When it comes to showstopping manicures, metallic polish is the way to go. At the 2026 Met Gala, shimmering manicures appeared on the red carpet in droves to honor the Fashion Is Art dress code. Blackpink’s Jisoo, Lisa, and Jennie brought wildly different iterations of the manicure to the red carpet. Indian artist and entrepreneur Ananya Birla was also firmly on-theme, matching her nails to a striking metal mask. But the fun didn’t stop there—livestream co-host Ashley Graham and WNBA star A’ja Wilson extended the metallic theme to their fingers and hands, too.

While naked manicures are often favored by minimalists, metallic nails can look just as timeless. Whether you opt for silver (like many of the Met Gala 2026 attendees), gold, or even copper, there is an endless list of designs to choose from. One popular style is the metallic French, which adds an alternative edge to the classic white-tipped manicure. Jennie took this pared-back approach up a notch by choosing a minimal, beige base and topping her nails with iridescent chrome varnish, while Jisoo added subtle silver accents throughout.

Almond nails pair well with metallic manicures, thanks to their soft, tapered end toward the top, which catch the light beautifully. Patience is your friend when attempting this nail shape at home. File the nails at about a 25-degree angle to get the right tapered shape.

For those who are loyal to short nail lengths, a circular-shaped manicure also allows you to play with design and texture, without looking or feeling too excessive for everyday wear. The real key to a long-lasting, neat manicure is all in the prep. Clean cuticles and expertly filed nails will leave your hands looking chic, no matter which serotonin-boosting design you choose.

Want more of the 2026 Met Gala? Check out Vogue’s livestream of the red carpet, along with the live blog where we’re sharing all the juicy behind-the-scenes details you’ll want to know.