42 Classy Graduation Nail Designs to Upgrade your Graduation Look
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Are you looking for cute and classy graduation nail designs for this year? If so, you’ll love these graduation nails to upgrade your graduation outfit and take it to the next level.
Graduation day is one of the most important days in our lives. Whether you’re graduating college or high school, it’s just a big day that you want every single detail of you to be put together.
While you spend so much time getting the perfect graduation outfit and testing out your graduation hairstyle and makeup, you don’t want to forget about getting your nails done for such a big day.
Thus, choosing carefully your graduation nail design is crucial. It will upgrade your graduation outfit and doesn’t turn you from a WOW to a big flop.
You’re probably not aware that your nails can celebrate this big day with you. I can bet you want your graduation pictures to be as perfect as possible (we all aim for perfection).
As I’m graduating college this year, I’ve been hunting graduation nail designs that worth recreating. We look mainly for: Classy, classic, summer vibes graduation nails that will match our graduation dress and style.
As of this, we’ve got you the best graduation nail designs of all time. What I love about these graduation nails is they are for every graduation style and outfit. Whether you’re going for a white graduation dress, red graduation dress or even a black graduation outfit, you’ll find your nail design match.
Not only this, you can even recreate these graduation nail designs yourself and be the next self-made nail artist. I’m saying this, as my friends have actually painted their nails in the car their way to their graduation photos session ahaha. We want your nails to be as perfect as your look.
The Best Graduation Nail Designs
1. Diamond of The First Water
Like a breath of fresh air, these minimalistic, striking white nails are like a blank canvas that represents the new journey you’re setting off on in life.
2. Pink French Tips Graduation Nails
New degree, new you? Graduation nail designs have never looked so extra. These long square French tips are striking.
However, the soft pink nail polish brings a girly, cute vibe to the mix that’s right on trend at the moment.
3. Graduation Year Nails
Ready to go all in with graduation-themed nails? Well, now you can have THE graduation nails; after all, who else is going to have your graduation year written flawlessly across their nails in stunning style?
4. Almond Milky Nails
White is the color of new beginnings and utterly fabulous manicures – and here’s the perfect example of that.
I just love the clean, fresh look of these nails that suit every single fit you wear throughout your graduation week.
5. A Crisp French Mani
This is my and (I think) everyone’s go-to nail idea when they need a chic yet understated look that looks fabulous during all times of the day, occasions, and with all outfits.
The crisp French manicure is like the Little Black Dress (LBD) of nails – it’s always fabulous.
6. Black Pearl Luxury Graduation Nails
These graduation nails are luxurious and glamorous with an edge.
I love the bold black French tips that are elevated by the classy pearl-like nail art that creates a fun yet chic polka dot look.
7. Blue Frenchies
I think these nails are so cute and charming!
There’s something about blue Frenchies that just works. They look so soft and girly and are just lovely to look at.
8. Blue Nail Tips with White Flowers
If I were graduation this year, these are the nails I’d go for! In fact, I’m adding them to my must-try list anyway.
I love the understated yet quirky look of blue French tips that really brings the chic vibes. However, the adorable daisies really complete this look for me.
9. Classic Graduation Red Nails
Call on some fiery vibes with these graduation nails that bring out the best of red.
They’re richly colored, entirely reliable, and look as confident as you’ll feel when you’re celebrating your academic achievements in style.
10. Classic French Nails
Looking for beautiful graduation nail ideas that speak for themselves? Look no further.
These nails exude elegance and sophistication, making for a classy look that you’ll want to show off in all of your graduation photos.
11. Dainty Daisies and Flower Crown Nails
I am head over heels for the gorgeous minimalism of this classic look that’s always laid-back yet extremely stylish at the same time.
The casual look also hints at sunny days ahead, which are sure to be in your future post-graduation.
12. Diamond of the First Water
13. Classy Almond Nails with Black French Tips
I love the gothic-chic vibes of these nails that can add a fashionable edge to any look.
They’re a nice and striking change from the classic white tips and look no less elegant.
14. Double Gold French Tips
There’s something about these nails that remind me of Cleopatra.
Maybe it’s the gold shimmer, or perhaps it’s the luxury vibes. Either way, these glamourous nails are fit for a queen (or empress!).
Related: 45 Hottest College Graduation Dresses That Will Made you Stand Out from the Crowd.
15. Dr.Suess Graduation Nail Design
It’s all happening on these nails! Like a party on your nails, these fantasy-inspired nails are the stuff of dreams.
They’re so creative and incredibly fun – guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone who sees them and must go up on Instagram!
16. Classy White Pearls Nails for Graduation
These whimsical, fairytale nails are so dreamy.
They’re exactly what type of nails I imagine a princess would have – light, charming, a little airy, and oh-so chic.
What’s more, it’s a graduation manicure that matches all types of jewelry and outfits!
17. Elegant White Swirls
White is the color of many graduation nail ideas, representing new beginnings and hope! And here we have that heart-warming shade again, but this time with a trendy twist – swirls.
Yes, swirls, the no.1 superstar on the nail scene for some time now.
So, why not have the most popular nails at your graduation this year?
18. Glitter Gradients Nails
Shine the brightest at your graduation this year with these nails that ensure all eyes are on you.
This dazzling manicure is breathtakingly beautiful, bringing a little hint of magic to any of your graduation fits.
These graduation nails will look as stunning in photos as they do in real life thanks to the shimmery base with a glossy finish – idyllic.
19. Double French Tip Line Nails
Double-lined French tips have been making a comeback for some time now.
The graduation nail design plays on the popular “negative space” nail style while featuring trendy, defined lines.
Yet, despite packing a hugely trendy punch, these graduation nails still look delightfully subtle with just the right amount of understated chicness that’ll look great grabbing your well-deserved scroll.
20. Glittery Pink French Nail Tips
When it comes to graduation nail designs, these artful nails are by far one of my favorites on the list.
I love how it looks like the flowers are floating around the nails creating a more natural, laid-back effect that’s entirely adorable. And don’t even get me started on the stunning pink French tips.
21. Graduation Class Themed Nails
These classic black and white nails with a twist look like modern art. The two milky white accent nails feature gorgeous black swirls that look like paint drops in water.
This mesmerizing scene is dusted with a sprinkling of gold flakes that not only bring the dazzling but also the luxury factor.
Finally, I love the extra glossiness of the black nails that really modernizes this already fabulously futuristic look.
22. Graduation Purple Floral Nails
Bring a little sunshine to your graduation day with these groovy-chic nails that are all personality! Small, square, and stylish, these nails won’t get in the way of any of your graduation activities.
They also bring a super feminine essence that can be seen in the fun mix of lavender flowers, violet Frenchies, and a striking full-colored nail.
23. Graduation Nail Design with Pearly Flowers
Graduation nail designs don’t always have to be short and neat; sometimes, they can be a little OTT, quite astonishing, an altogether utterly gorgeous.
These nails won’t be easy, but they pay off in every way. With them, you’re sure to have the most extravagantly luxurious nails of any graduate and will have to get ready for the avalanche of compliments that are coming your way.
24. Graduation Nails
These nails remind me of a princess gliding across a ballroom.
There are hints of delicate finery and graceful glamour that just shine from these understated glittery graduation nails.
I think they’re the ideal style for anyone who wants a little brightness and a lot of right-on-trend vibes without stealing the show.
25. Nude Stars Almond Graduation Nails
These nails are ideal for celebrating! It’s not every day you wear dazzling stars across your nails, so why not treat yourself to something a little extra special on your big day?
You deserve it. These celestial-chic nails also just happen to be delightfully easy to replicate. Over a clear polish coat, carefully place a small blob of white nail varnish.
Without leaving it time to dry, grab a toothpick and draw the lines of the stars out – simple!
26. Jelly Blue Nails
Straddling the mystical space between ombré and fade, these nails are otherworldly and rather captivating.
Adding to this uniquely “in-between” trends look is the stiletto-oval shape that makes these sky-blue jelly nails the best of both worlds in more ways than one.
27. Knitted Holly Berries Nails
Drawing on vintage inspiration, these nails are incredibly retro-chic and like nothing I’ve ever seen before.
Despite their delicate intricacy, they don’t look messy or overwhelming.
In reality, they’re like perfectly-executed art that may be my favorite take on the classic French tip yet.
28. Paris Style Nails
If high-fashion did nails, this is what I think they’d look like.
They have that cool, unbothered air that comes with looking absolutely flawless and being able to pull off even the boldest of looks with ease.
The creamy-blush background is the perfect striking contrast to the gold and white swirls that look like ribbons elegantly flowing across the nails.
29. Marble Nails
Graduation nail designs sometimes just make sense. These white, almost creamy nails are minimalistic-chic.
They remind me a little bit of the shorter version of the ultra-trendy Hailey Bieber nails that are designed to let your true beauty show.
30. Papillion Classic Clean Nails
These nails are what come to mind when I think of graduation nail ideas. It’s easy to fall in love with them at first, thanks to their light pink glossy shine and delicate square shape.
And not only do they look good, but they feel absolutely fantastic as well, thanks to their short size that won’t get in the way of your graduation fun.
31. Pink Base Black French Tips
Do you dare to wear cut-out nails to your graduation? They’re dramatic, dazzling, and are sure to steal the show.
I love the contrast between the pink base and black tips, which is a look that’s becoming more popular by the year, as you may have already seen from the nail fans gushing over them on social media.
32. Pearly Neon Graduation Nails
I couldn’t stop looking at these nails when I first saw them. There’s so much to see, and I still think I spot a new shade every time I look.
They’re perfectly-executed extravagance at its finest, slotting easily into the gorgeously funky and fun category without being flashy.
Plus, you just know those crystals will twinkle fabulously in photos!
33. Picasso Simple Graduation Nails
These nails are incredibly soothing to look at. Their light-hearted and dainty essence has stolen my heart as much as it brings thoughts of Summer mornings to mind.
The breezy-fresh nails are simple to do yourself, asking only that you apply white tips and carefully smudges of white nail polish to whichever two nails your heart desires.
34. Proper Red Graduation Nails
Stiletto shape and roaring red nail polish are partner’s in crime when it comes to bold, rebellious nails with a stylish edge.
They’re just as sharp and as bright as you and show everyone that you mean business.
35. Pink Natural Nails with Swirls
Artistic and innovative Graduation nail designs have never looked so good.
These delicately gorgeous nails start with a pink base that acts as a strikingly contrasting canvas to the ethereal nail art that plays out on top.
36. Side French Graduation Nail Designs
If you’d like to upgrade your graduation French tips to the next level and earn some style points, this is an easy-to-do and unique manicure for you.
To achieve this trendy look, all you have to do is apply your French tips at an angle and wait for the compliments to start.
37. Simple Graduation Nails with Yellow Flower
I just adore how these graduation nails look like a simple flower garden painted across your nails.
In terms of graduation nail ideas, this floral-fresh manicure has to be one of the most subtly vibrant and gorgeous – it’s sure to steal hearts.
38. Smiley Vibes
Congratulations! All your hard work has paid off, you’re about to graduate, and you’re likely going to be beaming ear to ear.
Let your nails smile with you and show everyone you’re bringing good vibes with these fantastic nails that are as cute as they are cool.
39. Vanilla Nails
I love the polished appeal of these graduation nail designs that look luxurious in their simplicity.
They’re naturally elegant and graceful, with an air of royalty about them.
At the same time, the minimalism is a breath of fresh air that can also act as a clear canvas if you wish to spice up your nails after the big day.
40. Whimsical Clouds Tips
These graduation nails are oh-so-dreamy and fairytale-esque.
They’re a little bit abstract and entirely creative, ensuring no one else will have nails like you.
However, they’re also trendy in that they’re a hot take on the classic French tip – something which the nail scene can’t get enough of at the moment.
41. Yellow Cuffs Nails
Spring is in the air, and new adventures are afoot with these fresh nails that are a fun take on the classic French tip style.
Taking to your cuticles, this graduation nail design is totally one-of-a-kind and desirably bright thanks to the perfect use of yellow nail polish.