50 Simple & Elegant Tattoo Ideas For Women
"Simplicity is the keynote of true elegance." — Coco Chanel
Microgen / Shutterstock There are so many different tattoo ideas out there for women to consider that choosing exactly which designs you love most and want to get can be an understandably daunting decision.
After all, tattoos are permanent, so before getting one, you should really be sure you not only like it, but that you'll still like it years from now, as your life path develops and your worldview changes.
Still, many people find themselves making the decision to get a tattoo rather quickly, without considering the potential consequences.
Having “I love the Jonas Brothers” tattooed across your arm may seem like a great idea to your teenage self, but potential employers surely won’t be feeling the love during job interviews ... not to mention the eye rolls you can expect to see from your future grandchildren.
Tattoo blunders are sure to come with delayed and long-lasting feelings of remorse, and they will almost certainly have you running toward the nearest tattoo removal specialist.
There's no reason to go through all of that when there are so many beautiful, simple and elegant tattoo ideas that you couldn’t possibly regret, no matter how much time passes?
At their best, elegant tattoos are understated, sophisticated and symbolic. Your favorite designs might be simple or elaborate, but no matter what, classy tattoos are definitely unique, make a statement about who you are and have a major impact.
Getting an elegant tattoo is a decision you can be proud of for years to come. Timeless, classic designs will keep your ink (and you) from feeling outdated or worn-out. These elegant tattoos are works of art you will carry with you throughout the rest of your life.
Here are the best simple, meaningful and elegant tattoo ideas and designs for women you're certain to love for more than a few days, weeks, months — or even decades.
50 Best Simple and Elegant Tattoo Ideas For Women
1. A simple rose tattoo on your arm.
Photo: Toan Nguyen / Unsplash
The simplicity brings these flowers to life.
2. Black and white rose tattoo.
Photo: Jannis Lucas / Unsplash
Shading is used throughout this tattoo to enhance the quality of the flower.
3. Flower tattoo under your collarbone.
Photo: Linh Pham / Unsplash
These flowers aren’t too small to go unnoticed or too big to be overpowering.
4. Colorful compass tattoo with jewels.
This intricate compass design heavily relies on symmetry and balance.
5. Small deer skull tattoo on the back of your neck.
This tiny deer is perfect for someone looking for something simple yet meaningful.
6. Thin bracelet tattoo, complete with charms around your wrist.
The diamond and crescent shapes could easily be swapped out for charms of your choice.
7. Tall evergreen tree tattoo on your back.
This tattoo design is perfect for those who like to ponder about the connection between humanity and nature.
8. Two small flowers on an ankle tattoo.
This tattoo doesn’t scream for attention, so it’s great for people looking for something subtle.
9. Symmetrical pattern bracelet tattoo.
It's all about balance.
10. Dark red rose tattoo on your back.
This rose’s color is arguably its most noticeable feature, and is sure to grab people’s attention.
11. Vines wrapped around a sword tattoo design.
The sword is incredibly detailed, and the vines make this tattoo all the more unique.
12. A Pisces fish tattoo on your back.
This design is perfect for a Pisces (or any fish lovers).
13. Sun tattoo.
Photo: Andrew Taylor/Shutterstock
For the sun worshippers out there.
14. Gorgeous arrow and feather tattoo.
Arrow tattoos are said to symbolize progress in your life.
15. Snake tattoo coiling around your ankle.
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Snake tattoos are perfect for representing shedding your skin in healing and rebirth.
16. A minimalist flower tattoo.
This minimalist design is perfect for those who like to keep things simple.
17. Floral ring tattoo.
Many different types of flowers can be seen around the ring.
18. Bird becoming a flower tattoo.
Seeing a bird morph into a flower makes you recognize how connected all life forms really are.
19. Birds in flight tattoo.
This bird’s travels are aided by thin, wispy wings and a wave-like tail.
20. Small floral tattoo collection on your shoulder.
This simply-drawn collection of flowers is eye-catching.
21. Leopard spots tattooed across your back.
Photo: Blackday/Shutterstock
Leopards are a powerful representation of feminine strength.
22. Colorful butterfly tattoo.
Photo: Golfx/Shutterstock
Butterflies are considered a symbol of good luck, creativity and freedom.
23. Tiny black flower tattoo on your upper arm.
This flower is small, but it’s sure to make an impact.
24. Shaded flower tattoo with petals with shadows.
The hints of red help to enhance the quality of this design.
25. An elegant line of assorted charms on your upper back.
This design could be easily modified to include your favorite charms or symbols.
26. Phases of the Moon tattoo.
Photo: Sasha Sha/Shutterstock
The phases of the Moon symbolize enlightenment, immortality, eternity, and the dark side of nature.
27. Floral heart design ankle tattoo.
This heart shape is comprised of simple flower designs.
28. Elegant tattoo of leaves.
Photo: Toms Rīts / Unsplash
The variety of shading techniques and colors used in this design brings these leaves to life.
29. Regal lion tattoo.
Photo: Natalie magic/Shutterstock
Lion's are the epitome of courage, triumph and success.
30. Two lightly drawn flowers.
These two flowers are drawn using very light strokes.
31. “Let it go” balloon tattoo.
This tattoo offers a very powerful message.
32. An elegant tattoo that makes a powerful feminine statement.
A design like this is open to interpretation.
33. Detailed leaf tattoo design on your finger.
This leaf is small, but its design is intricate.
34. A simple tree tattoo on your wrist.
This tree’s thin branches are anchored by a thick trunk.
35. Arrow tattoo design on side of torso.
This uniquely-designed arrow can be pointed at various angles.
36. Black floral tattoo design over your shoulder.
The flowers and netting work together to create a powerful image.
37. Matching leafy trees tattooed on your arms.
These large trees encompass and wrap around both arms.
38. Abstract, elegant tattoo that flows down your arm.
This tattoo is sure to be thought-provoking.
39. Flower tattoo design over your shoulder.
These flowers are artfully shaded and detailed.
40. Purple flower tattoo right on your ankle.
These flowers are lightly drawn in various shades of purple.
41. Tattoo of a branch with berries.
This tattoo’s design is simplistic and appeals to nature lovers.
42. Flowers and paper airplane tattoo.
The bright yellows used in this design make it more noticeable.
43. Anchor tattoo.
At times, we could all use a reminder to stay grounded.
44. Light flower tattoo that flows over your shoulder.
These flowers and leaves are lightly-colored and well-shaded.
45. Single elegant flower that resembles a mandala tattoo.
This flower’s intricate shading and detailing makes it impactful.
46. Flying around the world.
This one is designed with travelers in mind.
47. Waves and mountains tattoos on your elbows.
Those who love mountain climbing or water activities would appreciate this tattoo.
48. Lightly-colored flower on arm.
This flower is brightly colored and outlined.
49. Crown and angel wings tattoo.
Photo: Kolbakova Olga/Shutterstock
A reminder to keep your head up like the queen you are.
50. A tiny tattoo of a knife and a rose.
The simply-designed flower and knife compete for attention.
Roman Chiarello is a freelance journalist based in New Jersey.