Nude Nail Designs Match Every Season, Outfit, and Situation—These 20 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 marine blue 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. 

All you need for this nail design is a base of nude polish and a perimeter of mocha brown. 

If you want a little color but not a lot of color, go for a minimal rainbow design. 

This graphic black-nude combo is so sleek. 

The same goes for this one. It's so simple too—just a single stripe down the middle. 

If you're looking for a foolproof design, this is it. Squiggles aren't meant to be perfect. 

This manicure is proof that you don't need traditional nail polish to create a cool design. Just use decals. These ones are Nails of LA Nail Art Decals ($10). 

I love abstract designs. Matte nail polish never looked so cool. 

Minimalist nails are easy. You just need white polish and alternating lines and dots. 

A combo of rosy brown, nude, and black nail polish never misses. 

I like how this neutral polish has a pearlescent finish. 

For a unique and unexpected take on nude nails, opt for this cloud design. 

Look closely and you'll see the subtle ombré glitter. 

This is a salon-worthy design you can do at home. 

These studded nails are so chic. Who knew I'd be shopping for nail gems and glue on Amazon? 

I like these subtle nail gems too. 

For a maximalist vibe, use larger gems like these. 

The evil-eye manicure is an Instagram favorite. 

I'll never stop asking for smiley-face nail designs at the salon.

I love this half-moon manicure. It makes me think of Lucky Charms. 

A French manicure is perhaps the simplest and most classic of all nude nail designs.

Shop Some of My Favorite Nude Nail Polishes

Next, Brown Nail Designs Are All Over Instagram—18 We're Labeling "Need to Try"