If There's Ever a Nail-Art Hall of Fame, These 20 Blue Nail Designs Belong in It

Certain shades of nail polish are seasonal. They don't have to be (after all, there are no rules when it comes to beauty; it's all personal), but some shades are traditionally associated with specific times of the year. Take wine-colored nail polish, for instance. Whether you call it grape, burgundy, or merlot, it's usually associated with winter. Bright pink, on the other hand, is usually associated with summer. Pastel shades? Spring. Burnt orange, muted gray, and espresso brown? Autumn. See what we mean? 

Other colors are more universal. Classic red nail polish is a good example, as it fits pretty much every season and situation. Blue nail polish is another one. No matter if it's navy, marine, robin's egg, cornflower, turquoise, or some other shade, it can fit any style and aesthetic. Need proof? We got you. Keep scrolling to see 20 blue nail designs we're obsessing over right now. 

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(Image credit: @paintboxnails)

For a graphic DIY design, intersect a pale-blue shade with a bold royal blue. 

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(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

A reverse French manicure is all the more eye-catching when it comes in marine blue.

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(Image credit: @imarninails)

This intricate design was inspired by Santorini, Greece. 

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(Image credit: @nailsbymei)

This squared-off French manicure is perfectly '90s. 

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(Image credit: @nailartbyqueenie)

Aquamarine nail polish has never looked better. 

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(Image credit: @paintboxnails)

Navy blue and clementine are an unexpected yet effective combination. 

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(Image credit: @imarninails)

Blue snake-print tips are equal parts edgy and unexpected.

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(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

These detailed butterflies would require focus and a steady hand, but the result is well worth it.

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(Image credit: @paintboxnails)

You can never go wrong with a simple wave design.

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(Image credit: @paintboxnails)

Can you tell we're obsessed with blue French manicures? 

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(Image credit: @harrietwestmoreland)

This minimalist design is the definition of simple yet effective.

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(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

This is proof that anything can serve as nail inspiration, even your favorite pair of jeans. 

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(Image credit: @imarninails)

Electric-blue squiggles look even brighter on a matte, nude base. 

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(Image credit: @paintboxnails)

Layer two shades of blue for a chic half-moon manicure.

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(Image credit: @varnishlane)

We like how this playful design mixes and matches shades and shapes. 

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(Image credit: @paragonnails)

There's only one word for these speckled nails: stunning.

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(Image credit: @nailartbyqueenie)

Three bottles of blue polish are all you need to replicate this wavy manicure. 

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(Image credit: @nailartbyqueenie)

We're saving this for inspiration next time we want to do a DIY design. 

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(Image credit: @buffcs)

We love this combination of peach and cornflower blue.

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(Image credit: @nails_of_la)

This negative-space design looks amazing on long nails.

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Kaitlyn McLintock
Associate Beauty Editor

Kaitlyn McLintock is an Associate Beauty Editor at Who What Wear. Although she covers a wide range of topics across a variety of categories, she specializes in celebrity interviews and skincare and wellness content. Having lived in Los Angeles and Austin, Texas, she recently relocated back to her home state of Michigan where she works remotely. Prior to Who What Wear, she freelanced for a variety of industry-leading digital publications, including InStyle, The Zoe Report, Bustle, Hello Giggles, and Coveteur. Before that, she held a long-term internship and subsequent contributor position at Byrdie. When she's not writing, researching, or testing the latest and greatest beauty products, she's working her way through an ever-growing book collection, swimming in the Great Lakes, or spending time with family.