A simple coat of nail polish doesn’t seem to be enough these days; the latest look is elaborate nail art. Try these trends and add a bit of unexpected excitement to whatever you’re wearing.

1. Polka Dots

Polka dots are classic and adorable. They can be added to a simple black polish, or for a more adventurous version try a base color like sea-foam or plum. But this look can be easily spruced up by painting the dots in any color. If nail art seems like a  daunting a task, polka dots are a simple pattern to try. This trend was seen on the Kate Spade fall 2012 runway last spring and is bound to be a popular look this season.

2. Stand-Out

Another easy way to incorporate nail art into a look is by creating a pattern on one nail per hand. Any color can be used for the other four nails, and then simply pick a pattern to decorate the remaining nails. This trend is easy to execute but make sure your embellished nail is in a complementary hue to the other shade you picked. Also try to avoid painting the special design on the pinky or thumb, as too much decoration on those fingers can look strange.

3. Tribal

For those in-touch with their wild side, tribal nails are the way to go. This look is characterized by geometric patterns like triangles, diamonds and circles. The designs can be painted in black over a coat of polish, or added in varying colors for a more intricate appearance. The key is to work with complementary colors and to paint with diligence. If done poorly, the nails will look sloppy, but if done correctly, tribal nails be very attention-grabbing.

4. Ombre

The ombre, or shaded, trend isn’t just for your hair. Celebrities like Rihanna and Lauren Conrad have been spotted with ombre nails. There are two ways you can rock the style. One option is to apply the look to each nail individually, moving from a lighter to darker shade with each coat. Try American Apparel’s sheer nail polish to make this process easier. Alternatively, you can paint your pinky the lightest color, and have a darker shade on each nail afterwards. This requires more polish but is easier to create.

5. Seasonal

Just as outerwear changes during the seasons, so can nailpolish. Seasonal nails are cute and fun. They get you into the holiday spirit and are perfect if kitschy sweaters and holiday-themed jewelry aren’t your thing. Halloween is coming up, so try bats or spider webs on your fingers, or coordinate your nails with your costume. Sometimes
seasonal nails can come off as silly, so keep your design simple. The whimsical nature of your nails will shine through.

A version of this article appeared in the Wednesday Sept. 26 print edition. Keerthi Harishankar is a contributing writer. Email her at [email protected].