Claudia WilliamsProm is a big night that involves lots of planning to have the perfect dress, heels, hair and prom nails. When prom season rolls around, girls everywhere are flocking to the nail salon to get their perfect prom-worthy manicure. French tip nails tend to be the classic go-to, but this year, girls are getting a little bolder with their nail designs. On prom night, every detail matters and no look is ever complete without a flawless, on-point manicure. You can have the most gorgeous dress, the perfect pair of heels and the best up-do in town, but the most fashionable accessory of them all is your nails.
50 Cute Ideas for Perfect Prom Nails
Whether your prom style is elegant, eye-catching or classic, there are plenty of prom nail ideas to choose from. Prom nails come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and designs so choosing the perfect manicure isn’t always an easy task especially when you care about looking and feeling flawless on your big night. Your manicure is a way to channel your inner celebrity and give you the confidence to own the dance floor on prom night.
Want to steal the limelight effortlessly for prom? Ombre is having a big moment and is making a sweeping statement in the nail art world. Glitter nails are also a big party-friendly nail art option. If your prom dress is a solid color, spice it up with glitter prom nail designs. If simplicity is more your style, opt for soft, elegant colors with a few added embellishments for a pop of detail.
So what are you waiting for? Take a glance at these top 50 nail art designs that will help you make the decision on which manicure to choose for prom night. From various colors, textures, designs, and sizes, let your nails sport your favorite eye-catching designs that match your prom dress and personal style.
1. Metallic Glitter Nails with Stunning Silver Gems
Make a statement on prom night with these gorgeous metallic nails with rhinestone gems. This almond nail shape is totally on-trend this season and has become a popular request in salons. This cool manicure features a metallic ombre grey that almost has a mirrored effect and stunning gems that will have your tips standing out in the crowd.
2. Rounded Stiletto Pastel Pink Prom Nails
Prom is the perfect opportunity for you to get a little outside of your comfort zone when it comes to fashion and style. These pointed pastel stiletto nails are the perfect design if you’ve been hesitant to try the celeb-trending design. The powder-like finish on these nails is stunning and shines brightly next to the glitter accented pinky nail. Pastel pink hair is a great choice for this look.
3. A Simple Silver Surprise Nail Design
Not ready to get out of your comfort zone this prom season when it comes to your nails? These stately French tip coffin nails are subtle, with a hint of surprise. The French tip design has a little shimmer of color with one accented nail having silver glitter tips. This is a look that would match nearly any dress this prom season.
4. Impressive Shine Barbie-Inspired Manicure
This Barbie pink manicure is so popular right now and it’s easy to see why. It’s a color that matches essentially any outfit and isn’t too loud. The subtle colors of light pink and a soft silver glitter accent is the perfect combination. The elongated almond tips of this gorgeous manicure are elegant and on point for prom.
5. Pretty Crystals and Glitter Prom Nails
Make a statement this prom season with this beautiful crystal glitter manicure. The pink coffin nails are subtle, yet elegant for the big night. The accented ring fingers are covered with the perfect amount of silver glitter and small crystals. The accent really brightens up this manicure with such sparkle and shine that will reflect on the dance floor. Complete this look with rose gold hair for the best results!
6. Delicate and Elegant Prom Nail Art
This dreamy manicure is so delicate and elegant. It’s simple, yet stunning featuring clear white coffin nails with the reverse French glitter design and full embellishments as accents. Accent nails originally started with just the ring fingernails being accented, but over time stylists have been mixing and matching which nails are being accepted for a unique and custom look.
7. Beautiful Egyptian Style Prom Nails
Become a golden goddess with these beautiful Egyptian style nails. The sleek gold nail polish paired with bold golden studs gives this look an elegant style without going overboard. If your prom dress has any gold detailing, these nails would be perfect for your big night. They are sure to make a statement and complete your prom look perfectly.
8. Dazzling Feminine Prom Nail Design
Looking for a feminine manicure for prom? These white and pink nails look timeless and sophisticated with soft feminine florals on white polish. The 3D pink studs are a beautiful addition that is so glitz and glam, which is perfect for prom. Studs and gems are the perfect accessories that will add style to any manicure.
9. Simple, Bridal Inspired Nails for Prom
Prom night can be just as carefully thought out as a wedding for some girls. This simple, bridal inspired manicure is a perfect look for prom nails. The soft pink gel nail color is subtle, but when paired with a strip of silver rhinestones for an accent it really enhances the elegant vibe every girl wants for prom.
10. Eye-Catching Gypsy Crystal Design
Ivory coffin nails are impressive all on their own. Since prom is such a special occasion, enhance your look with eye-catching crystal designs. These embellishments are subtle, yet perfectly placed for a Gypsy, Egyptian vibe. This minimal crystal design will give your manicure the zest they need for your big night.
11. A Popular Pink Prom Nail Design
Give your prom nails the shine they deserve with this super cute pink glitter manicure. These nails are smooth with their white, natural color and then instantly pop with the heavy pink glitter. Having a few accented nails with the trendy ombre look adds character and personality to your manicure.
12. A Natural Look with a Touch of Glitter
Want a more natural look for prom? This manicure features natural cute nails with just a clear gloss coat and a touch of glitter. This is a great option if your prom dress is bold and over the top. You don’t want to take away from your dress, so a smooth, natural manicure is the perfect go-to for this occasion.
13. All Natural Coffin Nails for Prom
Running late or pressed for time? This all-natural manicure is an easy choice when in a hurry. Not only do these nails still look chic and classic, but also they will match any dress and can be worn well after prom night is over. More and more celebrities are opting for the natural look when it comes to makeup and nails, so you’ll be on trend with this clean manicure.
14. Awesome Ombre Flower Surprise Manicure
Nail art comes in all shapes, sizes, and designs. Floral nail art is a popular request, especially for special occasions like going on vacation, a wedding or prom. If you’re wearing a corsage on your wrist for your big night, double down with a floral design. This subtle, effortless and stately manicure is so chic and flawless.
15. Coral Iridescent Ombre Prom Nail Design
Iridescent nails have a look of their own. The idea of iridescent nails is that they have a color that changes with different angles. If your dress has a touch of coral in it, this awesome manicure would be the best choice for prom night. This manicure features color-changing tips that look orange, purple, pink and black when viewed from different angles.
16. Prom Nails Fit for a Princess
Every girl wants to feel like a princess on prom night. Having a manicure with glitz and glam is sure to make you feel extra special on your big night. These purple-tinted nails feature tons of silver glitter that will shimmer and shine throughout the night. The silver rhinestone accents are minimal, yet very elegant and fit for a princess. Purple hair goes amazingly well with this look.
17. Chic, Understated Ombre Sparkle Nails
If you’re not quite ready to take on a bright, colorful manicure for prom, opt for this chic, understated ombre manicure that looks natural with a touch of shine. The neutral polish and shorter coffin nail design are understated and classic. If you’re doing your nails at home, this would be an easy manicure to recreate.
18. Sparkly Shades of Pink for Prom
Wearing a sparkly pink dress for prom this year? Pair your beautiful dress with a nail look that features a few shades of pink with a sparkly rose gold accent nail. How many shades of pink do you own? I’m sure most of us have at least two or three to recreate this look with ease. This look goes perfectly with short wedding hair.
19. Gradient and Glamorous Purple Prom Nails
If you’re looking for a wow-factor this prom season, stand out with this gorgeous purple manicure that transitions into a gradient silver sparkle on the tips. If your prom dress has purple throughout, this would be the perfect manicure for prom. This is a classic design that’s easy to create with just two of your favorite nail polishes.
20. A Matte Pink Mani with a Large Gem
Matte nail polish is a trend that’s super stylish and popular this season. This simple manicure was created using a soft pink matte polish and a few silver gemstones. This is a pretty in pink manicure that’s easy to achieve and elegant for prom night. You simply cannot go wrong with this minimalist style.
21. An Ombre Gradient Prom Nail Art Design
One style that will always be on-trend is the ombre, gradient style. This nail design features one color that fades into either a softer or darker shade throughout. This manicure begins with a soft pink and then slowly transitions into a darker purple. The raised tiny silver beads add the perfect glamorous touch to these lovely tips.
22. Impressive Coffin Nails for Prom
Keep things simple with these natural studded nails. Any manicure will look great with this long, coffin look, but the simplicity of these nails make a huge statement. Leaving the base of the nail natural with a tint of pink and white to soften up the look of these nails and really allows the impressive gems to be the focal point here.
23. Delicate and Elegant Marble Manicure
Make your manicure really stand out with these elegant and delicate prom nails. The marble nail effect is so unique and on-trend. With this manicure, you don’t even need added accessories. Do without the bracelets and rings this prom season with your nails making an entrance of their own.
24. A Stylish Mani with a Pop of Pink
Is your prom dress white? Keep things minimal with this gorgeous manicure that features a white base with a hint of pink around the cuticles. Spice it up a notch by adding a hint of pink glitter on an accent nail. With prom being such a special occasion, add some glitter to your nails for a shimmering combination.
25. Sparkling Touch of Gold Prom Nail Art
This beautiful sparkling manicure features a touch of gold at the base over a natural light beige polish. I love this light polish and gold sparkle combination. It’s so subtle, yet elegant for any special occasion. This lovely manicure is a beautiful choice no matter if your prom style is simple and traditional or bold and eye-catching.
26. Gorgeous Pink Glitter Prom Nail Design
If you’re looking for perfect prom nail ideas, this manicure has it all! Featuring ombre pink to white nails with one solid pink nail and glitter beaded detailing on the others. This Princess inspired manicure is so chic and elegant and perfect for prom night! This manicure will have everyone’s head turning your direction.
27. Elegant Taupe and Gold Prom Nails
Looking for a manicure you can wear long after prom night? This natural nail design is simple, yet classy with its bare taupe color and gold sweater print accent tip. This chic cable knit textured nail design is the latest nail art trend that mimics your cozy sweater.
28. Beautiful in Blue Cotton Candy Nails
Wearing blue this prom season? Check out this beautiful blue ombre manicure. The blue to white transition on each nail is smooth and sophisticated. Pair this manicure with stunning rhinestones to dress it up for your special prom night. You could choose other colors to replicate this manicure to fit any color of your choice.
29. Stylish Taupe and Gold Prom Nail Art Design
One of the best ways to make your nails stand out on prom night is to add a little nail art design to a soft, traditional color. This taupe polish would have been bare and boring without the gold embellishment and striped floral detailing. This is a great way to keep things simple, yet stunning for your big night.
30. Elegant French Ombre Nails for Prom
Looking for a trendy and elegant nail style for prom? Then this nail design is for you! This long French ombre manicure is a stylish look that has a soft pink cuticle that blends into white to create the ombre effect. These nails will be so glam for prom.
31. Cute and Classy Nude Glitter Nails
Look stylish and pretty at prom with these nude nails. This cute and classy manicure features a soft nude color and bold sparkling glitter. The glitter in this nail design varies in color from silver to plum and a gradient sparkle combining the two. This is such a glam look for prom.
32. Long Crystal Glitter and Gold Prom Nail Design
This next manicure makes a bold gold statement. If your dress has any gold in it, this manicure will be a total showstopper. These long coffin nails feature a nude solid color with added gold glitter and embellishments on nearly every nail. You can try this same concept with different colors so that the manicure can match any dress you choose.
33. Trendy Holographic Prom Nail Art
This holographic manicure is a nail trend that has evolved into a look we just can’t stop staring at. Nail this look with holographic tips and super chunky glitter on an accent nail. You will have the sparkliest, shiniest, trippiest nails on the dance floor with this stunning holographic manicure.
34. Pretty Plum Nails with Sparkle and Shine
Set the tone of your prom theme with bold, plum nails. This is a gorgeous color that can be worn with a variety of dress styles. These short coffin nails look absolutely fabulous with the sparkly pinky and large chunky sparkles on the middle finger. This is another look that can be recreated with any color of polish.
35. Pearly White Prom Nail Ideas
There’s only so much pale pink you can wear on your nails until it becomes a repetitive style seen at prom. If you’re looking for soft color, but don’t want to wear what everyone else is wearing, then this manicure is for you. A pearly white manicure is sleek, fresh and perfect for prom. Add a little sparkle and you’re sure to have one of the classiest nails in the room.
36. Make a Peachy Entrance on Prom Night
This elegant manicure will make you the star of the show on prom night. The peachy color is soft, yet rich and stands out from the crowd. Pair this color with coordinating gems and rhinestones for an over the top look that will have everyone talking. If your dress has even the slightest peach color in it, you’re definitely going to want this manicure.
37. Matte Meets Chrome with This Prom Nail Design
With so many prom nail ideas to choose from, it can be difficult finding the right style to fit not only your dress but also your personal style. You want your nails to reflect your personality which is why this manicure has blends of both worlds. This on-trend matte pink pairs so well with the pink chrome polish and gives it added texture and flair.
38. Make a Statement on Prom Night
This manicure will truly make a statement on prom night. The soft, baby pink manicure is subtle which allows the heavily studded silver accent nail to be the star of the show. This is an elegant nail design that’s perfect for any special occasion. Wear it for prom night, a wedding, birthday party or any other event.
39. Chromed Dipped Manicure with Elegant Details
It’s all in the details with this stunning manicure. The short, almond shape of these nails is the perfect length if you’re not used to having long nails. This manicure also has an iridescent, chrome look that will glisten and shine with every move. This look is topped off with a subtle accent design and small gems.
40. Baby Pink Cool Chrome Nails for Prom
Head to prom in style with these cool chrome nails. These slightly almond-shaped nails look simply stunning with the chrome powder on top. This is a look that will fit any dress color and style perfectly. The chrome effect will look glamorous on the dance floor at prom with all of the lights strobing from them.
41. Subtle Coffee French Tips with Gold Accents
This classic French tip manicure is giving us a coffee vibe with its taupe to white ombre design. The French tip look is a classic prom choice for nails. By adding the touch of gold sparkle as an accent, it really kicks this manicure up a notch in elegance. It’s a great traditional manicure that’s perfect for prom.
42. A Unique Foiled Manicure with Sporadic Studs
Want a unique and stylish manicure for prom that no one else will have? This manicure features a solid white base polish with touches of pink and orange nails. The gold foil nail art detailing really brings out the glam in this rather basic manicure. I also love the sporadic studs strategically placed on each nail.
43. Shine in Elegance This Prom with Studded Rhinestones
Looking for a gorgeous, elegant manicure for prom night? This stunning manicure features long coffin nails with an ombre pink to a white gradient effect. The rhinestone gems covering the pinky nail entirely is so luxurious and graceful making it a perfect manicure for the big night. Your nails will be sparkling and shining all night long with this look.
44. Retro Chic Prom Nail Ideas
This manicure is a great way to think outside the box for prom night. This retro-chic manicure features a vintage 80s vibe with the slightly holographic neon nail art paired with a pretty pastel solid polish. Add a little glitz and glam with a subtle row of pink diamonds along the cuticle to really make a statement this prom season.
45. Amp Up the French Tips with a Trendy Design
Prom is the perfect occasion for getting a little outside of your comfort zone with your nail art. With statement nails like these, you’re sure to capture everyone’s attention. The elongated coffin shape of these nails is eye-catching with the geometric pointed French tip. From the tips to the chunky rhinestones, this manicure is a great choice to kick up the volume on prom night.
46. Jazz Up Your Pretty Nails with Color
Having a hard time choosing the perfect polish to match your prom dress and don’t want the classic burgundy nails? Don’t worry because this super cute manicure shows us we can combine several colors for a chic all-in-one manicure. This bold manicure features soft pink, soft purple, purple, burgundy and green polish with gold sparkle tips. It’s an easy manicure you can do from home that will look professional and have you ready for prom with ease.
47. The Best Pearly White Manicure for Prom
There’s just something about these pearly whites, and I’m not talking about your teeth. These pearly white nails are true perfection! The long, coffin-shaped style draws in attention and catches your eye. The chrome pearly white polish really shines through with this sleek manicure fit for prom.
48. A Chic, Clear Manicure with Subtle Detailing
If you want to keep things simple this prom season, check out this natural manicure. It features a clear coat with your natural nail exposed and a touch of artistic detailing on the tips. This is a manicure you could easily recreate at home with minimal effort.
49. Aquamarine Ombre Glitter Prom Nail Art
This aqua color will look good on any nails. Adding glitter really kicks it up a notch making it the perfect manicure for any special occasion. This manicure features one metallic aqua nail, one ombre clear to aqua nail, one sparkly aqua middle fingernail and a solid pinky in the same aquamarine polish. The nails are elongated and coffin-shaped which is the current trend in the nail world.
50. Add Your Own Flair on Prom Night
One of the best ways to express your personal style on prom night is through your accessories and this includes your nails. This unique manicure features a pretty green shade with white polish, silver stripes and matching emerald gemstones. This is a fun manicure you can recreate at home with just a few colors and nail art supplies.
Top 50 Prom Nail Ideas to Go With Any Dress
With all of the preparation that goes into planning for prom, your manicure is definitely one of the top three priorities. With that much importance, choosing the right design is crucial. Just think, once you’ve nailed down the perfect manicure, you can focus on all of the other prom necessities like hair and jewelry. I hope these top 50 prom-worthy manicures have inspired you in finding the perfect nails for your big night. Whether you choose to get your nails done at a salon or go the DIY route, your tips are sure to be the talk of the party!
