15 Nail Designs to Try Before March is Over

March can be a mixed bag—bursts of glorious sun followed by drab winter days are par for the course. But we don’t let fussy weather mess with our style. Come March, we find ourselves slowly ditching our darker winter manicures for something unexpected and fun. Whether you prefer bold nail art, solid colors, or just a hint of glam, March manicures are fair game; pretty much anything goes. With that in mind, we rounded up 15 of our favorite nail designs that are perfect for this time of year, ahead.

1. Muted florals

It’s not quite spring yet, but we’re almost out of depths of winter. For that awkward in-between time, we like a muted floral mani. Stick to jewel tones and deeper shades of bold colors to keep the look feeling on season.

Get the look: To recreate, try pairing the Essie Nail Polish in Willow in the Wind ($10) with Olive & June’s Long-Lasting Polish in Who Likes Raisins? ($9).

2. Shimmering green

There’s something about a bold green that just always works. We’re especially fond of this shimmering emerald with flecks of gold—it’s the perfect bright shade to remind you spring’s just around the corner.

Get the look: Mooncat’s Nail Polish in Alien Invasion ($15) is a near-perfect match for this mani.

3. Tortoise shell

We like to think of animal prints as neutrals, and this tortoise mani proves our point. The black-speckled brown print is a step up from a traditional single-color manicure without feeling too bold or out there.

Get the look: Sure, you could try to painstakingly paint the perfect tortoise shell mani, or you could simply leave it to the professionals and opt for a press-on option like the OPI xPRESS/ON Metallic Mega Mix Press-On Nails in This Turtle Bytes ($16).

4. Dark night aura

March is usually a good opportunity to rock a darker toned manicure before brighter colors become more popular. Why not try something eye-catching and interesting like these blue-and-black aura nails? We love the way the black makes the blue really pop.

Get the look: Pair Pleasing’s Nail Polish in Bell Boy Blue ($18) alongside a stark black like the brand’s Nail Polish in Dustin the Black Cat ($18).

5. Chocolate blueberry swirl

Photo credit: Instagram/@bhambnails

As it starts to warm up, we like to mix some lighter colors into our nail designs alongside those darker winter tones. In this case, pops of blue and white elevate a swirling brown negative space manicure.

Get the look: To recreate that perfect color combo, try The Gel Bottle Inc.’s Gel Polish in Fashhun ($19), Caramel ($19), Periwinkle ($19), and Daisy ($23).

6. Simple and structured

Sometimes, a classic milky pink manicure is all you need—it’s classy, chic, and effortless. When in doubt, stick to the basics.

Get the look: For a barely there milky-pink mani that lasts for weeks, try Olive & June’s Gel Polish in CCT ($10).

7. Amethyst nails

Photo credit: Instagram/@amyytran

Manifest good vibes and positive energy with crystal-inspired nail like this purple amethyst set that is seriously stunning.

Get the look: To create the perfect amethyst nail art, you need a great purple base. We like OPI’s Nail Lacquer in Achievement Unlocked ($12) to start.

8. Blonde tortoise tips

We love an unexpected take on a French manicure, and these exaggerated tips are beyond fun. The blonde tortoise print brightens up the entire look, while the black outline really emphasizes the bold print above.

Get the look: For perfectly symmetrical French tips, try guide stickers like this set from Amazon ($5).

9. Checked out

This checker-printed manicure is anything but boring. From the bold blue hue to the subtle iridescent finish, this look couldn’t be cooler.

Get the look: Start with a sheer pink base like the Cirque Colors Nail Polish in Georgette ($13) before creating the checker print with an electric blue like the Green Natural Nail Polish in Ultramarine ($14). Top the entire thing with a luminous sheer shimmer shade like the Moonbeam Nail Polish from Cirque Colors ($13)

10. Modern-day French gradient

To modernize a French manicure, consider swapping out the standard tips for a French gradient—with white tips that slowly transition into a pale pink. Further elevate the look with a gem on the base of each nail.

Get the look: To recreate, paint a few stripes of a white polish like the Essie Nail Polish in Blanc ($10) above stripes of a sheer sweet pink like the Essie Nail Polish in Sugar Daddy ($10) on a triangular makeup sponge. Then, blot the polish onto the nail until you get the desired gradient effect.

11. Sky purple half moons

We like to use March as a time to bid adieu our favorite deep nail colors—at least until the fall. This half-moon manicure utilizes a dusky dark purple tone that’s seriously stunning. We love the subtle way the half moons add visual interest to the look.

Get the look: Ella + Mila’s Nail Polish in Night In ($11) is a perfect match to DIY this mani from home.

12. Pink and brown abstract swirls

We love a pink and brown duo—the two hues perfectly complement each other with a little bit of darkness and a little something light. These swirls, paired with negative space throughout, are so cute. Plus, the free-forming shapes are easy to recreate from home.

Get the look: Try pairing Essie’s Nail Polish in No To-Do ($10) with the OPI Nail Lacquer in Mod About You ($12) to get that perfect juxtaposition as seen above.

13. Gilded webs

Equal parts understated and intricate, these gold-webbed nails are absolutely eye-catching. Pair with a sheer glossy nude base for maximum impact.

Get the look: Olive & June’s Gel Polish in The Queen Takes Her Tea With Milk ($10) is the perfect base color to really let those gold details shine.

14. Pearly white French

Amp up the classic French with a pearly white chrome finish. We love the juxtaposition of the chrome white base against the stark white tips.

Get the look: To create that pearl chrome finish, you’ll need a powder like the DND Chrome Effect Powder in White Pearl ($8).

15. Black and white striped

A geometric-inspired mani is always a good idea—and it can be easily DIYed from the comfort of your own home. Simply use tape (whatever you have laying around, nothing fancy) as a guide to get those perfectly straight lines. Just be sure to wait until the polish is fully dried before removing.

Get the look: Pair a true white like the OPI Nail Lacquer in Alpine Snow ($12) with a solid black—we like Essie’s Nail Polish in Licorice ($10).

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