Polka-dot nails have officially crossed over from summer trend to fashion week staple. The print was one of the most consistent visuals of the spring/summer 2026 shows, appearing not only on clothes but also on the fingertips of models across NYFW, turning a nostalgic pattern into one of the season’s chicest beauty statements.
Celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec says the timing of the resurgence makes sense: “As soon as Labor Day ends, so many industries are full-steam ahead – school is back, NYFW kicks off, awards season starts, People are extra busy in September, and they want the fastest nail art that isn’t boring,” she says. “Polka dots are ultra-accessible and look cool and chic in almost any colorway.”
Backstage, the trend showed up in several iterations. Even off the runway, stylish showgoers were spotted (pun intended) with dotted manicures, proving the trend was everywhere you looked. Polka-dots were just as present on the runway itself, showing up on bubble-hem minis at Private Policy, circle skirts at Khaite (including Kendall Jenner’s standout look), and bold black-and-white prints at Christian Siriano – proof this playful pattern isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
Celebrities have been fueling the polka-dot nail renaissance for months. Hailey Bieber tried the look with butter-yellow micro-dots, Sabrina Carpenter added a hint of sparkle with rhinestone accents, and stars like Sydney Sweeney, Dua Lipa, and Kylie Jenner have all shown off their own versions – from playful red-and-white sets to sleek chrome dots and French tips scattered with spots.
If you’re tempted to try it yourself, Kandalec says the design is easier than it looks: “Use a stylus pen for perfect large polka dots, or a dotting tool or the back end of a paintbrush for smaller ones,” she says. “The stylus is my favorite trick because it’s ‘squishy,’ so it won’t slide off the nail as you’re trying to stamp it.” She suggests
Polka dots might have nostalgic roots, but this NYFW confirmed they’re officially modern and fashion-forward, and if the runways are any indication, we’ll be dotting our nails straight into 2026. Keep scrolling for the best polka-dot nail moments we spotted all fashion week long – plus plenty of inspiration to help you recreate the look this fall.
