23 Stiletto Nail Designs to Inspire Your Next Razor-Sharp Set

The slender heel on a pair of stilettos is what makes them both flattering and impractical. The popular nail shape inspired by the shoes can be equally dramatic—without the risk of foot pain or balance struggles.

Featured experts

Juanita Huber-Millet is the founder and creative director of Townhouse
Brittney Boyce is a celebrity nail artist

“The stiletto nail shape is long with tapered sides and a sharp pointed end like a stiletto heel,” says Juanita Huber-Millet, founder and creative director of Townhouse.

Variations on stiletto nails range from sharp tips that look like they could poke an eye out to a rounder version that’s a closer relative to the almond nail shape. “You can choose the classic, sharply pointed stiletto for an unapologetically fierce look, or opt for a slightly softer, almond-like end if you prefer a subtler yet still edgy vibe,” says Huber-Millet.

No matter how pointy you go, filing your nails on the sides will help create the tapered effect of the stiletto shape if you’re doing your own nails. “Start by filing each side of your nails to make them slimmer and start creating a pointy tip from the halfway point on your nail,” advises Brittney Boyce, celebrity nail artist and co-founder of Lost Angels. “I always file a couple of times on each side then switch to the opposite side going back and forth so one side is not over-filed.”

Boyce and Huber-Millet agree that the stiletto nail shape looks best on longer lengths. “If your nails are short, I would suggest opting for extensions or allow your natural nails to grow to at least 1/8 inch before getting started,” says Huber-Millet.

To get a sense of the types of nail art for stiletto nails you can try, keep scrolling.

Stiletto nail designs to try

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Negative Space

Negative space manicures leave part of your nail intentionally bare. The contrast is very pronounced on these black stiletto nails.

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Detailed Cat Eye

Cat-eye nail polishes have a swirly, reflective quality similar to cat’s eye marbles. They’re even more eye-catching with painted details.

cat eye stiletto nails — IG: nails_byesther

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Blue Swirls

Medium-length stiletto nails have a teardrop shape reminiscent of water droplets. These 3D chrome nails play up their similarities.

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Pink Glitter

Solid manicures don’t have to be boring. Glittery, bubble gum-pink nails are quick and easy but still fun.

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Gold Details

If stacked gold rings are your typical jewelry of choice, you can opt for stiletto nail designs that draw attention to your collection.

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Sunset-Inspired

This manicure was inspired by the pink and orange fusion of a sunset, but you could take a similar approach with any color combo.

sunset stiletto nails — IG: lameufquifaitlesongles

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Pink Chrome

Hot pink chrome nails look good on any shape, but stiletto nails might just top the rest.

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Red

A red, sharp-as-a-knife manicure makes a statement but also looks classic.

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Light Blue

A soft color like baby blue can contrast with the sharp, pointed quality of the stiletto shape.

baby blue stiletto nails — IG: fixnailbar

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Glitter Ombre

If a full glitter nail feels too intense, you can tone it down by going with an ombré effect.

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Shell-Inspired

There are plenty of routes you can take if you want to get a beach-inspired manicure in the lead-up to a vacation. But a 3D, shell-inspired manicure might just be the prettiest option possible.

shell stiletto nails — IG: nailedbyliv___

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Cherries

If you consider your nail art an expression of your creativity, you’ll probably appreciate unexpected combos like painted cherry designs with 3D gummy bears.

cherry stiletto nails — IG: pineapplegelnailss

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French Manicure

The stiletto nail shape and French tips both have an elongating effect. Together, the visual effect is even more powerful.

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Aura

Aura nails have blobs of color with soft edges, similar to visual representations of auras. This set brought the trend to stiletto nails.

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Bugs

No matter how you feel about real insects, there’s no denying they add to this nail art.

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Silver Chrome

The high-shine gleam of silver chrome powder on long stiletto nails says, “I’ve got my act together.”

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3D Flowers

In a word, these pink stiletto nails with 3D flowers and miniature pearls are perfection.

floral stiletto nails — IG: clawphoria.nailstudio

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Red Tips

From the deep red chrome shade to the exaggerated pointy tips, everything about this nail design is bold.

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Rose Quartz

Rose quartz is known as a healing crystal that’s thought to foster love. While the same can’t be said of rose quartz-inspired nail art, it’s just as pretty to look at.

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Purple Chrome

While blue chrome nails have been especially popular, there’s always something to be said for going against the grain.

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Pierced

Yes, nail piercings exist, and yes, they can make long, sharp stiletto nails look even cooler (a tall order).

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Green Cat Eye

When you want dazzling nails, a green cat-eye manicure is tough to beat. Even better if you choose a pointed stiletto shape.

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Extra Long

If your philosophy towards nails is “the longer, the better,” this neutral manicure should inspire you.