15 Simple Nail Designs to Try, According to a Beauty Editor

@nailartbyqueenie / @overglowedit

Listen, I love maximalist like textured designs and animal prints just as much as the next beauty editor. But sometimes I’m in need of a manicure palette cleanse, which often entails a that elevates the fingers without feeling over the top (or one that I won’t get sick of after three days).

Plus, simple nail designs are easy to DIY and won’t have you sitting in the salon chair for upwards of two hours. I’ve been researching and trying a bunch of simple nail looks, from and to tiny nail decals that elevate any polish. Whether you’re feeling neutrals or a pop of color, one of these nail trends is sure to suit any vibe or season.

Ahead, the 15 chicest simple nail designs and patterns to try right now.

1

Metal Decal Nails

@nailartbyqueenie

Popping on a metal decal or stud nail sticker is truly all it takes to get this chic nail design. You could even leave your nails bare and just swipe on a shiny top coat. Or paint a sheer, milky base underneath to give this look a bit more depth.

2

Polka Dot Nails

@samrosenails

Polka dots are probably the easiest nail design to achieve. Just take the back of a pin or pointed object and dot on some polish. That's literally it.

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Micro-French Nails

@iramshelton

This dainty manicure is taking over the internet right now, and it's so simple and chic. You can also use any color your heart desires.

4

Classic French Nails

@nailchark

I'll never get tired of a French tip. They're so easy to achieve, they work all year long, and are the perfect elevated mani. No notes, ever.

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Deep French Nails

@townhouse

If you want a maximalist nail idea that is still simple, go for a deep French manicure that goes nearly halfway down the nail (or even farther if you're feeling it!).

6

Color French Nails

@overglowedit

Go for a solid or multi-color French manicure to switch things up from the classic white tip.

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Heart Nails

@nailchark

I love these all-over hearts, just choose two contrasting colors to let the design really pop. You can also stick on tiny decals to complete the mani to save time (and if you're lacking some painting skills).

8

Inverse Polka Dot Nails

@samrosenails

We know and love polka dot nails, but if you want something a bit more playful, try using opposite colors for the base coat on each hand to create an inverted effect.

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Multicolor Swatch Nails

@chummy.nails

If you want to embrace all the colors without going for an intricate manicure, might I introduce you to this multi-color technique? Just choose a bunch of different colors and plot each finger out to be a different hue.

10

Flower Nails

@nailsbymh

These floral nails are bringing all the spring and summer vibes. I love one on the center of each nail, or you can just do one or two on the entire hand for an accented mani.

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Studded Nails

@nailsby_hal

I’m obsessed with studded nails—they’re basically polka-dot nails, but placed around the border of each nail, while silver polish gives them that studded finish.

12

Striped French Nails

@nailsbyzola

Tiny lines that switch between two shades create the ultimate French tip. All you have to do is paint thin stripes back and forth, and while it may look intricate, the technique is actually pretty seamless.

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Vertical Striped Nails

@samrosenails

Vertical striped nails are a sleek way to elongate your fingers and add a modern twist to any manicure. Thicker, evenly spaced lines in contrasting colors create the fun "beach towel" design, but you can really use any shade year-round.

14

Single Dot Nails

@nailsbymei

This is a nail look of minimalist dreams, complete with this dreamy light-brown nail polish and itsy-bitsy dots. I love that the dots look sporadic and imperfectly strewn about each nail.

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Ombré Nails

@akikonails_nyc

Ombré nails are one of the easiest DIY manicures—it looks just a tad more elevated than an all-over color. You can go for two, three, or four different shades.

Why trust ‘Cosmopolitan’?

Jasmine Hyman is the assistant beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with more than three years of experience writing about manicure trends and nail polish. You'll never find her bare-nailed—she loves having a fresh manicure at all times.

Jasmine Hyman is the Assistant Beauty Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she writes about the latest beauty trends and must-have products. Her most prized beauty possessions are a meticulous skincare routine and salon blowouts. You’ll also likely find her in bed reading a good book or endlessly scrolling TikTok (spoiler: it’s usually the latter) while listening to Harry Styles’ entire discography on repeat. Follow her on to be inundated with pictures of her meals. 

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