There s a new trending nail motif in town—and it s just on the dot for summer (pun intended). Meet the polka dot manicure, recently spotted on celebrities like Dua Lipa, Hailey Bieber, and more.
For keen observers, the evidence of an imminent polka dot resurgence was visible in the fall/winter collections. From Isabel Marant to Fendi and Conner Ives, the ’80s print was spotted across dresses, bags, and even veils. Then the stars got involved. Singers Raye and Dua Lipa were sporting the sweetest polka-dot dresses by spring, while Katie Holmes stepped out in navy and white polka dot heels.
Now, polka dots are popping up in the beauty sphere by way of our manicures. Celebrities such as Sabrina Carpenter and Addison Rae have been decorating their nails with dots in recent weeks.
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Los Angeles-based pop star Lydia Night has also joined in on the fun, donning a contrasting polka dot set to attend Ascot. “I usually go for plain manicures because I play guitar. These nails are cute, funky, and classic—the perfect way to jazz things up,” she tells Vogue.
“There’s a definite shift towards designs that feel both retro and fresh, and polka dots strike that perfect balance,” manicurist Georgia Barker says. “Because of their versatility, you can keep them simple and minimal, or dial up the drama with clashing colors.”
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As for the perfect polka dot nail shape? Barker maintains that squoval and almond are the way to go, as they offer enough surface area to play with but aren’t too sharp or long. Rounder, natural nails also work well for this design, especially with when you re off to a music fest.
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According to session nail artist Trish Lomax, dainty nail art continues to grow in popularity. “Simple designs, such as little accents to each nail via dotting, stamping, and embossing techniques, add life to your manicures,” she shares with Vogue. “There is no rule when it comes to nail art, anything goes, and you can be as creative as you want to be.”
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