The IT style and shape of nails can vary by your location across the globe, but here in the U.S. we seem to take our fashion cues from the famous. Someone recently asked me what the IT nail shape is going to be for Fall. After thinking about it for a little while there are two stand out shapes. Both shapes are at complete odds with each other, so I thought I would show some in between options as well.
The most commonly sought after nail shape is short just past the edge of your fingertips and slightly rounded to enhance the natural shape of your fingers. This is a classic shape that looks good on most. This is probably the easiest nail shape to pull off too. The maintenance is fairly simple and can lend itself to many activities. This is probably the best shape for someone who leads an active lifestyle and still wants nice looking nails.
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| A light purple I mixed. Maybe this will be part of the line one day. |
When I have my nails at this length, I actually get a lot of compliments. I like this length, but I have to admit as a former nailbiter (during my childhood), I tend to prefer my nails longer than this. But I think it is safe to say this IT shape isn't going anywhere!
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| Unicorn Puke/Clairvoyant over Time Traveler (Both part of the Winter Collection which will release late November) |
If you make a commitment to maintaining your nails, then you can probably extend the length a little. This is my favorite length, regardless of what the IT nail shape or length may be. I love that they are not too long or short. Just somewhere in between.
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| The rocker version of the snake manicure |
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| My natural nails at some point this year. |
If you're daring you can grow your nails out for a much longer look. This length requires more maintenance and while it is the nail shape and length I am most often seen with, I have to admit this look is a bit dated. It reminds me of 80's nails.
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| A light brown that may make it's way into the line in the future. |
The latest IT nail shape that we are starting to see more and more of is the pointed oval shape also known as the stiletto. More and more stars are starting to sport this shape. As a "nail geek" I know the stiletto shape has been popular for quite some time in other parts of the world, but it is making a somewhat hesitant appearance here in the U.S. I was actually reading a magazine this last weekend where one article talked about the stilleto nail being the new IT shape and in another article, it talked about trends that can't leave us fast enough and labeled the stilleto nail as a shape that needs to go. I happen to love this shape. I think it is so much fun. It does take a little getting used to though. Everywhere I read, it says this nail shape is the hardest to maintain and grow. But actually for me this one worked out great, I've never been able to grow my nails this long before. (Could be I was strictly using my new base coat though.) I couldn't believe how long my nails got. However, Juan says although they look incredibly sexy, they hurt when I accidently scratch him. So needless to say this is not the most practical shape. The stiletto is not the best choice for a new mom or someone who leads an active lifestyle. I see this trend being for the more daring among us and I don't see it staying for the long haul.
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| Captivated |
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| Cruisin' Nude |
If you want to stay on trend and rock this shape without the daggers, try a shorter version of it. It actually looks really nice on a mid length nail. It's a great way to try the latest trend without the extremeness of the long talons. This is how I currently have my nails. I love this shape. It is a nice compromise between the extreme pointedness of the stiletto and a soft round nail. This is how I have my nails right now.
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| A gorgeous taupe that was a potential when creating Cruisin' Nude - I have plans for this one - I'll be mixing and changing this one in the near future |
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| Awakening |
But I must admit, I am growing them to the long stiletto again. Why? Well like I said I love those crazy long pointy talons and I have some nail art ideas for Halloween, so I am going to get back to that length for just a little while. By the way for those who may be new followers of my blog, I tend to change my nail length and shape pretty often. The pictures in this post are all my nails from throughout this year.
Do you follow the trends when it comes to nail shape? Or do you stick with what works for you regardless of what's on trend?
Hey nice post..good to know whats coming up!
ReplyI had no idea nail shapes were trends, too. I always keep my nails rounded and I thought I was weird for doing it (I see a lot of oval & square shapes online). I'm a good ol' fashioned rounded nail girl! Now I get to be trendy for a few months, too!
ReplyOMG what a weird coincidence! I had no idea about this trend but I just rewatched season 2 of Mad Men and instantly became obsessed with growing my nails out to look like Betty Draper's long pointy red nails in one of the later episodes. I was even more obsessed with the look after I saw a photo of the beautiful Sammi Sadler. She had these incredibly gorgeous pointy nails painted vampy red in half moon style. I can't wait for mine to be long enough! :D I've gotten them to the long oval stage but I need more length for the look I want. GREAT post!!! I love all the examples of beautiful nail shapes! <3
ReplyI love the "in between" length myself :)
ReplyGreat posts!
Your first picture is where I'm most often found, but I also like to grow them a bit longer and keep the rounded off squarish shape, and I feel that looks pretty nice on my tips. I'm also a reformed nail biter (down the the quick and then some, I used to have bloody raw stumps!), so anything that isn't chewed down to nubbins is happiness for me.
ReplyI am so with it! This is my fav nail shade/lenght and I wear it all the time and have for yrs. It works best for me.
ReplyI am sooooo excited to read that Cult Nails will have a unicorn puke coming out soon! I cannot wait!
I am trying a square shape with slightly rounded corners. I usually do a more natural rounded shape. We will see how long I can do these squarish nails. Thanks for this post, very informative!
ReplyI love the dark brownnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn!
ReplyLOVE UNICORN PUKE!! Can not wait till I can get it!! I also really like the light purple you have in the first photo!! LOVE it!! XOXO
ReplyI love that we all work with the nail shape that is best for us! Regardless of what the IT shape may be, what makes us happy is what works best for us! YAY!
ReplySince I'm a violinist/pianist, I can't have nails that extend much past my fingertips, so I've pretty much stuck to the basic rounded shape since elementary school. I always worried that I'd break my nails if I grew them long.
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