When it comes to showstopping manicures, nothing says costume-inspired like metallic polish. At the 2026 Met Gala, shimmering manicures were out in their droves to honour the “Fashion Is Art” dress code. Official livestream co-host, Ashley Graham’s silver talons – an ode to artists who paint with their hands – were unmissable, while BlackPink’s Jisoo, Lisa and Jennie brought wildly different iterations of the manicure to the red carpet. Ananya Birla was also firmly on-theme, matching her nails to a striking metal mask.
While naked manicures are often favoured by minimalists, metallic nails can look just as timeless. “This summer is all about being bold,” Parisian nail artist Andréa Barbet previously told Vogue, sharing that vibrant and daring shades are back on the menu. Whether you opt for silver (like many of the Met Gala 2026 attendees), gold or even copper, there is an endless list of designs to choose from. One popular style is the metallic French, which adds an alternative edge to the classic white-tipped manicure. Jennie Kim took this pared-back approach up a notch by choosing a minimal, beige base and topping her nails with iridescent chrome varnish, while Jisoo added subtle silver accents throughout.
Almond nails pair well with metallic manicures, due to the soft, tapered end towards the top, which catches the light beautifully. Patience is your friend when attempting this at home. “If you’re tapering the edges when it’s too short, not only will the nails look unnatural, but they can be prone to stress and breakage,” manicurist Georgia Barker previously shared with Vogue.
For those who are loyal to short nail lengths, a circular-shaped manicure also allows you to play with design and texture, without looking or feeling too excessive for everyday wear. The real key to a long-lasting, neat manicure is all in the prep. Clean cuticles and expertly filed nails will leave your hands looking chic, no matter which serotonin-boosting design you choose.
Read More: Met Gala 2026 Red Carpet
