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

OPI Nail Lacquer

RRP: £14.90

This is the perfect dark, icy blue shade which is currently dominating our Instagram feed. It offers a deep colour pay-off and looks so chic on short, square nails.

DIOR Vernis Nail Polish

RRP: £26

For those who prefer more muted tones but still want to embrace the blue nail season, this "Demin" polish from Dior is a must-try. It's a grey-blue that looks to mimic your favourite pair of jeans!

OPI Nail Polish

RRP: £14.90

If you're a lover of dark nail colours, this midnight hue is the perfect way to incorporate blue into your next manicure. The shade itself features a hint of green and will perfectly complement any nail shape.

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).

Nails Inc. Nail Polish in Shade "Inner Peace of Me"

RRP: £9

This shade from Nails Inc. is the perfect cobalt hue and is a must for recreating this simple but bold look.

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.

Essie Original Nail Polish in Shade "Salt Water Happy"

RRP: £8.99

This pastel blue shade is perfect for spring/summer and will create a very dainty French mani

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.

OPI Classic Nail Polish in Shade "You're such a Budapest"

RRP: £14.90

This shade is the perfect blend of purple and blue tones that will look oh-so-flattering on your fingertips.

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.

Dior Vernis in Shade "902 Pied-De-Poule"

RRP: £27

If you're looking to recreate this sophisticated navy manicure, this shade from Dior is perfect.

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.

OPI Classic Nail Polish in Shade "No Room for the Blues"

RRP: £13.50

This mid-blue shade is so versatile as it works for both winter and summer nail looks.

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.

Essie Original Nail Polish in Shade "893 Caught Under The Rain"

RRP: £8

For a more subtle look, opt for this sage, grey-blue shade - which is also great for spring/summer!

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.

Barry M In a Flash Quick Dry Nail Paint in Shade "Speedy Sky Blue"

RRP: £3.99

Reserved for sunny days and lounging by the pool, this bright sky blue is the ultimate summer shade.

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.

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Polish in Shade "Slow M-ocean"

RRP: £4.99

We adore this cool grey shade, especially for an easy but expensive winter nail look, at home.