If you ask us, the official print of fall is plaid. The timeless pattern is always in style and on trend this time of year, and we can understand why: It gives off those cozy, warm vibes we start to crave in the fall, and goes with just about any outfit. It’s chic and timeless, and can be done in essentially any colorway from neutrals to dark hues to bright, colorful shades. And while we love the pattern on our shackets and flannels, we may just like it even more on our nails! Plaid nail designs make for the perfect mani for sweater weather, but really works for any time of year because of the wide range of colors you can use to create it. Even more, the linework of a plaid nail design can make nails appear longer—a bonus in our book (but don’t worry, the design works on all nail lengths). To help give you some inspiration, we rounded up the best plaid nail designs from nail artists that you can DIY at home or bring with you to the salon.
Why do a plaid nail design?
So, why should you try out a fall plaid nail design (or summer, or spring, or… you get the jist)? Well for starters, as mentioned above, plaid nail designs can create the illusion of longer nails, due to the vertical striping. If you have short nails and have been trying to find a design that will make your nails look longer, a plaid mani is the way to go.
Even more, doing a festive mani is the easiest way to get you into the spirit of the season! A fall plaid nail design is warm and cozy, especially when done in neutrals and/or fall shades like dark red, navy or orange. And if you live in a warmer climate, you’ll still be able to feel like you’re participating in the fall season with a plaid mani, even if it’s too hot to wear a flannel.
Last but certainly not least, plaid nail designs are surprisingly super easy to recreate and DIY at home. All you need is some nail art brushes or striping polishes. Paint on vertical and horizontal lines, and you’re basically set!
Watch the video below by @luxnailsbynancy for an easy DIY plaid nail design tutorial.
24 plaid nail designs
Keep reading for the best plaid nail designs to use as inspiration for your next mani.
Fall plaid nail designs
Looking for fall plaid nail inspiration or a Halloween-themed plaid mani? We’ve got you covered! These designs are so fun and festive, and will have you feeling ready for fall in no time.
Created by Aprés Nail Educator Priscilla Nguyen.
Created by @overglowedit using DND Gel.
Created by @jess_nails_it on Instagram.
Created by nail artist Morgan Dixon, @madnails on Instagram.
Created by @nail.knowhow on Instagram.
Plaid French tips
French tips are a classic and always on trend. If you want to get your French tips fall-ready, try a plaid French manicure like the below!
Created by @kellykoutur for Vanity Projects Nail Studio.
Created by @nails_bysahira using Nailboo Amber Blaze Gel and Nailboo Here’s A Tip Gel.
Created by nail artist Morgan Dixon, @madnails on Instagram.
Burberry inspired plaid nail designs
If there’s any brand that knows how to do plaid, it’s Burberry. The luxury designer brand is known for their signature tan, red and black plaid, and we’re absolutely obsessed with how the look has been recreated into manis, giving you a luxury look for much less.
Created by nail artist Laura Malarkey, @lauradidmynails on Instagram.
Created by nail artist Morgan Dixon, @madnails on Instagram.
Created by @nailsbypaular on Instagram.
Created by @truetonesstudio on Instagram.
Created by @xglitzandpolishx on Instagram.
Colorful plaid nail designs
If you’re a sucker for a colorful mani (we get it), you can still participate in the plaid nail trend! The designs below are especially great for spring and summer, but work all year round if you want to add some bright color into your day.
Celebrity nail artist Sigourney Nunez created this adorable plaid nail design with gorgeous purples, pinks and reds. She tells us she used the Red Carpet Manicure gel palette in Midnight Berries.
“If you haven’t seen it yet, the product is gel polish but with a slightly thicker viscosity than traditional gel polish in a bottle, and packaging looks like a super cute makeup palette,” says Nunez. “The advantage of using gel in this kind of formula is that it prevents any cuticle flooding and full coverage in less coats. And because the gel is thicker, the nail art stays where you put it. In this example, the line work was easier to execute for the plaid design.”
Created by @glams.by.ems for Vanity Projects Nail Studio.
Created by @a.m.aaaa_ for Vanity Projects Nail Studio.
Created by @nailbruja for Vanity Projects Nail Studio.
Floral plaid nail designs
Florals for fall? Truly groundbreaking. Believe it or not, florals pair beautifully with plaid, and the designs below prove it.
Created by @sammismanis on Instagram.
Created by @nailsbybrooke___ on Instagram.
Created by nail artist Morgan Dixon, @madnails on Instagram.
Black and white plaid nail designs
Black and white is a classic combo, and oh-so-perfect for the chilly weather. These black and white plaid nail designs will give everyone serious nail envy. And best yet, their neutral colorway means it goes with any outfit!
Created by @nails_by_jenna.k on Instagram.
While some prefer the more traditional plaid design like the first on this list, others go for a more checkered-like plaid nail design. Checkered nails are often easier to DIY than traditional plaid since the linework is thicker, meaning it’s easier to hide any mishaps or nail art mistakes.
Sundays Nail Studio created this chic black and white checkered plaid nail design, and we’re obsessed with retro-like vibe of the mani.
