No model was caught sauntering down the spring runways with naked nails this season. From understated polish to geometric graphics, here are some of the hottest looks for 2015.

Trend: Negative-Space Manicures

Demand attention and go graphic with a negative-space mani. This striking look might seem intimidating, but a roll of scotch tape and the right color is all you need. Apply the tape to create shapes of your choice, then paint and wait. Just be sure to remove the tape (carefully!) before the polish is 100 percent dry. To keep things sleek, stick with a modern combo of black and white.

Trend: Half Moon Manicure

For something subtle yet sophisticated, try a half-moon manicure. According to nail artist Missy Pop, who worked her magic backstage at Charlotte Ronson during New York Fashion Week, recreating the look at home is simple. After cleaning your nails with polish remover, press a paper hole reinforcement sticker to the base of each nail and paint over it with your favorite color. You can also do the reverse by covering up the top of each nail and filling in the exposed portion closer to the cuticle. We recommend a minty green or muted coral.

 

Trend: Stripes

Whether horizontal or vertical, you can never go wrong with a streamlined stripe. At Kate Spade, nail artist Deborah Lippmann mastered the elegant look by applying a single black stripe atop a creamy basecoat. You can do the same by getting your hands on a striping brush and a bottle of something soft and pale, like Essie’s Baby’s Breath. If you’re feeling wild, channel the models of designer Prabal Gurung and apply wispy brushstrokes in a bright white or coral polish.

Trend: Beach-Inspired

Summer is still a few months away, but it’s never too early to start daydreaming of the seaside. Wear the ocean waves on your fingers by creating an ombré nail with pale blues and foamy whites. Disclaimer: this one’s a little tougher, but practice makes perfect. In addition to two complementary colors, you’ll need a tiny sponge, a small sheet of plastic and a toothpick. Start by applying a coat of the lighter polish. Once completely dry, paint two large dollops of each color side by side on the plastic (they should just touch) and use the toothpick to swirl them together where they meet. Take the sponge and dab it on the polish until it’s covered with a generous coat. Press the sponge onto each nail, dabbing lightly and moving up and down, but just barely. Finally, add a clear topcoat to smooth everything out, and clean up the skin around nail bed using Q-tips dipped in polish remover. Viola! Instant summer.