40 Cool Acrylic Nail Ideas for Every Season and Occasion

From minimalist negative space manis to statement appliqués.

Updated on Jan 11, 2022

star manicure — @akikonails_nyc / Design by Camden Dechert

In a world where gel manicures seem to reign supreme, you may have forgotten about their equally, if not more so, long-lasting cousin, acrylics. Acrylic manicures are renowned for their rock-solid durability and extra length, both of which allow for some pretty eye-catching nail art.

Not sure what you'd want besides a solid coat of color? Allow us to lend you a hand. Ahead, you'll find 40 cool acrylic nail ideas that are sure to turn heads no matter the season or occasion. We have a funny feeling you'll find more than a few you'll want to keep tabs on for your manicures in the weeks and months to come.

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Cow Print

If you've yet to try your hand (er, fingers) at the cow print nail art trend, now's your chance. Lucky for you, when working with acrylic nails your manicurist will be able to create even more dots and spots to make a can't-miss style statement.

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Cherry Acrylic Nails

Acrylic Nail Ideas Cherry — @paragonnails

All American and avant-garde, these acrylic nails are quite literally the cherry on top of a perfect mani. If you don't love the summery delight, consider swapping them for berries, coconuts, or your favorite citrus fruit.

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Rose Quartz

Prefer slightly shorter, more neutral nails? These almond-shaped rose quartz nails will give you all the good vibes.

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Palatial Acrylic Nails

Acrylic Nail Ideas Palatial — @paragonnails

We're loving the royal vibes of this milky mani. The hue is on the border of blue and purple, and we guarantee it'll look good no matter the season.

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Marbled Acrylic Nails

Acrylic Nail Ideas Marbled — @the.nail.nest

Sometimes things really are as simple as black and white. Case in point: these gorgeous black and white marble acrylic nails.

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Barbie Pink Acrylic Nails

Acrylic Nail Ideas Barbie Pink — @ourfazinali

If you're a Barbie girl in a Barbie world, you likely already have your manicurist on speed dial over these swoon-worthy clear pink acrylic nails. The jelly finish creates a see-through allure that simply can't be overlooked.

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Line Drawing Acrylic Nails

Acrylic Nail Ideas Line Drawing — @akikonails_nyc

We're in love with this simple acrylic nail design that mimics the elegance of a line drawing. Find some stencils you love, or go freehand if you're looking to work your art skills.

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Starry Eyed Acrylic Nails

Acrylic Nail Ideas Starry — @akikonails_nyc

A star nail design is simple but fabulous, and it never goes out of style. That's just the case with these acrylics that have a way of fitting with any season.

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Rainbow Flair Acrylic Nails

Acrylic Nail Ideas Rainbow Flair — @akikonails_nyc

We love this modern take on a French manicure, with a rainbow of neon colors streaming down the top of each acrylic nail.

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Pink Ombré Acrylic Nails

Acrylic Nail Ideas Pink Ombré — @paragonnails

In case you missed it, pink ombré nails are a major fixture these days. If you want to test out the look, bring this acrylic beauty as inspo.

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Pride Acrylic Nails

Acrylic Nail Ideas Pride — @apresnailofficial

You don't have to wear these rainbow acrylics during Pride month to show off your spirit. Needless to say, we love.

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Checkerboard Tips

Acrylic Nail Ideas Checkerboard — @lightslacquer

We're off to the races with this nail design, which looks as if you dipped each finger into a different shade of the checkerboard flag found at finish lines. A champion acrylic nail idea, indeed.

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Cloudy Day

Acrylic Nail Ideas Clouds — @akikonails_nyc

We don't know what we love more about this nail design: the rich blue shade, the fluffy clouds, or the star detailing interspersed throughout.

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Neon Tips

Perfect for a summer pool day, these neon digits will make a head-turning statement.

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Pink Starburst Acrylic Nails

Acrylic Nail Ideas Pink Sparkles — @nailprofus

Pretty in pink (hot, pastel, neon—you name it): Just consider this another take on the beloved Barbie nail look.

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Ballerina Pink Acrylic Nails

Acrylic Nail Ideas Ballerina Pink — @divanailsmineola

Pink, almond-shaped, and slim—a simple everyday look that deserves all the recognition. Just be sure to file your edges to keep your lengths intact.

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Sunset Acrylic Nails

The multi-hued ombré manicure has been incredibly popular as of late, and it's showing no sign of slowing down. To get in on the look while it's still topping the nail art charts, consider this acrylic sunset manicure as your inspiration.

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Butterfly Acrylic Nails

Acrylic Nail Ideas Butterfly — @kdsnails_

Butterflies remind us of all things bella—Bella Hadid and a beautiful life, that is. If you're all about the fluttery, flirty look, consider trying this acrylic nail idea.

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Silver French Manicure

Acrylic Nail Ideas Silver French — @paragonnails

A pale pink manicure with tips in shiny silver instead of the traditional French? Um, yes, please.

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Jade Acrylic Nails

Acrylic Nail Ideas Sage Marble — @paragonnails

Why not embrace jade as a cheery neutral for your nails? These pale green acrylics make our crystal-loving hearts skip a beat.

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Short Acrylic Nails

Acrylic Nail Ideas Short — @vanityprojects

Need an acrylic design that leaves you able to do everything you could with bare nails? We totally get it. This design packs both tortoiseshell and checkerboard onto a smaller canvas—what more could you want?

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Metallic Acrylic Nails

Acrylic Nail Ideas Metallic — @dailynails31

Maybe it's just us, but these metallic, almond-shaped nails remind us of all things Sailor Moon. You too? You know what to do.

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Ruby Red Acrylic Nails

Acrylic Nail Ideas Ruby Red — @jag.nailspiration

Like a bold red lip, these bright red acrylics never go out of style. Pair with a stiletto shape for a show-stopping finish.

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Colorful Chanel Acrylic Nails

Acrylic Nail Ideas Colorful Chanel — @kdsnails_

We love a designer moment as much as the next person. Mix a classic brand with modern neon and you have yourself a match made in nail heaven.

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Neutral Mismatched Acrylic Nails

Acrylic Nail Ideas Neutral — @paragonnails

Here's another example of how the mismatched nail trend doesn't have to be bold to be noteworthy. With a neutral color palette and minimalist decorations, this manicure is simple and eloquent.

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Wavy Acrylic Nails

Acrylic Nail Ideas Wavy — @akikonails_nyc

Two words: groovy, baby. Especially since these negative space acrylic nails ensure that grow-out will be hard to notice.

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Mermaid Acrylic Nails

Acrylic Nail Ideas Mermaid — @paragonnails

We can't keep our eyes off this mermaid-inspired design, which goes above and beyond with silver glitter scales. We're here for this.

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Pink Tip Acrylic Nails

Acrylic Nail Ideas Pink Tip — @akikonails_nyc

Pink tips? Check. Holographic confetti? Check. Need we say more?

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Simple Butterfly Acrylic Nails

These acrylic ballerina nails might look low-key and neutral, but two butterfly wings make the look a bit more bold without going overboard. The intricacy of these wings is almost as beautiful as butterflies themselves.

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Oxblood Sparkle

Acrylic Nail Ideas Oxblood — @pampernailgallery

Oxblood makes our autumn-loving hearts all warm and fuzzy. Luckily for us, the rich hue can be worn all year long, and it feels even more festive with some added bedazzling.

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White Flame Acrylic Nails

Acrylic Nail Ideas White Flame — @paragonnails

We love the modern white take on a classic orange flame. Subtle and bold all at the same time, this white hot acrylic nail idea can work all year round.

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3D Nails

Acrylic Nail Ideas 3D — @vanityprojectsmia

If you feel like you've tried everything under the sun when it comes to acrylic nail art, it's time to take things to another dimension. The bubble texture and deep iridescence will have everyone staring, and is great for around Halloween or any time you want something more avant-garde.

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Bedazzled Acrylic Nails

Acrylic Nail Ideas Bedazzled — @goddessprovisions

Solid nails are pretty and all, but when you add a few gemstones to the mix, you're left with a gorgeous manicure that's that much more stunning. The subtle butterflies and slightly mismatched shapes here only add to the allure.

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Gold Foil Acrylic Nails

Acrylic Nail Ideas Gold Foil — @paragonnails

White acrylics go from simple to royal with tiny flecks of gold. We're dreaming about all the ways we can incorporate this must-try nail look into our going-out outfits.

When recreating this look on your own, opt for gold flake appliqués (which stick to your nail polish and are set with top coat) instead of trying to hand-paint the details on your own.

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Jelly Acrylic Nails

Acrylic Nail Ideas Jelly — @scandal.beauty

While these acrylics are longer than long, the idea remains the same: You simply can't go wrong with the jelly nail art trend. Whether you wear it in a coffin, square, almond, or squoval shape, you're sure to fall in love with the unique nail look.

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Glossy and Matte Acrylic Nails

Glossy Matte Acrylic Nail Ideas — @the.nail.nest

Can't choose between a glossy or matte finish? You don't have to. With this acrylic nail idea, you can see how stunning pairing the two can be.

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Faux Stiletto Acrylic Nails

Acrylic Nail Ideas Floral — @the.nail.nest

One of the best parts about acrylics is that you can achieve things that would be impossible with natural nails. Amidst a matte, dusty rose manicure, this design's clear accent nails achieve a unique look via internal flowers and gold foil.

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Neon Stiletto Acrylic Nails

Acrylic Nail Ideas Neon Stiletto — @akikonails_nyc

Why stop at one neon color when you can play with two? Here, neutral matte polish pairs with neon green and yellow hues for a nail look fit for a '90s-loving queen.

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Pearl Acrylic Nails

Acrylic Nail Ideas Pearl — @the.nail.nest

Keep your neutral manicure anything but boring by getting acrylic nails with iridescent tips and a base of pearls. With a design like this, you just may have the best-accessorized hands in the house.

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Glow-in-the-Dark Acrylic Nails

Acrylic Nail Ideas Glow in the Dark — @shopkrylx

If you really want to make a statement, consider acrylics that glow in the dark. These look fairly normal during the day, but you'll be the life of your next party or night out when everyone sees the nails' true power.

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