Wild Nails and Trends

• Wild Nails and Trends

  Baune advises using the colors and fabrics in your closet as inspiration for nail designs. The sex appeal of a black patent leather trench or stiletto gets dialed way up when paired with a dark, intense, shimmery nail. And a colorful jolt of flowers can contrast beautifully with weekend denim. Read on for StyleList's most creative nail art picks of the season.

• Wild Nails and Trends

  If you want to add a little excitement to your look but can't splurge on a new outfit, we've got some advice: Do your nails. But we're not talking French manicure. We mean wild, crazy, exotic nails. "Nail art isn't just a cutesy thing teenagers do anymore," says Kristina Baune, nail expert at CND. "It's a fashion accessory."
  Image credit: Lisa Maree Williams, Getty Images

• Wild Nails and Trends

  Seeing Stripes
  
  Playful stripes draped over a dreamy creamsicle orange show that you don't take yourself too seriously. Tip: for a straight edge, first lay down a piece of removable tape to act as a ruler while you paint. CND Nail Polish in Souvenir Junkie with Stripes in Jiggy, $6 each, www.goindulge.com.
  Image credit: Photo courtesy of CND

• Wild Nails and Trends

  Boost That French Manicure
  
  Rhinestones instantly dress up and add classic glamour to your French manicure for a special night out on the town. Fing'rs Bling! Nails, $5.99, at select drugstores.
  Image credit: ShopPR

• Wild Nails and Trends

  Call of the Wild
  
  For a fierce look that commands attention, zebra never disappoints. "Unless you have a creative job, an artsy style is best suited for weekends, vacations, and parties -- not the office," Baune suggests. Dashing Diva Nail Polish in Liquid Metal Liv and Dark Tempest, $7.99 each, www.dashingdiva.com
  Image credit: Dashing Diva

• Wild Nails and Trends

  A Royal Affair
  
  An explosion of textures, colors and shapes combine to make this solitaire king a true piece of artwork. But don't try this at home. "Intricate designs are best left to the skill of a talented professional," says Baune. CND Nail Polish in Voodoo, Cream Puff, Company Red and VIP Status, $6 each, www.goindulge.com
  Image credit: Photo courtesy of CND

• Wild Nails and Trends

  What's Your Sign?
  
  This collection of glittering jewels contains a shade for each birthstone of every month. Apply according to the zodiac -- or that special sign you're hoping to attract. Revlon NailJewels, $7.99, at drugstores
  Image credit: ShopPR

• Wild Nails and Trends

  A Classic, Reinvented
  
  Turn a traditional design on its head with an animalistic display of confidence. When painting elaborate art on a French manicure, a square nail shape provides the most room foryour canvas. Dashing Diva Nail Polish in Black Raspberry, Goldies Cream Soda and Dark Tempest, $7.99 each, www.dashingdiva.com
  Image credit: Dashing Diva

• Wild Nails and Trends

  Flower Power
  
  For fuss-free, quick and instant nail art, simply apply a decal, like these dainty blossoms and seal with a topcoat. Removal is a snap too; stickers lift off with an application of nail polish remover. Fing'rs 3D Nail & Toe Art, $2.79, www.harmondiscount.com
  Image credit: ShopPR

• Wild Nails and Trends

  A Walk on The Dark Side
  
  Black lacquered nails and a smattering of rhinestones complete the gothic-chic mood of layered chains and bangles. CND Nail Polish in Voodoo, $6, www.goindulge.com
  Image credit: Photo courtesy of CND