Alyssa Brascia
I have this thing where I love having my nails done and painting them all kinds of colors. I'm talking about everything from bright white and cherry red to rich chocolate brown. However, I hate when they don't match my outfit or aesthetic. For example, I find it irritating when I have beachy blue nails but am attending a fancy event wearing a red dress. You get the picture.
There's only one nail color I can always count on to match every season, outfit, and situation. Okay, it's not so much a color but a category of colors. I'm talking about nude nail polish—anything ranging from pinky white to taupe brown and beyond. Keep scrolling to see my favorite nude nail designs on Instagram. Then, shop a selection of my favorite nude nail polishes.
Best Nude Nail Designs
1. Satin Sunshine
Try these satin-finished sunny French tips for a touch of sunshine.
2. Disco Nails
For a special occasion, turn your 'tips into tiny disco balls.
3. Flower Child
Whether the weather's warm (or you're just wishing for it), summon springtime with these flowery nails.
4. Diamante Decals
These crystal-bedecked nails feel perfect for the holidays.
5. Groovy Green
Take it back to the '70s with this retro, metallic manicure.
6. Mismatched Polka Dots
Jazz up a set of dotty nails by painting each hand in different colors.
7. Pastel Stars
Take a twist on rockstar nails with a soft pastel palette.
8. Blueberry Milk Micro-Tips
We're totally showing our manicurists a picture of these baby French tips in this trendy blueberry milk shade.
9. Regal Nails
We've never seen nails that scream "queen" status so much.
10. Gold-Dipped
Swap classic French-tip white for an elegant gold swipe.
11. Perimeter Polish
All you need for this nail design is a base of nude polish and a perimeter of mocha brown.
12. Thin Rainbows
If you want a little color but not a lot of color, go for a minimal rainbow design.
13. Graphic Liner
This graphic black-nude combo is so sleek.
14. Simple Stripes
The same goes for this one. It's so simple too—just a single stripe down the middle.
15. Minimalist Waves
If you're looking for a foolproof design, this is it. Squiggles aren't meant to be perfect.
16. Sticker Decals
This manicure is proof that you don't need traditional nail polish to create a cool design. Just use decals.
17. Matisse Manicure
I love abstract designs. Matte nail polish never looked so cool.
18. Minimalist Designs
Minimalist nails are easy. You just need white polish and alternating lines and dots.
19. Abstract Art
A combo of rosy brown, nude, and black nail polish never misses.
20. Pearl Finish
I like how this neutral polish has a pearlescent finish.
21. Head in the Clouds
For a unique and unexpected take on nude nails, opt for this cloud design.
22. Glitter Glaze
Look closely and you'll see the subtle ombré glitter.
23. Preppy Plaid
This is a salon-worthy design you can do at home.
24. Mini Gems
These studded nails are so chic. Who knew I'd be shopping for nail gems and glue on Amazon?
25. Subtle Sparkle
I like these subtle nail gems too.
26. Golden Touch
For a maximalist vibe, use larger gems like these.
27. Eyes on the Prize
The evil-eye manicure is an Instagram favorite.
28. All Smiles
I'll never stop asking for smiley-face nail designs at the salon.
29. Half-Moon Art
I love this half-moon manicure. It makes me think of Lucky Charms.
30. Classic French
A French manicure is perhaps the simplest and most classic of all nude nail designs.
Shop Some of My Favorite Nude Nail Polishes
Described as a rosy taupe, this nail polish is so pretty.
You can't go wrong with this soft beige-pink.
This true beige shade deserves more credit (and it's only $7).
This pinky beige promises to elongate the look of your nails.
This classic color leans slightly pink. It's subtle and sophisticated.
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I've Finally Tired of Pink Nails—This Is the Chic Polish Shade I'm Wearing for the Foreseeable FutureEarthy tones are in.
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This Has Been OPI's Best-Selling Fall Nail Color for Decades—TikTok Says It's Especially Relevant in 2025Search volume has grown 83% month over month.
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Heads-Up: Every Stylish New Yorker Is Already Wearing This Rich-Looking Manicure TrendNot burgundy, not black.
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It's Official: Dua Lipa's Red Halo Nails Are the Coolest Way to Wear a Fall-to-Winter ManicureIt's simple and chic.
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I Searched Instagram for the Most Elegant Autumnal Pedicures—5 That Made Me Hit SaveClassic! Chic! Timeless!
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My Milky-Pink Nail Polish Is So Perfect, People Assume It's a Custom Combo—Here's the RevealHint: It was seen at Sandy Liang and the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.
