6 Manicure Ideas for the Trending Soft Square Shape

In 2026, convenience and naturalness take priority. If it«s a bag — go for a hobo, if shoes — Uggs, and if a manicure — the soft square shape. It practically mimics the natural shape of growing nails and, thanks to smooth lines, doesn»t snag and looks harmonious on both long and short nails. Manicurist Ksenia Kilina shared which colors and designs will look especially good on it.

Wine Manicure

Burgundy shades are at the peak of popularity since the Old Money aesthetic became trendy. The color resembles well-aged wine and can shimmer red, brown, or black from different angles, depending on the depth and number of lacquer layers. The wine manicure is a favorite of Wuthering Heights (18+) star Margot Robbie. She wears it while relaxing at the sea and shining at the Golden Globes. If you«re awaiting a premiere, it»s a separate reason to take a closer look.

“This is now the most popular color, and the gel lacquer palette with them is made very diverse so that every girl can find that perfect burgundy shade,” Ksenia said.

Cat-Eye Manicure

“Velvet-glass” nails — another trend that will look great on the soft square shape. The cat-eye effect isn«t new, but for a long time, the magnet was positioned to create a vertical pattern. In 2025, Korea changed the game, and the horizontal version came into fashion.

In winter, the design can be combined with dark wine and brown shades, and for summer, opt for milky and soft pink. With these, nails will resemble jelly or ice cubes.

“If we talk about the most fashionable thing to do on the soft square, it«s a manicure with a cat-eye effect, in light, delicate tones. I would call this a Korean trend that has captured us too,” the expert shared.

Thin French Manicure

French and square — a perfect combination. Regardless of which nail shapes or techniques become popular, this classic always remains in demand. In 2026, Ksenia suggests doing a French manicure on short nails and highlighting a thin, barely noticeable border with white lacquer.

For those who want experiments and aren«t afraid of length: in 2026, take a closer look at the layered French. It»s done on the principle of artificial nails — an unusual “smile” is created separately and then attached to the main plate. It turns out unusual and very effective.

Mirror Chrome Manicure

With mirror chrome, the soft square plays in a new way. Thanks to highlights and shimmer, the format becomes even more expressive, even if you have short nails. What you shouldn«t forget — chrome itself catches the eye, so don»t overload it with bright colors, additional decorations, stickers, or patterns.

“No pink, milky colors; use exactly cool beige and the mirror effect. It suits any length,” notes the manicurist.

Manicure with Bleached Pastel Shades

Last year, the nail world was captured by the trend for the “butter” color. This year, it has been replaced by sky blue. With it, you can do both a solid coating and an elegant French.

“Design — yes, and yes again. Painting is now relevant like never before. Convex and metallic elements — figures or rhinestones,” adds Ksenia.

In winter, the blue manicure can be complemented with silver lacquer or designs resembling snow or ice. In spring, small miniature flower stickers will look great on a solid coating.

Milky Manicure

The main color of the year, “sky dancer,” is already conquering not only wardrobes but also fashionistas« nails. The milky base, which used to be a kind of universal solution, now reaches a new level and can become an eternal classic on par with the French.

Ksenia advises looking at dried flower stickers for spring. They look unobtrusive but will add a special touch to the nails.

“With the arrival of spring, I plan to stock up on more of them (white, milky, pink, yellow, blue). On the soft square, a scattering of delicate flowers under transparent gel will look very romantic,” Ksenia believes.