Dazed Beauty contributing editor Kro Vargas is a nail juggernaut. A love that began in the nail salons of Queens, where she would spend the day with her grandmother as a kid, grew into a full-time career and an Instagram fanbase of over 90K. A psychedelic collage of everything from Sailor Moon to the creation of Adam, Fiji water to fashion monograms - her work is always kitsch and always fabulous. In her monthly column, The Nail Files, Kro will shine a spotlight on the nail artists she is loving and the trends we should be following.

Summer is almost over and with it goes the barbecues, our tans, and those gloriously long days with warm evenings. As autumn approaches that back-to-school feeling is in the air – whether or not you’ll actually be returning to the classroom come September. 

To get into the scholastic spirit, contributing editor Kro Vargas has chosen the best plaid manicures for this month’s Nail Files. Let them inspire you and imbue you with all the Blair Waldorf energy you need to make it through the upcoming cold stretch. Enjoy.

Baby blues

Lila Robles (@nailjerks) creates a dreamy plaid manicure using gold charms to embellish the final look. 

Teacher's pet

Artist @jeannie.bottle adds Burberry plaid accent nails on a classic apple red manicure. Perfect for your back to school looks.

As if

Miami artist @_thenailgenie pays homage to the queen of plaid, Cher Horowitz, with this yellow manicure.

Puppy eyes

I added some cute and cuddly animals over this semi-sheer baby pink plaid. A look that goes good all year round. 

Tip your nail artist

Miami artist @i_heart_nailart creates a more subtle fall look with warm-toned plaid tips. A beautiful way to make your nail beds appear longer.