Mismatched nails are having *a moment* – again. From asymmetrical designs to different colors on each finger, this trend is all about creative chaos.
There’s just something about intentionally breaking the matching rules that makes any manicure instantly feel more personal, playful and very much “you.”
Here are my favorite 15 mismatched nails I’m absolutely swooning over – and yes, I may have already saved three for my next salon appointment.
15+ Cute Mismatched Nails You’ll Love
Pink and Red Plaid Almond Nails and Cherry Details
I wore something like this last Valentine’s and people noticed the cherries before the red lipstick.
These nails are a romantic comedy in manicure form – sweet, sassy and totally scene-stealing. The mix of patterns and accents is what makes this mismatched nail art work so beautifully.
Plaid Raspberry + Olive Green Short Almond Nails
Unexpected color combo but somehow… perfection. The kind of nails you’d pair with a wool coat and a pumpkin scone. Cozy girl autumn at its chicest with that perfectly mismatched vibe.
Short Red and Blue Winter Plaid Nails
This gives après-ski in Aspen energy. They’re festive without being cliché, bold without being loud. A December essential, if you ask me. The alternating designs create such an interesting mismatched effect.
Pink Plaid Nails with Green Fine Lines
I’d wear these to a picnic and feel ten percent cooler instantly.
The green lines feel like a wink – unexpected, playful, and very Pinterest-core. Perfect example of mismatched nails that still feel cohesive.
Light Pastel Almond Plaid Nails with Silver Stars
These nails are like if cotton candy went to fashion school. The mix of patterns and star accents creates that perfect mismatched aesthetic.
Dark Burgundy and Blue Plaid Nail Designs
Moody, mysterious, and totally sophisticated. I love this for rainy days and leather jackets.
You know, the vibe where you’re reading Joan Didion but also checking your Bumble. The contrasting colors make this mismatched look so intentional.
Olive and Burgundy Plaid Short Nails
If fall had a uniform, these nails would be part of it. Perfect with a chai latte in hand and a knit scarf that doubles as a blanket. The varied patterns on each nail are such a vibe.
Brown and Pink Plaid Nails with Bow Details
That little bow detail? Obsessed. They’re feminine without being fussy.
I wore bows like this on my birthday last year and I’m pretty sure they made the cake taste better. The mix of solid colors and patterns is what makes this mismatched nail art so charming.
Cute Simple Black Plaid Almond Nails
These are clean, minimal, but still interesting. Like if a turtleneck became a nail look. The kind of manicure that makes you feel smart and expensive. Different designs on each nail create subtle mismatched sophistication.
Long Coffin French Plaid Nails with Brown and Pink Details
French tips with a twist. If Barbie went to boarding school in Vermont, these would be her nails. I’d wear them with a trench and an attitude. The asymmetrical design placement is everything.
Dark Red Coffin French Tip Nails
Okay, technically not full pattern matching – but the color combo? Total fall moment.
These are “showing up to dinner with your ex and winning” nails. Trust me. The varied accent nails make this feel intentionally mismatched.
Long Fall Brown Plaid Nail Design
These scream pumpkin patch photo-op. The pattern feels almost vintage, and the shape adds just the right amount of drama. I love a manicure with storytelling energy. Each nail tells its own little story.
Purple and Dark Grey Plaid Nails
This one surprised me – in the best way. The color combo is so grown-up, like cashmere and dark chocolate.
I’d pair this with a deep berry lip and a silk blouse, easy. The alternating patterns create such beautiful visual interest.
Cute Cherry Red Plaid Nails
Bright, bold and totally Gilmore Girls-coded. You can’t wear these and not feel like you’ve got witty banter locked and loaded. Lorelai would approve. The mix of designs makes them feel perfectly imperfect.
Cute Plaid Blueberry Blue and Butter Yellow Nails
Blueberry and butter? Delicious. These are sunshine-in-September nails – perfect when you’re not ready to let go of summer but still want that fall vibe creeping in. The contrasting colors on different nails are what make this work.
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And as you know, I seriously love seeing your takes on the looks and ideas on here - that means the world to me! If you recreate something, please share it here in the comments or feel free to send me a pic. I'm always excited to meet y'all! ✨🤍
Xoxo Isabella
