Argyle is the breakout nail design of the season.Credit: @ prettywth.julia

• This season, argyle has skyrocketed as the top preppy print for nails.
• Other preppy nail ideas include plaid and tortoiseshell, as well as glossy navy blue sets.

Preppy style is having a major moment in the nail world right now. Argyle manicures are all over my Instagram and Pinterest feeds, in addition to plaid French tips and solid jewel tones. These preppy nail ideas follow on the heels of the Ralph Lauren Christmas manicure, only this time, they’re versatile enough to pull off in any season.

So many patterns are integral to preppy style, from tortoiseshell to plaid, polka dots, and stripes, each of which translates beautifully into a manicure. If you favor a more minimalist look, stick to shades of cream, navy, and chocolate brown, or add a pop of Kelly green to enliven any solid manicure. You can’t go wrong with teddy bear motifs either, which add a touch of whimsy and, of course, pay homage to classic Ralph Lauren designs.

Below, find 15 preppy nail ideas that strike the ultimate balance between trending and timeless.

Plaid Tips

pressed.byp

These plaid French tips feature stripes of navy, yellow, and red, anchored by a neutral cream base. While the pattern is all buttoned-up on its own, a shiny gold teddy bear decal adds a fun touch.

Striped Sweaters

thecolornook

Metallic stripes punctuate pistachio green, navy blue, and cherry red French tips on this almond-shaped set. Tiny diamond decals add a glittering touch and look almost like brooches pinned to a sweater.

Navy Torties

gossipandgloss

Convey quiet luxury through your mani with navy blue polish and tortoiseshell accents. A meticulously filed oval shape keeps these looking even sleeker.

Argyle Sweaters

elias.nails

No need to save pattern-play for long nails. This short set says, “Meet me in the study,” with its mismatched argyle prints.

Watercolor Plaid

pressed.byp

Sheer jelly polishes look so dreamy layered on top of each other. In pink and green, this set gives us major Lilly Pulitzer flashbacks.

Subtle Polka Dots

gelsbybry

Polka dots look playful yet refined in a burgundy-and-ballet-pink color combo. French tip accents make great use of this manicure’s negative space.

Navy Blue

finewinenails

Navy blue polish embodies quintessential prep. Earn high marks on the aesthetic by keeping your solid manicure chip-free and sealed with a glossy top coat.

Blue Plaid

cassprostudios

Plaid French tips were everywhere in the fall. Give them a wintery spin by opting for a royal blue base layered under black-and-white stripes.

Plaid and Polka Dots

pressed.byp

Pattern-mixing is a hallmark of preppy style. This set incorporates a combination of colorful plaid and neutral polka dots, with subtle winks of gold sprinkled throughout.

Tortoiseshell Tips

az.naildesigns

These tortoiseshell nails are giving J.Crew in its 2010s heyday, with Jenna Lyons still at the helm. The tips are outlined with a pop of red, while gold gems stud the surface.

Kelly Green

gossipandgloss

For a minimalist yet bold manicure, outline your nails with one shade of polish, then fill them in with a contrasting color. This set pairs vibrant Kelly green with a softer shade of sky blue.

Strands of Pearls

klawsbysonia

While you may not wear actual pearls on a daily basis, with this manicure, your nails can. Tiny pearl decals instantly dress up a classic French tip.

Chocolate Brown

lolo.nailedit

A deep brown manicure looks crisp and classic, especially on a neat oval shape. While you can never go wrong with a glossy top coat, try experimenting with different textures by adding a matte topper to a few accent nails.

Teddy Bear Motifs

eilyk_nails

Plaid, stripes, and polka dots adorn this pink-and-burgundy set, which is finished off by a sweet teddy bear accent nail. A sophisticated almond shape keeps them from looking too precious.

Delicate Dots

gossipandgloss

For a subtle take on the trend, opt for a milky white base color and teensy-tiny gold polka dots. These nails whisper luxury rather than shout it.