40 Cool Acrylic Nail Ideas No Matter the Season or Occasion

From minimalist negative space manis to statement appliqués.

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updated Oct 06, 2020

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 bi-weekly 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 acrylics 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

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 Acrylic Nails

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

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Bandana Tip Acrylic Nails

Nothing's quite as American as a simple red-and-white (or blue-and-white) bandana. So whether you're going to a country concert, love your nation, or simply can't get enough of the print, this detailed acrylic mani is for you.

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Marbled Acrylic Nails

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

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Barbie Pink Acrylic Nails

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 glitter nails. The acrylic design creates a see-through allure that simply can't be overlooked.

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Line Drawing Acrylic Nails

We're in love with this simple nail design that mimics the elegance of a line drawing. If you have a steady hand, go for a freehand drawing.

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Starry Eyed Acrylic Nails

A star nail design is simple but fabulous, and it never goes out of style. As is the case with these acrylics that have a way of fitting for winter, spring, and summer as well.

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Rainbow Flair Acrylic Nails

We love this modern take on your classic French with rainbow neon colors.

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Pink Ombré Acrylic Nails

ICYMI, pink ombré nails are the modern take on French manicures. If you want to test out the look, bring this acrylic beauty as inspo.

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Pride Acrylic Nails

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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Racy Acrylic Tips

We're off to the races with this fiery nail design which features everything you'd find at a race track.

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Plaid Acrylic Nails

We don't know what we love more about this nail design: the long lengths, the plaid design, or the subtle neon tracing along.

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Dripping Acrylic Nails

Interpret it as you will—either dripping tips or a cool blue crown—these nails will have you feeling like royalty.

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Pink Starburst Acrylic Nails

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

Pink, square, and slim—a simple everyday acrylic slay 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 this year and it's shown 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

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

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Neutral Shimmer Acrylic Nails

A pale pink ombré manicure topped off with sheer shimmer? Um, yes, please.

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Sage Acrylic Nails

You sage your apartment, so why not sage your nails? These pale green acrylics make our crystal-loving hearts skip a beat.

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Short Acrylic Nails

Glossy and fading from one color to another—what more could you want? Perhaps more space to show off the transition? Luckily, new, longer lengths are possible with acrylics.

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Metallic Acrylic Nails

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

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

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

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

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Wavy Acrylic Nails

Two words: groovy, baby. Especially since these negative space acrylic nails ensure that grow-out will go unnoticed.

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Mermaid Acrylic Nails

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

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Pink Tip Acrylic Nails

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

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Holographic Butterfly Acrylic Nails

These acrylic ballerina nails might look low-key and neutral but upon closer inspection, you'll notice a swarm of holographic butterflies on the accent fingers. The fluttery details fly under the radar until just the right light hits.

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Oxblood Acrylic Nails

Oxblood makes our autumn-loving hearts all warm and fuzzy. Luckily for us, the rich hue can be worn all year long.

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White Flame Acrylic Nails

We love the modern white take on a classic orange flame. Let's just say, it's lit.

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Tennis Ball Nails

Another must of the moment? All things neon. Here, the owner of these fresh acrylics keeps it classic with tennis ball yellow nails. And, hi, we're in love.

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Bedazzled Acrylic Nails

Neutral 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. Wouldn't you agree?

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Gold Foil Acrylic Nails

Pink and white acrylics are made royal with tiny flecks of gold. Meanwhile, we're dreaming about all the ways we can incorporate this must-try nail look into our #OOTDs.

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

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

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

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Faux Stiletto Acrylic Nails

If you love the look of stiletto nails but just know you'd snap your tips in an instant, opt for this faux-pointed look. Made with acrylic, this nail look will give the appeal of a sharp point without the risk of breaking your nails moments after getting them done.

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Neon Stiletto Acrylic Nails

Why stop at one neon color when you can play with two? Here, we have matte polish paired with neon green and yellow hues for a nail look fit for a queen (of style, that is).

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Neon Acrylic Nails

Nude and neon seem to go hand-in-hand given the way they balance each other out. Cop this look or pick your own bright hues for a stylish swap you can't go wrong with.

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Glow-in-the-Dark Acrylic Nails

And, if you really want to make a statement, consider getting not only acrylics but acrylics that glow in the dark.

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