The Anti-Minimal Nail Designs Fashion Girls Are Obsessed With Right Now

While colorful nail designs are certainly not a new thing in the beauty sphere, I've been seeing more and more bright-hued, mismatched, and unique nail art on my Instagram feed, especially from my favorite fashion girls, which reflects the punch of colors I've seen trending in clothing as well. As someone who keeps their nails either without polish or to one beloved minimal tone (Hi, Ballet Slippers by Essie!), I have to say I'm both intrigued and inspired. As I've already been a long-time maximalist when it comes to my wardrobe, I'm willing to take note from our stylish friends and add a little fun to my nail routine too. 

If you're skeptical, don't fret—I've rounded up a variety of eye-catching nails that adhere to multiple style preferences. I'm talking about designs that include neon tips, negative space, and ombre. Whether you're a pro or an amateur like me, I'm positive there's a nail design amongst this mix that'll make you want to take a break from your go-to nudes

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(Image credit: @chillhouse)

Tie-dye isn't just for our sweatshirts—it also makes the perfect nail design. And with so many places now offering press-on nails, it's pretty easy to get the colorful designs without having to leave your house. 

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(Image credit: @laurenladnier)

While we're far from summer, tap into the warmth by adding fruit motifs to your nail art—from strawberries to cherries. 

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(Image credit: @thehangedit)

While I've seen smiley faces plenty in the jewelry scene, I'm starting to see them spread onto people's nail art, too. I'm completely on board with it. Not only does it add a pop of color, but it'll also bring a smile to anyone's face.

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(Image credit: @annawinck)

If you love the shades of one specific color, get a candy-stripe design to include them all.

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(Image credit: @betina.goldstein)

If complicated designs aren't your thing, pick one of your favorite colors and ombré it out to lighter shades for a colorful yet easy look. 

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(Image credit: @celmatique)

Who said you have to just choose a few colors? Opt for a different bright hue on each nail. 

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(Image credit: @kyliejenner)

Colorful and printed tips are even reaching celebrity status, as Kylie Jenner posted these nails on her Instagram recently. 

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(Image credit: @cinnamonryan)

A rainbow design will make it easy for your nails to match any outfit.

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(Image credit: @evemeetsnails)

Negative space has been trending hard with nail art, and I don't see it slowing down anytime soon. It's a great way to add multiple colors without worrying about colors clashing.

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(Image credit: @harrietwestmoreland)

If you want a little color on your manicure but don't want to go overboard, try to pick one bright color for your tips. It'll be different than your average nude one but still subtle.

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(Image credit: @amaka.hamelijnck)

If you're itching to get your nails done but want to DIY it, swirls can be an easy design that you can start off with a fun color of your choice. Trust me—I'm no nail expert, but even I've tried it. 

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(Image credit: @cyndiramirez)

It's funny how trends in fashion can overlap with what's on top in the beauty industry. I'm all aboard the checkered train in my clothes and nails, especially after bingeing The Queen's Gambit. Opt for a colored checkered rather than the typical black and white for an added twist.

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Associate Fashion Editor
Yusra Siddiqui is an editor who resides in New Jersey but bounces between the suburbs and NYC. (She's a Jersey girl at heart.) After interning at Who What Wear in 2019, she found her way to the team after graduating from LIM College in 2022 with a fashion media degree. She's also spent time writing and working for publications such as Fashionista, Coveteur, and Nylon, but she always knew that Who What Wear was where she was meant to be. When she's on the job, she's perusing runway shows, analyzing the latest thing fellow Gen Zers are up to on the internet, and sharing what she can about the modest-fashion market. You can also catch her dabbling in entertainment, talking about the costume choices of the latest Netflix series or diving deeper into how the plotline affects the viewers in a myriad of ways. Lastly, she likes to create content for Who What Wear's TikTok. Her personal time is spent doing similar but also different things—deep diving into almost every new TV show (Bridgerton, Gilmore Girls, and Stranger Things are favorites), planning her next local getaway (whenever that may be), and reading the latest Emily Henry or Sally Rooney novel in one sitting.