Beauty
There’s a manicure for every vibe.
Come fall, an innate desire to cozy up with cashmere blankets, oversize plaid shirts, and pumpkin-scented candles tends to take over. And when it comes to painting on a fresh set of tips, nail art trends tend to see major shifts, too — and this season, Burberry-inspired plaid nails are a major vibe.
Nail experts predict seeing the classic design in rich jewel tones everywhere this season. Some notable shades to keep an eye out for? Emerald green and vibrant red, for one — which are also on-trend when it comes to makeup and hair color, with celebrities from Christina Aguilera to Megan Fox embracing the bold hues.
Another shade that TikTok can’t get enough of right now? “Cherry mocha,” essentially a buzzy way of describing dark red tips with a brown undertone.
Whether you’re a mani minimalist who favors simple designs or someone who prefers that maximalist life, plaid is a surprisingly versatile print that can be incorporated in plenty of ways.
From understated details inspired by Burberry’s iconic print to more out-there designs, here 15 unique plaid nail art ideas for the chilly fall and winter months ahead.
Burberry-Inspired Nails
With shades of beige, black, and dark red, this plaid manicure is serving Burberry chic. Sweater-print accent nails add an extra layer of coziness.
Cherry Mocha Tones
Olive green and cherry mocha nail polish colors are very much in at the moment, making this plaid set an obvious choice for the fall and winter months.
Simple Plaid Nails
For the manicure minimalists who prefer to keep their nail designs super simple, a subtle nod to the plaid print is a major green flag (that works year round, too).
Pumpkin Hues
If a pumpkin spice latte were a manicure, it would surely be this set. It combines a plaid accent nail, an orange gradient design, and a spooky chrome spider for optimal fall vibes.
Pretty Plaid French Tips
For the forever fans of classic French tips, trade in the signature stark white tip for an unexpected pop of neutral plaid.
Matte Buffalo Plaid Manicure
For an ultra-cozy effect on your nails, this red and black buffalo print is the move. A matte top coat is the perfect finishing touch.
Clear Nails Topped With Plaid
ICYWW, clear nails are anything but basic — especially when topped with colorful plaid lines. Seen here on short tips, the design looks great on any nail length.
Monochromatic Sweater Nails
Using your favorite nail polish color, try a monochromatic set of “more is more” nails. A pretty shade of sage green is always a solid choice for the season.
Hot Pink Plaid Nails
If you can’t seem to shake hot pink Barbiecore shades, try a pretty plaid print on top of the buzzy hue.
Cabincore Patchwork Nails
This set of patchwork-style mushroom nails are made all the more cozy with a bit of plaid.
Rainbow Plaid Nails
Who said that bright manicures had to end after the summer months? This eye-catching rainbow nail design proves that plaid patterns can be colorful.
Angelic White Hues
For a manicure that will take you from end of fall into the early months of snowy winter, this neutral set of tips is the perfect pick.
Forest Green Plaid Nails
Feeling those on-trend emerald hues ahead of your next salon appointment? Opt for the deep green shade as a base for your plaid tips.
Chromatic Fine Lines
Elevate your black and red plaid print with silver-hued chromatic details.
Soft Girl Coquette Nails
In lieu of deeper shades typically associated with colder months, try softer ones and coquettish strawberry motifs in tandem with plaid prints for a dreamy soft girl mani.
