Nude nails: 10 designs to inspire your next manicure


These styles epitomise subtle chic


nude nails© Photo: Getty Images
Orin Carlin
Orin CarlinContent Writer
Updated: March 8, 2023
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Is there anything more overwhelming than standing in front of the shelf of dreams at the nail salon? A Pantone library of hundreds bottles of polish, and yet, choosing a colour feels like an impossibility. Pure indecisiveness doesn't really come into it – even the most headstrong can come a cropper when faced with so many beautiful shades, each crying out for your attention.

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And yet here I stand, primed and ready to make that decision all the more complicated by adding nudes into the mix. Unless your job has a super strict dress code, for most, nude nail designs are not the obvious choice.

After all, with a plethora of shades to choose from it seems only right to plump for a hue that is bright and playful, and will keep you energised until your next trip to the salon. Right?

READ: Princess Eugenie's ultra modern manicure may surprise you

Not so fast. Nude nails needn't be boring – in fact, there are so many incredible designs out there at the moment featuring neutral colours, that are simultaneously fun and chic, all in one fell swoop. Some of our favourite styles right now include subtle pastel stripes, embellished tips, and subtle dot accents.

Hello! Fashion picks out the best nude nail designs to inspire your next manicure:

All the nudes

A person's hands with manicured nails, wearing a diamond ring and a gold band.© Photo: Instagram

@paintedbyjools

Monogamy is seriously overrated. Take hedonism for a spin and try different nude shades on individual nails for a subtle fan effect. Why go for one, when you can have them all?

White accents 

A person's hand with two gold rings and neatly manicured nails.© Photo: Instagram

@alyxlippiatt

Apricot tips 

Two hands with light pink and orange nail polish, one with a diamond ring.© Photo: Instagram

@harrietwestmoreland

Oyster sheer shimmer

 

A close-up of a person's hands with light pink nail polish, partially covered by a white sleeve.© Photo: Instagram

@charsgelnails

Rounded tips and a slight sheer shimmer make for the perfect gleamy nude nail look. Pair with a silver chain mail dress and holographic accessories for maximum effect.

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Satin chrome 

Two hands with light pink nail polish and a diamond ring on one hand.© Photo: Instagram

@imarninails

Silver flecks 

A close-up of a person's hand showing light pink nail polish with silver glitter.© Photo: Instagram

@emmajacksonnailartist

Subtle stripes

 

A hand with pastel-colored nail art, featuring a ring on the ring finger.© Photo: Instagram

@thenailloungeipswich

Keep things simple with soft square tips and pastel diagonal stripes – team with a couple of those neon chunky rings that are all over Instagram at the moment.

Baby pink sparkle 

A close-up of a person's hand showing neatly manicured, light pink nails.© Photo: Instagram

@bymaisiejayne

Embellished tips

 

A hand with light pink nails and gold bead nail art, wearing rings.© Photo: Instagram

@betina_goldstein

Um, yes please. Chanel Nail Artist Betina Goldstein always delivers, and these embellished gold dotted tips are the case in point.

Candy floss dots

 

A person's hand with pastel pink nail polish and colorful dots, wearing a gold ring.© Photo: Instagram

@beautyspace_charlotte

Anything related to candy floss is a great start in our book. These soft square tips with pastel dot accents are definitely what we're asking for next time we hit up the salon.

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