As a person who is completely devoted to nails as much as I am, I can tell you that there’s truly no better way to express yourself.
Every time you go out or simply feel like it, you can have your nails strike a pose of the kind of mood you want to portray.
And the best part?
As you are about to find out, there’s nail art design for every occasion imaginable.
Just like your hair and outfit, nails are also a statement that can be as edgy for a work meeting or as glamorous as a night out.
In this article, I will guide on some of the best nail art ideas that one can wear depending on the occasion and mood.
I have tried every design possible, so I’ll be more than happy to impart some tips I have acquired in the process!
Nail Art for Everyday Vibes
Everyday Vibes is perfect for the busy and stylish woman.
The ones that are low maintenance but still make you feel put together.
These are best for that elegant occasion that does not require the time consuming process at the nail salon.
Minimalist Magic
Just when you thought simple nail art couldn’t get any better, it does and in the coolest way possible.
On most occasions when I want something simple but trendy enough I opt for a very simple plain nude color with a little line of metallic gold or silver at the corners.
It is very low profile but gives that look of ‘I have put effort in doing this’.
If you are not into metallics then simply add some white something or black line, it is just as effective.
Neutral with a Twist
I always like having neutral polish because it just matches everything.
Though, if I feel like going the extra mile, I’ll put small dots or geometrical figures in barely pastel tones, like baby pink or taupe.
It is a simple way of having extra appeal without going totally wild.
Creative Nail Art for Business Environment
I understand that completely — there are days where you just have to have your nails suit the corporate world.
Although that does not imply that they always have to be dull!
The lure of glamor is what makes it rather easy to step up the ante in nail art while maintaining a sophisticated look.
Below are the ideas I like when I wish to look smart but at the same time as energetic and as colorful as I am.
Chic and Sleek
When I want something professional yet stylish, I go monochromatic in a very mature color, like deep red or blue, like burgundy or navy.
It’s provocative but not vulgar.
You can also have a neat and small design on the sides like a triangular piece of gold near the line of the cuticle or a line on the middle of the nail.
It is about keeping it minimalist, yet not boring.
Muted Glamour
If you are like me and you love a little sparkle, choose elegant luxury.
A nude, pearlescent gloss appears formal and subtle yet it has glitz in it, appropriate for the workplace.
As much as it excels at making a statement when the light falls on your nails, it doesn’t do so excessively.
Occasionally, I’ll also incorporate a fine, shiny line to the end of the nail, perhaps a gold or silver on one or two of the nails.
Nail Art for Special Events
If you want to stand out in your element, you really want your nails to pop up right?
A party or maybe a wedding or even a dinner is the perfect chance to outdo yourself with a nail art look don’t you agree?
Your nails are in fact the ultimate accessory.
Glam Up with Glitter
It is indisputable that glitter nails enhance the beauty of nails especially when going for some event.
Quite frequently, I use glitter polish when going for a party or any event that I consider significant.
If it is a full on glitter extravaganza or simply extending the glitter up to the tips of the finger as an accent nail, it guarantees that you will feel so festive.
You can apply glitter on a bright background color, such as red or black or apply glitter on a soft pink or nude background color.
Elegant Embellishments
Well, for those days when you wish to look a bit more elegant, then nothing can beat embellishments.
Little pearls, rhinestones or metallic studs placed on a nude or pastel background can be called a perfect combination of elegance and glitter.
I suppose the best example I will tell is the gentle gradation with use of small crystals that I set at the cuticle area.
Even though it is not too loud, it is perfect to wear for a formal dinner.
Nail Art for When You’re Feeling Bold
Sometimes you just do not want to be in-between, you want to go all out!
Perhaps you have received inspiration or perhaps you are in a mood for expressing your personality.
Anyway it is always fun to be bold and this is one of the best ways to show it through nail art.
Here’s where I like to get a little adventurous.
Neon Dreams
When I am feeling fun and flirty, neon is my absolute favorite.
Whether it’s a full set of glowing neon nails or one or two neon tips in bright orangered, electric blue or hot pink, it’s such a great way to let loose.
Also, neon nails always get compliments, nothing is more effective in calling attention than neon.
Once I did a neon gradient with a different neon shade for each nail and I could not help but stare at my hands for hours.
Animal Print
Feeling fierce?
The animal print nails are very suitable to get that fierce look!
And it doesn’t matter if the trend right now is leopard spots, zebra stripes, or the always chic snakeskin, this one is a classic that has been hitting the fashion scene for years now and is here to stay.
I, for example, like a leopard pattern with a subtle background – it’s daring, but not too edgy.
There’s also the option of softening it a bit by applying the print only to one or two nails and painting the rest in solid color.
Nail Art for Relaxing and Self-Care
Once in a while, you just want to relax and nothing can be as relaxing as giving your hands or feet a beautiful nail design.
It’s like, even when you are in a mood to just contemplate and relax or you crave that me time then even your nails reflect that kind of feeling!
Soft and Subtle Pastels
My go to nail color when I just want pretty nails is pastel colors, they make me feel so at ease.
Shades like lavender, mint and baby blue are so soothing and ideal for the weekend or for a brunch.
Sometimes, I will layer on pastel and create a gradient effect—it’s like having a sunset on nails!
Floral Delicacy
Who can resist cute flowers on nails?
When I want to get that relaxed, no worries vibe, I’ll do small flowers painted by hand on a pastel background.
Floral nails are in that soft and natural category, think of daisies or cherry blossoms or small roses.
It does not have to be that all the nails will be fully painted, especially with flowers, you could have flowers at the tips only.
It is elegant, girly and can be worn when going for a date, during a dinner or when wearing a sweater or a flowy dress.
Nail Art for Holidays and Seasonal Fun
And of course there are always the holiday nail designs, of which I am sure you are well aware.
Who wouldn’t love to change their nail designs with the coming season or with festivals and events?
To me, there is always something so exciting about having nail art whether it is for a Halloween party, Christmas event or just a trip to the beach in the middle of summer.
Festive Sparkle
This is going all the way around the holidays, choose anything that is sparkly and shiny, it would have a rich red or green base, and then apply gold and silver glitter on it.
But to celebrate the New Year I get my nails done with glitter tips … and maybe a full glitter nail too!
It’s the perfect time to be even more grandiose.
And if you would like to make it even more festive, you can place small snowflakes or star shapes on it!
Summer Vibes
If there is one thing that I truly enjoy, then it has to be the tropical theme every time summer gets here.
Orange, aqua and golden yellow are stimulating and light sensitive and give the sensation as if you are wearing a summer accessory.
Some of my nail art blasting I enjoy making palm tree silhouettes, or tiny pineapples and flamingos – as it’s like having a holiday at your fingertips!
Normally if I am going for holidays I also stick some seashell or mermaid nail stickers in order to get the holiday feeling.
Conclusion
No matter whether you want to be brave or feminine, playful or fun, there is nail art design that will suit you.
How cool is this, your nails are a fun way to play and be creative and the options as you have seen are endless.
From completely bare nude nails to an artful jewel to sleek patterns and striped and dotted to circumscribed animal prints to floral finesse, the nails can be covered and changed to any feel as per the day’s mood.
Moreover, being able to paint your nails and have it turn out neatly polished is worth every cent, plus the satisfaction that comes with looking down to see your nails and say to yourself, “yes, these nails are me.”
Take your best polish, gather your ideas and have your nails speak for you!
