There’s something especially fun about changing your nail style as the seasons change. I don’t think so. The upcoming Summer 2025 is likely to feature bold, bright and surprising acrylics. Whether you’re daydreaming of a beach in Spain, brunching in Greece, or just catching the golden hour on your balcony, these nails 2025 are designed to make you feel sunkissed, styled, and confidently you.
We’re seeing a shift: soft pastels are getting sassier, French tips are evolving, and solid shades are finally being taken seriously again (thankfully!). If you’re wondering which nail sets almond or nails square medium length simple will give you that radiant, tanned goddess glow, you’re in the right place. I’ve saved some of my favorite outfits that you can easily copy.
Highlighter Fade with a Neon Glow
Almond-shaped acrylics are made up of summery colors and a hint of beach atmosphere. Moving from neon yellow to soft pink not only looks good, but it also adds energy. It mixes excitement, fun and the feeling of summer all into one. They’re playful, super modern, and if you’re into nails that make you look tan, this kind of glow-up is your ticket.
To achieve this gradient magic, I like to start with a base of OPI’s “Funny Bunny” or a sheer pink builder. Then, add the neon gel pigments and I prefer LeChat’s “Neon Blast” set. Blend your nails with a small sponge or ombre brush, going diagonally and finish by adding a top coat for shine.
If you put down thin layers, the look will be deeper and the transition will be smooth. Don’t rush the blending—it’s where the glow lives.
I wore something similar in July and people I didn’t know would stop me to ask about it. Strong colors in the sunlight are very appealing to look at. These are summer acrylics bright done right—neon, but wearable.
Pink Electric French with Lime Curves
These square tips are giving serious Y2K-meets-Miami energy. The nails start out as a simple pink, but then the look gets interesting: hot pink changes into a lime wave that is both eye-catching and fun. It’s a fun shade, stands out and is perfect for anyone who likes hot pink summer acrylics but isn’t ready for neon.
My choice for a soft pink base would be the GelBottle Inc. “Dolly” and I’d use Bio Seaweed’s “Fluorescent Green” for contrast. Make sure you have a thin liner brush, as it will give you the accuracy and confidence for the squiggle.
I chose this style for the photoshoot I did in the center of L.A. She said that the design was inspired by the shape of old surfboards. The mix of surprising colors and tiny curves is what always makes you smile at your watch.
Glossy Watermelon Red
Who said solid colors are boring? The color shines and glows, much like vinyl and feels as warm as a hibiscus flower at its peak. They are shaped like almonds, easy to do and still quite striking—they showcase the grown-up version of simple almond nails. It also flatters every skin tone, especially if you’re after dark skin nail color options with brightness.
It’s all about finding the right red. Most of the time, I pick Essie’s “Watermelon” or CND Shellac in “Wildfire.” Apply two thin layers and end with a very shiny gel top coat. The shape? File the nail into an almond shape, but keep the tips useful.
What I notice most is that this plant is very easy to care for. In Austin, I wore the same outfit and it still looked great after five days of drinking iced lattes and swimming. Clean, confident, classic.
Classic French Gets a Cherry Pop
You can make the french tips square style trendy by painting the nails almond and adding a red cherry effect. It has white and red, but its tip is curved instead of being straight. If you prefer the clean girl look with a twist, you’ll love what we offer.
If you’re looking for a first color, Alpine Snow by OPI is a good pick. If your French guide is curved, use it or else draw the red swoop freehand using a gel liner in the “Candy Apple” shade by Modelones. A high-gloss finish will help your painting resemble vinyl.
I wore this at a wedding and got a lot of compliments all weekend. It was nice and elegant, but not too dressed up which is what I like when it’s hot out—I tried to look good, but not too much.
Lemon Cream Shorties
Don’t underestimate the charm of nail ideas simple short almond (or square, in this case). These yellow acrylics show what quiet luxury is all about. They make your day better quietly, much like the Amalfi Coast, but in a milder way. It’s wonderful for summer acrylics pastels to give your character a glowing appearance from a distance.
A soft yellow is best represented by “Sunshine State of Mind” from Essie or “Mellow Yellow” from Sally Hansen. If you’re doing these at home, prep is everything: buff, base coat, two even layers, and don’t skip the quick-dry top coat.
It usually soothes me and makes me think I had a good night’s sleep, even when I didn’t. It’s fresh, wearable, and subtly elegant. If you want your nails to look elegant, choose a creamy color instead of adding bling or 3D charms.
Heart Accent on a Bold Red Base
Here’s your love-letter-to-yourself kind of manicure. The set has a red nail and a nude nail with a centered, small heart. It’s a modern take on romance that still works for work, brunch, or a spontaneous summer date. Elegant meets simple short almond nails are the result, but the edges are squared.
Should you want to try this, use Essie’s “Forever Yummy” for the red and either OPI’s “Bubble Bath” or “Samoan Sand” for the neutral shade. If you want your nails to pop, use a dotting tool or a thin brush with CND Shellac “Wildfire.” Finishing with a glossy topcoat completes your car’s look.
It’s a mood—soft but clear. I wore a similar look last February and honestly? I kept staring at my hand, just like you do in a romantic comedy. This is an easy summer acrylics project that always looks wonderful.
Juicy Watermelon Tips
This one is pure sunshine in design form. Some nails are painted bright red, but the others have watermelon slices painted on them. If there’s one design that screams nails 3D (without the bulk) and nails hibiscus in energy, it’s this. Fun, fruity, and oh-so-Instagrammable.
You’ll want a sheer nude or soft pink base (try Beetles “Milky Pink”), then a bright red like Madam Glam’s “Flamin’ Hot” for the fruit. Use black dotting gel for the seeds and white and green liner gel to draw the rind.
A tip from celeb nail artist Mei Kawajiri? Using both matte and gloss surfaces in fruit-themed designs will make them seem more real. I took a bite and it looked like it would be delicious. Summer acrylics y2k never felt so delicious.
Lime Pop with Silver Sparkle
Minimal design, maximum attention. The collection includes a lime green nail polish, with just one silver glittery nail to finish the set. I’m thinking I’d look great with nails greece vacation, a linen shirt and a tan. Anyone who likes square medium length simple nails should definitely bookmark this style.
Orly’s “Glowstick” is the top pick for green and it’s a favorite for several good reasons. ILNP’s metallic range comes in many hues, but “Tinsel” is the perfect accent nail. Apply a short-square shape, tidy the cuticles and use double top coat to keep your nails shiny.
It’s low-effort but high-reward. In Mykonos, I wore a similar look and that’s all anyone wanted to discuss while drinking. Even though these are the most basic summer acrylics, they are still noticeable.
Pastel Fade with Glitter Borders
Let’s talk ethereal. The gradient goes from mint to peach, lavender and baby pink and is concluded with a glitter half-moon at the cuticle. It has a lovely shine and sparkle, but it’s not too glamorous to be overwhelming. These are summer acrylics pastel at their most adorable and easy to wear.
I recommend using Kiara Sky’s “Cotton Candy Collection” with these soft gel polishes and you could finish with holo glitter from Glitterbels along the edge. Lay the base, use a sponge to blend each color and line the base with a liner brush that has gel glitter on it.
They remind me of how the sky looks like sherbet during a vacation sunrise. Soft, elegant, and pure nails aura magic.
Palm Tree Sunset Ombre
This is the summer acrylic that always catches my eye. A gradient from neon yellow to fuchsia, with a strong black palm tree in the middle. The design includes a beach bar, a refreshing drink and the special light at sunset. If you notice someone with these almond nails, you’ll probably want to book a flight to Spain or the Bahamas.
To get that blend, you’ll need a sheer pink base, followed by yellow and pink pigments (Neon “Flamingo” and “Lemonade” from Gelish are perfect). Use a black liner gel to draw the palm tree, let it dry and then stamp or paint it on your nails with a soft brush.
It’s a style that will have you posting nail selfies all the time. I couldn’t stop smiling whenever I saw this dress in Miami this weekend. It’s all about tropical, loud and summer acrylics ombre.
Daisy Chains and Golden Frames
Using some pink and yellow in this manicure gives the nails a warm and refreshing vibe. The mini daisy and gold frame on the middle finger give this ring a vintage feel while still making it modern. Seeing nails, charms and floral designs together brings to mind a beach-side café in June. If you want easy short almond nails that have a touch of storytelling, these will be perfect for you.
I often use “Hustle” yellow from Cirque Colors with “XOXO” pink from Lights Lacquer. Secure the canvas to the gold frame with Daily Charme’s nail embellishments and builder gel. You can quickly draw dots with a dotting tool over the join between the petals and the petal centers.
I’d be happy to take this with me to the South of France or just have it at a quick picnic in my backyard. It’s different, very cheerful and proves that bright summer acrylics can be spotted without being loud and neon.
Glossy Sangria Square
Raspberry red seems more grown-up than most summer colors. The simple and square design gives the glass a classy look and the color looks like you’re enjoying sangria at sunset on a terrace. If you’re fond of almond nails and want to try something different, square-shaped nails are just as elegant.
I always reach for Olive & June “CV” and CND’s “Crimson Sash” when looking for this shade. Using two thin layers and a mirror-gloss gel topcoat will make your nails look smooth and glamorous. Once you’ve applied, a small amount of cuticle oil will give your nails a better appearance.
There’s a quiet power in red nails. Wearing this color makes me feel like I’m more determined and focused. It’s not just a look—it’s a mindset shift.
Rainbow Fade in Fierce Stiletto
The nails are first nude, then they become purple, electric pink and fire coral, all with a glossy rainbow coating. It’s clear summer has arrived in acrylics, especially for people who prefer almond-shaped nails with a sharp tip. It is both powerful and stylish and it’s a lot of fun.
It’s smart to try bright gel polishes such as “Lollipop” from Aprés or “Neon Peach” from Madam Glam. A smooth fade can be created on your nails with a sponge or an airbrush. Always use enough base to protect your skin, since the pigments are powerful.
I wore a similar outfit at a rooftop party in L.A. and many people thought it looked great. They are inspired by y2k and glam and the best part is that they’re summer acrylics. Unreal.
Pop Art Playground
This one is made to look great on your Instagram page. The matte finish and bright crossing lines on neon blue, pink, orange and yellow make the nails look like summer acrylics. These nails remind me of the vibrant and messy art on old pool floats or in Miami.
Use a strong matte top coat (I swear by OPI’s) and colors like “Pool Party” from China Glaze, “Atomic Orange” by Orly, and “Tart-y for the Party” by Essie. When you want to paint stripes, you need to use striping brushes.
The collection looks like summer has been turned into lines and loops. It’s pure fun for your nails and I can’t imagine a better way to describe nails inspo.
Minimalist Pastel Dip with Coastal Vibes
Sometimes less is everything. With alternating nude, peach and baby blue, these short almond nails look soft, clean and soothing. It’s a minimalist’s dream that still captures summer acrylics teal energy in a subtle, coastal way. Super wearable, super classy.
I think “Claire,” “Serena,” and “Haven” from Revel Nail are perfect for this style. You may choose to use different colors or keep them all the same on your five fingers. It’s all about soft contrast here.
I often choose this design when I want to relax. It’s not heavy, looks beautiful and gives me a great nail look without stickers or gems.
Neon Candy Mix
If sunshine had a manicure, it’d look like this. You can see a line of neon red, orange, lime and lemon on every nail when you use these oval acrylics. It’s a different take on the rainbow, now choosing bold and bright colors for summer. If you usually wear bright summery acrylics, this color is sure to stand out.
I recommend the Bio Seaweed Gel “Neon Collection”—those colors don’t fade in the sun and stay as vivid as day one. I painted the nails with the shade twice, shaped them into almonds and finished with a no-wipe gloss topcoat.
Even a basic outfit can look fashionable when I put on my shoes. These nails make you feel like you’re on a quick holiday just by looking at your hands.
Matte Violet Power
Minimalist in color but maximalist in effect. This set of matte violet almonds gives you that effortless coolness we all want. It’s like nails greece with a modern fashion-week twist. Clean, striking, and oh-so-satisfying.
Apply “Purple Pop” from Lights Lacquer and finish with their Velvet Matte Top Coat. Make sure your skin is well-prepared, as any bumps will stand out on matte, so skip products that leave your skin sticky.
I think they are quietly graceful and I keep running my hands over them whenever I wear this outfit. Smooth, powdery, and chic as hell.
Mini Daisy Buds on Blush
This one is for the romantics. A yellow and blue floral print on a soft milk background gives the outfit a feminine look that is not overly fancy. This design is lovely on nails that are short and it’s perfect for anyone who enjoys simple short almonds with a hint of flowers.
The best way to begin is by using “Baby Take a Vow” from OPI. Paint a small dot of yellow on every flower and use a fine brush to put the center in blue or white.
I tried this last spring and people I didn’t know would ask if the flowers were really pressed. They’re as lovely and interesting as flower crowns, but you wear them on your fingers.
Pink Power Tips
This type of French manicure is confident and fun. To make a bold look, white is covered and hot pink is drawn down the nail. It’s the kind of summer acrylics classy that blends precision and sass. Totally modern, and 100% made for selfies.
First, make sure you have Staple Foundation “Bare With Me” on and use a clean brush to define your eyes with color. If you’re looking for fuchsia nails, choose “Electric Flamingo” from ORLY. When following this trend, medium-square nails are the preferred shape.
Since I’m in a summer mood, I love that it’s both strong and organized. I once wore these to a gallery opening and ended up in three strangers’ TikToks. Enough said.
Glitter Kissed Ombre Pink
And finally, let’s end with a little sparkle. Summer acrylic ombre is best shown by pink fading into white and glitter on the accent nails. It’s not overly fancy, but it still looks lovely, just as soft waves appear in a calm sunset breeze.
First, put on “Ballet Slippers” by Essie and then finish with “Rose Confidentiel” by Chanel at the end of your nails. Apply the color with a sponge towards the top of the nail and finish by sprinkling a little glitter or glitter gel.
I love wearing this style for summer weddings and beach dinners. It’s glamorous, but not so much that you can’t wear it every day.
Pop Flowers on Bubblegum & Blue
It’s a daring style inspired by pop art and is ideal for summertime nails. The two nails with daisies are in fuchsia and yellow and the other nails are all smooth and glossy, alternating between almond pink and turquoise. It’s cheerful, has lots of character and makes you feel like the hero. It’s a favorite nail style for getting a tan effect.
You should start by painting most of your nails with Madam Glam’s “Electric Blue” and “Bubblegum Crush.” Make a polished rim with pure white gel on the flowers and paint the rest of their centers with bright yellow. Choose a topcoat that is very shiny to make all your artworks pop.
I put on this dress for a pool BBQ and was surprised by how much it stood out in the sun. This is a summer acrylic, but this time it’s hot pink, with flowers and a bit of attitude.
Soft Pink Flame Ombre
Let’s take a breather with something dreamy and feminine. This set starts out as almost clear at the base and ends in a deep cherry color at the tip. Thanks to its almond shape and soft gradient, this long nail is ideal for regular daily use. It’s summer acrylics ombre turned soft and sophisticated.
I start with “Love at First Sight” from OPI and finish with “Pucker Up” from Orly on the tips to get a bright fuchsia look. Ombré nails look their best when you sponge them and a faintly shimmering top coat gives them a candle-like shine.
I feel like I’m dancing ballet and drinking mojitos together. I’d listen to this during a date, during Sunday brunch or even when I’m feeling extra on a Tuesday.
Lemon Sorbet and Amalfi Chic
These nails are pure vacation. The base on the thumb and pinky is a matte deep blue and the rest of the nails have bright yellow lemons, green leaves and V-shaped pink and white accents. It has a scent that reminds me of Greece and citrus groves, but it’s been given a designer twist. If you’re into feet nail art and want your nails to match your toes? This is the vibe.
Use Indigo Love by DND for the main color and paint the lemons with Glowstick and Spring Leaf from The GelBottle. The accent French tips? All you have to use with pink and white gel polish are a steady hand and a liner brush.
Looking at this design makes me want to put on linen, travel to Italy and sip a Limoncello. It’s a contemporary, artistic twist on summer acrylics that makes them look classy in a new way.
