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.
When Simone Biles, the world’s most decorated gymnast, gives something her stamp of approval, you can bet it’s about to blow up. This fall, she’s making waves not just with her flips and gold medals, but with her style—and specifically, her nails. Polka dot manicures are officially in, and thanks to Biles, they’re about to become the hottest trend of the season.
Forget minimal French tips and chrome overlays. Polka dots are playful, chic, and surprisingly versatile. Let’s dive deep into why this manicure is everywhere, how to nail the look (pun intended), and why you’ll want to book your nail appointment ASAP.
Why Simone Biles Sets Trends Beyond Gymnastics
Simone Biles isn’t just a powerhouse in sports; she’s a cultural icon. Every outfit, hairstyle, or accessory she shows off instantly sparks conversation online. Her beauty choices, especially her nails, often serve as subtle statements of empowerment and self-expression.
So, when she sported a polka dot manicure, it wasn’t just cute—it was a signal. Fashion insiders and fans alike knew: this was the next big thing.
The Charm of Polka Dot Nails
Polka dots bring a sense of nostalgia. They remind us of retro dresses, playful accessories, and the classic glamour of old Hollywood. On nails, they combine sophistication with fun.
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Playful yet polished: Polka dots strike the perfect balance.
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Versatile: They work for minimalists and maximalists alike.
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Timeless: Trends come and go, but dots never really fade away.
How Polka Dot Nails Became a Fall Favorite
Fall usually leans into deeper shades—burgundies, browns, forest greens. But polka dots are shaking things up. They allow you to layer bold fall tones with a playful twist.
Imagine deep plum nails with delicate gold dots, or matte navy with crisp white accents. The combo feels modern yet cozy, making it a perfect fall statement.
Nail Artists Love the Trend
Professional nail artists are already raving about polka dots. Why? They’re fun to create, highly customizable, and Instagram-ready.
Whether you go to a salon or DIY at home, the design is easy to adapt. All you need is a dotting tool (or even a bobby pin), and suddenly, your nails look like they walked straight out of a fashion editorial.
DIY Guide: Achieving Simone’s Polka Dot Nails
Want to recreate the look? Here’s a simple step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Prep Your Nails
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Clean, shape, and buff.
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Apply a nourishing base coat to protect your nails.
Step 2: Choose Your Colors
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Go bold with contrasting shades.
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Or stay subtle with tonal variations (like beige and white).
Step 3: Create the Dots
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Use a dotting tool, toothpick, or bobby pin.
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Dip into polish and apply gently to create clean circles.
Step 4: Seal It
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Apply a glossy top coat to lock in the design.
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Optional: Matte top coat for a chic twist.
Polka Dot Nail Color Combos to Try This Fall
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Black + Gold: Edgy and elegant.
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Navy + White: Fresh and classic.
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Burgundy + Pink: Romantic with a fall vibe.
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Olive + Bronze: Earthy and modern.
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Chocolate Brown + Cream: Retro-inspired warmth.
Minimalist vs. Maximalist: Choose Your Style
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Minimalist look: A nude base with tiny white dots. Understated but chic.
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Maximalist vibe: Bright colors, oversized dots, and mixed placements.
Your personality determines which direction you’ll lean—but either way, you’re on trend.
Why Polka Dot Nails Are Perfect for Fall Fashion
Polka dots complement fall fashion staples like cozy sweaters, trench coats, and leather boots. They’re whimsical without being overwhelming, making them the perfect accessory to your seasonal wardrobe.
Celebrities Who Love Polka Dot Nails
Simone isn’t the first star to rock the look. Celebs like Zooey Deschanel and Lily Allen have long been fans of playful nail art, especially polka dots. But Biles’s influence pushes the trend from quirky niche to mainstream must-have.
Social Media Buzz: #PolkaDotNails
On TikTok and Instagram, nail influencers are showcasing dozens of variations. Tutorials, inspiration reels, and quick hacks are gaining millions of views. The hashtag #PolkaDotNails is already taking off, proving this trend is here to stay.
Salon or DIY? Which One Wins
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Salon: Perfect precision, long-lasting gel options.
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DIY: Affordable, creative, and fun to personalize.
No matter your choice, the result is chic nails that turn heads.
The Psychology of Polka Dots
Studies suggest patterns like polka dots evoke feelings of joy and nostalgia. Wearing them—even on nails—can subtly boost your mood. Think of it as carrying a little bit of happiness on your fingertips.
The Future of Nail Trends
While chrome and French tips had their moment, polka dots are carving a space for more personality-driven designs. Expect to see mashups like:
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Polka dot ombré
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Mixed prints (stripes + dots)
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Seasonal themes (pumpkin orange dots, snowflake-inspired designs)
Pro Tips to Keep Your Polka Dot Manicure Fresh
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Always apply a base coat to prevent staining.
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Reapply top coat every 2–3 days for extra shine.
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Moisturize cuticles daily to avoid dryness.
Conclusion
Simone Biles has once again shown us that her influence extends far beyond the gymnastics floor. With her bold embrace of polka dot nails, she’s turning a playful, retro-inspired design into the must-have manicure of fall. Easy to create, endlessly versatile, and packed with personality, this look is perfect for anyone who wants to stand out while staying stylish. So, whether you’re heading to the nail salon or experimenting at home, it’s time to dot your nails and join the trend.
FAQs
1. Are polka dot nails hard to do at home?
Not at all! With simple tools like toothpicks or bobby pins, you can achieve clean dots in minutes.
2. What nail polish colors work best for fall polka dot nails?
Deep jewel tones, earthy shades, and metallic accents are ideal for autumn.
3. Can I combine polka dots with other designs?
Yes! Mix them with stripes, florals, or abstract art for a bold look.
4. How long does a polka dot manicure last?
With a good top coat, it can last 7–10 days for regular polish, and up to 3 weeks for gel.
5. Are polka dot nails professional enough for work?
Absolutely—opt for smaller, subtle dots in neutral tones for a polished, office-appropriate style.
