Defined by a short length and a natural, squoval shape, princess nails are directly inspired by the manicures of real-life royals. Think of the late Princess Diana’s fabled nude ’90s French manicure, Catherine, Princess of Wales’s soft nude manicure, and Meghan Markle’s elegant Montecito manicure, for example. Not to mention the late Queen Elizabeth’s beautiful, signature pink manicure, created using Essie’s Ballet Slippers shade.

“Leaning into a soft-glam aesthetic, princess nails are made up of sheer blush pinks, shimmers, and subtle chrome,” shares Class. If you’re averse to manicures without a 3D element, a single crystal or barely-there bow will do the job. “They’re pretty and always a little bit delicate—like a modern fairy tale with a manicure.”

Why are princess nails trending?

Courtesy of Michelle Class

Princess nails are extremely popular at the moment due to their timeless appeal. “Muted tones signal confidence. They don’t have to shout to make an impact,” says Class, noting that this is likely why it’s been so widely adopted by the minimal clean girl movement.

“Plus, they go with everything,” says Class. “A power suit, vintage denim, a wedding dress,” the options are endless. Princess nails also emanate a feeling of luxury; they look intentional and tasteful, rather than overly simple or boring. Some have said that the return to shorter nail lengths and simple color could be a reflection of the current economic turmoil many of us face. Class agrees with this possibility, sharing that, “[w]hen times feel uncertain, people tend to lean into quiet luxury and small joys.” Princess nails are an affordable indulgence—still beautiful, still expressive, but not loud or flashy. Power in nail form.