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Kylie Jenner’s Jelly Plaid Nails Prove This OPI Color Is Truly the Most Versatile

By Swedan Margen

Kylie Jenner’s Jelly Plaid Nails Prove This OPI Color Is Truly the Most Versatile

Of all the Kylie Jenner nail designs I've saved (from tuxedo tips to the chunky '90s French), none has me more jazzed than the jelly plaid situation she shared over Thanksgiving. They not only confirm that preppy style is, in fact, here to stay (long live the cable-knits!) but also are surprisingly easy to replicate—and this is coming from an at-home mani novice who shies away from bold color, let alone detailed nail art.

Jenner's jelly plaid nails definitely look intricate—I wouldn't call them minimal by any means—but they're actually far easier to achieve than you think. All you need is a few polish shades, a glossy top coat, and a neutral base to tie the look together. Luckily, celebrity nail artist Zola Ganzorigt posted a tutorial demonstrating each step using all OPI products, including one editor-obsessed shade that's conveniently marked down for Cyber Monday.

Photo of Kylie Jenner's jelly plaid nails

The shade in question: OPI's Put It In Neutral. Ganzorigt starts with one coat of the iconic sheer-pink polish to create a milky base before layering on the plaid. Even if you aren't committing to Jenner's look, Put It In Neutral is a fabulous shade to have in your collection, as the classic hue goes with everything. In fact, OPI's global director of color equity, Jill Bartoshevich, once told WWW that it's a top five best-seller for the brand. It has a similar milky finish to Bubble Bath (another beloved color), but it has more of a neutral-beige tone that doesn't read too pink.

After curing the base (but you can just let it completely dry, if you're using regular polish), Ganzorigt then creates a checked pattern using multiple mix-and-match colors, including OPI's Cliffside Karaoke, Less Is Norse, and Suzi The First Lady Of Nails. Before painting each stripe, she notes that she mixed the polishes with top coat to create a sheer, jelly finish. (And FYI: OPI's Clear Top Coat is also on sale for Cyber Monday.) She uses two colors for each nail—one for the main, thicker checked pattern and another contrasting hue to paint in between those lines. She cures the nails once again, then finishes with a layer of top coat to lock in the shine.

Photo of Kylie Jenner's jelly plaid nails

The result? A clean, preppy pattern with a sheer, neutral base peeking through. You can use any polish colors you have at home, though I do recommend buying Put It In Neutral for the base if you don't already own it. It's a smart investment for your at-home collection, as you'll wind up using it for an array of polish projects—from neutral, "naked" manis to stunning nail art prep—and it's 30% off for the next few hours. Consider this your sign to commit to a new winter nail color.

Shop the Look

Opi Nail Lacquer Put It in Neutral | Sheer Soft Pink Crème Chip Resistant Nail Polish | Fast Drying, Streak Free
Opi Top Coat | Nail Polish Top Coat | Prevents Chipping, Protects Nails, High Gloss Shine
Nail Lacquer Nail Polish, Blues/greens - Less Is Norse
Opi Nail Lacquer Cliffside Karaoke | Opaque Soft Neutral Crème Chip Resistant Nail Polish | Malibu Collection
Opi Nail Lacquer Suzi the First Lady of Nails | Opaque Dark Green Crème Chip Resistant Nail Polish | Washington Dc Collection

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Suzi the First Lady of Nails

Artdone Nail Dotting Tools 6pcs Double-Ended Nail Art Brushes Kit Nail Art Gel Polish Liner Brushes Design Pen for Nail Drawing and Nail Paint Brushes Small Detail Brushes

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Nail Dotting Tools

Ugh, as If!

Chillhouse

Ugh, As If! Press Ons Chill Tips

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Opi Nail Lacquer Bubble Bath | Sheer Nude Pink Crème Chip Resistant Nail Polish | Fast Drying, Streak Free
Opi Nail Lacquer You Don't Know Jacques! | Opaque Dark Brown Crème Chip Resistant Nail Polish | Vegan, Fast Drying, Streak Free

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Opi Infinite Shine Funny Bunny | Sheer Soft White Crème Long Wear Gel Like Nail Polish | Vegan, Long Lasting, Streak Free
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Opi Nail Lacquer, Barefoot in Barcelona, Nude Nail Polish, 0.5 Fl Oz

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Kylie Jenner’s Jelly Plaid Nails Prove This OPI Color Is Truly the Most Versatile - Vanity Fair Fashion