Nail the Assignment With These 20 Back-to-School Manicure Ideas

The Gist

• Start the school year with a fresh, celebratory manicure.

• Go literal with scholastic motifs, or keep it subtle with bright colors and minimalist designs.

The start of the school year is all about a refresh, complete with fresh textbooks, untouched school supplies, and a new set of nails, of course. Whether you are a student, a teacher, or someone who just loves the smell of a notebook, we've got you.

Back-to-school nails can be right on the nose with scholastic motifs that spell it out for you: paint brushes, gym shoes, and a box of crayons. Or they can be more subdued, with a hint of school spirit that makes every day feel like game day.

No matter what your vibe is, there is a nail set out there to match, so you can feel your absolute best as you begin another academic year. Check out InStyle's favorite back-to-school nails below, so you can have the perfect manicure to look at every time you pick up a newly sharpened pencil.

Crayola Factory

Test out your brand-new pack of Crayons with this colorful French set. Personalize the colors to show off your school pride!

Glitter Glue

No craft supply bin is complete without glitter. But when you're working with real glitter, it will get everywhere from your backpack to your hair, and pieces will still be found in the corners of your desk for generations to come. Show off some glitter that won't last forever with these polished, sparkly nails .

Swim Class

Another lap! These blue nails use a mixture of glitter and shiny polish for a set so fresh you could swim in it. The hexagonal glitter flecks are the perfect pool-tile detail, if we do say so ourselves.

Mother Goose's Homeroom

These nails are perfect for a preschool or Kindergarten teacher. But this floral design is also great for anyone who sees themselves as the mother goose of the class.

After-School TV

'90s Kids: Re-live your school days with this cute design that harkens the days of Nickelodeon in the afternoon and bowling birthday parties in the evening.

Class Characters

Why should just your binders and folders have all the fun? Show off your favorite cute characters with this Hello Kitty set. And just like these nails, give it an extra sparkly finish with metallic laquer, chrome powder, or cat-eye polish .

Back to School Emotions

How are you feeling about returning to the school year? Sadness? Joy? Anxiety? Express all of these emotions and more by putting your Control Console right at your fingertips.

Simple Style

Back to school is busy enough—keep it simple with this cute and classic reversible design. Plus, this manicure is perfect for game day if you use your school colors.

Fruits and Veggies

The start of the school year means making sure every day is filled with the right fruits and vegetables to keep your mind sharp. While these nails won't give you the vitamins you need, they will certainly remind you to get them.

Art Class Hero

Why should artistic expression end with your Painting 101 class? Show off your talents with these cute and colorful nails.

Art History Major, Majorly Cool Nails

Some people's artistic interests lie more in the history books than on an easel. For those who are more museum-minded, these Vincent Van Gogh-inspired nails are the perfect first day of school look.

The Sky is the Limit

Taking an astronomy class this semester? Teaching an astronomy class this semester? These night sky-inspired nails are perfect to show off your love for the stars. However, we don't recommend making an accurate map of the stars on your nails to cheat on tests.

Dress Code Casual

Does your school have a strict dress code...all the way down to your fingertips? Keep it simple and school-approved with this neatly manicured, yet mostly plain and glassy set.

Drama Club President

Are you always looking to stand out and make your big stage debut? Why wait for the fall play tryouts when your nails can stand out on the first day back?

Don't Forget to Do Your I's

Don't forget to dot your "I's" and cross your "T's" when writing in cursive. Also, don't forget this adorable set of white and black polka dot nails .

Simple Glam

Want to keep it simple but still let everyone you are That Girl this semester? This shiny and sophisticated look is perfect for telling everyone that you're an icon...but don't need to yell about it.

Minimalist and Mess-Free

Want a cute design, but simply don't have time before classes to pull together something intricate? Keep it simple and sophisticated with one little dot. It adds just enough of a design to elevate your manicure.

French Class A+

Ace your French test with the perfect set of French nails—these short, micro white tips pair perfectly with a shimmery nude base.

Storybook Beginnings

Are you a creative writing major looking to write your first big novel? Or are you just trying to manifest your own storybook prom? Either way, these are the perfect nail set to get you into a literary movie.

Chrome, Cool, and Collected

Starting a new school year can be stressful, but these nails are extremely chill. Control one of the only things you can with this cool as a cucumber rainbow chrome manicure .

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