Ever wondered how to spice up your summer with some stylish square summer nail inspo colors & designs? Whether you’re planning a vacation getaway or just want to add a splash of trendy 2024 color to your daily routine, the right nail design can set the tone for your summer adventures. From simple blue to funky baddie styles, discover how these designs can transform your look and express your personal style.
Exploring a Cherry-Inspired Elegance
As a professional manicurist, I am always on the lookout for designs that combine simplicity with a touch of playfulness, and the nails in this image perfectly embody that blend. Here, we see a delightful pink base adorned with miniature red cherries, which brings a fun, preppy touch to a classic square shape. This design is both unique and irresistibly cute, making it perfect for both spring/summer outings and everyday elegance.
- Consumables List:
- Base coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
- Pink polish: Essie’s “Muchi, Muchi”
- Red polish for cherries: Sally Hansen’s “Red-iance”
- Green polish for stems: CND Vinylux “Lush Tropics”
- Top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
- Dotting tool or a fine brush for details
From a professional’s perspective, using high-quality polishes ensures a smoother application and a longer-lasting finish, crucial for maintaining the manicure’s aesthetic.
DIY Tips: Start with a well-applied base coat to protect your natural nails. Apply two coats of the pink polish, letting each coat dry completely. Use a dotting tool to add the red cherries and draw tiny stems with green polish. Finish with a durable top coat to seal in your artwork and add a glossy finish.
Lavender Dreams: A Subtle Transition from Spring to Summer
This nail design offers a serene transition from the vibrant colors of spring to the bold hues of summer with its soft lavender gradient that speaks of calm and sophistication. The subtle ombre effect paired with a glossy finish makes these nails a trendy 2024 choice for those who prefer a minimalist yet stylish look.
- Consumables List:
- Base coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
- Lavender polish: China Glaze “Lavender Luxe”
- White polish for blending: Sally Hansen “White On”
- Sponge for ombre effect
- Top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
Opting for a sponge technique to create the ombre effect allows for a smooth gradient, essential for achieving the soft transition of colors.
DIY Tips: After applying your base coat, paint your nails with a light lavender shade. Then, using a sponge, apply a white polish to the tip and dab gently towards the middle to blend the colors. Seal with a top coat to enhance the ombre effect and add longevity to your manicure.
Sunset Summer: Vibrant Yellow and Peach Fusion
Capture the essence of a summer sunset on your nails with this vibrant design featuring a brilliant gradient of yellow to peach, accented with an intricate ring finger design. This look not only reflects the holiday spirit but also adds a funky and baddie flair to your style.
- Consumables List:
- Base coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
- Yellow polish: Orly “Glowstick”
- Peach polish: Essie “Peach Side Babe”
- Rhinestones and micro-beads for decoration
- Top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
Using vibrant colors such as Orly’s “Glowstick” ensures that your nails stand out, while the addition of rhinestones adds a touch of luxury and flair.
DIY Tips: Begin with a base coat to protect your nails. Apply the yellow polish as the base color. Gradually blend in the peach polish from the tip, using a sponge for a seamless gradient. Embellish the ring finger with rhinestones and micro-beads using nail glue. Finish with a top coat to secure the decorations and add a glossy effect.
Classic Red with a Modern Twist
There’s nothing more timeless than a red manicure, but the addition of a unique artistic flair on one nail takes it from classic to contemporary. This nail design showcases a bold red base with an intricate yellow art on the accent nail, making it a statement piece for both a vacation and everyday wear.
- Consumables List:
- Base coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
- Red polish: Essie “Really Red”
- Yellow polish for art: China Glaze “Lemon Fizz”
- Detail brush for intricate designs
- Top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
Utilizing a detail brush for the art on the accent nail allows for precision and creativity, enhancing the overall appeal of the manicure.
DIY Tips: Begin with a protective base coat. Apply two coats of the red polish across all nails. On the accent nail, use a detail brush and yellow polish to create your desired design. This could be abstract shapes or delicate lines. Finish with a top coat to seal the design and add a glossy finish, ensuring your manicure stays vibrant and chip-free.
Vibrant Green Zebra Stripes: Bold and Edgy
Embrace the wild side of summer with this edgy design featuring vivid green polish and bold zebra stripes. This look is perfect for those who love to stand out and experiment with funky patterns, making it ideal for both a holiday adventure and a trendy 2024 street style ensemble.
- Consumables List:
- Base coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
- Green polish: Sally Hansen “Kiwi Bikini”
- White polish for stripes: Essie “Blanc”
- Striping tape or a fine brush
- Top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
Using striping tape or a fine brush for the zebra stripes ensures clean, sharp lines, which are crucial for pulling off this dynamic look.
DIY Tips: Apply a base coat to protect your nails. Color them with a vibrant green as the background. For the zebra stripes, use striping tape to lay out the lines or freehand with a fine brush and white polish. Carefully remove the tape if used, or allow the painted stripes to dry. Finish with a strong top coat to protect your design and add a professional shine.
Chic Leopard and Glossy Black
This nail design beautifully combines the allure of glossy black with the wild charm of leopard print, providing an outstanding example of unique and funky styling. The accent nails adorned with detailed leopard spots are set against the stark black of the other nails, creating a baddie yet sophisticated look.
Materials Needed:
- Black gel polish
- Yellow and black polish for leopard spots
- Fine detailing brush
- Glossy top coat
- Recommendation: ‘Gelish Black Shadow’ for the base and ‘Essie’s Shorty Pants’ for the leopard details.
DIY Instructions:
Paint your nails with two coats of black gel polish. For the leopard spots, use a fine brush to apply small patches of yellow, then outline them partially with black. Seal with a glossy top coat for a dramatic, shiny finish. This style is perfect for those who want to make a bold fashion statement.
Vibrant Fuschia Frenzy
The long square nails painted in a vibrant fuschia embody a bold and beautiful style, perfect for the summer season. The high gloss finish adds depth and enhances the striking color, making it a fantastic choice for a holiday or any festive occasion.
Materials Needed:
- Fuschia gel polish
- High gloss top coat
- Recommendation: ‘OPI’s Feelin’ Hot-Hot-Hot!’ for that perfect summer vibe.
DIY Instructions:
Apply a base coat followed by two layers of fuschia gel polish. Finish with a high gloss top coat to achieve a smooth and shiny surface. This manicure is great for those who love to stand out with bright, trendy 2024 colors.
Elegant Green and Zebra Stripes
These square nails combine a deep, luxurious green with white and black zebra stripes, offering a unique blend of elegance and exotic flair. This design is not only trendy but also versatile, suitable for both day and night looks.
Materials Needed:
- Green polish
- White and black polish for stripes
- Striping tape or stencil
- Glossy top coat
- Recommendation: ‘Essie’s Off Tropic’ for a lush green base and ‘Sally Hansen’s White On’ for striping.
DIY Instructions:
Paint your nails green. Use striping tape to help create perfect zebra stripes with white and black polish. Remove the tape and apply a top coat for a seamless finish. This nail art is ideal for those who love art-inspired, standout designs.
Soft Mint Elegance
The soft mint green of these nails is paired with a delicate pink and gold stripe, blending simple elegance with a playful, spring/summer touch. The use of gel for the base and accents ensures a long-lasting and smooth appearance.
Materials Needed:
- Mint green gel polish
- Pink and gold striping polish
- Glossy top coat
- Recommendation: ‘CND Shellac Mint Convertible’ for the base, with accents using ‘Orly’s Rage’ for the gold stripe.
DIY Instructions:
Apply two coats of mint green gel polish. Once dry, carefully add pink and a thin stripe of gold down the center of each nail. Finish with a glossy top coat for durability and shine. This design is perfect for those seeking a beachy, yet understated look.
Artistic Butterfly Accents
These almond nails showcase a beautiful gradient from natural beige to translucent tips, decorated with intricate butterfly and floral designs. This manicure exemplifies an aesthetic and art-focused approach, ideal for anyone wanting to express creativity through their nail art.
Materials Needed:
- Beige to clear gradient polish
- Butterfly and floral nail stickers or decals
- Top coat for sealing
- Recommendation: ‘OPI’s Samoan Sand’ for a smooth gradient and artistic decals from ‘Born Pretty’.
DIY Instructions:
Apply a gradient effect using beige polish that fades into clear. Place butterfly and floral decals on the nails. Seal with a top coat to protect the designs and ensure longevity. This look is suited for those who appreciate detailed, unique nail art that tells a story.
Summer Sunset Stripes
These square nails feature a vibrant play of colors with hot pink, yellow, and orange stripes, offering a perfect summer vibe that’s both playful and eye-catching. The unique use of colors and bold striping technique creates a visual that’s reminiscent of summer sunsets, making it a top choice for a vacation look.
Materials Needed:
- Hot pink, yellow, and orange polishes
- Striping tape
- High gloss top coat
- Recommendation: ‘Essie’s Check Your Baggage’ for a vivid yellow and ‘OPI’s Hotter Than You Pink’ for the striking pink.
DIY Instructions:
Apply a base coat of pink. Use striping tape to section off areas for the yellow and orange stripes. Paint each section carefully, remove the tape, and seal with a high gloss top coat for a smooth finish. This design is ideal for those who love vibrant, trendy nails.
Pastel Perfection with Floral Accents
This nail design combines soft pastel shades with delicate floral accents, ideal for a spring/summer wedding or tea party. The use of subtle colors like pale pink and mint green offers a simple, elegant look, while the floral design adds a touch of art and femininity.
Materials Needed:
- Pale pink and mint green polishes
- Floral decals
- High gloss top coat
- Recommendation: ‘CND Shellac in Cake Pop’ for a soft pink and ‘Essie’s Mint Candy Apple’ for the green.
DIY Instructions:
Paint the nails with a base of pale pink. Apply mint green on the accent nails and add floral decals for a decorative touch. Finish with a high gloss top coat to enhance the colors and protect the design. This manicure is perfect for those seeking a gentle, unique aesthetic.
Cherry French Tips
Refreshing the classic French tip, this design features a clear base with white tips adorned with tiny red cherry designs, adding a playful twist to the traditional style. This look is both simple and unique, perfect for any casual summer gathering or as a trendy 2024 update to your manicure.
Materials Needed:
- Clear polish
- White tip polish
- Red and green polish for cherries
- Fine detail brush
- Recommendation: ‘OPI’s Alpine Snow’ for crisp white tips and ‘Essie’s Apple Mint Candy’ for the cherry details.
DIY Instructions:
Apply a clear base coat. Paint the tips white and let them dry. Use a fine brush to add cherry designs. Seal with a top coat for a glossy, finished look. This design is ideal for adding a small, whimsical touch to your nails.
Elegant Nude with Silver Flakes
This design features a nude base with silver flakes scattered towards the tips, providing a sophisticated and elegant look with just the right amount of sparkle. It’s a perfect choice for formal events or an upscale night out, blending simplicity and glamour.
Materials Needed:
- Nude polish
- Silver flake accents
- Top coat for sealing
- Recommendation: ‘Essie’s Ballet Slippers’ for a classic nude and silver leaf flakes for a touch of shimmer.
DIY Instructions:
Paint your nails with the nude polish as a base. Carefully place silver flakes on the tips using tweezers. Seal with a top coat to ensure the flakes stay in place and to add a beautiful shine. This design is superb for those who prefer their style understated yet impactful.
Gradient Orange to Red
Capture the essence of a blazing summer day with this fiery gradient design transitioning from a bright orange to a deep red. This bold look is excellent for anyone looking to make a statement with their nails, embodying energy and passion.
Materials Needed:
- Orange and red polishes
- Sponge for ombre effect
- High gloss top coat
- Recommendation: ‘OPI’s Cajun Shrimp’ for the orange and ‘Revlon’s Revlon Red’ for the deep red.
DIY Instructions:
Apply an orange base coat. Use a sponge to dab on the red polish, blending it upwards to create a seamless ombre effect. Finish with a high gloss top coat for a vibrant, durable finish. This design is perfect for those who love unique, eye-catching nail art.
Subtle Olive Sophistication
This minimalistic, unique design in olive green offers a chic and sophisticated option for those who appreciate subtlety. The matte finish on these square nails gives a modern touch to the manicure, making it suitable for both professional settings and casual outings.
Materials Needed:
- Olive green matte polish
- Matte top coat
- Recommendation: ‘Essie’s Winning Streak’ for the perfect understated olive.
DIY Instructions:
Apply two coats of olive green matte polish. Finish with a matte top coat to enhance the texture and ensure durability. This look is perfect for someone seeking a simple yet trendy nail design that speaks volumes with its understatement.
Deep Blue Elegance
These deep blue nails exude a sense of deep water or clear night skies, with their rich color and glossy finish adding a luxurious feel. The uniform color and long shape make them a standout choice for formal events or a night out.
Materials Needed:
- Deep blue polish
- High gloss top coat
- Recommendation: ‘OPI’s Yoga-ta Get This Blue!’ for that deep, mesmerizing blue.
DIY Instructions:
Apply a base coat followed by two layers of the deep blue polish. Seal with a high gloss top coat for a smooth and shiny effect. This manicure is ideal for those who love classic colors but want to make a bold statement.
Striking Orange and Black Contrast
This design combines high contrast with artistic flair, featuring vibrant orange and glossy black. The sharp geometric patterns and the unique combination of colors create a visually arresting look that is perfect for making a fashion statement.
Materials Needed:
- Black gel polish
- Orange gel polish
- Striping tape
- Glossy top coat
- Recommendation: ‘Gelish’s Black Shadow’ and ‘Orange Cream Dream’ for a vivid contrast.
DIY Instructions:
Use striping tape to delineate sections for black and orange. Apply black gel polish on some sections and orange on others. Remove tape and finish with a glossy top coat for a bold and sleek look. This design is recommended for those seeking a unique, edgy nail art style.
Soft Pink Perfection
Soft pink nails offer a timeless look that’s both gentle and feminine, ideal for everyday elegance or special occasions. The slight gloss on these almond nails adds a touch of sophistication, making them versatile for any outfit or event.
Materials Needed:
- Soft pink polish
- Glossy top coat
- Recommendation: ‘Essie’s Muchi, Muchi’ for that perfect soft pink.
DIY Instructions:
Apply a base coat, followed by two coats of soft pink polish. Finish with a glossy top coat to enhance the natural beauty of the color. This design is great for those who prefer a simple, elegant look that still feels fresh and trendy.
Luxurious Blue and Gold
These nails combine a brilliant blue with luxurious gold, offering a regal aesthetic that’s perfect for high-end events or a glamorous night out. The metallic sheen of the gold paired with the rich blue creates a unique and eye-catching design that is both trendy and timeless.
Materials Needed:
- Blue metallic polish
- Gold metallic polish
- Recommendation: ‘Sally Hansen’s Blue My Mind’ and ‘Golden-I’ for the perfect metallic finish.
DIY Instructions:
Paint the nails with blue metallic polish as the base. Use gold metallic polish on the tips or as an accent nail to create a stunning contrast. Finish with a high gloss top coat to maintain the metallic sheen. This manicure is perfect for anyone looking to add a bit of luxury and sophistication to their nail art repertoire.
Fresh Gradient Summer Breeze
These square nails capture the essence of summer with a seamless gradient transitioning from a light mint green to a refreshing sky blue. The soft pastel shades convey a light, airy feel, perfect for daytime outings or a casual beach day.
Materials Needed:
- Mint green polish
- Sky blue polish
- Sponge for gradient
- High gloss top coat
- Recommendation: ‘Essie’s Mint Candy Apple’ and ‘Butler Please’ for a vibrant, clear sky look.
DIY Instructions:
Start with a base coat of mint green. Use a sponge to apply sky blue at the tips, blending into the green for a smooth gradient effect. Seal with a high gloss top coat for a durable, shiny finish. This look is great for those who appreciate a subtle yet unique play of colors.
Classic French with a Twist of Pink
Reviving the classic French manicure, this design introduces a soft pink base that adds a touch of femininity to the traditional white tips. The result is a simple, elegant look that’s perfect for any formal event or a polished everyday style.
Materials Needed:
- Soft pink polish
- White tip polish
- High gloss top coat
- Recommendation: ‘OPI’s Bubble Bath’ for a natural pink and ‘Alpine Snow’ for crisp white tips.
DIY Instructions:
Apply a soft pink base to all nails. Carefully paint the tips white for a refined French look. Finish with a high gloss top coat to enhance the smoothness and shine of the nails. This manicure is ideal for those who love a simple, sophisticated style with a modern twist.
Serene Blue Sky and Clouds
This artistic nail design features a serene light blue base with white cloud-like patterns and delicate line art, creating a tranquil sky effect. The soft transitions and artistic touches give these nails a unique, aesthetic appeal that’s both creative and calming.
Materials Needed:
- Light blue polish
- White polish for cloud designs
- Thin art brush
- Matte top coat
- Recommendation: ‘Essie’s Bikini So Teeny’ for the base and ‘Blanc’ for the clouds.
DIY Instructions:
Paint your nails with a light blue base. Use a thin brush to add whimsical white clouds and subtle line art. Opt for a matte top coat to give the artwork a soft, realistic sky appearance. This design is perfect for those who appreciate nails that tell a story and evoke a sense of peace.
Modern Pink Abstract Art
Combining soft pink with abstract geometric patterns in white and touches of gold leaf, this design is an excellent choice for anyone looking to add a modern art flair to their manicure. The placement of geometric shapes and the contrast of colors make these nails a walking piece of art.
Materials Needed:
- Soft pink polish
- White polish for geometric patterns
- Gold leaf accents
- High gloss top coat
- Recommendation: ‘Essie’s Fiji’ for a delicate pink and gold leaf for a luxurious touch.
DIY Instructions:
Apply a soft pink base coat. Design white geometric patterns and strategically place gold leaf accents for an added touch of luxury. Seal with a high gloss top coat for a glossy, refined finish. This manicure is perfect for art lovers and those who like to express their unique style through their nails.
Minimalist Cow Print
This minimalist design features a clean white base with sporadic black cow print spots, providing a fun yet chic look. The simple use of black and white gives it a contemporary edge, suitable for fashion-forward individuals looking to incorporate a playful pattern in their style.
Materials Needed:
- White polish
- Black polish for cow print
- Detailing brush
- Matte top coat
- Recommendation: ‘OPI’s Alpine Snow’ for the white base and ‘Black Onyx’ for the spots.
DIY Instructions:
Start with a white base coat. Use a detailing brush to paint black cow print spots randomly across each nail. Opt for a matte top coat to enhance the modern look of the design. This nail art is ideal for those seeking a unique, trendy look with a nod to fun patterns.
Wild Patterns Mix
This nail design masterfully combines various animal prints—zebra, leopard, and cow—with a bold blue accent nail. Each nail tells a different story, creating a vibrant, funky mix that’s perfect for expressing a bold, eclectic style.
Materials Needed:
- White polish for base
- Black and yellow polish for animal designs
- Blue matte polish
- Detailing brushes
- Recommendation: Use ‘Essie’s Blanc’ for the base, ‘Licorice’ for black details, and ‘Butler Please’ for the blue accent.
DIY Instructions:
Start with a white base on all nails except for the accent, which will be blue. Use detailing brushes to create zebra and leopard patterns on alternate nails. The cow pattern can be free-handed for a more organic look. Finish with a matte top coat for a contemporary flair. This design is ideal for anyone looking to stand out with a unique and artistic approach.
Pastel Pop Art Delight
This design captures the essence of pop art with cartoon-inspired nail stickers over a pastel base. The blend of soft pink, mint green, and simple designs provides a youthful and whimsical touch that’s both unique and engaging.
Materials Needed:
- Pastel pink and green polishes
- Pop art nail stickers
- High gloss top coat
- Recommendation: ‘Essie’s Romper Room’ for pink and ‘Mint Candy Apple’ for green.
DIY Instructions:
Paint your nails with alternating pastel pink and green. Apply pop art stickers to each nail, ensuring they adhere smoothly. Finish with a high gloss top coat to protect the design and enhance the vibrant colors. This manicure is perfect for those who love playful, trendy designs.
Serene Blue Simplicity
This design features a soothing sky blue shade on all nails, exuding a calm and collected vibe. The matte finish adds a modern touch, making it suitable for both casual and more sophisticated settings.
Materials Needed:
- Sky blue matte polish
- Matte top coat
- Recommendation: ‘China Glaze’s Capacity to See Beyond’ for the perfect serene blue.
DIY Instructions:
Apply two coats of sky blue matte polish. Finish with a matte top coat to enhance the flat finish and prolong wear. This look is ideal for those who prefer a simple, minimalist approach with a touch of color.
White Botanical Elegance
Embracing elegance, this design features a white base with intricate green botanical patterns. The detailed artwork is reminiscent of delicate lace, providing a sophisticated and unique aesthetic that’s perfect for formal occasions or as a bridal look.
Materials Needed:
- White polish
- Green polish for botanical details
- Fine detail brush
- High gloss top coat
- Recommendation: ‘OPI’s Alpine Snow’ for the base and ‘Green-wich Village’ for the details.
DIY Instructions:
Paint all nails with a white base. Use a fine brush to carefully draw the green botanical designs on each nail, mimicking the intricate patterns of natural foliage. Seal with a high gloss top coat to add shine and protect the artwork. This manicure is ideal for those seeking a refined, artistic look.
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