11 nail styles that scream ‘The Devil Wears Prada’
By Jess Watts | 10 April 2026 | Art & Technique
The Devil Wears Prada 2 is coming – and it’s got us reaching back into the archives.
We’ve rounded up some of the most iconic quotes from the first film from 2006 and matched each one to a nail look worthy of Runway magazine.
“Florals? For Spring? Groundbreaking.”
A quote that needs no introduction. Miranda Priestly’s distaste for the cliché spring style has us looking at seasonal nail inspo in a new light – because if everyone’s doing florals, are they really fashion-forward? An avant-garde approach to floral fingertips: unexpected colour combinations, abstract petal art or deconstructed botanicals, might just be the answer.
“It’s actually cerulean.”
The quote that put cerulean on the map. Miranda’s famous speech reminds us that every shade has a story – and the right blue on your nails is never ‘just blue’. It’s a choice; make it count.
“By all means, move at a glacial pace.”
Sarcasm at its finest. Despite Miranda’s derision, we are fans of a laid-back life, and nail inspiration that is equally calming: think glazed milky finishes and soft sheer washes that whisper rather than shout. Glacial pace, gorgeous nails.
“You sold your soul to the devil when you put on your first pair of Jimmy Choos.”
Emily Charlton’s jealousy is apparent in this quote, however, who wouldn’t be jealous of a woman wearing a *free* pair of designer heels? Known for its iconic black and red shoe, Jimmy Choo has produced many a coveted closet item. Why not copy the class to claws with black and red stiletto nails?
“Is there a reason that my coffee isn’t here?”
Unlike Miranda’s hot coffee order, this quote is laced with ice. Though it makes us shiver in fear, it has us craving brown nails. Latte looks are all the rage at the moment, taking their cues from coffee – both hot and cold. Miranda’s daily drink has arrived, but not in the form she might expect…
“Can you please spell ‘Gabbana’?”
Andy Sachs is a woman of many talents, but caring about designer brand names is not one of them. In contrast, we are are fan of donning designer digits, and our chosen theme is the classic Dolce & Gabbana pattern, Majolica.
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“Do you have some prior commitment? Some hideous skirt convention you need to go to?”
The rift between Emily and Andy is unfortunate and, at times, uncomfortable to watch. However, it did gift us with some fantastic one-liners. Andy’s ‘hideous skirt’ of choice paired muted mustard and grey hues with a distinctive diamond pattern. Channel this moment by rocking classic patterns such as plaid and tweed in mismatched colours on nails.
*While the following nails may mimic the ‘hideous skirt’ pattern referred to in the movie, they are far from ugly!
“You eat carbs, for Christ’s sake!”
Emily’s unhealthy approach to nutrition raises a lot of serious questions and promotes important discourse surrounding the fashion industry and societal expectations. However, though Emily may have chosen a diet of a cube of cheese, we will happily be consuming carbs – while wearing them on nails!
“You’re in desperate need of Chanel.”
As a world-renowned designer brand, Chanel features a few times in the fashion-based film. But why should the stunning styles be limited to the characters in The Devil Wears Prada? Plaid patterns, gold accents and the classic logo look luxurious on nails, because as Coco Chanel said: “Fashion changes, but style endures.”
“Don’t be ridiculous Andrea, everybody wants this.”
Though a little presumptuous, this line has us thinking of the trending nail designs ‘everybody wants’ that have dominated in recent years. Think polka dots, chrome, cat eye and Hailey Bieber’s glazed donut digits.
“That’s all.”
The two-word sentence that will end any conversation. Just as Miranda’s oft-used quote suggests, we are craving nails that are minimal, slightly cold and effortlessly final. That’s all.
