Plaid nails are the classic winter manicure to try ASAP
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There's no better time for a maximalist manicure than the holidays, and plaid nails are the must-try trend this year. The pattern is a winter classic for a reason, but there are so many ways to personalise it to your mani vibe.
While traditional red and green plaid nails are always on the table – and hey, the Ralph Lauren Christmas aesthetic is going viral this holiday season – this manicure trend has major range for the holidays and beyond. You can opt for a preppy, detailed look or a modern twist on the pattern by enlarging it and adding some accent gems. If you need a serotonin boost, try a glittery rainbow plaid – or lean into the winter blues with cozy, moody tones.
As some creative twists on the plaid nails trend have proven, the pattern also looks great with trending nail effects, like shimmering cat-eye or mirror chrome bases. No matter how to choose to wear it, plaid makes for the perfect statement manicure for the holidays and beyond. Below, we've rounded up some of our favourite colour combos and patterns to inspire your next plaid mani.
Instagram @kennasclawsNeutral Plaid Glow
Soft-glowing nails are always chic for winter. Give your neutral plaid the toasted nail treatment for a mani that goes with everything in your winter wardrobe.
Instagram @nailsby.fresitaSheer Plaid
Sheer tights nails kicked off our obsession with translucent nail art this fall, and you can use the same technique to soften up a bold plaid manicure. Take a pro tip from nail artist Andréa Barbet and mix each colour with a drop of clear top coat to achieve the sheer look.
Instagram @nailedbyzoeeTrendy Plaid
For a modern twist on plaid nails, zoom in to focus on a few statement lines and bold shades. To take it to the next level, add some 3D pearl accents, like in this example.
Instagram @chloej_nailsWinter Blues
Blue and brown are a trendy shade combo for winter, and they pair especially well in a plaid accent nail.
Instagram @yadi.glamRainbow Plaid
This one’s for the indecisive nail crowd: Why pick one statement shade when you can have them all?
Instagram @hausofgofficialFrench Plaid
If a full plaid manicure feels a bit too bold, use the patten as an accent in place of traditional French tips.
Instagram @yvrhouseofnailsClassic Christmas Tips
When in doubt, out your prettiest wrapping paper for a plaid nail reference. To mix things up, you can combine plaid accent nails with solid colours and French tips.
Instagram @_sharpnailsIcy Plaid Mani
Combine the velvet nail treatment with ice tones and a plaid overlay, and you're guaranteed to have the coolest nails (literally) at every party on your calendar.
Instagram @nailsby.tiffPastel Plaid Tips
This barely-there plaid is the perfect way to add a little something extra to your neutral winter manicure.
Instagram @beautiful_you_byashleyMatte Plaid
Matte nails always feel luxe and cozy for winter, and this timeless holiday plaid works especially well with a muted finish.
Instagram @jark.nailsHolographic Plaid
If you have the patience for an intricate manicure, you want people to notice it. For extra insurance, opt for luxe jewel tones and a shimmering chrome finish.
Instagram @samrosenailsToasty Plaid
For a cozy plaid mani that doesn't feel too holiday-coded, opt for teddy bear brown as a focal colour.
Instagram @hd__nails__Sugarplum Plaid
Once you've nailed your palette, try mixing up the width and continuity of your overlapping lines for added texture.
Instagram @alyssa.thebeautylounge.lifeMod Plaid
For a modern, eye-catching final look, opt for unexpected colour combos. This example uses muted tones for the base grid, and thin neon accents on top.
Instagram @thatglosssauceNegative Space Plaid
Plaid manicures can get super intricate, but a few bold lines over your favourite nude base are all you really need. Save this example for a DIY approach.
Instagram @nails_by_syd28Pretty in Plaid
If your holiday aesthetic leans more Eloise at Christmastime, ditch the somber tones for a pink palette.
This article was originally published on Glamour US.
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