Everyone’s swapping pale blues for denim-inspired nails this spring. Need proof? It was the top-clicked trend in our April nail colors story—so yeah, you’re into it. And we get why: It’s neither too bright nor too muted, but still has an eye-catching, laid-back vibe. Sound familiar? It should. Faded denim nails channel the same cool, effortless energy as your favorite pair of jeans.
We’re seeing denim-inspired manis pop up all over our social feeds lately, so we rounded up some of our favorite looks. (Finally, a nail trend that isn't named after a food or a drink!) We curated the blue nail polishes—and found the perfect set of press-ons for a denim French— you’ll need to recreate the look at home, should the creative juices get to flowing.
A reliable medium wash
These denim French press-ons
A distressed, sun-bleached wash
This studded denim-inspired look
This ombré light to dark wash mani
This polka dot dark wash-light wash pattern
This retro tri-color wave pattern
Polishes for DIY denim nail art
These denim nail art looks are achieved using a spectrum of cool, muted blue hues that resemble denim washes, ranging from a faded light to a vintage medium to a dark indigo.
Essie’s Ripple Reflect is closest to my go-to pair. Londontown’s Hot Spring is a brighter, spring-ready light wash hue, and Cirque Colors’s Sheer Jelly Polish in Morningtide is like a Y2K faded wash. For a subtle shimmery twist, try ILNP’s Low Rise or Sally Hansen’s Distressed Denim.
Anvita Reddy is a shopping editor at Hearst Magazines with more than five years of editorial experience. She covers beauty, fashion, home, and lifestyle content for brands including Cosmopolitan, ELLE, House Beautiful, Good Housekeeping, Country Living, and Harper’s BAZAAR. Previously, she was an assistant editor at PS Shopping, where she reported on beauty, home and kitchen, fashion, tech, travel, wellness, and lifestyle trends. When she’s not testing the latest skincare and makeup launches or hunting for under-the-radar deals, Anvita can be found binge-watching reality TV, renovating her first home, or honing her cooking skills.
