If you’re like me, the way you get through an especially long and brutally cold winter is by planning all the spring outfits and new makeup trends you’ll be wearing soon enough (even if you’re the only one who’ll be seeing them this year). And that much is especially true for nail polish. Something about swapping out moody winter nail colors for softer spring nail shades instantly changes my overall vibe, know what I mean?Although you can definitely wear whatever color or design you want any time of the year, it’s still nice to have some ideas to inspire your nail selections each season. To help you out, I rounded up nine spring 2021 nail trends below to look forward to. And if you need a little pick-me-up, start wearing them now. Why not?! I won't tell anyone.

1. This Playful Pink

There’s a time and place for sheer, plain pinks, but that time is not spring 2021, and that place is not on your nails. Just kidding, pale pink nail polish is one of those colors that works year-round, but this spring it’s wayyy more fun than in seasons past. The bubbly shade is made even better when paired with an equally fun and playful design, like the organic shapes shown here.

2. This Colorful Checkered Print

This spring, bring out allll the color. No, seriously. Go grab your whole stash of nail polishes so you can try out a checkered look like this. Paint the pattern of your entire nail, or paint them in little waves along the edges of your nails, like this. Grab a couple of fine-tip striping brushes to 1) easily paint the tiny square shapes and 2) dip in nail polish remover to clean up and sharpen the edges.

3. This All Shades of Green

Greens of all different shades will continue to be popular for spring 2021, so don’t put away those Christmas nail polishes and St. Patrick’s Day lacquers just yet. Earthy green (like this one), chartreuse, bright neon, classy emerald—should I keep going, or do you get the idea? The point is that spring this year isn’t just about mint and seafoam greens (although, yup, those will be big too).

4. Graphic Detail

Go graphic with this season’s boldest look! Choose contrasting colors to turn heads in your direction, or opt for similar shades for a more muted style. Try your hand at simple shapes and patterns at home. You might want to head to a technician though if you are after a more elaborate design.

5. This Sky Blue

Coming out of a long, dreary, gray few months (is it obvious how I feel about winter?), you’ll be thinking of blue skies ahead, so much so you’ll want to paint ‘em across your nails. Add a few white fluffy clouds with a white nail polish if you want to add a little ethereal nail art to your baby blue nails.

6. Colour Block French Manicure

Similarly, the color block French manicure is another excellent way to breathe new life into the classic style. It is also a great way to add a pop of color to any outfit.

7. Pastel Tie-Dye

Pastels are about as groundbreaking for spring as florals, but if you’ve already got a pretty serious collection of pastel nail polishes and just need a design idea that incorporates them all, a tie-dye nail look like this one is a fun way to change things up. When you use faded shades instead of bright, vibrant colors, you get a finished look that feels worn-in in the best way—like your favorite comfy tie-dye T-shirt.

8. Double French Tip

The Double French Tip is a modern take on the classic French-mani. While we will always love a good French manicure, the addition of an extra line is a fun way to spice up your nails this season.

9. Pastel Rainbow

Why choose one shade when you can wear them all? Pastel rainbow nails are the playful trend celebrities are loving this season. You can go as quirky or as subtle as you like. Try a different color of the rainbow on each nail or go for different shades of the same color.