Your Girl Knows’ product recommendations are handpicked by our editorial team and given the seal of approval by Harman herself. When you buy something through our affiliate links, we might earn a little commission—at no extra cost to you! We only recommend products we genuinely love. Please read my Disclosure Policy for additional information.
Graduation day is almost here! You’ve got the perfect dress picked out, your cap ready to toss in the air, and an epic party waiting to celebrate your achievements. But hold up—you’re not seriously planning to hold that hard-earned degree with chipped or boring nails… are you? 😱
Don’t worry; i’ve got you covered! From classy to bold, understated to extra (because you’ve earned it!), this list is packed with graduation nail ideas that’ll take your outfit—and photos—to the next level. Because your nails deserve just as much applause as you do!
Scroll past these gorg graduation nail designs now!
1. pearlescent nails
Why settle for basic tips when you can add some luxe vibes with pearly goodness? Picture soft, pearly nail tips topped with dainty 3D pearls. They’re giving sweet, subtle elegance that screams, “I’m a grad, but make it classy.”
2. rhinestone mani
Want your nails to SPARKLE like your future? (Haha—too cliché? Oh well, it’s true.) Add rhinestones to a glossy nude base for that perfect mix of glam and understated chic. Bonus tip? Keep it simple and scatter a few rhinestones, or go full-blown extra with all-over sparkles—you do YOU, girl!
3. glazed donut nails
Hailey Bieber’s glazed donut nails are still the moment. They work with every outfit and give you that extra “I’m too cool for drama” vibe. Plus, they’re neutral enough to keep Mom happy during family photos. Perfection, right?
4. sparkly frenchies
Classic French tips just got an upgrade! Swap out your typical white for glitter tips on a dreamy milky base. The sparkle catches the light in the best way possible—ideal for those “throw your cap in the air” photos.
5. cutesy bow on frenchies
What’s cuter than a tiny bow design? NOTHING. Add a dainty bow or two on top of a glazed donut base paired with French tips for nails that are almost too adorable to handle. Seriously, people won’t stop staring.
6. red ribbon detailing
A bold pop of red on classic French tips? Iconic. Imagine little red ribbon accents swirling delicately across your nails. It’s giving Pinterest-worthy vibes while channeling confidence. Red symbolizes success, so hey, totally on theme for graduation!
7. Floral Frost on Nude
Soft florals and frosty details—because why not bring a touch of spring to the ceremony? The frosted nude finish with dainty floral designs is equal parts classy and whimsical, perfect for anyone who wants their nails to look elegantly fun.
8. Lustrous Cherries
Sweet, playful, and oh-so-trendy. Take your pearly mani to the next level with tiny cherry illustrations (seriously, how cute are cherries?!). They’ll low-key steal the show without overshadowing your fab outfit.
9. Glam Glazed Frenchies
Sophisticated with a sprinkle of glam? Yes, please! Think pearly glazed nails paired with dainty gold bows. It’s like your nails are wearing little graduation caps—so extra, but in the best way.
10. hailey bieber inspired frenchies
Minimalist but make it chic. Channel Hailey Bieber’s viral “glazed donut” nails with a soft chrome finish. Perfect for anyone wanting a timeless and trendy look. Bonus? They’ll slay in every ‘Gram close-up.
11. Retro Starry Nights
Why choose one vibe when you can mix vintage and fun? Think nude base with shimmery stars sprinkled across like a cosmic masterpiece. Your hands will look like they’re holding the galaxy—just like your future!
12. 24K Frenchies
Because who says graduation can’t be golden? Take your classic French mani and jazz it up with metallic gold tips. It’s like wearing a little trophy on every finger. Fancy, much?
13. Star Graduate 2025
Literally wear your star status on your nails. Go for white nails with golden and silver star accents. Plus, adding a “2025” decal takes these nails to the next level. Iconic much?
14. Crowned for Success
‘Cause you’re basically royalty now, right? Add mini crown decals over a soft pastel base. Think princess meets Valedictorian vibes. Yep, your nails said it first—you’re a queen.
15. Shimmering Swirls
Give your nails some artsy flair with metallic swirling designs over a neutral, glossy base. It’s abstract, fun, and oh-so-Instagramable. Be prepared to get all the DMs asking for nail inspo.
16. Subtle Sparkle tips
Keep it classy but glitzy with barely-there glitter tips. Pair with a nude base for that “I woke up like this” elegance. Perfect for those who prefer sparkle without the drama.
17. Celestial Cat-Eye
Reach for the stars—literally! Cat-eye nails with a cosmic glow give off major intergalactic diva vibes. Think magnetic polish that shimmers when it catches the light. Bonus? It’s the perfect conversation starter when someone asks, “OMG, where’d you get your nails done?”
18. pastel florals
Why choose one flower when you can have a whole flower garden on your nails? Pastels + dainty floral designs = total springtime aesthetic. Perfect for basking in post-grad freedom while channeling your inner cottagecore queen.
19. outlined tips
Minimalist but make it edgy? Outlined tips deliver crisp, chic vibes that match everything—whether it’s your cap and gown or your fav party dress. Go with blue outlines if you want grown-up elegance or neon for something wild and unexpected.
20. minimalistic nails
Classic French tips but sprinkle in cute, tiny hearts? Ugh, yes please! This look screams sweet but savage. Who says heart nails are only for February? Hearts are timeless, babe.
21. florals on frenchies
French tips just got a MAJOR upgrade. Add delicate blue floral designs, then throw in some pearls or mini charms for that top-tier soft girl energy. Pro tip? They’ll match your class ring like a dream.
22. elegant b&w nails
Looking for a vibe that’s posh and polished? Black-and-white nails never miss. Try a mix of abstract lines, floral art, polka dots, or chic matte finishes. It’s giving “I’m sophisticated and I know it!”
23. Half Bloom, Full Beauty
Who says flowers have to take up the whole nail? With this design, floral blossoms peek out from the edges of your nails—it’s subtle, chic, and totally classy. Oh, and it pairs well with literally any outfit post-grad brunch throws at you!
24. Dainty Petals & Sparkle
Tiny petals meet a splash of glitter? Obsessed. This is the nail art equivalent of graduating with honors—it’s soft, delicate, but with just enough sparkle to say, “Notice me, I’ve arrived.”
25. Bluebell Bloom
Soft, pastel blue nails with tiny floral accents? Yes, please! This dreamy mani screams “dainty queen” while still giving off those spring vibes. Pair it with a white gown, and you’re Pinterest-ready.
26. barbiecore inspired mani
Barbie is in her era, and so are you! Think baby pink nails with a hint of sparkle or a glossy finish. Channel your inner Barbie and make heads turn with this iconic look.
27. rhinestones & frenchies
Give the classic French manicure a glow-up by adding a sprinkle of rhinestones. It’s classy AND extra—exactly what you need to shine on your big day. Perfect if you want your nails to sparkle as much as your smile!
28. chic white florals
Why mess with perfection? White nails with intricate floral designs keep it simple yet oh-so-elegant. Think soft, classy, and timeless—just like you’re about to be in those grad photos.
29. Velvet Glow Frenchies
Talk about leveling up French tips! Imagine soft velvet-like shimmer paired with those clean, minimalist tips. It’s giving luxe without trying too hard…because you’re naturally THAT GIRL.
30. Gleaming Spirals
If you’re all about the drama, this is for you. High-shine nails with spiral designs in metallic gold or silver are beyond cool. It’s like a party on your nails, and you’re the guest of honor.
31. cute gold frenchies
Take your French mani up a notch with metallic gold tips. The perfect blend of subtle and bougie, this design will have everyone asking, “Where did you get those done?!”
32. charms & rhinestones
Why settle for one when you can have both?! Layer on some tiny charms and rhinestones over a shimmery base coat. It’s maximum glam with zero effort—because we know you’ve already worked hard for that diploma!
33. bows & pearls
Nothing says cute meets classy like tiny bows and itty-bitty pearls on a soft pink base. It’s giving Audrey Hepburn vibes but for 2024 grads. Channel your inner chic icon and own that stage!
34. white mani with dainty florals
Clean, fresh, and full of charm. A white mani paired with delicate floral designs makes the perfect understated yet stunning look. Bonus points if your florals coordinate with your dress!
