Bow Nails Are Bringing The Coquette Trend To Your Manicure

You guessed it, bow nails are totally in. But why is everyone going so girlie? Well, it seems like the new trend could be a transformation of the Barbiecore summer we had in 2023. Thanks to Margot Robbie's "Barbie," so many of us were rocking all-pink everything and embracing everything girlie, sparkly, and pink — particularly via our clothes and nails. Hey, pink just looks so good on everyone! 

The new and updated version of that girlie aesthetic seems to be leaning more into the coquette and balletcore trends. The two are sort of similar to Barbiecore in their femininity and passion for pink, but in a more delicate, understated way. Think light pinks over neons and think delicate and sophisticated over anything too bold and in your face.

We get it though. Bows and this whole aesthetic may not be your thing and that's totally fine. Not everything is for everyone, after all. But don't think that you can't still rock bow nails just because you're not all about the dainty and delicate. There are more ways of getting in on the trend than you might think, ranging from the uber-feminine to a slightly more edgy take. Don't quite believe us? Then see for yourself.

Ready to make a statement with bow nails that still fit the coquette aesthetic? Then try a 3D nail accessory. A single bow makes for a great accent nail and also leaves your other nails bare to mix it up with other kinds of nail art, making this trend your own. On those nails, you could try something like mini pearls, which are a great match for a girlie yet sophisticated manicure. Bows also go great with smaller rhinestones for a little sparkle.

French manicures will always be a classic, so if you're an unwavering devotee of the staple mani, then you may want to mix bows and Frenchies. Adding a bow (on as many nails as you like!) over the top of a traditional French manicure will change it up just enough without doing anything too dramatic; it's modern yet sophisticated at the same time. What a win!

Applying a gradient effect to your nails from the tip down and then adding a bow over the top is another unique way to bring this trend to life. The shade you opt for is totally up to you, and there are so many fun color combinations you could try here. This looks works particularly well with a color faded into a nude shade though, which will help keep the elegance of the aesthetic alive.

Another way to incorporate a bow (or two, or three...) into your manicure is to paint it on using a lacquer over a neutral or nude background. That way, your bows are the center of attention in a glamorous yet understated way, without having too much going on on your nails. If you still want to add a little more glitz, then try using a glitter polish for some shimmer. Struggling to draw the bow? Then try a sticker or a stencil.

It may take a little longer to apply (and you're going to need a whole heap of patience and a steady hand) but a bow, or multiple bows, created from small gems can look totally stunning. Not only will this bring some extra glam to your look, but it's still feminine and girly at the same time. Perfect for those who love bolder manicures but still want to give this understated trend a go.

Liking the idea of bows painted onto your manicure? Then there are so many ways to make that concept your own. And different colored bows painted onto each nail is just one way to do that. What shades you go for are totally up to you, but this is another way to bring some glitter or shimmer into your look.

We know, we know. The coquette trend is a little more understated and delicate, but you can still be true to that while being a little more maximalist same time. Hey, you've got to stay true to yourself, right? One way to do that is to throw on as many bows or accessories as you like, but going for a shade that's still on the more subtle side. Of course, there's the obvious light pink, but pastel shades like light blue, light yellow, or lilac can also work.