13 Plaid Nail Ideas for a Pretty, Preppy Manicure

green plaid nails — @disseynails / Instagram

There's no denying that plaid is one of the most popular patterns during the fall and winter. From flannel shirts to nail designs, it can be spotted everywhere once the cooler weather rolls around. But when it comes to nails, in particular, the preppy print can be incorporated in so many ways. You can opt for maximalist plaid French tips or keep things simple with a single plaid accent nail. Need some more inspo? Ahead, we've rounded up 15 plaid nail ideas you'll want to recreate year-round.

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Evergreen Plaid Accent Nail

Evergreen French Manicure With Plaid Accent Nail — @disseynails / Instagram

Opting for an evergreen French manicure with a plaid accent nail (or two) is a beautiful idea. Nail artist Dayanna I. Sapiens used OPI Nail Lacquer in the shades Stay Off The Lawn!, Lincoln Park After Dark, and Berlin There Done That, and Mooncat Nail Lacquer in the shade I’m A MF Supernova to create this look.

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Autumn Squash Plaid Nails

An orange manicure is so bold and attention-grabbing. When you add dark red into the mix, it becomes even more of a statement mani.

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Houndstooth French Tips

Black and White Square Houndstooth Tips — @trillanails / Instagram

Houndstooth is a type of plaid—and a bold iteration at that. Here, you can see how a classic black-and-white approach to the timeless design makes nails pop. Of course, If you want to showcase the print in all its glory, you'll need extra length. If you want to do your nails at home, use the Aprés Gel-X™ Nail Extension System.

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Negative Space Plaid Nails

Negative Space Purple, Red, and Brown Plaid Nails — @amyytran / Instagram

While many plaid nails feature a solid base, there's no rule that says you can't opt for a negative space approach instead. Here, you can see how the minimalist plaid design still looks just as eye-catching.

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Black, Red, and Gold Plaid Nails

These black, red, and gold plaid nails are among the easier-to-create designs. Start with a glossy red base and use a fine-lining nail art brush to trace gold glitter stripes on a few nails. Then, outline the gold lines with black lines. Finish with a top coat.

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Festive Peppermint Plaid Nails

Red, green, and white are such a classic color combo (especially during the holidays), and together, they create such a cool plaid design. Here, you can see how the plaid stripes pop against the pale pink polish. The silvery shimmer nails add an interesting contrasting element.

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Cable Knit and Plaid Nails

Navy Plaid Coffin-Shaped Nails in Various Shades of Blue — @glammertized / Instagram

If we were to use one word to describe this vibrant blue manicure, it'd be "cozy." We love that the accent nails feature cable-knit-inspired French tips and plaid print. The unexpected combination creates such an exciting matte mani.

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Green Plaid French Tips

A green French manicure is striking on its own, but why not take the traditional design to the next level? A coat of clear, shimmery polish and plaid stripes will do the trick.

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Burberry Plaid Nails

Black, red, burgundy, tan, and white Burberry-inspired plaid nails — @yo_keshh / Instagram

When discussing plaid, it's impossible not to mention Burberry. If you love the brand, you'll love the look of these designer nails. The solid burgundy nails pair so well with the plaid accent nails.

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French Tips With Plaid Accents

These glossy brown French tips are incredibly luxe and elevated on their own. However, the orange and white plaid accents on the ring and index finger add another unique twist to the classic mani.

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Plaid Holiday Nails

Plaid Christmas Nails With Snowflake and Candy Cane Accents — @nailsby.hails / Instagram

Celebrate the holidays with a festive manicure. This winter wonderland manicure features adorable candy cane and snowflake designs. The green and red plaid print serves as the perfect accent nail.

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Mix-and-Match Plaid Mani

Pumpkin, Tortoiseshell, and Plaid Mash-Up Mani — @tiffanyabbigailebeauty / Instagram

We love the look of these pumpkin orange, tortoiseshell, and plaid mix-and-match nails. That said, this is one plaid nail idea that's not as easy to recreate. Since the plaid and tortoiseshell designs require intricate detailing, leaving this one to your trusted nail pro may be best.

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