Nude Nail Designs Match Every Season, Outfit, and Situation—These 30 Prove It

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