Stuck for inspiration? Here are the 38 chicest nail art ideas I've ever seen

For beauty enthusiasts, there’s little quite as exciting as gearing up for your next nail appointment; scrolling through pages of nail art ideas, featuring the best 2024 nail trends, in a bid to find the perfect design. Then, finally seeing the results IRL on your own nails, and probably getting no work done for the foreseeable because they’re just too beautiful to stop looking at. 

As a beauty editor, manicurist and an avid nail-art lover (I'm the proud owner of an Instagram nail art folder that contains 700+ posts), there’s never a moment I don’t want to discuss nail-spiration. Consider me your dedicated nail art tour guide taking you through some of the best nail art ideas. Whether you’re looking to keep it minimal with the best nail polish shades, level-up your tips with a French manicure, or are constantly on the search for easy and simple nail art looks, I’ve got something for everyone. 

Keep scrolling for some of the very best nail art ideas to try at home or take to your next salon appointment that'll transform those 10 tiny canvases. 

1. Pastel rainbow French

This nail design on Anna Kendrick is perfect for the warmer months, making it one of the chicest spring/summer nail looks I've ever seen.

2. Retro flowers

You can trust Zola Ganzorigt to deliver some of the very best nail art looks the world has ever seen—and these colour flowers on Kylie Jenner's nails are up there.

3. Pantone colour blocks

Can't decide on just one colour but want something more elevated than your standard rainbow mani? These colour blocks are it.

4. Butter yellow micro French

Never, in all of team Marie Claire UK's lives, have we seen a manicure quite as perfect as this one. With yellow being the it nail colour of the season, this micro French is all we want to sport.

5. Neon dots

Simple, effective and painfully chic. The beauty of this Julia Diogo manicure is, as always, all in the cuticle work.

6. Lemon accents

Fruit nails are having a major moment for summer 2024, and this intricate lemon design is top of my to-try list.

7. Animal print 

You really can't go wrong with animal print nails, whether it's leopard, snake, tiger, or even cow, it'll always look great with dainty application and a matte top coat. 

8. Dreamy clouds 

If you're a forever daydreamer, there's no manicure quite as perfect as some fluffy clouds. 

9. Brown checkerboard

While brown nails might typically lend themselves to autumn looks, summer 2024 has seen them prove a year-round hit—and this mixed-up checkerboard look is a stunner.

10. Micro flowers

A clean base with a super-teeny neon, retro flower? Say no more.

11. Aura nails

Aura nails have been everywhere in 2024, and this look really showcases them as their finest.

12. Modern French

If you're not somebody who is into bright, vibrant or out-there nail art, this deconstructed French manicure is simple but stunning.

13. Gold stars 

If you just can't give up that pale pink base that has you in a chokehold but want to give nail art a whirl, I love adding tiny gold stars to give it something extra special without going overboard. 

14. Pink chrome 

Warning: if you go to the salon and come out with these breathtakingly gorgeous pink chrome nails, you won't have a single productive day because you'll be too busy staring at them. 

15. Vase-inspired 

Since nails are just tiny canvases, just like art, inspiration is everywhere—even kitchenware like this set! 

16. Watercolour nails 

Watercolour is a popular nail art technique and the beauty of it is that you can never replicate the exact same look twice. The result is one that's beautiful in its simplicity and calming to look at. 

17. Gold flakes 

I'm a firm believer that if you're not sure how to finish off your nail art design, add some gold flakes; it's a simple but transformative nail art accessory. 

18. Chrome stars 

This is one to take to your nail tech and will have you dazzling anyone who takes a look at your nails. 

19. Outline French manicure 

Another take on the classic is the outline French manicure, it's more subtle than its original and works with any colour you fancy. 

20. Dainty hearts

Dainty little hearts aren't just reserved for February 14th, we're all for wearing the sweet nail art year-round.

21. 70s floral

Flashing it back to the '70s with this floral design, proving that short nails can be delicately decorated too.

22. Squiggles

Who knew a simple squiggle could transform our hands so much? There are so many possibility with this design, too.

23. Star aura nails

Aura nails are proving to be a huge 2024 trend, and this pink set with silver stars are particularly special.

24. Simple smiley

Sometimes all you need is a simple smiley face underneath a minimal base.

25. Victor Vasarely-inspired

Recreate your favourite artist's pieces on your nails to make a truly special manicure.

26. Tortoiseshell effect

Tortoiseshell nails are nothing new but we're still not bored of them. The effect can be worn in a variety of designs, including this French manicure design here.

27. Airbrush impact

Again, airbrushing nails isn't a new technique but it's becoming more widely available at nail salons, making it an increasingly popular choice. The outcomes are endless, mixing shades and patterns to create truly special effects.

28. Hand-painted flowers

Unless you have the patience of a saint, hand-painted flowers incorporated in a nail design is likely one you'll take to the salon. But when the outcome is as good as this, it's worth every effort.

29. Ombré glitter

If you're looking for a little sparkle without going OTT, try an ombré effect like this, it adds just enough colour to give an impressive finish.

30. Embellished studs

Sometimes, the best nail art comes from small, colourful embellishments. If you've got the patience, this is one you can try at home.

31. Blooming gel

Blooming gel is a popular nail trend for 2024 and can create all sorts of intricate designs like this green animal print set.

32. Lava nails

This impressive lava design also uses blooming gel, but has a completely different outcome; proving that there are so many possible outcomes with this type of product.

33. Elevated reverse French

If a French manicure isn't really your thing, try a reverse French manicure. Instead of putting the coloured tip on the free edge of the nail, it's placed on the base of the nail, near the cuticle area.

34. Optical illusion nails

Optical illusion nails are both pretty and completely mesmerising. This is definitely one to take to the salon for inspiration.

35. Moving French mani

This manicure proves that designs can be both simple and striking.

36. Aurora nails

Originating from Korea, aurora nails are possibly the most impressive and beautiful manicures out there. This is created using special iridescent sheets and powder so is definitely one to visit your nail tech for.

37. Short micro French

There's nothing as stylish as a micro French design on shorter nails.

38. Vibrant swirls

Vibrant swirls are utterly joyful and will brighten up even the dreariest of days.