27 Engagement Nail Ideas, As Seen on Our Favorite Celebs

In the era of Instagram announcement posts, with ring finger hand on full display, it’s natural to start planning a nail strategy for when your partner pops the big question. Engagement nails tend to be on the minimalist side—think French manicures or neutral shades—says celebrity manicurist Tom Bachik whose clientele includes Jennifer Lopez and Selena Gomez. But it s your special day (or, the run-up to your special day), so we say the rules are yours to make.

Nail artist Brittney Boyce counts Olivia Rodrigo, Megan Fox, and Kim Kardashian as regular clients, and she reports seeing more experimentation with color and design. The best engagement nail, she says, is the one you love. “This all just comes down to personal style,” she says. For some, that s a short natural nail. For others, it s the Swarovski-encrusted nails J.Lo recently wore (scroll on for the inspiration, of course).

So whether you’ve already found your forever person or are still using those crystals to attract him, her, or them into your life, it’s never too early to start brainstorming. Below are 27 engagement nail ideas to get those glam creative juices flowing. You’ll need this for when you book that nail salon appointment.

Nice and Nude

A throwback to Margot Robbie s Oscar nails in 2021, manicurist Tom Bachik went nude. If you want length but don t have natural nails, try Apres Gel-X Extensions.

Basic Neutral

When it comes to engagement manicures, neutral shades are foolproof—they match everything. This creamy tan acrylic will make any engagement ring stand out. But as with any mani, good grooming is essential. Bachik recommends something like his Tom Bachik Travel Nail Care Set by Tweezerman, which will give your nails, cuticles, etc. some T.L.C.

French Tips

If you’re seeking a subtle design to elevate a bare base, opt for the classic French mani. Bachik painted thick white lines along the tips of Nicola Peltz Beckham’s long square nails for a dynamic look.

Bronze Effect

We’re all about metallic sheens, but there’s something really warm about bronze. Choose this if you’re looking to put a unique spin on a basic bare or brown nail shade.

Classic Red

Looking for some color? Vibrant and alluring, Bachik’s cherry red nail look on Michelle Williams makes for the ideal engagement mani.

Metallic Details

Another subtle way to dress up any mani is with tiny nail art details, as seen here on J. Lo. We love Bachik’s addition of a small silver curve hugging the bottom of the French tip for an unexpected spin on a timeless look.

Deep Mocha

More Jennifer Lopez inspo. This rich chocolate brown with gray undertones not only makes for a great neutral nail, but it also provides the perfect contrast to colored engagement rings. Her green diamond just pops.

Bridal White

It may seem too on-the-nose to wear white engagement nails before you get proposed to. But there’s no arguing that white nails make your engagement ring shine a tiny bit more. (Plus, there’s nothing wrong with expecting that ring; gotta manifest!). Bachik likes to go for creamy white shades that add depth to your nails, like Essie’s Marshmallow.

Chrome Tips

For just a hint of chrome, dress your French mani with textured silver tips. As a base, Boyce likes to use a milky neutral over something opaque and recommends something like the Aprés Nail’s Color Extend Gel Bottle in Carla.

Swarovski Crystals

Married lady Jennifer Lopez wore these Swarovski nails in her This is Me… Now film. Let the sparkle match the stone, if this is your vibe.

Double French

This modern take on a nail trend popular in the 1940s feels crisp and fresh—a bit of nail art, but nothing to distract from the main attraction.

Graphic Designs

For something more unexpected and trendy, mix white and black streaks for a bolder engagement nail. Set these designs against a bare nail to ground the look.

Glossy Gradient

This super-shiny mani has a bit of edge in just the way we like it.

Milk Bath

Ethereal and romantic, milk bath nails evoke inviting calm and a sense of wanderlust (and they’re super-pretty). Blake Lively wears a creamy milk bath base with delicately placed floral decals that accentuate her ring.

Tiffany Blue

Taylor Hill/Getty Images

This Tiffany blue is a rich turquoise with a glossy sheen that will take your IG engagement photo to the next level.

Bare it All

In true “quiet luxury” fashion, Sofia Richie Granger wears her natural short nails with her engagement ring. If you want to keep it bare but still polished, swipe on a clear coat like the OPI Brilliant High-Shine Top Coat, or the Dior Nail Glow Polish that gives you a hint of pink.

Gothic Chic

Once upon a time, the black mani was reserved for Halloween and/or angsty teens. No longer: black nails are a modern classic, and one of the chicest options for an engagement nail look. Just take a cue from Kourtney Kardashian. Dark, edgy, yet still very much romantic—we’re here for it.

Glossy Sheen

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 06: Serena Williams attends the 2019 Met Gala celebrating "Camp: Notes on Fashion" at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 6, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Taylor Hill/FilmMagic)Taylor Hill

If you’re still looking to get that glazed donut-inspired look, add some iridescent shine. Serena Williams goes for sparkly light pink nails that shine bright like her engagement ring.

Muted Mauve

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 27: Ciara arrives at the Revlon s Annual Philanthropic Luncheon at Chateau Marmont on September 27, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage)Steve Granitz

Ciara proves that mauve makes for a great go-to nail color. The mix of purple and pink with cool undertones works for every skin tone.

Golden Hour

Beyonce arrives at the 81st Academy Awards at The Kodak Theatre on February 22, 2009 in Hollywood, California.Steve Granitz

We love this warm gold-orange shade Beyonce sports. It’s got a sheer coverage and a light metallic sheen that doesn’t overpower the stunning ring on her finger.

Pretty in Pink

The creamy shade of this Essie pink polish (it s Bubble Away, an classic shade) is bold but still feels like a neutral.

Frosted Cherry

This is basically the red nail theory’s final boss (if you subscribe to that philosophy, of course). Celebrity nail artist Julie Kandalec credits one of her clients for the idea and describes it as “a deep brick-ish red with white chrome over it.” Striking yet chic, there’s nothing like a classic red to pair with your new ring.

Champagne Accents

A look Kandalec recently did for Emily Blunt, this cool-toned champagne nail with silver French tips is an easy way to elevate a classic mani. (And we re loving the ever popular almond-shaped nail that just elongates the fingers). Here, Kandalec used CND’s Plexigel in Bare Beauty for the base and CND’s Day to Knight for the silver chrome tips.

Two-Toned Nude

@julieknailsnyc

Mixing two different shades in the same color family can add some needed dimension and depth for your engagement nail. “Subtle, yet visually very interesting close up,” says Kandalec of the look. A two-toned nail is a classic (and easy to do, which is always a major plus).

Cat-Eye Ombré

With its velvety feel and mesmerizing shimmers, cat-eye nails are one of the most fun looks you can try—especially for an engagement mani. Either go all out with a full cat-eye or find a happy medium. Kandalec recommends a more subtle variation and suggests starting up top with the cat-eye effect before gradually transitioning it to a more neutral shade at the base, like this KISS Gel Fantasy Magnetic in Drama.

Jewel Tones

Looking for a deep infusion of color? Kandalec says to go for jewel tones. “They’re rich in tone and luxurious,” she says. Her favorite is a cranberry red. But you can also opt for a deep emerald or purple to really make your engagement mani pop.

Something Blue

Why wait for your wedding day to wear something blue? Bring more good energy the minute your partner pops the question and go for a deep blue shade. Kandalec loves something like the Lights Lacquer polish in At Last for a really pretty teal.

Have a beauty or wellness trend you re curious about? We want to know! Send Vogue’s senior beauty wellness editor an email at beauty@vogue.com.