These Crocodile Nail Looks Are Just In Time For Fall

Fact: Nail colors are often linked to the seasons. When spring arrives, we’re reaching for soft pastels, while summer begs for bright neon shades. By the time fall rolls around, it’s time to swap them out for deep, moody colors that feel as fashionable as the season. On the design front, that includes animal-print manicures. Leopard and tortoise shell prints are classic, but if you really want a stylish look, crocodile nails are the way to go. Like a luxe pair of croc-printed boots, the design lends itself well to fashionable fall manicures. 

Crocodile nails are an artistic way to shake up your look. They’re created with a special technique that uses a blooming gel to form the pattern. While leopard and tortoise nails often use neutral tones, croc nails are more creative and work well with any color.

The trend also works best for nails with a bit of length. However, that doesn’t mean you need extra-long extensions. Short, natural tips like oval and almond nails can be just as appealing when paired with animal print. To get your creative juices flowing, we’ve gathered a diverse group of crocodile nails to try.

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Traditional croc nails

Think of this set as the manicure equivalent to a crocodile bag. The smooth glossy print feels particularly luxe in the classic brown shades. Even better? The print is ideal for short nails and looks sophisticated with a natural oval shape.

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Crocodile French tips

French manicures never fail, and with this interesting take, you can keep the look fresh. Instead of the traditional white tips, it features a croc print in a range of brown tones. From caramel to nude and chocolate, the gradient creates a unique look.

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Alligator green

For a fresh twist on croc nails, why not give them a bold color change? Swapping out the neutral shades for brat-inspired colors instantly gives them a cool aesthetic. Take a cue from this set and go for contrasting green polishes for a mellow alligator vibe.

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Mixed French manicure

Mixed manicures are having a major moment right now. This look blends a few trends to create an edgy-glam set. It includes a sleek ebony and nude croc-printed tip. But the rhinestone accents are what steal the show. They delicately line the base of the nail to give them a bejeweled look.

 

 

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Square tips

You’ve probably seen nostalgic square nails popping up on your social media feeds. The Y2K French manicure has been trending for a while, and this manicure is a cool way to spice up the classic design. It features the original pinky-nude base but has icy blue croc-painted tips.

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Neon croc nails

Sure, this trend is perfect for fall. But that doesn’t mean you can’t embrace it during the summer. Instead of deep browns and dark polish colors, try using a mix of punchy shades like peach and fuchsia.

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All white

Cloud colors give crocodile nails a completely new feel. This manicure uses the print to create contrast with texture rather than colors alone. The key is the matte, icy white hue. The shine-less polish provides the perfect base for the glossy, raised print.

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Pool blue

Crocodile nails can also be used to create a dreamy manicure, like this ethereal pool set. The cool blue polish adds a light and airy feel to the print. While the watery shades are alluring on their own, the hand-painted elements are a nice touch.