40 Beautiful Party Nail Designs to Help Catch All Eyes

"Okay"

Dresses, heels, hair, and nails are all part of the prom planning process. Every year, girls everywhere rush to nail salons to get their perfect prom nails done. In addition to the classic French tip, this year girls are experimenting with more daring nail designs.

Prom night is all about the details, and no look is complete without a perfect manicure. You may have the most stunning dress, the perfect heels, and the sexiest updo, but your nails are the most elegant accessory of all.

Today we’re sharing some of our favorite prom nails to give you inspiration! Read about the top prom nail trends below or skip ahead to see inspiration photos.

Tips before the big night:

1. Don’t make the appointment or get your nails done on the day of your prom.

Making sure they are completely dry can make them less likely to stain. Other than that, the extra time can give you the opportunity to redo them as you wish. There’s no need to get your nails done the same day!

2. Don’t overdo housework

One of the best reasons why you should get your nails done a day before is the fact that your nails won’t be overworked before the big night. To make them last until prom, make sure you don’t dip your nails in and out of the water too much. If necessary, wearing gloves can save you a bit.

3. Make sure your nails are polished and dry.

If you are doing your nails at home, the first thing you should do is make sure your nails are well polished and dry. The smooth surface helps the polish pigment adhere better to your nails, making it last longer than usual.

4. Your prom nails don’t have to match your dress exactly

Finding the right shade of polish can be quite tricky, especially if your dress is not made with basic colors. Instead of looking for the exact same shade of polish, look for a color that complements it. The general rule is to combine cold tones with warm tones and vice versa.

5. When in doubt, be neutral

Remember, the focus should be on the prom, which is obviously your dress. your prom nails shouldn’t overpower your dress. If in doubt, opt for neutral colors (white, beige, nude).

As much as possible, try to avoid red unless you plan to match your nails with a red dress. Silver, gold and glitter designs are also considered safe options as they can be paired with your outfit like jewelry.

6. Take advantage of press-on nails

In addition to their economical and affordable advantage, press-on nails are much easier to handle. You can put it on, take it off and reuse it as many times as you want. the only drawback is the limited range of options.

More Prom Nail Inspiration:

fountain

Don’t you love these little bright polka dots placed on top of a colorless base coat? From afar, they look like little twinkling stars around your nails!

fountain

I love how glamorous and sophisticated these prom nails are! They are absolutely gorgeous and full of sparkle to pair with a dress that will sparkle under the lights!

fountain

If you’re looking for a manicure that has little to no shine, this one is for you. You can opt for a white and nude color combination or a white and red combination.

fountain

Whether you want to match your gold dress or just want your nails to have that golden touch, you’re sure to love this manicure! I’m obsessed with this gold chrome look.

fountain

For delicate and soft graduation nails, you will love this graduation nail design! I love how unique the bird patterns are and how intricate they were painted.

fountain

I can totally see these stunning deep blue nails pairing perfectly with a midnight blue dress during prom night! The gold foil adds such a pretty accent too!

fountain

Give your usual nude, minimalist prom manicure a glamorous accent by adding some sparkly line over your base coat.

fountain

So moody and edgy, these black ombre nails are so elegant and classy! Ombre accent nails also provide a shiny or icy look to your hands.

fountain

Update the traditional French tip by ditching the usual white tips and replacing them with a bright one like this one. this will also create a beautiful gradient effect!

fountain

When it comes to a romantic and feminine manicure, you can never go wrong with pink prom nails. Use different finishes like the usual glossy textures, mattes and glossy top coats to add some interesting dimensions.

fountain

Green may not be everyone’s first choice for prom nail designs, but if your dress is green or has hints of this shade, you may want to consider matching the theme for a cohesive look.

fountain

I love the neutral colors of these prom nail designs, as well as the different finishes of each top coat. It looks so effortlessly elegant and sophisticated.

fountain

I love these florals with gold accents! They are so delicate, intricate and sophisticated! The neutral color scheme will make it fit all types of dresses too!

fountain

If you want a prom manicure that you won’t see on other nails, then this is for you. It’s a unique but elegant take on the usual French tips.

fountain

If you want to play with floral patterns but don’t want your nails to completely steal the show, then you can ask your nail technician to place them around the tips of your nails.

fountain

This is probably my favorite floral nail design for prom night on this list. I love the youthful jelly look, as well as the way the floral patterns look like dried, old flowers.

fountain

Make a statement with your white floral nails by adding some floral embellishments to your accent nails!

fountain

But if the previous manicure is too much, this one has a more subdued and discreet floral aesthetic.

fountain

Add some color to your floral 3D nail art during prom! These pink nails are absolutely beautiful and give off a romantic vibe.

fountain

Here’s another white floral design you can consider during prom night! This particular one adds sparkly embellishments like rhinestones and 3D flowers for a more edgy look.

fountain

Tired of the usual white and neutral color schemes? Get deep, moody plum shades for your nails!

fountain

I am obsessed with the intricacy of this particular nail design. From a distance, they look like sophisticated lace patterns, but they are actually floral tips.

fountain

Speaking of lace patterns, this is one of my instant favorites on this list! It’s so sexy and sophisticated at the same time. The sharp, stiletto nail trim also provides a more feminine touch.

fountain

I don’t know about you, but there’s something so elegant and moody about monochromatic black roses on your nails. Add some rose gold embellishments to create a stunning contrast of bright colors.

fountain

If you’re looking for a prom nail that’s quirky and has a pop of bold color, you’ll love these bright neon pink nails! Lace pattern accent nails also add a sophisticated touch.

fountain

Combining glamor and edgy, these nails are absolutely gorgeous! I love the mix of different prints and shapes on each nail.

fountain

Everything about this prom manicure is absolutely beautiful! The pure white patterns look so majestic and delicate at the same time.

fountain

These combinations of floral and geometric prints are so unique! I also love the pure white monochromatic look!

fountain

If you’re not a big fan of all-white manicures, you can add some sparkles by covering it with top coats and shimmery patterns.

fountain

Are you not a fan of glitter either? Instead, you can liven up your white monochrome nails for prom by adding some delicate leaf patterns on your accent nails.

fountain

You know I love everything purple, and this soft matte lilac manicure with a rhinestone embellishment is so chic! It’s simple and I think you can also do it yourself without too much fuss.

fountain

If your prom has a winter theme, you’ll surely love this frosty gray manicure for your prom night! She’s giving off real ice princess vibes.

fountain

This nail set reminds me of a cotton candy vibe and if you are going to wear something pink on prom night then this is a prom manicure you might want to consider!

fountain

If you’re hesitant to deviate from your usual French manicure, then you’ll love this gradient variation of the classic French tip. It’s also softer and more subtle, and you can easily create an accent nail like the one in the picture.

fountain

Spice up your usual soft pink manicure by adding a clear accent nail with a shimmery finish. It will give your prom manicure a touch of glamour.

fountain

Perfect for a spring theme on prom night, these butterfly themed nails are simply stunning!

fountain

Give your nude manicure a creative touch and add a little shine to your nails! Your hands will be capturing the light in the most ethereal way.

fountain

If you don’t like too much color on your nails, why not opt for a colorless base? Add some glitters and butterflies for a sparkly effect.

fountain

Here is another one of my favorite prom nails on this list. I love the delicacy and shine of each gold star.

fountain

If you don’t like adding a lot of color to your nails but you like the look of a starry manicure, then this one is more suitable for you than the previous manicure.

fountain

Add pops of bold, deep blue shades to recreate the look of a starry night sky on your nails during prom night.

fountain

I honestly love these spring themed manicures! They would be a good match if you are wearing a bright or pastel dress to complement your overall look!

fountain

Starry themes on prom night are quite common and I can see why they become so trendy and popular. The same can be said for star manicures. They look absolutely ethereal and heavenly!

fountain

If you really don’t want to get too fussy with your prom night nails, then you can never go wrong with a classic like the French tip.

fountain

If you want to give a subtle and creative touch to the classic French manicure, try using a different color than the usual white tips.

fountain

I love gold chrome manicures. They look so shiny and give such a luxurious feel to the nails.

fountain

If your prom night has an under the sea theme, then these mermaid-inspired nails are a must-have!

fountain

If you don’t plan to wear jewelry during prom night, you should wear nail accessories as an alternative. Complete your manicure with exaggerated rhinestones and chrome finishes for a gemstone effect.