Spring is the inspiration for many things: spring cleaning, spring fever, spring ahead, and—of course—new spring nail art. Sure, that last one might not be as popular as the others, but that doesn’t mean spring isn’t the perfect season to update your nail beds. Welcome the warm weather with fun pops of color, intricate designs, and dried flowers. Ahead, find 19 nails designs that will keep you looking right all spring.
The Rorschach Test
Ink blot meets cowhide. However you see it, this trippy design is easily obtained by choosing two colors and letting the polish fall where it may.
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This Belongs In A Museum
Nail artist Alicia Torello was inspired by mid-century prints for this abstract look. You can head to her IGTV now to see how to recreate the art at home.
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Mismatch
Nails that match are sooo last decade. Take a tip from the likes of Harry Styles and ASAP Ferg and mismatch your nail beds.
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Hey Shorty
Short nails need love too! This clear base with small details can fit on the smallest of nails.
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Draw The Line
As we at ELLE.com once said, matching your makeup to your nails is the new bra and panty set…and we are very much correct. Try the trend out with a simple outlined nail and outlined lip like this design.
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Stitch Fix
Paper dolls, but make it fashion. Add an element of design to nude nails with a dash pattern.
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Sweet Sequins
Dainty sequins in the corners of the nail add dimension to the dusty rose matte polish. Texture? Check. Color? Check. Chicness? Check.
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Let’s Get Lunch
Spring kicks off picnic season. All you need is good food, great friends, and nails that match your red gingham tablecloth.
Ultra Violet
Channel Prince’s Purple Rain with these nails. Instead of sticking to a single shade of purple, take this two-color design as inspiration for your next look.
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Wearable Art
Add some culture to your nails with this playful, artsy manicure. Start with a white base, then add detailed doodles for a Keith Haring-inspired look.
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Negative Daisies
Try this easy negative nail design by adding a single yellow dot to each nail. Once dry, use a thin brush to add white petals, and finish with a clear topcoat.
Dried Flowers
Look out for this nail trend: Dried flowers embedded into gel nails. It’s not your typical at-home mani job, though, so search your local salons for a nail artist like Melbourne-based Clara H. to give you the ultimate springtime look.
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Nudes
Pair a few nude shades together for the ultimate chic minimalist look. This design channels the evil eye, but with these relaxed hues it’s more of moody side-eye.
Bejeweled
Add extra oomph to your nails with a gem or jewel. Paint the base coat millennial pink and top with heart appliqués in the center for an easy but playful design.
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One in a Million
Stand out this spring! A white nail adds a pop of brightness. It’s further complemented by silver foils in graphic shapes.
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Updated Frenchie
Go for a retro classic with a twist. Instead of using classic white polish for a French tip, spice things up and grab glitter or even a bold color to the top of your nails. You can have fun and experiment with different base nail tones and tip colors or really go the extra mile by replicating this nude base nail color and silver glitter finish.
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Versace, Versace, Versace
Opt for a decadent look that channels your inner ‘90s supermodel. Use pastel metallics for the base and a neon tangerine for the Versace lettering. The only thing left to do is decide if you’re a Cindy, Naomi, Claudia, Carla, or Helena.
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Bright & Bold
Bold colors side-by-side will brighten any day. Grab a funky yellow like this one from Christian Louboutin and pair it with something like a hot pink from Marc Jacobs for the ultimate beach day nail design.
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Barely There
Spring cleaning calls for minimal nails, but that doesn’t mean you have to go completely bare. Try this clean look by painting nude half moons to match your natural color, then finishing with a clear topcoat.
