24 Short, Nude Nail Ideas That Are Anything But Basic

short nude nails — @lolo.nailedit / Instagram

While we'll always be game to experiment with colorful manicures, sometimes all we want is a nude nail look. Nude manicures come in a range of flesh-tone hues, spanning neutral shades like brown, tan, and pink. These muted manis are always simple, sophisticated, and stunning. To show you the many ways you can wear a nude nail look, we rounded up 24 examples worth recreating. Check them out, below.

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Cocoa Nude Nails

This cocoa nude manicure is so chic. The high-shine, shimmery polish and the cuticle cutouts elevate this neutral nail look.

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Gradient Nude Nails

Creamy Nude Nails - Byrdie Short Nude Nail Ideas — @lolo.nailedit / Instagram

At first glance, you might think this nude nail look features a single polish. In reality, it's a trio of neutral shades. The subtle gradient effect keeps the minimalist mani exciting.

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Abstract Nude Nails

Abstract Nude Nail Ideas - Byrdie Short Nude Nail Ideas — @nailsbycanishiea / Instagram

For a more artsy look, consider a multi-shade abstract neutral manicure. This matte masterpiece features intricate detailing and different designs on each nail, giving the manicure a mismatched feel.

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Toasted Caramel Nude Nails

Arched Matte Nude Nails - Byrdie Short Nude Nail Ideas — @nailsbycanishiea / Instagram

Speaking of matte nails, we definitely want to copy this toasted caramel abstract manicure. The two-tone color palette and fine-line detailing make this a mesmerizing mani.

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Daisy Nude Nails

Daisy Dotted Nude Nails - Byrdie Short Nude Nail Ideas — @phoebesummernails / Instagram

Floral nail art might bring images of colorful blooms to mind, but here's proof that you can make a statement with neutral tones. These black-and-white daisies pop against the beige base.

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Gold Ombré Tips

Gold Ombre Tips - Byrdie Short Nude Nail Ideas — @betina_goldstein / Instagram

For a sparkly take on a nude manicure, consider this gold ombré design. Focus the gold polish on the tips of your nails to create a subtle gradient effect.

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Mismatched Nude Nails

Ice Cream Nude Nails - Byrdie Short Nude Nail Ideas — @_cosmetic.doll._ / Instagram

For a truly nude nail look, opt for ultra-glossy clear polish. Add cool nail art to the mix to make the mani a bit more fun. This example incorporates designs like smiley faces and ice cream drips.

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Asymmetrical Nude Nails

Micro Pastel Asymmetric Tips - Byrdie Short Nude Nail Ideas — @nailsbysuman / Instagram

Want a little splash of color? Enhance your milky nude manicure with asymmetrical pastel tips. Add a different color to each tip to give the nail look a playful edge.

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Baby French Nude Nails

Milky Micro French Tips - Byrdie Short Nude Nail Ideas — @betina_goldstein / Instagram

This might be the most perfect wedding manicure. Start with a milky base and then add a stark white line across the top of each nail to create a beautiful baby French mani.

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Mirrored Dewdrop Nude Nails

This sculptural dewdrop manicure is a work of art. Apply a barely-there nude polish to your nails and accent two fingers with the 3D nails.

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Skittle Daisy Nails

A rainbow of nude nail polishes? We're here for it. After applying your base colors, use a nail art brush to create the simple little daisies.

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Peachy Nude Nails

Pinky Peach Nude Nails - Byrdie Short Nude Nail Ideas — @themimid / Instagram

For a super pared-back look, forego any nail art. Letting your polish shine on its own is a classic way to sport a nude manicure.

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Retro Matte Nude Nails

Accentuate your tips with a rainbow of nude polishes. The design is pretty groovy, and relatively simple to recreate. The matte texture takes the manicure to another level.

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Rose Quartz Nails

A rose quartz-inspired manicure still falls into the nude territory. Start with a sheer pink base and top it off with ultra-fine white lines to mimic the stone's unique appearance.

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Sheer Chrome Nude Nails

Sheer Chrome Short Nails - Byrdie Short Nude Nail Ideas — @saruhnails / Instagram

This is another nail look that would work well for a wedding. Choosing a translucent, shimmery nail polish makes achieving a "your nails but better" look easy.

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Soft Pink Nude Nails

Prefer a rosy nail look? This baby pink manicure will be right up your alley. Each manicure features a different shade on each nail to create a soft yet striking ombré effect.

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Creamy Nude Nails

Soft Sand Nude Nails - Byrdie Short Nude Nail Ideas — @lolo.nailedit / Instagram

Go for a classic nude look with this creamy tan set. The sandy shade is simple but absolutely striking.

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Shimmery Nude Nails

Sun-Kissed Shimmer Nails - Byrdie Short Nude Nail Ideas — @nailsbycanishiea / Instagram

Choose a sparkly velvet polish to make your nude manicure even more intriguing. To keep the look balanced, add a swipe of plain tan polish along the cuticle.

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Totally Nude Nails

Glossy Natural Nails — @saruhnails / Instagram

When we think of nude nails, manicures like this come to mind. This textbook example features the perfect barely-there polish with an ultra-glossy finish.

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Marble Nude Nails

short square nude nails — @brownluxenails / instagram

Square nails are trending—and for good reason. This manicure highlights the beauty of square nails with nude polish and marble accent designs.

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Accent Nude Nails

nude almond nails with white stripe accents — @brownluxenails / Instagram

If you want a minimalist mani with a bit of flair, consider this look. While the almond-shaped nails are coated with a glossy nude polish, a few fingers feature cool white accents.

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Cheetah Nude Nails

nude nails with cheetah print accents — @imarninails / instagram

This manicure proves that you can take a minimalist and maximalist approach to a nude manicure. One side features high-shine nude polish, while the other features bold cheetah print designs.

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