In case you haven’t heard, it’s a Brat summer. The album art for Charli XCX’s latest drop made green the color of the moment—so why not incorporate it into your next manicure? Whether you want to go full neon or take a subtler approach, we’ve got options aplenty.
Kara Jillian Brown is the Beauty Editor of InStyle. She began her career at Well+Good, where she spent five years evolving from Editorial Intern, to News Writer, to Beauty Writer. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English rhetoric from Binghamton University and a master’s degree in health and science journalism from the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY. She is also a certified fitness instructor and teaches barre in Brooklyn.
In case you haven’t heard, it’s a Brat summer. The album art for Charli XCX’s latest drop made green the color of the moment—so why not incorporate it into your next manicure? Whether you want to go full neon or take a subtler approach, we’ve got options aplenty.
Below, browse 18 short green nail looks to help you embrace your inner Brat.
01of 18
Neon Accent
Neon green and black always make for a cool-girl color combination. This design features solid green nails, black-and-clear cow print, and white-on-black florals.
02of 18
Soft and Shimmery
For a soft green look, opt for a greenish chrome powder atop a nude base. It creates the most ethereal effect.
03of 18
Serpentine Swirls
Spice up a French mani with a few irregular tips and some green snake-like swirls.
04of 18
Green Velvet
Velvet (aka cat eye) nails always pack a punch, but especially so when they’re on a black background. This green-and-black design is killer.
05of 18
Abstract Tips
For a bright and playful approach, pair green with pastels like yellow, orange, and lavender. This design features green and purple blobs with yellow and orange lines.
06of 18
Abstract Squiggles
Negative-space manicures are always so chic—and if you keep the design to the upper portion of your nails, they grow out without that line of demarcation.
07of 18
Dark and Moody
This dark and moody look features a mossy green nail accented by a sage green U at the base of the nail. The square tip serves as a gorgeous contrast to the rounded design.
08of 18
Floral Accent
This Kelly green look is accented by black-and-white florals for a simple, yet eye-catching design.
09of 18
Green Checkerboard
This pistachio hue pairs beautifully with navy and baby blue for a large-form checkerboard pattern.
10of 18
Chunky Glitter
Black angled tips are the perfect base for a chunky green glitter. The snake adds some unexpected edge.
11of 18
Green Tortoise
If Shego from Kim Possible wasn’t a glove girly, I think she would have sported this moody manicure. It’s a green take on the classic tortoiseshell look.
12of 18
Iridescent Gradient
This stunning iridescent polish shifts from a minty green to a pearlescent pink, adding a sense of movement to the look.
13of 18
Chrome Snakes
Combining silver chrome snakes, stars, and moons with this deep, cool-toned hunter-green is *chef’s kiss*.
14of 18
Vibey Hearts
Use a mix of bright green polishes to create a retro heart design. Some hearts take up the entire nail, while others are reserved for the tip.
15of 18
Wavy
This half-and-half look features a bright Kelly green toward the tip of the nail and a cool-toned beige at the base. It’s giving radioactive.
16of 18
Crocodile Tips
This sick design features a teal French tip topped with neon green airbrushed crocodile print. It offers a clean yet bold look.
17of 18
Jade Snakes
Inspired by jade, this marbled mani features a blend of pistachio, forest green, and white. It’s topped with black snake accents to add a bit of edge.
18of 18
Smilies
Teeny tiny smiley faces are the perfect addition to this neon-green masterpiece. It blends yellow, green, and black for an impactful statement.