Source Images: Courtesy of @fine.manicuring, @sagestudionails, @nails_by_jenna.kSave this storySave this story
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Summer has us brainstorming tie-dye color combinations. Spring brings bouquets of florals. Winter has us pulling cable knits out of storage. The fall? It wraps us in plaid, a pattern that evokes some of the season’s most distinct moods, from comfy to elevated. Among the hundreds (perhaps thousands) of variations on the design, these days, tartan prints—with their crisscrossing stripes of different widths and colors—are the ones most people associate with the word "plaid." This autumn, people aren’t just incorporating the linear design into their wardrobe, they’re also adding it to their nail looks.
Courtesy of @fine.manicuring
According to Pinterest's internal data, plaid is experiencing a surge in interest across the platform, particularly on nail art boards. Seventeen popular, related phrases are being searched, but the trendiest is "plaid fall nail designs," which Sydney Stanback, Pinterest’s global trends and insights lead, says has seen 398% growth since last fall.
This makes sense, considering the vibes the season conjures. "Plaid nail designs capture that cozy and preppy energy that’s synonymous with fall,” says Sigourney Nuñez, a Los Angeles-based nail artist. Preppy looks are having a particularly strong moment in fashion this year, and these manicures pair quite well with polo sweaters and pencil skirts. Yoshiko, a New York City nail artist, echoes this sentiment, saying the pattern reminds her of school uniforms.
Adds Nuñez, the pattern has a “luxe feel,” attributing this impression to brands like Burberry and Ralph Lauren, which have made plaid a signature in their collections.
Courtesy of @sagestudionails
Plaid nail design is intricate and requires a skilled hand (or at the very least, a determined one). If you attempt to do this nail art on yourself, Yoshiko recommends using gel polish rather than a regular formula, since the latter requires fully drying each layer before applying the next. Things can get messy if the coats don’t dry completely. Some nail artist-approved gel polishes, which Allure editors also happen to love, include DND Gel, Aprés Gel Colors, and Madam Glam gel polishes.
Nuñez suggests starting your manicure with a neutral base polish so your design “really pops” on top of it. As for the actual plaid pattern, Nuñez and Yoshiko agree, it’s hard to verbally explain how it's done; nail art is a visual medium, after all. They recommend watching video tutorials, like this one.
Of the many ways to work plaid into your manicure, Yoshiko prefers to pair it with a minimalist design, such as a French tip. “Despite using many colors, a plaid French manicure still looks simple,” she says.
We also like wearing plaid as an accent on just two of your nails. If you don’t think the design is loud enough, Nuñez suggests adding 3D or gold elements. “They make the manicure look more modern, adding depth and dimension.”
Scroll on for more plaid nail art inspo for your fall-manicure rotation.
Plaid Nails Inspiration
Wine-colored plaid nails
Courtesy of @sagestudionailsPink and white French plaid nails
Courtesy of @NailsbyshirelClassic tartan plaid nails
Courtesy of @divinexshiPlaid-stitch nails
Courtesy of @perfect.nails.usaBurberry plaid nails
Courtesy of @jadedgelPlaid and bow nails
Courtesy of @karin.naileditStraight French tips with plaid pattern
Courtesy of @pressed.byp