Last Updated on June 13, 2025 by Wendy Sy
This post features ideas on bright and colorful summer nail designs.
When I think of summer, what comes to mind are sunny days, ocean waves, and vibrant hues all around. One of the best ways to channel that uplifting energy? Adding fresh summer nail designs to your beauty routine.
There’s nothing like a fresh manicure to celebrate the warmer months. The best summer nails not only look aesthetically pleasing but are also a way to express your style and boost your mood.
In this guide, you’ll find plenty of inspiration to take to your nail salon or try at home. From soft shades like butter yellow to bold hues like classic red, summer calls for a variety of styles.
As celebrity manicurist Gina Edwards noted in our recent story, “Nail trends I’m seeing now are chrome and aura nails,” setting a reminder that summer nails are all about embracing fun and individuality.
Whether you’re into cat-eye designs with a glossy finish, abstract art, geometric patterns, or moody tones, there’s a summer nail look for you.
Scroll on and bookmark this page for the best summer nail ideas so you’ll always have it on hand!
The Best Summer Nail Designs to Brighten Your Mood in 2025
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Butterfly Butter Yellow Nails
This summer manicure by @brittany_nailart combines the season’s must-have butter yellow color with delicate purple butterfly accents for a dreamy, ethereal vibe.
The classic French tips bring an elegant touch, while the playful butterflies and soft pastels add whimsy and fun. With rhinestone sparkles, the finished look set delivers the perfect balance of sophistication and glamour for the season.
Polka Dot Power
Nail artist Natalie Kirk shares such a fun touch on summer nail designs on her social media. How pretty are these bold colors and abstract designs?
The pink nails with pops of coral and yellow feel like a sunset dream. The mix of polka dots made with a dotting tool also add a fun unexpected twist.
Pastel Nails
“It’s giving Ibiza vibes,” says Abi Markey of @naileditbeauty who created this elevated take on pastel nails.
With light colorful shades, this mani couldn’t be more refreshing for hot days to go with European summer outfits. Plus, the gem embellishments in vibrant shades add a fresh spin. To finish the look, Markey used essie cuticle oil to nourish nails and cuticles.
Ombré Flower Nails
This neutral manicure has a bit of drama with a refreshing design. It strikes just the right balance between minimal and maximal.
The soft ombré brown shade creates a subtle backdrop for the pop of white flower in the center. Pair this set with a little white dress or sweater for an effortlessly chic summer look.
European Summer Nails
Imagine wearing this set while sipping an Aperol Spritz along the Amalfi Coast — sun-kissed, carefree, and effortlessly chic.
Fresh fruits, vibrant stripes, and shimmering stars come together in this playful, polished manicure to capture the essence of a dreamy European summer.
Short Summer Nails
Go for a bold statement with summer nails like Bellacures does here. One of the nails has an ice cream motif with rainbow sprinkles that just scream summer.
The rest is solid orange, a perfect summer color that complements the design without competing for attention. Overall, it’s a bright, refreshing take on short nails.
Lavender Fields Forever
Lavender nails have been trending as cute spring nail designs, and it’s still going strong this season. Here, nail artist and educator Katie Dutra added metallic lines along the purple flowers.
These intricate patterns make such unique styles for the summer season and warmer weather. Save this photo for short nail ideas if you’re, like me, are always looking for shorter-length square nails for practicality!
Coquette Nails
This one’s for the girly girls who love all things coquette-themed. How perfect are the pink tips, pearl details, and bow?
These coquette nails made with sheer nail polish and embellishments give an overall look of chic. Markey created this set of intricate designs that’s pretty perfect for special occasions like summer weddings.
Ladylike Ladybug Nails
Recently, I spotted a ladybug on my window — a small moment that instantly lifted my mood. Ladybugs are symbols of luck, new beginnings, and protection, and this nail set immediately brought that same energy. I was drawn to its vibrant colors, delicate floral prints, and meaningful design.
Playful yet polished, this manicure captures the joy and brightness of the sun-drenched season.
Serene Blue French Manicure
These baby blue nails elevate the classic French manicure with a serene twist and delicate butterfly accents. The glossy finish adds a fresh, polished touch — perfect for infusing your look with sweetness and sophistication.
Garden Daydream
Green nails are one of the biggest summer nail trends this year. Kirk added her take on it with pretty petals and dots carefully made with a dotting tool. Plus, the pointed tip on these medium-length nails adds to the illusion of a longer-looking set.
Take this photo with you to your local salon for inspiration before heading off to enjoy festival season.
Purple Dots Summer Nail Designs
An easy way to update a classic French manicure is to switch the nail colors on the tips. Here, Bellacures added a pop of lavender for a calming everyday look.
The design of these tips have a slight geometric feel and shiny clear top coat that makes it extra special. Treat lavender like a neutral and save this for your nail appointment as a leveled-up version of a nude nail.
Shop the Story: Create Your Own Summer Nail Designs 2025
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Lemon Nails
Channel the effortless charm of an Italian summer with these long yellow ombré lemon nails. This bright, fresh look captures the spirit of the Amalfi Coast — where every detail feels like a celebration of light, color, and timeless beauty.
4th of July Nails
How pretty are these bright designs with bold reds and sky blues for 4th of July nails? Dutra designed this look with eye-catching flowers that stand out on the poppy background.
The overall effect is festive and fun for formal events or casual occasions. Curious how she created these bright summer nails? Check out her online class on hand-painted floral nail art here.
Solid Color Summer Nails
How pretty are these bright designs with bold reds and sky blues for 4th of July nails? Dutra designed this look with eye-catching flowers that stand out on the poppy background.
The overall effect is festive and fun for formal events or casual occasions. Curious how she created these bright summer nails? Check out her online class on hand-painted floral nail art here.
Swirl Summer Nail Designs
These hypnotic long nails will make you do a double take! The different color contrast between the orange and purple shades makes for the perfect balance in summer nail designs.
It can also serve as conversation starters at your next outing. Kirk created these and paired them with gold rings which level up the look.
Dainty Floral Nails
These intricate flowers along with the pop of baby blue and glass-like shine look like porcelain tableware. Created by Dutra, this nail art design is perfect for summer parties or anytime you need a refreshing pick-me-up.
Espresso Nails
The combo of swirls and dark brown shades blend in these espresso nails are an eye-catching design. It will likely make you crave an iced espresso!
To get these cute nails, she used essie nail polish in shade Rich Brown for these long almond nails.
Extra Glossy French Manicure
These long almond nails feature an ultra-shiny finish that’s perfect for mani minimalists who still love something special.
The sleek, elongated shape creates a sophisticated yet modern look, making this style perfect for both everyday wear and special occasions.
Purple French Manicure
An easy way to update a classic French manicure is to switch the nail colors on the tips. Here, Bellacures added a pop of lavender for a calming everyday look.
The design of these tips have a slight geometric feel and shiny clear top coat that makes it extra special. Treat lavender like a neutral and save this for your nail appointment as a leveled-up version of a nude nail.
Strawberry Summer Nail Designs
There are so many variations of strawberry nails, and these are the most literal take on the fruit-inspired design. From the shape to the colors, this fresh shows Markey’s skill level.
If you love vibrant colors and bold nail ideas, this gel manicure couldn’t be more fitting.
Butter Yellow Blooms
For another take on butter yellow nails, try this set featuring delicate floral designs. The accents add just the right touch of charm and whimsy. Perfectly fitting the summer theme of warmth and brightness, it also brings a soft, comforting feel to your look.
Chrome Cat-Eye Nails
For an easy at-home manicure, try these press-on nails ($12) from colorFX by imPRESS (full review here). You can literally just press them on and go without using nail glue. This dark green color is a simple nail design that combines chrome and aura nails while looking like gel polish.
After using these again and again, I can say that it actually stays on for up to seven days!
Beach Summer Nail Designs
Beach nails are one of the most popular manicure styles in 2025. Markey went all in on this aesthetic nail art and created a seashell-inspired set paired with bubbles to match.
From the clam shells to pearl nail art, this set will step up your nail game.
What’s New In 2025 For Summer Nail Trends?
This season, all eyes are on bright colors which go well with every skin tone. Think vivid shades of greens, pinks, oranges, purples, and reds on gel manicures.
Other nail polish colors that are trending in 2025 include pastel shades, aura nails, and manicures made with chrome powder. As for nail shapes, the almond shape and coffin shape are super popular this season.
Which Summer Nails Color Goes With Everything?
Sure, neutral nails and simple white nail designs go with everything, but it’s fun to switch it up for summer. One summer nail color that goes with everything is lavender. This shade pairs nicely with everything, and is eye-catching yet understated at the same time. It’s also the easiest way to transition from neutral to color if you’re not used to bold colors.
Another choice is to go with a neutral color with an unconventional design and more minimalist feel. Seashell nails, like the ones above, pair with everything yet has a beach-inspired design that’s fitting for summer days.
What Is a Popular Nail Color For Summer?
Year after year, neon pinks have been popular summer manicures. From pastel pink to dusty rose to hot pink, this color fits the cheerful mood of summer. It has consistently remained one of the most popular nail polish colors for good reason.
Whether you’re using pink for your entire manicure, as an accent nail, or with glitter polish, you can’t go wrong.
What Nail Art Is Trending Now?
As for summer nail designs lately, beach nails, fruit nails, and unique design French manicures are trending on social media. Bold styles like 3D nail art and interesting effects like cat eye nails are also on the rise.
Like I mentioned earlier, press-on nails are a fun way to get the look of nail art in a cinch! All it takes is one of the many nail kits available to skip your next nail appointment. This also saves time from removing artificial nails at the salon.
There are plenty of designs to choose from, like natural nails, French manis, chrome nails, intricate nail designs, and more.
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