Summer often makes us feel like we need a change in our lives. Once the weather gets warmer, I find myself wanting to wear something new, drink cooler drinks and paint my nails with brighter colors. But what makes a color feel like summer? Is it brightness? Softness? Perhaps adding some shine or a unique element to the outfit? I looked into all those questions and picked out these looks that scream “summer upgrade” in every color. If you like something simple, bold or pretty, you’ll find plenty of inspiration in this season’s designs.
Sunshine on Speed Dial
A bright yellow manicure is just so much fun to wear. This shade—like literal bottled sunshine—just beams confidence. It’s one of those summer nail colors that looks great against tanned skin but is surprisingly flattering on pale skin too. The finish is very shiny and the almond shape adds a touch of elegance without making the glasses look overdone.
If I were to make this shade again, I’d pick OPI’s “Exotic Birds Do Not Tweet” or Essie’s “Hay There.” You’ll want a high-gloss topcoat (I swear by Seche Vite) to make it sing.
I’ve worn yellow like this on vacation in Mexico, and no joke—every single margarita looked better with it wrapped around the glass. It’s a bold but simple choice, and honestly? Kind of addictive.
Chrome Violet Drama
This style looks like a runway look that has been turned into a gel. The soft pink base is topped with electric violet gel chrome tips, giving the look of your nails being covered in galaxy dust. It’s trendy, new, and majorly pretty. The combination of blush and mirror-finish purple gives this a touch of elegance, making it ideal for a fancy dinner or a night out on a rooftop.
To get the effect, you’ll need a good gel builder, sheer pink base (like Gelish “Cover Pink”), and a chrome powder—try Daily Charme’s “Royal Violet.” Apply the product using a sponge to get a mirror-like finish.
A nail technician once pointed out to me, “Mirror nails often look like money,” and it’s something I can’t forget. If you want to flex, even when you’re wearing flip-flops, this is your hot girl summer mani.
Emerald Luxe with Bling
Now this? This is rich-girl summer in a bottle. The combination of a green metal base and rhinestone diamonds gives this look a certain urban elegance. It’s perfect for parties during the day and for drinking after dark, as it’s bold, dark and very cool. It’s also a nice change from the usual pinks and corals we spot at this time of year.
It looks best when used with chrome polishes such as Cirque Colors “Jade” or Olive & June’s “Into the Trees.” Rhinestone stickers? Amazon has plenty to choose from or you could opt for Swarovski’s flat backs for a real sparkle.
A friend of mine picked a summer wedding-style outfit and everyone kept complimenting her. Even the bartender asked about them. So yes, it’s worth the bling.
Wave of Pink Energy
This one screams summertime fun. The waves are abstract, pink-and-white and a line of gold glitter makes them stand out. It seems a bit old-fashioned and a bit modern at the same time, much like what the French tip might look like in 2025. It’s lighthearted, but with a whole lot of personality. These are great for brunch, time at the beach or any place where you want to show off your hands and chat.
You’ll want a skinny liner brush for this design. You might like to try Beetles Gel Polish in “Hot Pink” and “Snow White” and their gold liner gel set. Apply a white base and then swirl the colors on top of it. Cure each layer separately to keep it crisp.
What I like about this design is that it brings out boldness without being too much. It’s like playful art you can wear.
Pink Stripes & Gold Sparkle
This striped nail art is everything: bright, graphic, and just the right amount of extra. With bold pink and pure white lines and a gold glitter border, the vertical lines have an air of glam Barbiecore. The elongated almond shape enhances the sleekness. You can still look put-together with just cutoffs and a tank, thanks to your nails.
Don’t overthink this: Apply the pink and white stripes using tape or a striping brush and follow up by lining them with a glitter liner. I suggest using Modelones “Princess Pink,” Orly “White Tips,” and the gold gel from Kiara Sky’s liner kit.
It’s easy to forget how much fun pink is until I see a manicure like this one. It’s trendy, sure, but it’s also classic—just louder.
Strawberry Milkshake Trio
There are days when you simply want your nails to feel like a sweet treat and this combination of white, pink glitter and blushy rose nails is perfect for that. It gives off a calm, sweet feeling, like saying, “I’m ready with my sunscreen and a cold coffee.” The square design is sleek and current, while the different finishes give it a little bit of character. It’s a lovely piece, it’s well-made and it will complement every summer outfit you have.
You can get this look by using Essie’s “Ballet Slippers,” ILNP’s “Birthday Suit” for a hint of sparkle and any clean white polish. If I feel like being different, I’ll apply a matte topcoat to just one of my nails.
This is perfect for people who love simple nails or those who have short nails. It’s giving Pinterest board dreams.
Cosmic Dust on Sage
The combination of sage color and glitter in this polish makes it feel like you’re on a starry picnic, even if you weren’t expecting it. It’s not the usual light summer color and that’s what I love about it. You feel a sense of peace at the beginning and then the glitter adds a touch of controlled disorder.
If you’re recreating this at home, look into Cirque Colors “Jade Surfer” or Zoya “Bee” as a base, and layer with Mooncat’s “Skywalker” glitter for that full space-dust moment.
It’s neither too quiet nor too bold, but somewhere in between in a way that feels unique. Excellent for people who like a modern style but aren’t ready for bright or shiny colors.
Turquoise Splash & Gold Luxe
This combo screams poolside glam. Think about cabana towels, iced drinks and some attitude. The turquoise is very bright, yet still stable and the gold glitter nails give off a glittery shine that shines brightly in the sun. It’s in style, a bit flashy and still something you can wear.
I prefer OPI’s “Can’t Find My Czechbook” for the blue and I always recommend Color Club’s “24K Affair” for gold. If you want your almonds to stay in shape all summer, apply a builder gel to them.
I always have a favorite nail polish for summer and this one could be mine for 2025. It looks beautiful on people with brown skin, pale skin and every color in between.
Pink Soda Pop
The raspberry pink with white dots gives off a soda-like fizz on a hot day. It’s playful, a little nostalgic, and totally summertime ready. The best part? It looks stunning on dark skin and also catches the eye on light tones. The speckle detail gives it texture without being overwhelming. Any blush pink fan will find this to be a great choice.
You can try Holo Taco “Magenta Jelly” and top it with Cirque’s “Speckled” to get this effect. There’s no need for nail art tools since the polish will do the job.
The speckled look is like your nails are dressed for a summer day. Sweet, but with a wink.
Ruby Glaze with Ice
Red nails are always timeless, but the addition of a rhinestone makes them look even more stylish. The shiny gel on the ruby red gives it a candy-like appearance and the ring finger covered in diamonds makes your hand look like a piece of jewelry. It’s bold, sure—but it’s also a whole mood. It’s ideal for weddings, going on dates or giving yourself a confidence boost in front of the mirror.
I often use Apres Gel-X in “Lust” or Lights Lacquer “Cherry Jelly” to get a shiny red color. Rhinestones? Try Born Pretty or Nailene’s nail art kits.
It was said that a red manicure is like a power suit for your hands and this one is no exception. It’s designer couture.
Barbiecore Forever
This bright pink which looks almost like plastic, gives a bold and summery feel. The high-shine gloss and coffin shape make it scream unapologetic glam—like you just stepped off a movie set where you’re playing the lead. It’s not for the shy, but it is for the girl who owns her look from head to perfectly polished toe.
I used Lights Lacquer’s “Valentina” as the base and finished it with their “Totally Gelly” topcoat. Even after a week of being in the sun and swimming, the shine from the combo still lasts.
Each time I put on this pink, someone inquires where I got it. This idea is both trending and timeless and your inner child will definitely appreciate it.
Chill Blue Jeans
Wearing this dusty denim blue is as simple and comfortable as wearing your favorite, well-worn jeans. It is a great choice for pale skin because it is light and cool. With short nails that are rounded, it provides a little bit of edge without being too noticeable.
You can get this tone with Olive & June’s “Angelfish” or Essie “You Do Blue.” I sometimes add a matte topcoat to the design to make it look less shiny and more relaxed.
This is the color I always choose when I want a low-maintenance look. It is basic, solid and looks good on almost everyone.
Matcha Mood
This bright green brings a summer twist to the clean girl style. It’s fresh, crisp, and reads like a salad you actually want. Glossy nails in an almond shape with this color are a simple way to make your nails stand out without being too bold.
Try OPI “I’m Sooo Swamped!” or ILNP “Daydreamer” for similar tones. When you match these shades with white linen or tan, they really stand out.
Green nail polish quickly became my obsession after Hailey Bieber showed it off during her vacation. It’s an unexpected idea that hits differently.
Lavender Whispers
There’s something almost nostalgic about this sheer, creamy lavender. It’s gentle, light and somehow has a magical touch in how it’s understated. On short, rounded nails, this style is understated and fits well for any lazy day or weekend escape.
I prefer Zoya’s “Abby” or Deborah Lippmann’s “La Vie En Rose” for this look. Remember to use cuticle oil—your nails will sparkle more when your hands are well-moisturized.
It makes me want to grab a book and go to the park. Relaxed, refined, and always right.
Tangy Tangerine Pop
This one is fire. When your nails are a bold orange, it’s a clear sign that you are in vacation mode. It’s tasty, cozy and full of excitement—especially when the sun is out. It is one of the most popular films this year for a good reason.
If you want to get this look precisely, choose Essie “Tart Deco” or Sally Hansen “Sun Kissed.” They’re bold, but trust me—they’re wearable too.
For the past few months, I’ve been wearing this color on my toes all the time. The weather is boiling hot and everything is more fun, including dressing up your flip-flops.
Ocean Lines & Blue Waves
If you prefer bold details and a tidy finish, this blue with one accent design will be perfect for you. Mixing electric blue and soft pink marbling gives this shoe a unique look that’s both fashionable and casual. It’s bold, structured, and somehow still a little playful.
I’d put on a coat of Essie “Butler Please” and carefully draw black, wavy lines using a pen on a pink like OPI “Bubble Bath.” A striping brush helps for sharp curves.
At a beach bonfire, someone complimented me and asked if a fashion illustrator had drawn my tattoo. High impact with low effort? Yes please.
Cotton Candy Pastels
The light blue and soft pink in this split make your brunch with the ladies feel dreamy and calm. The square shape makes it easy to wear and keeps it close to the ground. It’s not too intense, but it still brings back some Y2K memories without being too flashy.
I love Olive & You can use “RRP” and “TTYL” from June or try Lights Lacquer’s “Blue Moon” with “Rosie” for this look. Put on two layers of the paint, then seal it with a glossy topcoat to get your best shine.
If you want a simple and lovely summer nail color for short nails, this is a good choice. Pinterest called—it wants this set pinned.
Emerald Dip Fade
A long square manicure with a green French fade and a hint of shimmer? Now that’s summer evening glow vibes. Your nails look like they’ve been kissed by the ocean with color and I’m sure this trendy ombré will be everywhere in 2025. The change from nude to glittery emerald is very flattering and a bit mesmerizing.
You should apply “Put It In Neutral” from OPI as the base and use a sponge to add ILNP “Avalon” shimmer green to the tips. Top with glitter polish to blend.
It’s elegant but unexpected. I wore it to a rooftop dinner and received more compliments on my outfit than on my outfit itself.
Midnight Spark & Glitter Pop
A nail polish with royal cobalt and glitter adds a touch of drama to your nails. It stands out as a summer nail color, yet it never goes out of style. With squared nails, it gives you a perfect blend of glamour and a cool look. The silver glitter ring finger adds a touch of sparkle to the whole ceremony.
I suggest Essie “Aruba Blue” on your nails and Orly “Shine On Crazy Diamond” on one nail. For the best result, put on two layers of polish and finish with Seche Vite.
This combo is perfect for people with brown skin, pale skin or any other shade. I see it as a fancy outfit for your hands.
Peach Mojito Medley
This set is made up of pastel green, milky glitter and juicy peach, making it both fun and wearable. Mixing and matching the colors keeps the look appealing and the round shape makes it a practical choice. It’s a straightforward and beautiful option for anyone who prefers a little shine without much effort.
You can use “Peachy Keen” by ILNP, “Hatch” by Cirque Colors and “Everything Taco” by Holo Taco for the glitter effect. Spray each coat with polish, let it dry fully and then add another layer for lasting shine.
I like this design because it looks like it was made by hand and without much planning. Much like a cocktail at sunset or a vintage sundress.
Olive You Always
This light olive color is refreshing to see. It’s a summer nail color that is both natural and fashionable, making you look naturally beautiful and still trendy. Short square nails with a solid color are great for those who prefer neutrals and want a little change for the season.
I have noticed that Essie’s “Win Me Over” and Cirque Colors “Fiddlehead” are great dupes for this color. It applies easily and when you add a jelly gloss, it looks as if it’s made of glass. I make sure to buff my nails before applying the polish, as it looks best on a clean surface.
It’s also a lovely choice for summer nails on brown skin since green can brighten deeper tones and really stand out on lighter skin.
Sometimes, less is better and this simple idea really shows it.
