Blue is the cool transitional shade everyone's loving right now - here are 8 ways to wear it

From statement pops of cobalt to more understated pastels, blue nail designs are officially on the rise and we've found eight stylish iterations to suit every aesthetic and nail length...

Much like that of green nails, blue is indeed proving to be one of the most versatile colours amongst the 2024 nail trends, as not only is a dark navy ideal for the last months of winter but soft, pastel blues are often a go-to for the spring/summer season.

So far, we've seen variations of the primary colour incorporated into everything, from polished "squoval" nails to subtle French tip nails and it seems we too, can no longer resist its cool-toned charm. Here are eight of the chicest blue manicures, guaranteed to elevate your capsule wardrobe no matter the season...

8 chic and versatile blue nail designs to wear in 2024

From our copious social media scrolling, we've spotted a rise in both dark and vivid blues making the rounds, along with more muted sage tones and even soft pastels. The many iterations mean that no matter your preference, there are bound to be a few blue nail looks in this lineup that appeal to your aesthetic.

Specific polishes like OPI's "Less is Norse" also appear to be key drivers for blue's rise in popularity (much like Chanel's "Rouge Noir" did for dark red nails) offering an affordable alternative to the salon, which is just another point in this colour trend's favour...

Our blue nail staples

1. Cobalt blue nails

Cobalt or royal blue nails are everywhere right now and for good reason. This vibrant shade is perfect for adding a pop of colour to an otherwise simple outfit. And more so, in the wintertime, if you find your long coats and jackets are covering your day-to-day outfits and thus, making them feel a little dull.

For the best payoff, apply two to three coats over one of the best nail strengtheners, like OPI's Nail Envy (at Amazon).

2. Pastel blue short French tips

Short French tip nails are so popular right now, especially among those who love a more minimal manicure or struggle to grow their nails to suit that classic, almond shape. Now, throw in a soft, pastel blue and you've got the perfect, subtle nail look for every season - but especially spring and summer. 

This look can also be created with a vibrant blue - like cobalt - making it a good design option for those who want to try the shade but not commit to an all-out statement blue effect. 

To recreate the signature line, we'd recommend adding a few thin nail art brushes (like this set, from Amazon) to your collection, or a French nail stamper.

3. Almost lilac nails

For all our pastel nail lovers out there, we're obsessed with this pale blue, bordering on lilac hue. It's muted and perfectly understated, meaning it will compliment any outfit but will also offer a spring feel to your look.

This is another one of those cool-toned blues that, while perfect for the warmer months - when softer hues dominate - will also work for winter. We recommend opting for a short, "squoval" nail length with this shade.

4. Minimalistic navy nails

Much like dark red nail colours (like "Black Cherry" and burgundy), navy blue is considered to be one of the chicest and most expensive-looking nail colours out there. There's just something about it that creates this air of maturity and sophistication. Not to mention the fact that it suits all nail shapes and lengths. It's a true staple in your manicure rotation, like that of a navy knit jumper or t-shirt in your wardrobe. 

To get the most out of your navy blue nails, we'd recommend applying two to three coats of your chosen dark blue, before topping it with a high-shine clear coat - which will also help to prevent chipping. 

5. Bright blue French tip nails

As mentioned, if you're looking for a more subtle way to wear blue this season, a classic, almond-shaped French tip is always a good way to go. Any of the blue shades from this list will lend themselves to this design, though we'd recommend a navy or cobalt hue.

Again, to recreate the thin, arching line, you may need either a nail stamper or a thin nail brush (available at Amazon) and a nude nail polish for the base colour.

6. Sage nails

If muted tones are your go-to, this sage look is a must-try. It's a cross between green and blue - appearing almost grey in some lights - and offers a very subtle but chic effect. Its cool tones make it perfect for year-round wear and it's flattering on all nail shapes.

For the best results, we'd suggest applying two to three coats to avoid any streakiness. This shade would also look gorgeous when paired with a chrome or pearlescent top coat.

7. Sky blue nails

If the hunt for summer manicure ideas is what brought you here, you simply can't go wrong with a sky or pale blue nail look. It's a classic that will easily add a pop of summery colour to your outfits - with minimal effort involved. 

8. Steely blue nails

While we love statement royal blues and sapphire shades, we do understand that they're not everyone's cup of tea. But, that being said, if you want to incorporate the blue nail trend into your aesthetic, opt for a greyish tone.