A checkered pattern is, in essence, a banal geometric intersection of straight and diagonal lines, but there are many variations of this original and extraordinary pattern. The checkered pattern is one of the trends in recent seasons, where increasingly floristry is giving way to laconic geometric nail art.
A checkered manicure can be considered a universal way to decorate nails. This pattern looks great in office and everyday nail art, and can be present in the fashionable look of a young girl or woman 50+.
A checkered manicure perfectly masks imperfections of the nail plate and looks discreet and unusual.
Fashionable checkered manicure 2019-2020: a classic pattern that is always in fashion
Fashion trends and tendencies are rapidly replacing each other and sometimes even avid fashionistas cannot keep up with stylish new items. Among this dynamic fashion cycle, there is one constant classic - the checkered pattern. The cage is not afraid of fashion trends and trends; it always looks laconic and stylish.
If you want your look to always look appropriate and stylish, then be sure to add checkered items to your wardrobe. Just look at the iconic trench coat from Burberry, which is in the wardrobe of almost every fashionista. These are the things that speak of a girl’s good taste.
As for checkered marigolds, they can also be classified as a classic decor option. Checkered nail art is a real treasure trove of imagination, because the color and arrangement of the stripes can be absolutely anything. Let's look at several main types of checkered patterns that will be relevant this season:
- Scottish cell
- gingham
- chess square
- tweed
- quilted pattern
- houndstooth
- Burberry and others
#1 Manicure in black and white Glencheck
Glencheck is a simple intersection of black lines with white and gray splashes. This version of the check was created by the legendary Coco Chanel in the 1920s. In black and white, the “glencheck” looks the most attractive and discreet, like everything that has ever been created by the Chanel brand.
Another option for a black and white checkerboard is a checkerboard pattern. This is one of the simpler plaid designs. Perform the pattern on long almond and square nails, highlight 1-2 fingers on your hand for the pattern. The checkerboard pattern is also called the argyle pattern.
New items with photos
Recently, cages on nails have become popular. A manicure can complement any look. This article contains a selection of photos with interesting design ideas especially for you.
The first photo shows the classic shape of the cell - chess. This art nail can be done easily using adhesive tapes. A combination of contrasting colors will look especially beautiful. For example, white with black, red, blue, green.
This “auto racing” check will harmonize with rich red, as well as classic white and black. The manicure looks bold, fashionable and modern. It is best suited for brave, risky and purposeful girls. For example, young ladies who prefer extreme sensations and emotions.
Lovely and romantic ladies can choose classic tartan in soothing colors. The combination of soft pink and dark blue gives a feeling of ease and innocence.
If you are one of the fiery lighter girls, then feel free to do this nail art. Neon space looks provocative, but at the same time harmonious. The absence of clear boundaries of lines gives the manicure novelty and unusualness.
#2 Black checkered manicure
Such a laconic and restrained pattern as checkered requires the use of equally calm shades. The undoubted leaders of recent seasons are achromatic black and white colors.
A manicure in black is no longer perceived as so extraordinary, so nothing prevents you from using checkered dark nail art to create business and everyday designs. Black color is the defining color in this manicure, so there should be a little more of it than other shades.
Here are some black checkered design options:
- a combination of matte and glossy gel polish - gloss is used to draw lines
- checkerboard pattern on the nails with individual nails painted with solid black gel polish
- Houndstooth pattern - the pattern was first presented in the movie "Breakfast at Tiffany's" by Audrey Hepburn. Houndstooth was also created by Coco Chanel, but today this pattern faces some discrimination. It cannot be used in clothing, accessories, or manicures of TV presenters.
- black pattern with other shades - add red, yellow, orange elements to the black pattern
Creation methods
You can perform this manicure using several methods. Use additional tools or do everything by hand - the choice depends on the complexity of the drawing. Each method has its own characteristics and a list of necessary devices.
Freehand drawing
It is believed that it is the most difficult to create such a pattern by hand. In this case, you can use any tools that have a thin tip:
- brush;
- pen refill without ink;
- match;
- toothpick
You will also need varnishes for the base and drawing lines.
Regardless of the method chosen, you will first need to apply the base color. They choose white or any other light shade, but sometimes dark colors are also used. Wait until the base color is completely dry and only then start drawing lines.
Drawing thin and straight lines is not always easy, so it is recommended to first mark with dots.
If you are using lines of different colors, it is best to wait until the lines of one shade dry, and then apply stripes of a different color so that they do not mix.
Tape and stencil
If you really doubt your artistic skills, use tapes and stencils. With their help you can make any type of cell. The tapes can be peeled off after the work is completed, or they can be left as a decorative element.
For this design you will need:
- tape or stencils;
- base varnish;
- varnishes for making cage lines.
Apply the base color to your nails and wait until it dries completely. Cover the records with tape to create the chosen pattern or use stencils. Using varnishes of a different color, draw the lines. Peel off the stencils or tape.
Stamping
In this case, you will need to purchase a stamping kit, which consists of:
- plates on which patterns are engraved;
- scraper to remove excess gel polish;
- stamp.
Start by applying the base color. After the coating has dried, use gel polish to create a design. Stamp the design with a stamp and transfer it to your nails.
Sliders
This device reduces the time it takes to create a manicure, since the slider already has a ready-made design, you just need to glue it on your nails. This option is also suitable for those who are not confident in their artistic abilities.
#3 White checkered manicure
On a light background, the checkered pattern looks much more noticeable and brighter. Use delicate milky or pink colors for your design, complement them with contrasting black or red elements.
As for the pattern itself, you can also use any one you like. On a white background, glenchek, Vichy, pepita (interlacing of two-color lines), houndstooth, guineme, and argyle look great.
Execution technique
For the houndstooth print, you will need two polishes of different colors and regular tape. Let's get started:
It looks like a cage on the nails. The manicure in the photo is shown below.
#4 Famous Burberry Pattern: Best Plaid Design Ideas
Fashionistas like the Burberry pattern not only because of its stylish and original look. The Tartan (Burberry) checkered pattern can be present in several elements of a woman’s look, which helps the girl create a holistic and complete look. For example, in addition to manicure, the Burberry pattern can be present in the decor of a handbag or scarf. The most successful combination is an identical or similar print on a skirt or dress.
The main shades of the Tartan pattern are:
- black
- red
- green
- beige
- grey
Combine shades as you wish. The Burberry pattern looks especially attractive in winter when combined with a warm sweater or a poncho made of rough woolen fabric with a checkered pattern. A stylish and cozy look is guaranteed to you.
Pros and cons of checkered manicure
The advantages of a checkered manicure include:
- checkered design does not require high professionalism and special drawing skills
- to create a manicure you will not need any additional tools; a standard set of manicure brushes is quite enough
- checkered manicure – universal and appropriate in any look
- A checkered manicure is independent of the season. In summer nail art, use rich and bright shades, in winter - warm tones with a cool shimmer of sparkles.
- The houndstooth pattern is appropriate on both short and long nails
Disadvantages of checkered manicure:
- If you choose the wrong shades, a checkered manicure can look flashy and provocative.
- A checkered manicure when grown out looks untidy, so don’t delay going to a manicurist if your nails have already moved 3-5 mm away from the cuticle.
- Do not use overly textured coatings, such as mirror rub, foil or “broken glass”
A checkered manicure is a universal and classic design option for nails. With all the variety of techniques, check design remains in demand among women of all ages. If you haven’t yet decided what nail art to do on your nails next time, then be sure to pay attention to a checkered manicure.
When appropriate
Like other nail art options that become one of the accents in the image, checkered manicure is done in appropriate cases. It's hardly worth experimenting with nail design if a strict work dress code requires you to show restraint.
If nothing limits you in choosing clothes, hair styling, makeup and manicure, you can safely do a manicure with a checkered pattern. It will bring liveliness and originality to your business looks with a shirt and pencil skirt or, for example, a trouser suit.
In this case, choose a neutral shade of nail polish like Essie’s “Full All Out” for the background.
At the same time, the checkered design can easily become part of your casual look. Or a bright accent that complements a party outfit if you design it with glitter varnish.