Fall Plaid Nails 2025 23 Ideas: A Trendy Guide to Chic Nail Designs

When it comes to fall nail trends, fall plaid nails 2025 are making a big splash into the world of nail art. As the leaves change color, so do our nail inspirations, shifting to warm, earthy tones and intricate designs that reflect the beauty of the season. In this guide, we dive into some of this year’s most fascinating plaid nail designs, with detailed descriptions, product recommendations, and DIY tips to achieve these looks at home.

Cozy blue and brown plaid nails

This charming design combines a soothing blue with a rich brown, perfect for an almond nail shape. The checkered pattern has been carefully crafted, with thin white and orange lines adding dimension and contrast. This look is both cute and sophisticated, ideal for both casual and formal occasions. The glossy finish enhances the colors, making them stand out while maintaining a polished appearance.

Consumables:

• Blue Nail Polish: OPI Nail Lacquer in ‘My Favorite Gal Pal’
• Brown nail polish: Essie Nail Polish in ‘Clothing Optional’
• White and orange stripe polish: Art Club Nail Art Striper
• Top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top nail polish
• Nail Art Brushes: Winstonia Fine Nail Art Brush Set

DIY tutorial:

1. Prepare your nails by cleaning them and applying a base coat to protect your natural nails.
2. Paint two nails blue and the remaining brown, and apply two coats for full coverage.
3. Using the white stripe polish, draw thin horizontal and vertical lines on each nail to create the checkered pattern.
4. Add orange lines to enhance the design, keeping the lines thin and precise.
5. Seal the design with a top coat to ensure longevity and shine.

Elegant neutral checkered nails

This elegant design features a neutral palette with shades of tan, tan and white, creating a timeless checkered pattern. The short square nails make this design perfect for everyday wear while maintaining a stylish and polished look. The subtle colors and clean lines make it a versatile choice for any occasion and add a touch of sophistication to your nails.

Consumables:

• Brown nail polish: Zoya Nail Polish in ‘Chantal’
• Brown nail polish: OPI Nail Lacquer in ‘You Don’t Know Jacques!’
• White stripe polish: Art Club Nail Art Striper
• Top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top nail polish
• Nail Art Brushes: Winstonia Fine Nail Art Brush Set

DIY tutorial:

1. Start with a base coat to protect your natural nails.
2. Apply brown nail polish to half of the nails and brown nail polish to the other half, applying two coats for full coverage.
3. Create the checkered pattern with the white stripe paint and draw thin lines horizontally and vertically.
4. Add brown lines over the brown nails and brown lines over the brown nails for contrast.
5. Finish with a top coat to set the design and add a glossy shine.

Autumnal transparent checkered nails

This unique design features sheer bases with checkered patterns in orange and brown tones, perfect for showing off the natural nail while adding a touch of autumnal charm. The simple yet intricate design is ideal for those who prefer a minimalist approach but still want to embrace seasonal trends.

Consumables:

• Transparent base coat: Essie Here to Stay Base Coat
• Orange nail polish: China Glaze Nail Lacquer in ‘Stoked to be Soaked’
• Brown Nail Polish: Sally Hansen Color Therapy in ‘Brownie Points’
• White and black stripe polish: Kiss Nail Art Paint
• Top coat: Essie Gel Couture Topcoat
• Nail Art Brushes: Winstonia Fine Nail Art Brush Set

DIY tutorial:

1. Apply a clear base coat to each nail to protect and prepare the design.
2. Use orange and brown striping polish to draw horizontal and vertical lines, creating the checkered pattern on each nail.
3. Add white and black lines for extra contrast and depth.
4. Seal the design with a top coat to ensure durability and shine.

Modern gray and pink checkered nails

A modern take on the classic plaid design, this look combines sleek gray and soft pink with a pop of plaid on one accent nail. The matte finish on the gray nails contrasts beautifully with the glossy pink and plaid, creating a chic and trendy look for fall.

Consumables:

• Gray nail polish: OPI Nail Lacquer in ‘Less is Norse’
• Pink nail polish: Essie Nail Polish in ‘Fiji’
• White stripe polish: Art Club Nail Art Striper
• Top coat: OPI Matte Topcoat
• Nail Art Brushes: Winstonia Fine Nail Art Brush Set

DIY tutorial:

1. Prepare your nails with a base coat to protect your natural nails.
2. Paint most of the nails gray and choose one or two accent nails for the pink polish, applying two coats each.
3. Create a diamond pattern on the accent nails using the white striping polish.
4. Apply a matte top coat to the gray nails and a glossy top coat to the pink and checkered nails to complete the look.

Vibrant multicolored checkered nails

This vibrant design features a bold combination of maroon, mustard and burgundy with a detailed checked pattern. The varied colors and textures make this design stand out, perfect for those who like to make a statement with their nails. The almond shape further enhances the overall elegance and trendyness of this look.

Consumables:

• Maroon Nail Polish: OPI Nail Lacquer in ‘Got the Blues for Red’
• Mustard Nail Polish: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in ‘Sunbrella’
• Burgundy Nail Polish: Essie Nail Polish in ‘Bordeaux’
• White and black stripe polish: Art Club Nail Art Striper
• Top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top nail polish
• Nail Art Brushes: Winstonia Fine Nail Art Brush Set

DIY tutorial:

1. Apply a base coat to protect your natural nails.
2. Paint each nail a different color (maroon, mustard, burgundy) to create a vibrant base.
3. Use white and black striping polish to draw the checkered pattern on each nail, alternating the colors for a cohesive look.
4. Seal the design with a top coat to ensure longevity and shine.

Festive Plaid and Cat Nail Art

This playful design puts a festive twist on plaid nails by incorporating cute cat and pumpkin illustrations. The combination of bright orange, deep blue and creamy white creates a fun and striking manicure, perfect for the holidays. The intricate checkered pattern on some nails contrasts beautifully with the whimsical cat art, making this a delightful choice for fall.

Consumables:

• Orange nail polish: China Glaze Nail Lacquer in ‘Orange Knockout’
• Blue nail polish: Essie Nail Polish in ‘Butler Please’
• White nail polish: OPI Nail Lacquer in ‘Alpine Snow’
• Black stripe polish: Kiss Nail Art Paint
• Nail stickers for cats and pumpkins: Born Pretty Halloween Nail Art Stickers
• Top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top nail polish

DIY tutorial:

1. Start with a base coat to protect your natural nails.
2. Apply orange nail polish to some nails and blue to others, leaving one or two nails for white nail polish as a base for the cat artwork.
3. Create the checkered pattern using the black stripe paint, drawing horizontal and vertical lines.
4. Stick the cat and pumpkin stickers on the white polished nails.
5. Finish with a top coat to seal the design and add shine.

Sophisticated blue and nude checkered nails

This sophisticated design has a soft nude base with a delicate blue checkered pattern. The simplicity of the nude polish combined with the intricate blue lines creates a chic and understated look, perfect for any occasion. This design is ideal for those who prefer a subtle but stylish manicure.

Consumables:

• Nude nail polish: Essie Nail Polish in ‘Topless & Barefoot’
• Blue stripe polish: Art Club Nail Art Striper
• Top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top nail polish
• Nail Art Brushes: Winstonia Fine Nail Art Brush Set

DIY tutorial:

1. To start, apply a base coat.
2. Paint all nails nude and apply two coats for full coverage.
3. Use the blue striping polish to draw thin horizontal and vertical lines, creating the checkered pattern on selected nails.
4. Seal with a top coat to protect the design and add a glossy finish.

Vibrant pink plaid nails

This vibrant pink check design is cool and cheerful, perfect for making a statement. The mix of bright pink with colorful checkered lines in blue, orange and green brings a playful energy to your nails. This look is great for those who like to experiment with fun and vibrant colors.

Consumables:

• Pink nail polish: OPI Nail Lacquer in ‘Pink Flamenco’
• Blue, orange and green stripe polish: Art Club Nail Art Striper Set
• Top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top nail polish
• Nail Art Brushes: Winstonia Fine Nail Art Brush Set

DIY tutorial:

1. Start with a base coat to protect your nails.
2. Apply pink polish to all nails, ensuring an even and opaque finish.
3. Draw horizontal and vertical lines with the blue, orange and green stripe polishes to create the checkered pattern.
4. Finish with a top coat to improve the durability and shine of the design.

Classic green and burgundy checkered nails

This classic design combines rich green with burgundy plaid accents, creating a sophisticated and autumnal look. The deep green nails are perfectly complemented by the detailed diamond pattern on the accent nails, making this a versatile and elegant choice for the season.

Consumables:

• Green nail polish: Essie Nail Polish in ‘Off Tropic’
• Burgundy nail polish: OPI Nail Lacquer in ‘Malaga Wine’
• White stripe polish: Art Club Nail Art Striper
• Top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top nail polish
• Nail Art Brushes: Winstonia Fine Nail Art Brush Set

DIY tutorial:

1. Apply a base coat to all nails.
2. Paint most of the nails green, leaving one or two for the burgundy base.
3. Create the checkered pattern on the burgundy nails using the white striping polish.
4. Finish with a top coat to seal the design and add a glossy finish.

Striking multicolored checkered nails

This bold design features a multi-colored checkered pattern with vibrant shades of red, orange, green and blue. The transparent base allows the colors to shine, creating a dynamic and striking look. This design is perfect for those who like to stand out and embrace a colorful aesthetic.

Consumables:

• Transparent base coat: Essie Here to Stay Base Coat
• Red, orange, green and blue stripe polish: Art Club Nail Art Striper Set
• Top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top nail polish
• Nail Art Brushes: Winstonia Fine Nail Art Brush Set

DIY tutorial:

1. Start with a clear base coat to prepare your nails.
2. Use red, orange, green and blue striping polishes to create horizontal and vertical lines on each nail, creating a diamond pattern.
3. Finish with a top coat to enhance the design and ensure longevity.

Chic blue and beige checkered nails

This chic design features a striking combination of royal blue and beige with a refined diamond pattern. The striking blue accent nail adds a pop of color, while the beige nails with blue and gold plaid provide a classic yet trendy look. Perfect for both casual and formal occasions, this manicure offers a versatile style for the fall season.

Consumables:

• Blue Nail Polish: OPI Nail Lacquer in ‘Dating a Royal’
• Beige nail polish: Essie Nail Polish in ‘Sand Tropez’
• Gold strip polish: Art Club Nail Art Striper in ‘Gold’
• Top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top nail polish
• Nail Art Brushes: Winstonia Fine Nail Art Brush Set

DIY tutorial:

1. Start with a base coat to protect your nails.
2. Paint one nail blue and the rest beige, and apply two coats for full coverage.
3. Create the checkered pattern on the beige nails with blue and gold striping polishes, drawing thin lines both horizontally and vertically.
4. Finish with a top coat to ensure longevity and add shine.

Tight blue checked French tips

This sleek design combines the elegance of French tips with a modern plaid twist. The clear base and blue checkered tips create a stylish and striking look, perfect for those who love a refined yet trendy manicure. This design is ideal for both everyday use and special occasions.

Consumables:

• Transparent base coat: Essie Here to Stay Base Coat
• Blue Nail Polish: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in ‘Tidal Wave’
• White stripe polish: Art Club Nail Art Striper
• Top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top nail polish
• Nail Art Brushes: Winstonia Fine Nail Art Brush Set

DIY tutorial:

1. Apply a transparent base coat to all nails.
2. Paint the tips blue and leave the base exposed for a French tip effect.
3. Create the checkered pattern on the blue points using the white stripe paint, drawing thin lines horizontally and vertically.
4. Finish with a top coat to protect the design and add a glossy finish.

Elegant pink and gold checkered nails

This elegant design has a soft pink base with white and gold checkered accents. The addition of gold glitter on some nails adds a touch of glamour, making this manicure perfect for special occasions. The almond shape enhances the overall sophistication of this look and offers a feminine and stylish option for fall.

Consumables:

• Pink nail polish: Essie nail polish in ‘Ballet Slippers’
• White stripe polish: Art Club Nail Art Striper
• Gold glitter polish: Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear in ‘Golden-I’
• Top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top nail polish
• Nail Art Brushes: Winstonia Fine Nail Art Brush Set

DIY tutorial:

1. Start with a base coat to protect your nails.
2. Paint all nails pink and apply two coats for full coverage.
3. Create the checkered pattern on selected nails using white stripe polish and then add gold glitter accents.
4. Finish with a top coat to ensure longevity and shine.

Transparent purple and blue checkered nails

This unique design has a transparent base with a delicate diamond pattern in purple and blue tones. The soft colors and transparent base create a subtle yet stylish look, perfect for those who prefer a minimalist approach to nail art. This design is versatile and can be worn for any occasion.

Consumables:

• Transparent base coat: Essie Here to Stay Base Coat
• Purple and Blue Stripe Polish: Art Club Nail Art Striper Set
• Top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top nail polish
• Nail Art Brushes: Winstonia Fine Nail Art Brush Set

DIY tutorial:

1. Apply a transparent base coat to all nails.
2. Use purple and blue stripe polishes to draw thin horizontal and vertical lines, creating the checkered pattern.
3. Finish with a top coat to protect the design and add a glossy finish.

Fresh green and white checkered nails

This fresh design combines soft green and white with a hint of yellow to create a cheerful check pattern. The pastel colors make this manicure perfect for those who love a subtle yet stylish look. This design is ideal for everyday wear and can be easily combined with different outfits.

Consumables:

• Green nail polish: Essie Nail Polish in ‘Mint Candy Apple’
• White nail polish: OPI Nail Lacquer in ‘Alpine Snow’
• Yellow stripe polish: Art Club Nail Art Striper
• Top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top nail polish
• Nail Art Brushes: Winstonia Fine Nail Art Brush Set

DIY tutorial:

1. Start with a base coat to protect your nails.
2. Paint some nails green and others white, and apply two coats for full coverage.
3. Create the checkered pattern on the white nails with green and yellow striping polishes.
4. Finish with a top coat to seal the design and add shine.