17 Prom Nail-Art Ideas That Are Anything but Boring

Give classic French tips a retro twist with a bold, color-blocking combo. This manicure would pair well with bright or multicolored dresses or suits channeling the '60s, '70s, or '80s.

Pastel nails go perfectly with pretty much any clothing color. This nail art, which combines powdery shades with tiny floral designs, would pair perfectly with a bright getup or something with floral details.

Minimalism will never go out of style. If you're looking for something understated yet eye-catching, try this dual-color French manicure with a red or white dress or tuxedo. You can also line the edges with glitter to make the colors pop.

Wearing velvet to the prom? Pair your outfit with something like these translucent acrylic nails, which are more matte in finish. The blue-green color palette is optional.

If you're wearing a timeless color like black, opt for an equally neutral-colored nail polish. The dainty red hearts on top of the base add a surprising twist while still keeping things simple.

If you're a fan of bold colors and color-blocking, this nail art is perfect for you — it combines all of the above.

Wearing white to prom is a bold move (be careful with that red punch), so try a minimalist, negative-space nail-art look with subtle swirls of white.

If you're going green this prom, you'll want to keep your manicure in the same earth-toned color family. Adding tiny details — like this negative-space floral design — makes for the perfect accent.

Tulle dresses add a bit of whimsy to any prom look, so choose a nail design that's equally sheer and playful.

Red and pink pair well, but why choose between them? Try a diffused manicure in a red-and-pink ombre combination.

No matter what animal print you go with, this manicure look — which combines a little of everything — will complement your look.

Burgundy and reds radiate royal vibes, and this nail-art look is no exception. Pair these glittery details with a sequined burgundy dress or tux.

Look pretty in pink with this negative-space look. The pops of bubblegum pink and orange would pair perfectly with a princess dress or a bubblegum-pink suit.

Silk can be high-shine and dramatic, so pair it with a matte manicure finish. This blue iteration's sophisticated gold embellishments would look great with gold jewelry.

If your dress or suit is yellow, black, or gold, this marble nail art will complete the look perfectly.

If you're wearing pearls, gemstones, or jewels, go with this turquoise take on a French manicure.

Any patterned dress or suit (think: checkers, polka dots, or stripes) will pair nicely with this red-and-white manicure.