22 Graduation Nail Ideas for Celebrating Your Big Day in Style

Manicure with translucent neutral base, white art deco design, and small rhinestone accents — @lolo.nailedit

Graduations are a time to celebrate not only your personal accomplishments but also your personal style. And while the most obvious areas of self-expression are your outfit and makeup, don't forget that your manicure plays a big role in your special day, too. From turning your tassel to posing for pics with your diploma, your graduation nails will be front and center. You could rep your school colors with abstract art or choose a classic French tip to match the popular white dressing theme at graduations: The possibilities are truly endless. But with the hectic nature of commencement, who has time to find a look? Don't worry—we've got you covered. Ahead, find 22 graduation nail ideas that will help you look (and feel!) your most triumphant while taking the stage.

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Milky Swirls

Neutral manicure with milky white swirl designs — @imarninails / Instagram

Looking for a chic graduation nail idea that's not totally opaque? Opt for a sheer, milky, neutral base with bright white swirls throughout. Here, you can see how beautiful the design looks on longer nails, though you can try a version on any length. If you're looking to add length to your nails ahead of your big day, an easy and safe way to do so is with the Aprés Gel-X Nail Extension Kit.

02 of 22

Gemstone French

French manicure with classic base and tips and rhinestone accents — @heluviee / Instagram

You can never go wrong with a classic French mani, but to give it an extra flair worthy of graduation festivities, consider adding a single gemstone to each nail. The finished look is understated while still offering a wow factor that your classmates are sure to compliment as you line up together for the ceremony.

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Chic Black Ribbons

Manicure with pearlescent pink base and abstract black ribbon design — @brushedbyb_ / Instagram

If you've decided to go with an LBD or want a mani that adds contrast to your white or neutral look, this graduation nail idea is anything but basic. The abstract black ribbons add a subtle edge to the pearlescent pink base while still feeling understated. Since the design doesn't need to be uniform, it's possible to DIY if you're running out of time to schedule a nail appointment.

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White Croc

Another option is to transform a fun-filled summer nail art trend into a graduation-ready mani. By using white polish, you can turn a bold crocodile print into something that feels right at home alongside your formal ensemble.

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Bejeweled Nude

Neutral manicure with rhinestone accents — @lolo.nailedit / Instagram

Hoping to make the whole place shimmer? Top off a demure nude mani with evenly spaced gemstones.

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Dream Come True

Neutral manicure with painterly white cloud designs — @imarninails / Instagram

If you've been dreaming of your graduation for longer than feels humanly possible, a sheer cloud mani is a fun, perfectly appropriate choice. This one goes with classic white designs against a neutral background, but you could also swap either for pastels if you went a more colorful route with your outfit.

07 of 22

Glazed Donut Mani

Classic neutral glazed iridescent manicure with simple gold rings — @heluviee / Instagram

Glazed donut manicures remain a popular pick. To recreate this look, all you need is OPI's Nail Lacquer in Pale to the Chief, topped off with chrome powder. You can either ask for this at the salon or recreate the finish yourself with eyeshadow.

08 of 22

Micro French

Neutral manicure with white baby French tips — @revolvebeauty / Instagram

For a no-frills, graduation-ready mani that looks undeniably chic, keep it simple with a micro French manicure. All you have to do to recreate this look is file your nails, apply a base coat, and add a sheer, neutral allover color. Once dry, use the Orly Half Moon Guides to section out your micro French tips, then fill them in with white polish. Finish with a glossy or matte top coat, depending on your desired look—either is sure to be stunning on your big day.

09 of 22

Neutral Ombré

Light peachy nude to white ombre manicure — @lolo.nailedit / Instagram

The neutral ombré manicure is like a laid-back modern French. It's classic and chic but not as rigid. We're all about it.

10 of 22

Rose Quartz

Give yourself a boost of positive energy with a rose quartz-inspired nail look. It's pale enough to pass as neutral, so it'll pair beautifully with a traditional white graduation outfit.

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Gold Glitter Ombré

Pale neutral manicure with gold glitter ombre overlay — @disseynails / Instagram

This graduation nail idea takes your mani in a subtly sparkly direction by adding an ombré gold glitter overlay to a pale neutral base. The look feels celebratory while keeping a relatively muted profile.

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Art Deco Details

Abstract white and translucent neutral manicure with rhinestone accents — @lolo.nailedit

Rather than classic French tips, consider getting creative with an art deco-inspired negative space design paired with minimalist-glam rhinestones. This one is easily adaptable to any color pairing of your liking.

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Mother of Pearl

Manicure with negative space white split tip design and pearl accents — @heygreatnails / Instagram

Love the idea of an art deco-inspired nail look but hoping for something a bit glitzier? Try a polish with a pearlescent finish paired with pearl accents.

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Graduation Linen Nails

Ivory matte linen nails with white baby French tips — @betina_goldstein / Instagram

Looking to ring in the start of summer as you celebrate your big accomplishment? Linen nails, the trend describing the off-white, matte manis reminiscent of their namesake fabric, are sure to transition perfectly from your graduation ceremony to any parties or travel you have planned afterwards.

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Sheer Vanilla Chrome

Iridescent vanilla glitter manicure — @overglowedit / Instagram

Another mani that lets you embrace your sparkly side, this sheer vanilla chrome moment feels occasion-ready while pairing seamlessly with almost any graduation look. Pair with simple gold or silver rings for a statement that will stand the test of time.

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School Spirt

Close up of rainbow French nails with NYU torch logos. — @vanityprojects / Instagram

For extra credit, transpose your alma mater's logo (or mascot) onto your nails. This bright and fun example features NYU's iconic purple torch.

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Floral Blooms

Close up of nude nails with white and pastel cherry blossom nail art. — @vanityprojects / Instagram

Floral nail designs are a hit all year long, but they become even more popular in April, May, and June when most graduations occur. Take these gorgeous cherry blossom nails, which pull pastel hues from the spring season into each bloom, as a stunning example.

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Class Year

Close up of white nails with gold star and the number "9" and "5" drawn on. — @nailtherapy.co / Instagram

Let's face it: Class rings can get pretty pricey, and many forgo the jewelry to save some money. Manicures emblazoned with your grad year digits, though, are much more affordable and customizable.

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All That Glitters Is Gold

Close up of nude nails with 24K gold leaf design. — @nailtherapy.co / Instagram

Channel that big-baller, tuition-spender vibe onto your nails with a luxe 24k gold leaf design. So chic.

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Something Blue

Baby blue french nails with clear 3D design lines. — @heluviee / Instagram

What color goes best with a white graduation outfit, you ask? Baby blue, of course. We love how this calming color gets a modern update with clear 3D nail art, adding a textured effect.

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Noire Nails

Close up of black French tip nails with silver gem details. — @lolo.nailedit / Instagram

A unique but oh-so-timeless black French manicure is an option to coordinate with a black cap and gown. Leave the look simple or add eye-catching beads, as seen above.

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College Colors

Close up of nude nails with two blue colored lines at the cuticle. — @lolo.nailedit / Instagram

Go ahead, show your school pride. This cuticle line design (which is easy to DIY at home with thin brushes and a steady hand) is begging to have your college's colors swapped in.