A Fresh Way To Brighten Your Summer Style
There's no better time than the summer to have a little fun with your nails. It's the season for bright, loud, and fun looks, but don't worry, if you love soft colors or more mature finishes, there are plenty of summery looks for you to consider too! Here are just 20 amazing summer-themed nails for you to consider doing this year.
1. Glossy Coral Nails
Coral is one of those summer shades that instantly feels warm, bright, and flattering. Not to mention, it's a color that looks great on a wide range of skin tones! You can keep the look solid for a clean finish or add one accent nail with a tiny gold detail for extra polish.
2. Lemon Yellow Tips
If you want something a bit more sophisticated and classy but still gives cheerful seasonal update, lemon yellow tips are great. The color feels fresh and vibrant without being too bold, which keeps things neat and easy to wear.
3. Ocean Blue Gradient
We know you're already thinking about the beach with summer just around the corner, which is why an ocean blue gradient gives off a cool, summery effect. The look works especially well with a glossy top coat because it gives the colors a smooth, fresh finish.
Margarita Yutsaytis on Unsplash
4. Watermelon Accent Nails
This beloved summer fruit doubles as an excellent summery nail look! Watermelon nails are playful without feeling too overdone when you use them as accents. Try a soft pink or red base with one or two nails featuring tiny green tips and black seed details.
5. Milky White With Shell Details
If you want something more refined, clean, and soft, milky white nails with little details can work as an excellent summer look. Small shell details, pearl accents, or a subtle shimmer can make the look feel beach-inspired without becoming too busy.
6. Bright Tangerine Nails
Go big or go home with bold and lively tangerine nails that seriously scream summer! It’s brighter than coral but softer than neon orange, which makes it surprisingly wearable but still loud and energetic. A high-shine finish helps the color stand out even more.
7. Pastel Rainbow Nails
Pastel rainbow nails are a sweet way to wear several colors at once if you're feeling a bit unsure about the direction you want to go. Choose shades like lavender, mint, baby blue, peach, and pale yellow for a soft summer palette.
8. Tropical Green Nails
Tropical green nails can feel bold, stylish, and seasonally appropriate all at once. A palm-inspired green, lime shade, or glossy emerald makes your manicure stand out and immediately lets everyone know you're ready for summer.
Margarita Yutsaytis on Unsplash
9. Pink Chrome Nails
For something bold yet very feminine, pink chrome nails add a shiny finish that feel extra playful and perfect for summer. But don't worry, you can also go the pale route with a baby pink chrome that gives a soft, glossy effect.
10. Peachy Nude Nails
Not everyone wants a flashy and loud nail look; if you want something more natural but still warm-toned for the weather, peachy nude nails are perfect for you. The peach tone adds brightness, but the overall look is kept soft and refined.
11. Starfish Accent Manicure
For a fun beachy theme, consider a starfish accent that feels summery, creative, and playful all at the same time. Just paint your nails with a sandy beige, pale blue, or soft peach base, then add a small starfish detail on one or two nails.
12. Neon Pink Short Nails
Neon pink looks especially fresh on short nails because the length keeps the bright color from feeling overwhelming. It’s a confident summer choice that works well for vacations, parties, or any day when you want your nails to stand out, but not too overcomplicated or messy.
13. Sky Blue French Manicure
Reminding you of clear blue summer skies, a sky blue French manicure is a lovely and mature way to pay homage to the coming warm season. The color is soft enough for daily wear but still gives your nails a clear summer update.
VLADISLAV BOGUTSKI on Unsplash
14. Strawberry Nail Art
Strawberry nail art is cute, seasonal, and carries such a fun look that matches the summer vibe. A pale pink or sheer base with small strawberry designs on a few nails creates a cheerful look without feeling too busy.
Konstantin Shmatov on Unsplash
15. Lavender Shimmer Nails
If you want a softer summer look that still carries enough sparkle to feel special, some lavender shimmer will definitely do the trick. The purple tone is gentle and flattering, while the shimmer catches the light in a delicate way.
Patrícia Hellinger on Unsplash
16. Sunset Ombre Nails
There's nothing like enjoying a peaceful sunset in the summer, so why not recreate that iconic look on your nails? Sunset ombre nails blend warm shades like peach, pink, orange, and soft yellow for a stunning nail look. The key is keeping the transitions smooth so the colors look polished instead of harsh.
17. Mint Green Nails
Cool and refreshing, mint green nails keep things clean yet perfectly fitting for the summer. It's ideal if you want something softer than lime or tropical green, but it's still more interesting than any basic neutral. It works well in a number of different settings too!
18. Seashell Pearl Nails
Seashell pearl nails combine soft shimmer, creamy tones, and delicate accents for an elegant beach-inspired look. Shades like ivory, champagne, and pale pink work especially well for this style. Just remember to only add a small pearl detail to one or two nails to keep the manicure refined.
19. Cherry Red Nails
Cherry red is a classic color that still feels bright and summery when worn with a glossy finish. Though, if you want it to look more mature, there's nothing wrong with a matte finish either! It’s bold without being complicated, which makes it a reliable pick you can always count on.
20. Tropical Floral Nails
Nothing like some florals to make any summery look feel all the more feminine! The best way to go about this theme is to first choose a neutral, pink, or light blue base, then add small flowers in shades like coral, white, or yellow. Keeping the flowers delicate and spaced out gives the design a polished finish while still feeling fun.
