Come the crisp months of fall, an innate desire to cozy up with cashmere blankets, oversized plaid shirts, and pumpkin-scented candles tends to takeover. When it comes to painting on a fresh set of tips, the nail art trends tend to see some major shifts, too. And spoiler: Burberry-inspired plaid nails are a major vibe this season.
As predicted by nail experts, expect to see the classic design in rich jewel-toned hues. Some notable shades to keep an eye out for? Emerald green and vibrant red (which are on-trend cross-category, with celebrities such as Christina Aguilera and Megan Fox embracing the bold shades via makeup looks and hair color).
Another nail polish shade that TikTok can’t get enough of right now? “Cherry mocha,” which is essentially a buzzy way of describing dark red tips with a brown undertone.
Whether you’re a manicure minimalist who favors simple designs or much prefer that maximalist life when it comes to nail art — plaid is a surprisingly versatile print that can be incorporated in countless ways.
From understated details inspired by Burberry’s iconic print to more out-there designs, here 15 unique plaid nail art ideas for the chilly fall and winter months ahead.
Burberry-Inspired Nails
With shades of beige, black, and dark red, this plaid manicure is serving Burberry chic. Sweater-print accent nails add an extra layer of coziness.
Cherry Mocha Tones
Olive green and cherry mocha nail polish colors are very much in at the moment, making this plaid set an obvious choice for the fall and winter months.
Simple Plaid Nails
For the manicure minimalists who prefer to keep their nail designs super simple, a subtle nod to the plaid print is a major green flag (that works year round, too).
Pumpkin Hues
If a pumpkin spice latte were a manicure, it would surely be this set. It combines a plaid accent nail, an orange gradient design, and a spooky chrome spider for optimal fall vibes.
Pretty Plaid French Tips
For the forever fans of classic French tips, trade in the signature stark white tip for an unexpected pop of neutral plaid.
Matte Buffalo Plaid Manicure
For an ultra-cozy effect on your nails, this red and black buffalo print is the move. A matte top coat is the perfect finishing touch.
Clear Nails Topped With Plaid
Monochromatic Sweater Nails
Using your favorite nail polish color, try a monochromatic set of “more is more” nails. A pretty shade of sage green is always a solid choice for the season.
Hot Pink Plaid Nails
Cabincore Patchwork Nails
This set of patchwork-style mushroom nails are made all the more cozy with a bit of plaid.
Rainbow Plaid Nails
Who said that bright manicures had to end after the summer months? This eye-catching rainbow nail design proves that plaid patterns can be colorful.
Angelic White Hues
For a manicure that will take you from end of fall into the early months of snowy winter, this neutral set of tips is the perfect pick.
Forest Green Plaid Nails
Feeling those on-trend emerald hues ahead of your next salon appointment? Opt for the flattering green shade as a base for your plaid tips.
Chromatic Fine Lines
Elevate your black and red plaid print with silver-hued chromatic details.
Soft Girl Coquette Nails
In lieu of deeper shades of nail polish that are so associated with the colder months, try softer shades and coquettish strawberry motifs in tandem with plaid prints for a dreamy soft girl mani.
