Summer is here, and we can’t help but get excited for the warm weather perks. Summer is the ultimate season to thrive—think tank tops, patio dinners, and showing off this season’s hottest nail colors. There’s something about a fresh mani that goes hand in hand with a summer capsule wardrobe and gives you a mood boost. And honestly, what better time is there to try out new nail polish shades than during the sunny summer months?
For Summer 2024, color is everything in the world of nail trends. Runway favorites like bold blues and sunny yellows are taking over, and they’re everywhere—from fashion week to social media feeds. But the trend doesn’t stop there; pastels and metallics are also making waves, adding a touch of elegance to any summer look. A bright color palette not only enhances individual nail designs but also gives the overall look an artistic feel. The hardest part? Deciding which color or style to choose! For a little inspiration, here are 15 summer nail ideas you can’t ignore.
1. Light Blue Nail Polish
Light blue is one of the season’s most popular shades, and for good reason. This soft, cool color is perfect for summer’s warm days. Whether it’s a soft pastel, sky blue, or the trendy periwinkle, light blue nails give you a breezy, laid-back vibe that’s still chic and put together.
One of the best things about light blue is its versatility. For a clean and classic look, you can keep it simple with a solid coat of blue. The subtle color adds just the right amount of interest without being too bold, perfect for everyday wear. But if you want to dress up your mani, there are endless ways to customize the look. Try adding white French tips for a modern twist on the classic French manicure, or go for delicate nail art like tiny daisies or abstract swirls to capture the playful spirit of summer.
You can also try a matte finish to give your nails a soft, velvety look or add some shimmer for some glamour. Light blue looks great with metallic accents like silver or rose gold, so adding a bit of foil or glitter to an accent nail will really make the color pop. Whatever way you style it, light blue nails will keep you on-trend and feeling fresh all summer.
2. Solid White
Is summer without a solid white manicure? A white manicure is the ultimate summer look. It’s clean and crisp and goes with everything and anything. Whether you’re going for a minimal, polished look or a manicure to enhance those bright, pastel summer outfits, white nails always work.
This shade is perfect for many summer moments. White nails fit the vibe, whether it’s a 4th of July BBQ or just a weekend getaway. Plus, white has an added bonus in the summer—it makes tanned skin-pop and gives your hands an instant sun-kissed glow.
If you want to get creative, you can add tiny gold or silver accents for some glamour or go for subtle nail art like minimal lines or dots. You can even play with texture: Go for a matte white finish for a sophisticated, velvety look, or add a glossy top coat for a glass-like shine.
3. Bubble Effect Nail Art
The bubble effect is perfect if you want to mix things up and go for something more playful and bold this summer. Inspired by the classic “mermaid-core” look, this trend adds a fun, oceanic vibe to your nails—so you can feel like you’re beachy wherever you are.
The bubble effect is achieved using builder gel, which gives the nails a textured, 3D look like water bubbles. If you’re feeling adventurous, it’s a great way to add some creativity and whimsy to your summer nails. This can be done in any color, but shades like translucent blues, iridescent whites, or soft pearlescent pinks work well to stay on theme with the mermaid-core trend.
If you want to go all out, consider adding a mix of bubble-like accents with shimmering details like glitter or metallic foils to really capture the underwater fantasy vibe. The bubble effect can be subtle or bold, depending on how many layers or bubbles you add so that you can customize it to your style. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or heading out to a summer party, these nails will make a splash!
4. Lemon Yellow
If light blue is the summer star, lemon yellow is its sidekick. Bright, cheerful, and totally eye-catching, lemon yellow nail color is the way to add some sunshine to your face. This color is warm and positive, so it’s perfect for those who want to add a playful pop of color to their nails.
Lemon yellow is both cute and bold, the perfect balance for a summer manicure. It looks great with light and neutral summer outfits, and its brightness will make your nails the center of attention. Whether you’re heading to a beach party, brunch, or just a sunny day, lemon-yellow nails will make a statement.
If you want to take this to the next level, you can add subtle nail art like white daisy accents or thin gold lines to add more depth to your nails. Or keep it simple with a glossy top coat for a smooth finish.
5. Little Flowers
Summer is the perfect time to add tiny florals to your nails that capture the light and airy feel of the season. These bitsy flowers, especially with classic French tips, are dreamy and fresh manicures. The soft, feminine touch of floral nail art adds charm to any look, so it’s perfect for those who want to add some charm to their nails without going over the top.
This floral French tip combo is perfect for any summer activity—brunch, beach day, or even just a coffee run (and yes, it’s Instagram-worthy with that iced latte!). You can keep the florals soft with pastels or add some sparkle for extra oomph. The design is versatile, so you can put flowers on each nail for a whole garden look or keep it minimal with just a few accent nails. This style also enhances natural nails and gives a polished yet understated look.
This manicure is all about summer in a nutshell: light, fun, and effortless chic. Whether you’re snapping pics of your summer moments or just soaking up the sun, these little flowers will keep your nails feeling fresh and stylish all season.
6. Bright Green
Summarize the season with bright watermelon green or emerald green nails. This bold and refreshing color is the perfect statement for the season. You can do your own nails at home and try out the latest trends, like multicolored polka dots or seasonal colors. Bright green nails will make you stand out instantly, so they’re perfect for your summer outfits and outdoor gatherings.
This color is playful and fun, and it’s just begging to be shown off—whether you’re holding a mimosa at a patio brunch or lounging by the pool. Bright green pairs well with neutral pieces, adding a pop of color to your look. You can go all in and match it with other bright or tropical colors for a cohesive look.
Bright green nails are summer in a nutshell, so your manicure will feel bold and on-trend. Wear it on its own for maximum impact or with minimal nail art, and it will turn heads during the sunniest months of the year.
7. Mint Green
Pastel is a big trend this year, and mint green is the perfect one to jump on. Soft, fresh, and effortless chic, a mint green manicure will make you feel like a cool cucumber all summer. Nude nails are also a great minimalist option; they enhance natural nails and fit the current trend of clean and demure looks. This dreamy pastel color is subtle yet eye-catching, so it’s a favorite for those who want something light and airy but still want to stand out.
Mint green nails are calming and sophisticated, so they’re perfect for casual and more dressed-up occasions. Plus, they’re trendy yet timeless, so they will never go out of style.
For extra oomph, add delicate white or silver accents, like fine lines or minimal floral designs, to take it to the next level. A mint green manicure will be the talk of the town, and your nails will feel fresh and cool all season.
8. Dark Brown Fall Nail Colors
It’s cowgirl summer! With country music and influencers like Cowboy Carter bringing back the Western trend, dark brown nails are the way to go. This rich, earthy color adds sophistication to any look and pairs well with a Western-inspired summer wardrobe, especially with a great pair of cowboy boots.
Dark brown is a bold yet grounded option for those who want to try something other than summer brights and pastels. The deep tone is warm and elegant, so it’s perfect for casual occasions or late-night bonfires. As one of the fall nail colors, it’s perfect for transitioning into the season. Whether you’re heading to a country concert or just embracing the rugged outdoorsy vibe, this color goes well with the Western look.
For extra oomph, add subtle gold accents or even cow print nail art to the dark brown base, and you’ll have a fun twist on the Western theme. Either way, dark brown nails will keep you on trend and add some edge to your summer style.
9. Metallic Blue
Metallics are back this summer, but it’s not all about plain chrome anymore. This season, it’s time to mix it up with metallic blue shades and add a modern spin to the trend. A shimmering metallic blue, especially in a washed denim tone, will add a unique and eye-catching element to your summer manicure.
This color is the perfect balance of bold and elegant, so your nails will have a futuristic, high-fashion edge. Metallic blue nails’ reflective shimmery quality will grab attention and can dress up any look, whether casual or glamorous.
Metallic blue nails are day and night, cool and edgy but still polished. For an extra bold look, you can try nail art that pairs metallic blue with geometric patterns or add a silver accent nail for extra shine.
10. Red Cherries
Cherry designs are going to be one of the hottest nail trends this summer, and it’s easy to see why. Playful, cute, and colorful red cherry nail art brings a fun retro vibe to any manicure. The nail shape can really make this design pop, so it’s perfect for adding a pop of color to your nails. You’ll see it everywhere this season.
One of the best ways to rock this trend is to pair cherry designs with a classic French manicure. The combination of delicate French tips with bold red cherries is balanced, fresh, and stylish without being too over the top. Plus, this look is easy to DIY at home with just a few tools, so it’s perfect for those who want to try nail art on their own.
Whether you go for a full set of cherries or just a few accent nails, this fruity, flirty design is perfect for summer. It’s a fun and easy way to add some personality to your nails while being on trend.
11. Melted French Tips French Manicure
Melted French tips are the way to go for a modern take on the classic French manicure this summer. This trend is a fun spin on the traditional French mani while still being subtle and elegant. The “melted” effect gives the tips a soft, fluid appearance and adds an artistic touch that’s eye-catching but not too over the top.
What’s great about melted French tips is you can mix and match colors for the dip effect on each nail. For a bolder statement, you can go with pastel colors for a softer look or bold bright colors. The fluid design gives you endless options to customize the look according to your mood or style.
Whether you go monochromatic or try different colors, this design will stand out but still be wearable for daily activities. Melted French tips are the perfect balance of fun and refinement, so they’re perfect for those who want to add a twist to the classic manicure this summer.
12. Purple Glow
How gorgeous is a purple glow manicure, especially when it hits the sun? This shimmering purple shade was made for summer. It has an iridescent glow that will turn heads wherever you go. The rich, luminous quality of purple nails gives off fun energy, perfect for all the fun and social activities of the season.
The glow in natural light makes it even more beautiful, making it a bold yet playful choice for summer. Plus, this color goes with anything, from casual daytime looks to evening glam, so your nails will always stand out.
For extra flair, you can pair the purple glow with subtle metallic accents or glittery details to make the shimmer even more dramatic. This manicure is the perfect way to embody the sunny spirit of summer with a color that shines.
13. Light Grey
Cloudy grey nails have been trending this spring and will carry over to summer. Light grey nails are perfect for those who love a neutral minimalist look. This soft, understated shade is calm, cool, collected and looks sophisticated, modern, and chic.
Light grey nails are very versatile. They go with almost everything and every occasion. Whether you’re dressing up for an event or keeping it casual, this shade works with everything in your summer wardrobe.
For a slight variation of the classic grey, you can add fine silver accents, delicate nail art, or a glossy top coat to make it look extra shiny.
14. Clear
Summer doesn’t always mean bold, colorful manicures—sometimes, simplicity is key. A clear polish manicure with well-groomed cuticles and healthy nail beds can be just as chic and refreshing as any colorful design. There’s something timeless and elegant about keeping it natural and letting the beauty of your nails shine through with a clear coat that adds just the right amount of shine and polish.
Clear nails are the ultimate low-maintenance look, perfect for those who want a more minimalist approach or want to give their nails a break from bold colors. They’re versatile, subtle, and classy, and they go with everything and every occasion. Plus, focusing on keeping your cuticles and nail beds in top shape makes the overall look even better, and your nails will look healthy, neat, and polished without the need for flashy designs.
This simple and clean look is perfect for summer. It’s fresh and airy while still looking put together.
15. Frosted Effect
For those who want a neutral nail look with just a little extra oomph, frosted nails are the way to go. This soft, delicate finish is the perfect balance between subtle and eye-catching. It’s more than a clear look but not as bold as the glazed donut nails, so it’s a great option for those who want something understated yet stylish.
The frosted effect adds a gentle shimmer or matte finish to your nails, a chic frosty glow. You can layer it over your favorite color to give it a soft, dreamy sheen, or wear it on its own for a minimalist look. Frosted nails bring a touch of sophistication to any style. The finish is versatile; it goes with everyday wear and special occasions, so it’s a go-to for something neutral with a bit of personality.
