Step aside, naked manicures—this festive season is all about having fun with nail art. Meet plaid nails, a trend that’s both cozy and chic, perfect for making a seasonal statement.
Fall is the ideal time for themed nail trends. We’re moving past summer’s sherbet shades, soap nails, and classic French manicures to embrace autumn’s cozy colors like deep wine red, burnt orange, and chocolate brown. For the more daring and skilled, there are foliage nails, abstract lines, and food-inspired decals.
Plaid nails fit right in, drawing inspiration from traditional prints and textured knits we’ll be bundling up in. This look is sleek yet striking, featuring criss-crossed stripes of varying lengths and widths. While you can stick to classic styles, plaid nails are highly customizable, allowing you to get creative with colors and line designs. Opt for a familiar mix of burgundy, cream, and navy blue, or experiment with lilacs and pinks.
The preppy trend has been influencing fashion for a while, with collegiate sweaters, checkered kilts, loafers, and trench coats everywhere. Think of Michael Rider’s fitted Argyle knits in Celine’s Resort collection, Ralph Lauren’s timeless checks, and The Row’s knitwear. It was only a matter of time before this school-inspired style reached beauty—so be top of the class and coordinate your next manicure with your polo and skirt.
Kylie Jenner recently turned to her favorite nail artist, Zola Ganzorigt, for a striped manicure. Ganzorigt, known for setting trends like Hailey Bieber’s glazed donut nails, chose a vibrant array of colors. Each long, almond-shaped nail featured a different plaid combination: chocolate and butter yellow, lilac and moss green, and inky blue with gray.
Baltimore nail artist @nailology.101 took a cooler approach with a silvery base and gradient stripes in forest green, icy blue, and red—giving an expensive look. Sarah Brezel showcased a colorful yet classic palette, pairing plum with lilac, moss green with navy, and deep cherry red with burnt orange.
How will you style your plaid nails this fall? No matter your aesthetic, if you’re going preppy, prepare your nails with a good shape, tidy cuticles, and a strengthening base coat. Use a neutral base polish to make your design stand out like true plaid, and keep a steady hand for those intricate stripes. Go on, prepsters—show off your style!
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a helpful and clear FAQ about the preppy plaid nail trend
FAQs The Preppy Plaid Manicure Trend
Beginner Questions
1 What exactly is the preppy plaid nail trend
Its a nail art design that mimics classic plaid or tartan patterns often in traditional preppy colors like navy burgundy forest green and white giving a chic scholarly vibe
2 Is this a difficult design to do at home
It can be challenging for beginners because it involves painting straight intersecting lines However with practice the right tools and some tricks its achievable
3 What colors work best for a preppy plaid manicure
Classic combinations are key Think navy blue with white burgundy with hunter green and gold or black and white for a more modern look
4 Do I need special tools to create this look
While you can use a very fine nail art brush its much easier with nail art stickersstencils or a plaid nail stamping kit which does most of the intricate work for you
Advanced Practical Questions
5 Whats the best way to create the thin lines for the plaid
The most reliable method is to use a detail brush dipped in striping polish For a smoother application many pros recommend using a nail art stamping plate which transfers a perfect plaid pattern onto your nail
6 How can I make my plaid manicure last longer without chipping
A strong base coat and a highquality top coat are essential Seal the design with a thick layer of gel top coat if youre using regular polish or opt for a full gel manicure for maximum durability
7 My lines always look messy and crooked What am I doing wrong
This is a common issue The key is to work in thin layers and let each color dry completely before adding the next Using a sticky base coat can also help the polish adhere in sharp lines Dont be afraid to use a small brush dipped in polish remover to clean up edges
8 Can I do a preppy plaid design with gel polish
Absolutely Gel polish is excellent for this trend You can cure each color layer individually which prevents smud