You’ve got the dress. You’ve got the shoes. You’ve got your glam details ironed out… except for your prom nails! If you’re looking for prom manicure inspiration, you’ve come to the right place, because we know exactly how important a prom manicure (and pedicure) is on the big night.

Whether you book an appointment at the salon or DIY your nails and home, the shade — and shape — of nails you wear for prom can add a lot to your overall look, especially if it coordinates perfectly with your outfit. But what nail color should you wear with a pastel pink dress, an emerald green stunner, or a classic black gown?

Fret not! To help you figure out how to match nail polish to your perfect prom dress or suit, we called upon celebrity nail artists for some helpful color insights; they’ve got fun, unexpected, and classic ideas for every color prom dress to get you started.

Ahead, find pro suggestions for how to match your prom manicure to your dress, no matter what you’re wearing for the big night.

Nails for a Black Dress

When picking prom nails for a black dress, you can basically go in any direction. Black on black is always a good idea, as evidenced by this glam shot of Selena Gomez at the 2026 Golden Globes. If you wanna make a big statement, however, celebrity manicurist Beth Fricke suggests going bold: “With a black dress, wear intense flashes of color to accessorize!” Try vivid shades like neons, vibrant aqua or cobalt blue, or bold banana yellow.