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Square nails are often associated with longer lengths because a lot of folks are under the impression that the more blunt shape can make short nails look wider and stubbier, favoring rounded, oval, or squoval shapes for a less-long manicure. But Rihanna isn't a lot of folks—she's currently ignoring conventional wisdom and making short, square nails look like they may be shaping up to be the next big manicure trend.
The singer and entrepreneur was spotted out in New York City on Tuesday night wearing a camel-colored leather jacket over a fuzzy, ribbed dress in the same hue, her voluminous curls cascading around her shoulders. But blink and you'll miss a detail that we immediately clocked: short nails with a straight edge.
The crisp outline gives the manicure a deliberate, graphic quality, even in the super subtle shade they're painted: a pale, milky off-white. It’s also very much in line with Rihanna's apparent polish preferences as of late: more light, creamy nail colors over bold, chrome finishes or deep vampy shades. She likes it so much, in fact, that she's even wearing a matching pedicure.
Photo: Getty Images
Photo: Getty Images
While simple, the look stands out because it reframes short nails as intentional rather than just low-maintenance. The square shape adds structure and attitude, while the milky polish keeps things understated and on-trend. It’s a reminder that nails don’t always need more length, embellishment, or intense color to look cool; sometimes it's just a matter of changing the silhouette to something a little unexpected, taking a shape people think shouldn’t work and wearing it anyway.
