Let’s get one thing straight before we start—as a born-and-bred New Jerseyian with the state’s outline permanently tattooed on my body (much to my New York-native parents’ despair), I reserve the right to establish myself as the authority on all things New Jersey core. While the saying claims that—when it comes to trends—all that’s old will always be new again, I’d argue that nowadays, all that’s cringe will eventually be cool again. One such trend I foresee crawling out of cringe purgatory and back into the trend spotlight this summer is Y2K Jersey Shore core—I’m talking Snooki in a cheetah print micro dress, tousled, beachy hair and, yes, Jersey Shore nails.
If you were to scan the fingernails of any woman aged 16 to 30 on the packed beaches of the Jersey Shore circa 2008, all their summer manis would have exactly three things in common: they’re square, they’re long and they’re bougie. Whether the bougie nature comes from an over-the-top animal print design or an XXL French style, Jersey Shore nails are extra. As we lean into a more maximalist beauty summer, I predict that Jersey Shore nails, like the nostalgic styles below from nail atelier Vanity Projects, are set to make a major comeback.
7 Jersey Shore Nails to Bookmark Now
1 / 7
Tropical Paradise
Whether you’re headed for the tropics or the Jersey Shore, these XL square, blooming gel nails by Vanity Projects’ @makoartz will bring that fist-pumping energy into your summer mani.
IG: @makoartz
2 / 7
Silver and Gold
For the sparkly girlies, these long, square French nails with silver and gold 3D accents by Vanity Projects’ @little_bliss_priss are perfect parts 2000s prom queen and modern-day festival goer.
IG: @little_bliss_priss
3 / 7
Nude Jellies
Pretty much as low-key as nails get for a true Jersey Girl, these square nude jelly tips by Vanity Projects’ @rochellenailz teeter the line between minimalist and maximalist in the best way.
IG: @rochellenailz
4 / 7
Cheetah Girl
Do I hear “Amigas Cheetahs” playing? Or maybe it’s just these rhinestone-adorned cheetah nails by Vanity Projects’ @mee_kanae.
IG: @mee_kanae
5 / 7
Rockstar(s)
These rocker-chic, metallic French star nails by Vanity Projects’ @tsubasa_nails are totally trendy, but the long, square shape adds the perfect amount of JWoww realness.
IG: @tsubasa_nails
6 / 7
Siren Core
Believe it or not, there is a Sirens-esque portion of the Jersey Shore towns, and these chic, square, ocean-inspired nails by Vanity Projects’ @mee_kanae are sure to please the Kikis and Simones in your life.
@mee_kanae
7 / 7
Jersey Pride
Summer kicks off during Pride Month, and if you’re in need of a manicure that’s equal parts Pride and Jersey club queen, this set by Vanity Projects’ @kellykoutur is the one for you.
