfit with Radiant Orchid polish and lipstick. Because nothing about Radiant Orchid is subtle, a small touch is all it takes to turn heads.