11 Ways To Wear Polka-Dot Nails — Summer's Sweetest Micro Trend
Every year seems to get better and better when it comes to innovative nail trends, but 2025 has already proven to be something of a standout year for manicure inspiration. While maximalist designs like Amalfi-inspired 'Italian summer' nails and 3D beach nails have been taking off for summer, we've spotted a simpler take on nail art emerging as one to watch for the season ahead. Enter: polka-dot nails.
Somewhat of a retro print, this summer's polka-dot manicures balance '80s charm with a modern minimalism, taking a simple dot and transforming it into endless creative nail art looks. Whether it's a monochromatic polka print or a rainbow of mismatched dots, the beauty of polka-dot nails is that they are so versatile. Plus, they pair nicely with basically every other trend out there, from French tips to neon hues. Ahead, find 11 of the very best polka-dot designs dotting our social feeds right now.
Princess Polka
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by AMIRI | biab nails, bespoke facials, lashes + brows | newcastle (@amiri_studio)
Proving that polka-dots are the perfect nail art look for minimalists, this manicure created at Amiri nail salon layers monochromatic polka-dots over a groomed and glossy princess manicure for an ultra-polished look.
Our collective obsession with Pantone's colour of the year, mocha mousse, is continuing into the summer with Caselyn Grover 's coffee-toned manicure proving it. Try Manucurist's Green Nail Polish in Clove, £14, to recreate it at home.
Rainbow Brite
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by GetNailed. (@getnailedkelowna)
Why pick just one colour when you can have, well, 20? This riotously bright nail look by GetNailed salon is essentially a dopamine hit in manicure form. Obsessed.
Chestnut Tips
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by GIA ARTISTRY | Sydney Gel Artist 🍒 (@gia.artiistry)
If you don't fancy an all-over print, then polka-dot French tips are proving popular right now. This look by Gia Artistry uses a warm chestnut brown tone with bright white microdots for a wearable everyday manicure.
True Blue
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Melanie Graves (@overglowedit)
Melanie Graves. Try OPI Blue Lacquer in Blue Them All Away, £15.60, with Essie Gel Couture in Caviar Bar, £10.99.
'80s Excess
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by HATTONNAILS (@elisahatton)
An homage to the more-is-more aesthetic of the '80s, where polka-dot power two-pieces once reigned supreme, this jewellery manicure by Hattonnails embraces opulence in the best way. Quiet luxury? We don't know her.
Milky Sorbet
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Emma Maughan (@___embeauty)
Sorbet shades Emma Maughan. This Barry M Rainbow Reload Nail Paint set, £18, will have you covered for an at-home pastel manicure.
Dotted Borders
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by @beautybyabigailjessica
Rather than going for all-over print, nail tech @beautybyabigailjessica has created a fun polka-dot-bordered manicure to frame some cute floral nail art. A fun and unexpected way to wear spots.
Mix & Match
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by VIBE • NEWCASTLE, NSW (@vibe_nailartistry)
The eclectic mix of French tips, negative space and pops of red makes this striking set created at Newcastle's Vibe nail salon the ultimate cool-girl polka dot manicure.
Jelly Dots
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Shannon Elias (@elias.nails)
Between soap nails and juicy nail tints, it's clear that sheer and dewy manicures have dominated this year. So it makes perfect sense for nail artist Shannon Elias to opt for a pink jelly base for this microscopic polka-dot design. Essie Jelly Gloss in Blush Jelly, £8.99, makes the perfect at-home colour for this look.
Dalmatian Spots
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by SYDNEY'S #1 NAIL & BEAUTY SALON ♡ (@acenails_andbeauty)
Ace Nails and Beauty is seriously glamorous.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Post
a few seconds ago
- New York Post
WWE's legend Trish Stratus announces death of her mom after cancer battle
Trish Stratus' mother has died after a battle with cancer, the WWE Hall of Famer announced on Wednesday. Alice Stratigeas passed away last week, two weeks after Straus cancelled an appearance at a signing in Wales two weeks ago to be by her mom's side. 3 WWE star Trish Stratus announced the death of her mother after a battle with cancer. Trish Stratus/Instagram Advertisement 3 Trish Stratus on stage during the WWE Money in the Bank Kickoff show at Scotiabank Arena on July 5, 2024 in Toronto, Canada. WWE via Getty Images 'My mama is gone. I don't even know how to write this… she passed last week and I haven't been able to find the words,' Straus wrote in a heartbreaking Instagram post on Wednesday. The 49-year-old, who won the WWE Women's championship seven times, wrote that her 'heart feels broken in a way I can't describe' and that her 'life will never be the same.' Advertisement 'It's as if writing the words makes it more real that my best friend, my safe place, my go-to, the one who was there for every single moment of my life, showing up for me in ways that no one else ever could for every milestone, every heartbreak, every joy — is gone. She was always there and now she won't be,' Stratus wrote. 'You've all seen her by my side — cheering me on from the crowd, along for my travels, exceeding expectations as a Nana – practically a second mom to my children. My kids only know a life where their Nana was always there. Explaining to them that she won't be there anymore was one of the hardest things I've had to do.' 3 WWE star Trish Stratus announced the death of her mother after a battle with cancer. Trish Stratus/Instagram Advertisement Straus noted that her mom fought through so many battles in her life with strength that amazed her and even on her hardest days her mom was thinking of others. 'That was my mama — selfless, brave, and full of love,' she wrote. Straus, whose full-time WWE career ran from 2000-2006, has one of the longest women's championship reigns in company history at 448 days. Advertisement She and best friend Lita were the first women to main event 'Monday Night Raw' in 2004. Stratus has made sporadic appearances in WWE since retiring, her latest was to take on Women's champion Tiffany Stratton at the company's second all-women's Evolution premium live event in July.
CNN
26 minutes ago
- CNN
‘The Nicest Judge in the World' dies at 88
'The Nicest Judge in the World' dies at 88 Judge Frank Caprio has died at the age of 88 after a battle with pancreatic cancer, according to a post on his Instagram page. Caprio is known for starring on the reality TV series "Caught in Providence" and for spreading kindness on social media. 00:36 - Source: CNN Vertical Trending Now 15 videos 'The Nicest Judge in the World' dies at 88 Judge Frank Caprio has died at the age of 88 after a battle with pancreatic cancer, according to a post on his Instagram page. Caprio is known for starring on the reality TV series "Caught in Providence" and for spreading kindness on social media. 00:36 - Source: CNN 'The Last of Us' actor reflects on loss of her mom Emmy-nominated actress Kaitlyn Dever, who stars on HBO's 'The Last of Us,' reflects on her mother's memory after she lost a 14-year battle to breast cancer. 01:34 - Source: CNN Vikings face backlash after two male cheerleaders join team Napoleon Jinnies, one the NFL's first male cheerleaders, joined CNN's Boris Sanchez to discuss the backlash the Minnesota Vikings are facing after the team announced this year's cheer squad which included two male cheerleaders. Since the announcement, the two cheerleaders have been receiving hateful comments online. 01:49 - Source: CNN Gas line explosion sends debris flying Three firefighters were injured Tuesday following an explosion caused by a ruptured gas line in Wilmington, North Carolina, fire officials told CNN. 00:58 - Source: CNN Federal immigration agents open fire on a family's vehicle Federal immigration agents opened fire on a family's vehicle during a targeted operation in San Bernardino, California. The Department of Homeland Security says that it was an act of self-defense after a man "struck two CBP officers with his vehicle." 01:45 - Source: CNN Nationwide demonstrations across Israel demanding hostage deal A planned nationwide strike in Israel on Sunday saw hundreds of thousands take part to call on the government to bring the remaining hostages in Gaza home. CNN's Oren Liebermann reports from Tel Aviv. 01:23 - Source: CNN Zines not hashtags: Gen-Z's new protest playbook Gen-Z activists are rethinking protest tools. Opting to go offline over concerns of misinformation and surveillance, zines offer another way to organize. For the latest "The Assignment" podcast episode, CNN's Audie Cornish speaks with artist and organizer Kennedy McDaniel about what's prompting the shift from hashtag activism. 01:51 - Source: CNN Canadian government orders end to Air Canada strike After more than 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants went on strike seeking wage increases and paid compensation for work when planes are on the ground, the Canada Industrial Relations Board has ordered them to return to work according to an announcement by Canadian Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu. 01:05 - Source: CNN Spike Lee's Reaction to Trump's Smithsonian Orders 'To roll back the clock' says Director Spike Lee to CNN's Victor Blackwell in response to President Donald Trump's Smithsonian orders. 01:14 - Source: CNN Russian media reacts positively to Trump-Putin Summit Russian state TV gave a positive coverage of the outcome of the Trump-Putin summit in Alaska, celebrating the handshake between the two leaders. Russian officials also stated that the meeting resulted in progress on sanctions and opened up room for future negotiations. CNN's Fred Pleitgen reports. 01:23 - Source: CNN London's toxic trash 'volcano' Arnolds Field landfill on Launders Lane in east London is better known to locals as the 'Rainham volcano.' The site was used as an illegal dump for years and now, every summer, it bursts into flames, sending plumes of acrid smoke over nearby homes, parks and schools. CNN's Laura Paddison speaks to residents who feel abandoned and trapped. 02:05 - Source: CNN Hong Kong twin pandas turn one Giant panda twins Jia Jia and De De celebrated their first birthdays in Hong Kong on Friday. The cubs were born last August to Ying Ying, who became the oldest giant panda on record to give birth. 00:43 - Source: CNN Football player's emotional press conference sparks conversation University of Nebraska freshman punter, Archie Wilson, left his home in Australia to play for the Cornhuskers. During a press conference, a reporter asked Wilson how he was doing being so far away from his family and his emotional reaction sparked a conversation around masculinity. Writer and philosopher Ryan Holiday joined CNN's Boris Sanchez to discuss. 01:29 - Source: CNN McDonald's Japan causes Pokémon food waste frenzy Piles of untouched Happy Meals littered sidewalks outside McDonald's restaurants in Japan over the weekend, as frenzied customers scrambled to buy limited-edition sets with Pokémon cards. CNN International Correspondent Hanako Montgomery has the story. 00:55 - Source: CNN Taylor Swift unveils album details on boyfriend Travis Kelce's podcast Taylor Swift announced her 12th studio album 'The Life of a Showgirl' will be released on October 3rd. Swift made an appearance on the podcast 'New Heights,' hosted by her boyfriend Travis Kelce and his brother Jason Kelce where they discussed the album 00:48 - Source: CNN
New York Post
30 minutes ago
- New York Post
Why ‘Dawson's Creek' cast is reuniting for first time in 22 years for 1 night only
We don't want to wait for this epic reunion. The cast of 'Dawson's Creek' is set to reunite for the first time since the WB drama went off the air in 2003 after a six season run. In its entirety, the stars of the beloved series will come together at the Richard Rodgers Theatre for a charity event on Sept. 22 for a partnership with F Cancer. 12 'Dawsons Creek' reunion poster. Andy Towle James Van Der Beek, Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams, Busy Philipps, Joshua Jackson, Mary Beth Peil, John Wesley Shipp, Mary-Margaret Humes, Nina Repeta, Kerr Smith, and Meredith Monroe will do a live reading of the show's pilot episode. The reading will benefit F Cancer and Van Der Beek, 48, who was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in 2024. 'Dawson's Creek' alum Jason Moore will direct and produce the show. 12 Michelle Williams, Joshua Jackson, James Van Der Beek, Katie Holmes of 'Dawson's Creek.' ©Columbia Tristar/Courtesy Everett Collection The 54-year-old will also produce the reading alongside Williams, 44, her husband Thomas Kail, the show's creator Kevin Williamson, Carl Ogawa, Maggie Brohn, and Greg Berlanti. Philipps, 46, Smith, 53, and Monroe, 55, joined the series after Season 1 and will also read various parts from the pilot episode. Williamson, 60, spoke about the reunion, sharing, 'I am so excited to reunite with James, Michelle, Katie, Joshua, and our 'Dawson's Creek' family for such a special night.' ''Dawson's Creek' changed my life,' he gushed. 'What began as a personal story about a young man and his friends navigating their way through the challenges of life became so much more than I ever dreamed.' 'It created an enduring fandom and legacy all over the world. I am so honored to be a part of it and to support our beautiful friend, James, as we continue to navigate our way through life and its many challenges,' Williamson concluded. Williams also released her own statement about the charity event. 12 The cast of 'Dawson's Creek.' ©Columbia Tristar/Courtesy Everett Collection 'We grew up in Capeside and that's a bond that will last a lifetime,' the actress detailed. 'We wanted to gather around our dear friend James and remind him that we are all here. We always have been and we always will be. And I know the fans of 'Dawson's Creek' feel the same way.' Van Der Beek teased fans on Instagram with a picture of himself, Williams, Holmes, 46, and Jackson, 47, from the early aughts, set to the drama's theme song, 'I Don't Want to Wait' by Paula Cole. He also quoted the iconic line: 'If we were truly meant to be then we'll find a way back to each other.' 12 Katie Holmes and Joshua Jackson pose together for 'Dawson's Creek.' Getty Images Fans flocked to the comments section to share their excitement, with one social media user writing, 'Millennials need this so much right now.' Another follower gushed, 'OH GOD OKAY IT'S HAPPENING! I'm literally in the middle of a rewatch.' The beloved '90s series quickly became a cult classic. Fans followed Joey (Holmes) as she navigated school after the death of her mother and juggled a love triangle with Dawson (Van Der Beek) and best friend Pacey (Jackson). 12 James Van Der Beek and Katie Holmes star in 'Dawson's Creek' in 1998. Getty Images In July, viewers were sent into a frenzy after Holmes and Jackson reunited for a new movie. The pair was spotted walking down a street in New York City. The 'First Daughter' star later revealed on Instagram that they teamed up for 'Happy Hours,' a new feature film trilogy she is set to write, direct and star in. 12 Katie Holmes as Joey Potter and James Van Der Beek as Dawson Leery in 'Dawson's Creek.' Getty Images 'I am so very grateful to be working again with so many of my wonderful friends on this film HAPPY HOURS,' Holmes teased. 'And working with Josh after so many years is a testament to friendship.' 'HAPPY HOURS is a love story that includes so many people I adore. We can't wait for everyone to see what we make.' While his co-stars are working on a new project, Van Der Beek, meanwhile, has been focusing on his health. 12 Joshua Jackson in 'Dawson's Creek.' Warner Bros. 'I've been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family,' Van Der Beek told People in November after opening up about his health struggles. 'There's reason for optimism, and I'm feeling good,' he added. Earlier this month, Van Der Beek explained there was a subtle colorectal cancer symptom he had ignored before his diagnosis. The actor noticed minor changes in his bowel movements. 12 Katie Holmes, James Van Der Beek, Kerr Smith, Michelle Williams and Joshua Jackson at the 2003 WB Upfront Presentation. WireImage 'There wasn't any red flag or something glaring,' he told Healthline at the time. 'I was healthy. I was doing the cold plunge. I was in amazing cardiovascular shape, and I had stage 3 cancer, and I had no idea.' As Van Der Beek forged ahead with treatments, he reconnected with many of his 'Dawson's Creek' cast members. Turns out, the stars reunited after not speaking for years following the end of the WB series, which ran from 1998 to 2003. 12 Katie Holmes and Joshua Jackson on set in New York City. Jose Perez / BACKGRID 'I've gotten in touch with them recently and it's just been so nice,' he admitted on a March episode of Jana Kramer's 'Whine Down' podcast. 'It's just been so great to talk to them and catch up with like who they are now this many years out and to have that shared experience from back in the day,' expressed Van Der Beek. 'It's just so lovely every time I get to catch up with one of them.' 'We all went our separate ways and just didn't speak for years because we were just living our lives and doing our things,' the actor added. 'And to just kind of reconnect and be like, 'Oh, wow, I love who you've become.'' 12 Katie Holmes and Joshua Jackson reunite in New York City. Jose Perez / BACKGRID Despite moving away from the show to pave his own career in the early 2000s, Van Der Beek doesn't mind reminiscing. 'I have such a nostalgia for it,' he gushed. I don't know whether it's just time or what, but yeah.' In June, Williamson gave fans a bit of hope for a possible reboot. 12 Katie Holmes on set in New York City in August. Steve Sands/ New York Newswire / BACKGRID 'Not in television form. I think there's other ways that [a 'Dawson's Creek' revival] can come to fruition,' he told The Post. 'But I'm not so sure… I feel complete. I feel like we told the story.' The 'Scream' writer said that at the end of the teen drama, 'we even flash forward five years at the end to show where all the characters ended up, and how they were doing.' 12 Joshua Jackson, James Van Der Beek and Stephen Colbert seen at Showtime's Annual Summer Soiree in 2015. Getty Images Williamson stated, 'I feel that's a box, and it's exactly where it should be.' Tickets for the 'Dawson's Creek' event are available for purchase on Friday, Aug. 22, at 1:00 p.m. ET on Broadway Direct.
