If the season’s neon manicures are far too vivid for your tastes, capturing springtime colour in the form of dainty polka dots may be a more suitable nail solution. Whether you prefer splashes of pastel or bold primary shades, we’ve curated a roundup of gorgeous polka dot nail art ideas for Spring 2016.

Photo: essiecanada on Instagram 

Luxurious lilac nails with metallic accents: For a dose of subtle colour, try painting your nails with a soft lavender or lilac nail colour, like Essie’s Lilacism polish. Next, create a dotted effect on one nail, using a metallic shade such as Essie’s copper Penny Talk. The pastel purple, paired with a shimmering accent nail, just may rejuvenate your fingertips this season.

Photo: zoyanailpolish on Instagram

Pastel blue with dainty white polka dots: For beauty addicts who are in the mood for feminine hues, polish your nails with a powder blue base coat. To instantly achieve a striking effect, use a snow-white nail lacquer and a dotting tool to craft the perfect polka dot manicure.

Photo: opi_products on Instagram

Brilliant red and blue tips with striking dots: Meanwhile, the rising temperatures and the arrival of springtime sunshine may leave you in the mood for punchy colours. Transform your everyday pastel manicure into a party-ready statement, using vivid shades of blue and red. Take your inspiration from this OPI nail art idea, which starts off with a double coat of OPI’s bright red She’s a Bad Muffuletta! shade. Decorate alternating fingers on one hand with this shade, and then apply china blue Rich Girls & Po-Boys polish on the other fingers. Use nail striping tape to create a grind inspired effect, and then apply drops of the contrasting nail polish hue to a single finger. Use a dotting tool to bring a finishing touch to your manicure, and lock your nail art in place with a clear top coat.