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Trends always give rise to counter-trends. Recently, we’ve seen the return of short nails as an antidote to the last several years in which extreme lengths were omnipresent. Which makes sense: Shorter nails, after all, exude a sense of comfort and ease that seems pretty aligned with the way we all want to feel at the end of 2025.
Of course, counter-trends also always give rise to other counter-trends, and so in this era of mostly minimalist and easy manicures, an unexpected pendulum swings: triangular-shaped stiletto nails that emulate the silhouette of a high heel. They call to mind the acrylic nails of late ‘90s and early 2000s à la Fergie and Victoria Beckham. However, the latest versions—as seen on Dakota Johnson and others on the red carpet at the Governors Awards—featured a midi-length with a softened triangular shape, lending a modern elegance to the Y2K throwback trend.
To further bring these high heel nails into today, try them in pale, neutral hues. For example, Kate Hudson’s featured a beige base with a darker shade near the cuticle; Anya Taylor-Joy and Jayme Lawson wore milky white versions; and singer EJAE went for silver.
The original version of stiletto nails—long and dagger-like—might have been tricky to wear, but these red carpet midi iterations prove the trend is suitable for everyone, even for those whose ultimate goal is channeling an aura of comfort and ease—with a hint of Y2K drama, of course.
Have a beauty or wellness trend you’re curious about? We want to know! Send Vogue’s senior beauty wellness editor an email at beauty@vogue.com.
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