(The Nail File)

Navy Is The New Black – Here Are 15 Manicures To Try

Delightfully moody.

by Jessica Fields and Jordan Murray
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
@amberjhnails
Navy Nail Ideas

Manicure trends come and go pretty often. In fact, the last few months alone brought a wide range of funky designs and interesting hues. As fall comes into view, popular colors are already popping up like black cherry and dark green, but an underrated fall manicure color has definitely got to be navy blue. Similar to deep burgundy and earthy browns, the intense blue shade has a moody vibe that aligns with the season. Consider it a great alternative for those looking for an option a bit more dynamic than a pitch black. The best navy nail ideas play with the dusky blue hue to create contrast and add interest, and these are the looks you’ll see all over your social media feeds this fall.

Unlike other nail trends that focus specifically on one element, this type of manicure lets you embrace a range of different designs. Like 3D textures or sparkling finishes? What about an ideal canvas for drawn-on designs? There’s a navy blue nail look for you. Of course, two simple coats of lacquer in the rich shade and a high-gloss topper will always be classy in an effortless, minimalist way. But with so many interesting ways to wear the color, you’ll never be without options.

Ahead, the best navy manicure ideas the internet has to offer. Find your new personal favorite look by checking out the inspiration below.

Glossy Square Nails

There’s something about lengthy nails with extreme shine that feels both classy and trendy. Plus, with long square nail shapes making a major comeback, this sleek set is absolute no-brainer.

Marble Accents

Spoiler alert: two accent nails are way better than one, especially when they feature artful marbling. Using a creamy white polish, create a few swirls on the designated nails and finish with a small nail jewel to really amp up the glamour.

Floral Applique

Ombré is a cool technique that has many variations — but this manicure, which features a royal navy color blended with a baby pink base and floral appliqué, is in a lane of its own.

Starry Night

This unique design is as eye-catching as it is detailed. With hand-painted gold stars, it reads more like a work of art than a simple nail look.

Short & Squoval

Yes, squoval nails are popular again. But if you’re hesitant about reliving this trend, opt for a simple navy manicure that’s rich and opaque. Don’t forget to finish with a glossy top coat for a patent leather-like shine.

Holographic

If you loved the glazed donut trend and Jennifer Lopez’s vanilla chrome nails, you’ll get a kick out of this holographic look. By blending light layers of navy and a pearlescent purple polish, you can quickly achieve this alluring effect in no time.

Matte Color Gradient

This French “dipped” manicure, which features varying hues ranging from navy, cobalt, and robin’s egg blue, is a modern approach to the traditional design. For even more of an edge, add a final layer of clear, matte polish to each nail.

Half-Moons

Ready to hop onto the half-moon trend? Let this deep navy set be your guide. For this design, you want to ensure that your base shade is as close to your natural nail color as possible to mimic the semi-circular shape at the base of the nail.

Diamond Sparkle

Diamonds make everything better, but they sparkle even more when set against a deep lapis background. Just a light dusting on a nail or two is all that’s needed to create this elegant-looking manicure.

Inkwell Blue

Short nails are the perfect canvas for a deep, inky navy blue. To make the color stand out for the right reasons, be sure to have your technician pay extra attention to your cuticles and remove any residual polish left behind.

Velvet Crush

Match your nails to trending fall fashions by trying out the shimmery and shiny velvet nails that have been popular for the past couple of years. These are a great way to ring in the holiday season and they don’t have to be one-note either. This nail artist added a navy French tip to offset the sparkles.

3D hearts

Contribute to the current 3D nail art trend by adding a heart decal as an accent nail. This design features the motif on the thumb and ring finger which is a cool way to add interest and contrast.

Moody Florals

If you’re in love with floral nail art during the spring and summer, transition the design to fall by going for a deep navy. This adds a more moody feel to the pattern and better fits the vibe of the colder season.

Dark Aura

You probably saw tons of rainbow aura nail art this past summer, but you don’t have to let go of the trend for fall. All you have to do is simply swap out the bright tints for a darker shade combo like this inky navy and royal blue mix.

Abstract Shapes

Turn your nails into literal art with this super chic abstract pattern. It features a navy squiggle outline on the outside edges of the nail leaving the middle space open and clear. It is definitely reminiscent of a contemporary painting you’d see in an Architectural Digest spread.

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