Hollywood Embraces ‘Princess Nails’: A Return to Classic Elegance at the 2026 Golden Globes
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A subtle yet striking trend emerged at the 2026 Golden Globes: a move away from elaborate nail art towards a minimalist aesthetic dubbed “princess nails.” Celebrities opted for short, simply polished nails, signaling a potential shift in beauty standards and a return to timeless sophistication.
“Fashion comes and goes,” one observer noted, reflecting on the cyclical nature of style and the enduring appeal of classic beauty-an appeal that extends beyond clothing and accessories to include even the smallest details, like manicures.
The Golden Globes Showcase a New Nail Aesthetic
the change was immediately noticeable on January 11th, as stars like Jessie Buckley showcased the look, sporting what has become known as “princess nails” (Fuente: Instagram/@thejessiebuckley). This trend was echoed by Jennifer Lawrence, Elle Fanning, and Amanda Seyfried, all of whom arrived at the gala with short nails polished in understated, complementary colors. This intentional choice appeared to be a rejection of the long, embellished nails that have dominated recent red carpets.
What Are ‘Princess Nails’?
The “princesa” style, while seemingly understated, boasts a rich history.ItS a minimalist approach designed to be unobtrusive, allowing the overall ensemble to take center stage. Characterized by their short length and polished finish, princess nails prioritize sophistication over extravagance. Elle Fanning exemplified this look at the 2026 Golden Globes (Fuente: Instagram/@ellefanning).
Historically, the style reflects the understated elegance favored by the British crown, adapted for modern sensibilities. They possess a distinctly romantic and feminine aesthetic, typically featuring a short length-almost flush with the fingertip-and an oval or square shape. Avoiding glitter or elaborate designs, princess nails aim for a natural appearance. Amanda Seyfried‘s white princess nails perfectly complemented her dress (Source: Instagram/@mingey).
A Royal History
The origins of this style can be traced back to Queen Elizabeth II, and were later popularized by Diana Spencer (Lady Di). Kate Middleton continued the tradition, demonstrating its enduring appeal. Beyond its aesthetic qualities, the style offers practical benefits: it’s less time-consuming and requires fewer chemicals than more elaborate manicures, making it a more accessible and economical option.
In 2025, Victoria Beckham was among the first to champion the trend on social media, showcasing pastel pink princess nails (Fuente: Instagram/@Victoria Beckham). Her endorsement proved prescient,as the style quickly gained traction,culminating in its widespread adoption at the Golden Globes,where “less is more” became the prevailing mantra.
Vogue Mexico Highlights Versatility
As highlighted by Vogue Mexico, princess nails are remarkably versatile, complementing everything from tailored suits and vintage jeans to wedding dresses. “Princess nails lean towards a soft and glamorous aesthetic, with shades of pale pinks, glitter and subtle chrome. They are pretty and always a little delicate: like a modern fairy tale with a manicure,” one manicure specialist explained.
Achieving the Look
Replicating the princess nail look is surprisingly simple. Those with pastel nail polishes can achieve the effect at home with careful filing and two coats of enamel,creating a look that exudes delicacy,elegance,and cleanliness.
