When Taylor Swift launches a new era, she’s doing more than just dropping music. She’s inviting us to revel in the latest world she’s dreamt up. With her engagement to Travis Kelce and the upcoming release of her latest album, The Life of a Showgirl, on October 3, fans have plenty of reasons to celebrate. Sequins, rhinestones, and that dazzling aqua-orange palette are practically begging to be worn, danced in, and yes, painted right onto our nails. So naturally, we’ve already got The Life of a Showgirl nail designs on our minds.

For me, half the joy of a new Taylor era comes from finding ways to weave it into everyday life. Nail art becomes more than just polish—it’s a wink to fellow Swifties, a way to feel connected to the larger fan base even if I’m just typing away at my desk. “When you mix the artistry of nails with the devotion of fans, it creates a wearable tribute, something personal, expressive, and instantly recognisable,” says New York City- and New Jersey-based nail artist Erica De Los Santos.

“Taylor inspires trends no matter what she does, and nails are no exception,” says Bana Jarjour, a Los Angeles-based celebrity manicurist. And Swift’s Showgirl era is already making its way into salons.

So what manicure should you get to celebrate TLOAS’s impending drop? De Los Santos recommends any look inspired by sequin-covered costumes, sparkling jewellery, and dramatic spotlights. Vibrant oranges, milky mints, bright blues, and muted peaches from the album cover mingle well with golds and silvers, high-shine gloss, glitter, ombré, and aura fades. “The overall vibe is extravagant, luxurious, and unapologetically eye-catching,” De Los Santos says.

Julie Kandalec, New York City-based celebrity manicurist, educator, and Kiss Nails ambassador, says the trend doesn’t have to include the album colourways: Fans can embrace bold 3D accents, including “gems and feathers (à la stage headdresses), stars, and reflective finishes like metallic and chrome.”

Obviously, the most devoted Taylor mega-fans are booking appointments to get TLOAS nails ahead of the album’s release date, but the experts we spoke to say the aesthetic is also affecting nail art trends in general. That’s likely because the colours lend themselves to other rising fall manicure trends, like crystals and mixed metals. “Whether it’s adding an element of diamond lining to a French or creating something more intricate across the whole manicure, I have no doubt the influence of the Showgirl aesthetic will be seen,” Jarjour says.

As with any trend, experimentation is all part of the fun. “Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and play around,” adds De Los Santos. “Even if that means choosing glitter over a solid colour or dark purple over a neutral. There are so many colours and texture combinations that come with the trend. There is something for everyone.”

The Life of a Showgirl nail design ideas

Ready to channel Taylor’s new era at your next mani appointment? Ahead, you’ll find The Life of a Showgirl nail inspo all over the spectrum, from subtle aura fades and gemstone accents to full-on, rhinestone-dripping Frenches.

Ombré and auras