Simone Biles is in her polka dot era. On August 20, the Olympic gymnast posted a selfie on her Instagram stories after revealing that she’s spending some time in Australia with her sister, Adria Biles. For the occasion, the athlete kept things simple with a plain white t-shirt, silver jewelry, and her now signature bob hairstyle. She added a pop of color to the look via her trendy polka dot manicure that I am now itching to recreate.
Biles’s nails were first painted a deep, vampy red color, almost veering on the side of a wine shade. She then added white polka dots all over each nail, the contrast adding an almost pop-art feel to the manicure. A glossy top coat finished the look and added some gorgeous shine. Polka dot nails have been extremely popular this summer, and if Biles’s latest manicures are any indication, it’s clear that she’s a big fan of the trend. In fact, this is a look that she has worn before. On another trip that she took this summer to the British Virgin Islands, where she was accompanied by fellow Chicago Bears WAGs (the wives and girlfriends of professional athletes), Biles wore a black-and-white version of this same manicure. She did the inverse of her current look, opting for a white base color instead of using the hue for nail art, and black for the dotted design.
Biles isn’t the only celebrity who’s been championing the look. Back in June, Sabrina Carpenter wore a pink version of the polka dot nail, with scattered crystals and white dots. Just one month later, Kylie Jenner showed off a French tip version of the trend via her Instagram story. If Hollywood has any say in it, it’s clear that this manicure trend isn’t going anywhere any time soon. Polka dot nails are one of the easier manicures that I’ve learned to DIY over the years, so keep reading to find out exactly what you’ll need to make recreating Biles’s new manicure a breeze.
When Simone Biles speaks—or in this case, flashes her nails—the world listens. Known for her unmatched talent on the gymnastics floor, Biles has also become a style icon who sets trends beyond the arena. This fall, she’s putting the spotlight on an unexpected yet playful nail design: polka dots. And just like that, the humble polka dot has transformed from a vintage print to the hottest manicure of the season. So, why is everyone suddenly obsessed with polka dot nails? Let’s dive deep into how Simone Biles turned this fun, retro design into fall’s must-have manicure trend.
The Rise of Polka Dot Nails
Polka dots have always been a fashion classic. They’ve shown up in dresses, scarves, and even runway looks. But nails? That’s where Simone Biles is shaking things up. Her recent manicure—sleek, stylish, and dotted with flair—has caught the internet’s attention, sparking thousands of recreations on TikTok and Instagram.
Why Simone Biles Nails Trends Every Time
Simone isn’t just known for her gymnastic flips; she flips beauty standards too. Whenever she debuts a new look—be it braids, a bold outfit, or a chic manicure—it sets off a ripple effect. Why? Because she embodies confidence and fun. Her polka dot nails are not just cute; they send a message: playful can be powerful.
Polka Dots: Nostalgic Yet Modern
There’s something timeless about polka dots. They remind us of retro vibes from the ’50s and ’60s, yet they can be easily modernized with color, size, and placement. Think of them as the “jeans” of nail art—they never really go out of style, they just evolve.
The Psychology of Polka Dots
Fun fact: polka dots are linked to joy and playfulness. Psychologists say patterns like dots trigger feelings of happiness and lightheartedness. So, rocking polka dot nails this fall isn’t just stylish—it’s mood-boosting.
Why Fall Is Perfect For Polka Dots
Fall is typically about warm tones, cozy vibes, and muted palettes. But polka dots break the monotony. They add a pop of personality without being overwhelming. Imagine a deep burgundy nail dotted with gold, or a forest green base with tiny white specks—sophisticated, yet fun.
Celebrity Nail Trends We Can’t Ignore
Simone Biles isn’t the only star putting nail art on the map. Celebrities like Zendaya, Lizzo, and Dua Lipa are known for bold nail looks. What makes Simone’s polka dots stand out is how wearable they are. Unlike some celebrity trends that feel intimidating, polka dots are achievable for anyone.
Polka Dot Nail Designs To Try This Fall
Let’s get practical. How can you recreate Simone’s trend-setting look? Here are some ideas:
1. Classic Black & White Dots
A timeless combo. Black dots on white or vice versa are chic, versatile, and go with any outfit.
2. Metallic Dots on Dark Shades
Perfect for fall evenings. Think navy nails with silver dots or wine-red with gold accents.
3. Minimalist Micro Dots
Tiny, subtle dots spaced out give a delicate and modern vibe.
4. Colorful Confetti Dots
For those who love bold vibes, multicolored dots on a nude base scream fun.
5. Ombre Dot Fade
Dots that start dense at the tip and fade out toward the base? Pure magic.
DIY Polka Dot Nails At Home
You don’t need a trip to the salon to nail this look. Here’s how you can do it yourself:
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Pick Your Base Color – Choose something fall-friendly like burgundy, emerald, or taupe.
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Grab A Dotting Tool – Don’t have one? Use a bobby pin, toothpick, or even the end of a makeup brush.
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Choose Your Dot Shade – White and metallics always work, but feel free to mix it up.
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Seal With A Top Coat – This keeps your design intact and adds a glossy finish.
The Best Colors For Fall Polka Dot Nails
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Rust Orange + Cream – Cozy, pumpkin-spice vibes.
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Deep Green + Gold – Luxurious and earthy.
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Chocolate Brown + White – Neutral but trendy.
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Maroon + Rose Gold – Romantic and chic.
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Navy + Silver – Perfect for evening glam.
Polka Dot Nails For Every Occasion
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Work-Friendly: Neutral base with tiny white dots.
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Date Night: Dark red nails with gold accents.
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Casual Weekend: Bright dots on nude nails.
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Holiday Parties: Glitter dots for festive sparkle.
Polka Dots vs. Other Nail Trends
Compared to chrome nails, neon designs, or hyper-realistic art, polka dots stand out for being simple yet bold. They strike the balance between playful and elegant—making them the perfect compromise for those who don’t want anything “too much” but still crave personality.
Why This Trend Is Going Viral
Social media loves trends that are easy to copy. Unlike intricate designs that require a steady hand and salon expertise, polka dots are achievable at home. This makes them perfect for TikTok tutorials and Instagram reels. Simone Biles’ version sparked the flame, but the ease of DIY keeps it burning.
How To Style Polka Dot Nails With Your Outfit
Pairing your manicure with your wardrobe takes the look up a notch:
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Monochrome Outfits: Add dotted nails for a pop of personality.
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Bold Prints: Keep dots subtle to avoid clashing.
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Minimalist Style: Let your nails do the talking.
The Future of Nail Trends
Will polka dots last beyond fall? Absolutely. As long as people crave fun, low-maintenance nail art, this design will stick around. Expect to see holiday variations (red and green dots for Christmas, pastel dots for spring, etc.).
Conclusion: Simone Biles Turns Fun Into Fashion
Simone Biles has done it again. From inspiring young gymnasts to influencing beauty trends, she continues to prove her impact goes far beyond sports. Her polka dot manicure isn’t just a nail trend—it’s a celebration of joy, individuality, and confidence. This fall, when you see those dotted designs popping up everywhere, remember: Simone made it official.
