Isn’t summer the perfect excuse to let our hands do a little extra talking? When days are long, the iced lattes perspire on the marble tabletops, and your sunhat is already doing half the job, then your nails should come in as the final quiet luxury accessory. So how do you keep it on-trend, well-groomed and summer-appropriate without veering into cliched or done-to-death? So, let us discuss the classy summer nails to have a chic look in 2025 which are sophisticated, comfortable, and dead sexy. I have rounded up some designs that are well worth bookmarking the next time you have a salon visit.
Whispers of Nude Elegance
There is just something undeniably alluring about the simple minimalism of a nude ombr to with a touch of blush pink. The gradient begins lightly at the cuticle and graduates into an almost clear tip, providing that whisper-light effect that is simultaneously polished and looks effortlessly expensive. The almond shape provides a sufficient amount of elongation to the fingers, making them look even more elegant. These nails would be more at home on a secluded villa on Capri with oversized sunnies and a spritz in hand.
To get this appearance I would use OPI Bubble Bath to get that just right milky blush base. In the smooth gradient, you can find The GelBottle Inc Daisy Builder Gel which has control and the blurred out effect you are seeing all over Tik Tok at the moment. A good ombre sponge tool will assist in blending the layers with no harsh lines of transition.
At home, I would first make sure my nail is in good condition: cuticles pushed back, nails buffed, good base coat. The gradient method is most successful when you create thin coats, and cure them under an LED lamp between coats. Seal in that glass-like finish with a high-gloss top coat – such as Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat.
Personally, I adore the fact that this style can easily be paired with any summer wardrobe. Head-to-toe linen or a little black sundress, these nails read, I woke up like this, but make it 2025-level chic.
The Minimal French Remix
This is not your mother’s French manicure. The summer 2025 update is negative space and extra-thin white tips that almost barely touch on the edge of a natural pink base. It feels fresh, modern, and has that understated “old money” energy that’s ruling every fashion feed right now. The oval form makes it feminine, but not too sharp, which balances the minimal form.
To nail this vibe (pun very much intended), start with Essie’s Mademoiselle or OPI’s Baby Take a Vow for that barely-there pink. When it comes to the white tip, professionals, such as celebrity nail artist Tom Bachik typically recommend a striping brush and a sharp gel-white such as CND Shellac Cream Puff to really clean up the tip.
I would suggest at home you apply two coats of your sheer pink, and then paint the tip very precisely using a fine liner brush. The most important thing here is patience, thin strokes will give you that razor-sharp edge without the thickened look. Finish it off with a gel top coat to make it last with salon shine.
The thing I love about this modernized French is that it can be used anywhere. It is office-appropriate, brunch-appropriate, and altogether gives us the impression that it is very much in-touch with the minimalist luxe aesthetic that we are seeing on everyone, Sofia Richie Grainge to Hailey Bieber, this summer.
Blush Cream Perfection
Sometimes, simplicity speaks the loudest. A creamy blush pink, neither too sheer nor too opaque, is this magic that makes it look expensive without even trying. It is that type of shade which looks equally stunning on tan summer skin as well as on pale skin. Once again, the almond shape is the MVP when it comes to making the fingers longer and more precise.
Personally, I have a holy grail of this look which is Dior Vernis in 257 Incognito or Olive & June Pink Sands to achieve that just right amount of soft and statement. Both give high-end results with minimal effort.
In terms of application, you cannot get much beyond a meticulous preparation, a couple of thin layers of polish, and a top coat that follows the natural shape of the nail. The less polish, the more control as nail artist Betina Goldstein puts it. You’re not flooding the cuticle; you’re dressing it.” That really is the key to a professional quality finish at home.
What I secretly love about this shade? It causes any jewelry, gold, silver, or rose, to just pop. Add your pretty stacking rings or a statement signet and allow your nails to steal the show quietly.
Rose Gold Cuticle Accent
Now we’re getting into subtle art territory. The cuticle strip of rose gold is a thin line that provides the necessary interest but does not overpower the design. It is almost like nail jewelry – pretty, expensive and so summer. This look, combined with the almond shape and creamy blush base is making me think rooftop brunch in SoHo.
I would use OPI Put It In Neutral or Zoya Dot as a base, those have that creamy pink color that is neither too cool nor too warm. Whats Up Nails rose gold striping tape turns the application of the accent extremely beginner-friendly without compromising the precision.
Creating this at home requires a steady hand. Once your pink base is fully dry, apply the metallic striping tape on the cuticle line being careful to press it down tightly. Then just trim the edges, seal with two coats of a good top coat and you are ready. Celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec often reminds her clients that “thin layers are your best friend” when it comes to nail tape longevity.
I am crazy about the fact that such a small detail immediately updates the whole appearance. It is subtle yet lavish – a bit like adorning very small, almost invisible, jewelry that only the most attentive will be able to detect.
Blush Pink Almond Luxe
Here’s where classic pink gets a modern edge. This high-gloss, full-coverage blush tone screams polished sophistication. The almond shape is still the supreme shape of the summer of 2025, as it provides fingers with that just-right, feminine shape that manages to look good with absolutely everything, including beach cover-ups, as well as wedding guest dresses.
I would personally suggest Lights Lacquer in Adaline or Butter London Piece of Cake to get that gel-like finish creamy pink. They both apply smoothly and deliver serious professional salon energy even when performed at home.
The next time I recreate this look at home, I will always make sure to prep my nails with a rubberized base coat, such as Orly Bonder – it seriously helps prolong wear time. Two coats of color, a glassy top coat, and voil: the sort of manicure that receives compliments with every iced matcha order.
Personally, I find this color to be the summer equivalent of a power move: delicate, yet purposeful and slightly demanding attention, which is how classy summer nails on a chic 2025 look should feel like.
Soft Blush Sophistication
When you are in the mood to embrace the quiet luxury trend but also feel like you are fully prepared to take on the summer months, this creamy blush design will work every time. The tone is just right between nude and pink, and the glossy finish catches the light just so that your nails feel like polished pearls in the sun. Once again the soft almond shape is the supreme winner -lengthening the fingers with ease and yet remaining friendly.
On the nail polish, I always revert to Chanel Le Vernis Ballerina, because it is a classic in a bottle. If you’re after a more budget-friendly option, Olive & June’s CCT delivers a similar elegance. They both provide that creamy full-coverage finish that looks timeless and expensive.
At home, this look is surprisingly forgiving. I prep with a ridge-filling base coat like Zoya Get Even, then build thin coats of color, curing between layers if I’m using gel. I adore completing my manicure with the Top Coat by Dazzle Dry to achieve that undisputed high-gloss manicure that may last up to two weeks.
The design is reminiscent of the nail equivalent of your best cashmere sweater – it is dressy, comfortable, yet never inappropriate. And, frankly, I had something like that on when I attended a summer rooftop engagement party of a friend, and it received more compliments than my dress.
Muted Mauve Drama
And now, on to darker hues that scream summer sophistication nonetheless. This dusty mauve adds just a touch of cool-weather drama to the summer color chart – and it looks fantastic on sun-tanned skin. The coffin shape is elongated to give it a bold, high-fashion edge, but it does not lean towards anything too harsh.
To this I am absolutely adoring Lights Lacquer in Jane or Essie Clothing Optional -both of which really show off that deep mauve depth with just the right neutral base. Bio Seaweed Gel Unity All-In-One provides a perfect gel-like finish without UV in case you are after salon-level shine.
At home, I would recommend taking extra care with the nails preparation: pushing back the cuticles, very lightly buffing, applying a sticky base coat to ensure the best possible adhesion. Coat in thin, smooth coats and make sure that each coat is completely dry before applying another one in order to prevent streaks or bubbles. Seal everything in with a good top coat finish.
These shades are my ideal in-between summer days – when you are brunching on a cloudy day or having dinner outside on the patio. They are a surprise, fashionable, and somewhat enigmatic, which is precisely what fancy summer nails on a fancy 2025 look are all about this year.
Fresh French Revival
The French tip is classic and will never go out of style, however this one makes it young and stylish. The underlying color is almost-nonexistent pink, and the tips have a gently rounded white trim that reads as a reference to the 90s but refined into 2025. The ratios play a major role here, neither too thick, nor too sharp, but just golden mean.
To this I adore applying OPI Funny Bunny on the tip – it provides a milky soft white that is modern as opposed to harsh. The base could easily be OPI Bubble Bath again (an eternal classic), or Essie Sheer Fantasy for a glassier effect.
This one requires a steady hand or nail guides if you’re doing it at home. I normally paint the base color and allow it to dry completely before applying French manicure stickers which act as a guide when applying the white tips. You can also use a super fine nail art brush in case you prefer more control. Finally, seal it all with a gel-like top coat to make it last long.
What I love most about this design? It’s incredibly versatile — whether you’re wearing flowy maxi dresses or linen wide-leg pants, it adds that clean, elevated touch that feels so right now.
Deep Rosy Cocoa
Bending more towards the neutrals, this deep rosy cocoa is an ideal transitional shade of late summer. It’s rich without feeling heavy and has that “expensive coffee shop in the city” vibe. The almond shape makes it classy and the shine makes it lively even in the scorching sun.
For this, Deborah Lippmann Modern Love or OPI’s You Don’t Know Jacques! both deliver that creamy, cocoa undertone with a sophisticated edge. I also adore Manucurist Paris in Chestnut if I want a more environmentally friendly, cleaner alternative.
At home, it is quite easy to nail this provided you prepare well. I would always suggest drying the nail plate with an alcohol wipe first and then apply a sticky base coat. Here two coats of color should be applied, with the tips capped to prevent early chipping, and a high-gloss top coat applied over.
I recently attended a summer dinner party, you know the type where you are drinking ros, as the sky is pink-ing, and I swear this shade made my entire outfit feel more purposeful.
Warm Almond Beige
Sometimes you just crave simplicity. This warm beige is the best of both worlds between nude and neutral with a hint of buttery undertone that screams summer-ready. It’s like the nail equivalent of a breezy linen set — relaxed, clean, and effortlessly chic.
On this low-key note, I adore Hermes Les Mains Hermes in Rose Coquillage. If you’re looking for a more accessible dupe, Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in Bare Dare gives you a creamy finish with great wearability.
To apply, less is definitely more and cuticles should be clean. I never skip wrapping my tips with every coat to avoid chipping and to ensure that the polish is embracing every single curve on the nail bed to achieve that salon-looking manicure.
Personally, I find this color ideal for those “no-makeup makeup” summer days — when you’re glowing from good skincare, your hair’s in a low bun, and you’re just letting your natural vibe do the talking.
Scarlet Summer Classic
The strength of a perfect red can not be argued with, as it is classic, attention-grabbing, and extremely elegant. This color is in that golden mean: it is deep scarlet with warm undertones that suit any skin complexion. The shape is a rounded oval that provides a finished, well-proportioned appearance, so the red does not look overwhelming, but elegant. It is taking me to sunset dinners, champagne flutes and a touch of old Hollywood glamour re-imagined in summer 2025.
Chanel Le Vernis in Pirate 08 is my holy grail forever when I want to go this shade. It provides richness, sparkle and the elegant red that is somehow both old-fashioned and contemporary. A beautiful alternative is Olive & June CV if you’re craving a more affordable but equally rich hue.
I never rush my prep for red – since with bold colors, all imperfections are visible. I push back cuticles, file the nail surface smooth and then apply a sticky base coat to make them last. Apply in two thin coats and top it off with a high shine top coat such as Seche Vite to give it that salon like glassy finish.
For me, red nails always add that final touch to any summer outfit, whether it’s a breezy linen jumpsuit or a flowy floral dress. It is the sort of classic that you can go back to time after time as it never goes out of being chic.
Midnight Navy Allure
Who says dark shades are reserved for winter? This navy is so ultra-chic and adds a mysterious almost nautical touch to summer nails. That suave, urban feel is achieved by the high-gloss finish and the almond shape, which is ideal for a rooftop Havana night or a nocturnal summer wedding.
In this color, I am obsessed with Essie After School Boy Blazer, it is a cult color, after all. The deep navy reads sophisticated rather than moody. Butter London Union Jack Black with a touch of blue chrome powder also achieves a glossy, dimensional navy that’s pure luxe.
Navy is one of those shades where precision matters. I never fail to use a ridge-filling base coat to prevent any streakiness and then I use two coats of the color in ultra-thin coats. The Secret is to allow each coat to dry completely to avoid bubbling. Then, a gel-like top coat seals everything to perfection.
Personally, I am obsessed with this color when I want my nails to feel slightly surprising in summer – it looks stunning with both white crisp outfits and summer bright colors, making everything look purposeful and chic.
Soft Pink Minimal Square
And now it is time to show some love to the square shape, which is so on right now. This creamy light pink with a natural square tip gives a slight reference to the early 2000s minimalism but completely updated to the current trend cycle. It’s the epitome of wearable elegance.
Suzi Nails New Orleans by OPI is my choice in this creamy color. Want something a little more sheer? Zoya Bela will provide you with that jelly-like transparent look yet feels polished.
When it comes to application, the square shape needs a bit more care when it comes to filing that clean edge. Begin by using a fine-grit file to shape and then continue with base coat, two thin coats of color and top it off with a gel top coat to make it last.
This aesthetic makes me strong “quiet luxury” vibes — it is ideal when you are a neutral enthusiast and do not want your nails to shout but feel fancy. It has become one of my staple colors when I am in the mood to make my hands look naturally beautiful.
Baby French with a Twist
This design takes the traditional French and makes it fresh and delicate. The almost pink base graduates to a light pastel white tip with a touch of shimmer that gives it a dreamy effect that is so appropriate in sun-kissed days and garden parties.
As the ideal sheer pink base, I suggest CND Shellac in Satin Pyjamas. On the tip, OPI Funny Bunny gives us that diffused soft white that is so in-trend again. The slight dusting of Apres Diamond Gel in Sparkle gives it the light shimmer that reflects the light so nicely.
At home, I always use nail guides to create a consistent, fine tip, then gently dab a shimmer top coat before sealing everything in. Celebrity nail artist Tom Bachik always says, “A thin white tip can be the ultimate power move when done delicately,” and I couldn’t agree more.
My favorite thing about this design is that it feels classic yet modern, the ultimate mix of nostalgic and new that makes these classy summer nails the definition of chic in 2025.
Glazed Pearl Chrome
And now the very height of futuristic chic – the glazed pearl chrome. It is an iridescent finish that catches the light in the most hypnotizing manner, flipping between silvery lilac pink and soft champagne depending on the angle. It is so quintessentially summer 2025 with its fixation on the so-called clean girl aesthetic but with a sprinkle of intergalactic glam.
To achieve this appearance, Bio Sculpture’s Gemini Halo Chrome Powder on a base of OPI Bare My Soul gives you that multi-dimensional look. Similar vibes could be also reached with the Unicorn Chrome Powder by Daily Charme that is very user-friendly and could be applied at home.
To do this at home, it would be layered: base coat, two coats of sheer pink, cure completely, and then the chrome powder would be rubbed into the tack-free surface with a silicone applicator. Seal it all in with a non-wipe gel top coat.
It is one of my all-time favorites when I wish my nails to feel like small pieces of jewelry. They catch every bit of summer light, whether you’re holding a spritz on the terrace or scrolling through your feed poolside.
Perfect Pastel Pink Shortie
Less is sometimes really more, and this ultra-feminine soft pink on short, natural nails is a true proof of that. The pastel pink cream is pigmented enough to be fresh and modern but not too much. Combined with a short rounded square, it radiates a young healthy universally flattering feeling. Imagine carefree chic as you drink ice matcha in the morning sun.
When it comes to this type of wearable everyday pink, I go to either Olive & June GH or Essie Ballet Slippers, both of which have that slightly sheer, milkier finish that has become the holy grail of minimalist nail obsessives.
Application is marvelously easy here: file nails to a rounded square, push back cuticles, apply a smoothing base coat and apply two thin coats of polish. One swipe of a fast-drying shiny top coat will guarantee long-term shine that is completely summer-proof.
Personally, I adore the fact that this looks great on any occasion, whether it is a summer day in the office or a spontaneous trip to the beach, showing that short nails can still bring the serious classy summer nails vibe to make you look chic in 2025.
Romantic French With Sweetheart Accent
The design is one that would fit on your Pinterest mood board entitled, “Summer Romance.” The traditional soft pink base is the background to the dainty white French tips, yet the showstopper here is the heart-accent nail, which makes this manicure look playful and flirty. The design is simultaneously bridal, beachy and instagram-worthy.
OPI Mimosas for Mr. & Mrs. is a cloudlike option as a base. I would apply CND Shellac Cream Puff on the hearts and tips using a fine detail brush to make sharp lines and heart shapes neatly.
When at home, I would always suggest using nail art tutorials on the French tip and dotting tools on the hearts. To avoid smudging or having designs that are not even, thin layers and complete curing in between steps are important. Top coat everything using a hard gel to make them more durable.
It is that type of a design which is just perfect as a summer bridal shower, romantic weekend getaway or just to make your warm weather vibe a bit sweeter.
Milky Almond Perfection
And hardly a design can be more chicly understated than the milky almond, a sheer creamy pink, gently glossy, and just formed to lengthen the fingers. It is plain and yet never dull, with an extra smooth gel-like finish that reflects the summer light.
To get this appearance I will always recommend The GelBottle Inc. in Dolly or OPI Baby Take a Vow -they both have that sheer-but-buildable milky pink that has become a staple of modern sophistication.
The preparation to this look begins with the perfect nail shaping: file the nails to an almond shape, push the cuticles back and apply a builder gel base to make the nails strong and smooth. Apply two to three thin coats, allowing to cure between coats and top with a no-wipe top coat.
I always think this look feels like the nail equivalent of dewy summer skin, it is easy, chic, and goes with all of the outfits in your summer capsule wardrobe.
Muted Mocha Mauve
When you need something a little bit earthy and still desire softness, this dusty mauve will satisfy. The cool, creamy undertone of the mauve and taupe combination makes the color look luxe yet accessible. It is structured by an almond shape and has a modern twist with the matte finish which is seriously on-trend this summer.
This neutral creamy shade is one of my favorites, and I can recommend OPI That -s What Friends Are Thor or ILNP Sandbar, which is more dimensional and taupe-mauve hybrid.
The matte finish needs a good quality matte top coat – OPI Matte Top Coat has never disappointed me. Put on two thin coats of color, tip cap carefully and finally put on the matte top coat to give it that velvety look that remains clean.
This is my new favorite look in cooler summer evenings, when the candlelit patios, comfy linen sweaters, and that ideal glass of ros are involved. It is easily stylish, wherever your summer plans might lead you.
Chic Cherry Gel Red
How about we finish with a showstopper- this glossy cherry red is creamy and high gloss gel finish giving strong Parisian vibes. The cropped, gently squared off shape makes it wearable, fresh, and so modern for summer 2025. It’s bold, confident, and absolutely magnetic.
With this flawless cherry, I am in love with Lights Lacquer Cherry Jelly or Essie Gel Couture Rock The Runway – they both offer you that juicy depth with the most amazing shine and durability.
When applying bright reds, cuticle care is non-negotiable. I never fail to prepare by applying a hydrating cuticle oil, push them back slightly and apply a sticky base coat. To apply color, apply two thin coats, be sure to cap the tips and seal with a gel top coat to give it that glass-like finish.
Whenever I put on this color, I automatically feel more polished. It is that immediate self-esteem kick, whether you are going on a dinner date or just meeting a friend over coffee, that shows that even classy summer nails to achieve a chic 2025 look can be bold.
Espresso Short & Glossy
This dark espresso brown is like the refined summer neutral you reach to on a daily basis. It may be surprising by the season but so very stylish and will add richness and depth that will look stunning against a sun-kissed skin. The short and squared round silhouette makes it very down to earth and everyday but with a sense of elevation.
To achieve this shiny chocolate shade, I reach either Olive & June CN or OPI Espresso Your Inner Self – both of which provide that cozy richness without becoming too cool or muddy.
Nail prep is everything when using dark colors such as this. I gently push back cuticles, file to shape and smooth on a base coat. The color goes on in two thin coats to even out the pigment and I seal it with a high-shine top coat to give it that wet-look glass finish that lasts days without a flaw.
I love how grown-up this feels as a summer evening – with silky neutral dresses or linen separates it is understatedly strong but still has that elegant summer nails for a chic 2025 look thing going on in full force.
Sky Blue Ombré Dream
This is where summer whimsy comes in the translucent natural base graduates into a soft sky-blue tip, resulting in a frosty ombr, which is ethereal and fresh at the same time. It is as though you have caught that instant when the beach becomes the sky – understated, soothing and so very fashionable in 2025.
To recreate this I adore using OPI Bubble Bath as the soft base which fades into The GelBottle Bluebell pastel blue. A cosmetic sponge is used to dot and smooth the ombr e out.
When at home, I would always put on my sheer pink base, then using a cosmetic sponge, I would apply the blue color beginning at the tip, and then fading towards the downward direction. That gradient is achieved with a couple of rounds of light mixing. It is all sealed in with a gel top coat to make it as shiny as can be.
The design is as light as the summer afternoon breeze – relaxing, carefree and completely Instagram-worthy without being too pushy.
Rosy Apricot Glow
The soft peachy pink tones are a huge trend, and this design definitely hits the nail on the head. The squat, circular format combined with this lightening, warm pink is flattering to all skin tones and is like a bottle of summer sunshine. It’s cheerful, clean, and universally flattering.
In this shade, I have two major recommendations: Essie Peach Side Babe or Olive & June EC -both are in that perfect pink-coral balance without being too orange.
Short nail preparation begins with light shaping, buffing and pushing back cuticles. I never leave out the ridge-filling base coat, two coats of color, and a top coat that is no-wipe to give salon-level shine.
It is one of those cheerful colors that just makes me feel good – great for backyard BBQs, rooftop brunches or even a lazy day of running errands but still want that extra bit of effortless chic.
Soft Ballet Pink Minimalist
This color takes us back to one of the most lasting nail trends of summer: the barely-there pink, clean, chic and incredibly wearable. The natural oval form is short and does not overpower the fingers but makes it suitable to wear every day yet it appears polished and purposeful.
My personal favorites when I desire this dainty appearance are OPI Mimosas for Mr. & Mrs. or Lights Lacquer Pink Sands both of which provide that creamy but sheer pink that is so sophisticated without ever being attention seeking.
In application this design really excels when used in thin even coats, two coats usually provide full coverage but without losing that light airy texture. The top coat is shiny and gives the nail its natural curvature and the glass-like appearance.
Whenever I put on this shade, I feel as though I have my life together, even when I am simply late to my next iced latte run.
Muted Rose Almond Elegance
Last but not least, this muted rose color on almond-shaped nails is like a sweet spot between romantic and chic. It is a creamy, slightly dusty pink that is as perfect on casual days as it is on dressy nights, so it is one of the most versatile shades in my summer lineup.
In this quiet mauve-rose mood, Zoya Rue and OPI You Sustain Me are drop-dead gorgeous shades that provide lush coverage without being in any way unwearable.
To achieve this look at home I would always suggest using a good base coat to protect the nails and strengthen them, then two coats of color applied smoothly. Top off with a high-gloss finishing coat that makes the almond shape look even more gorgeous.
I actually wore this specific shade last week to an outdoor wedding and it was the most perfect complement to my sage green slip dress, elegant, timeless, and very much in keeping with the classy summer nails for a chic 2025 look mood we’ve been putting together.
Cherry Wine with Heart Accent
The first thing that one notices about this shade is the richness of cherry wine, which is then balanced by the cutest heart accents that make this otherwise very romantic appearance playful and modern. The almond stiletto shape adds some drama to it, and it is ideal to use on those summer nights when you need your nails to be the accessory. And, frankly speaking, we are all a bit crazy about mini hearts this season.
OPI Malaga Wine is my favorite deep vampy red and Essie Mademoiselle is my favorite soft nude polish on the accent nails. To do the heart details, a dotting tool and a fine art brush with CND Shellac Dark Dahlia can make the fine work effortless.
When making this appearance at home, I would always suggest doing the solid nails first and then giving them a lot of drying time before neatly painting the hearts. The shiny, candy-like appearance is locked in with a high-shine gel top coat, which makes the heart stand out.
I have a variation of this that I recently wore on a summer date night – it was just flirty enough and still sophisticated and I felt 100% comfortable wearing it.
Dusty Navy Cool Down
This is the color of a summer storm approaching, rich dusty navy and very down-to-earth yet cool enough to be incredibly chic in summer. Oval shape makes it friendly, and a cool color serves as a stunning contrast to tanned summer skin and gold accessories.
When it comes to this moody but summer suitable navy, one of the best choices is Zoya Sailor. In case you prefer a gel alternative, Beetles Gel Polish in Blue Gray will give you the same level of sophistication with a serious staying power.
The key to this is coating very thinly to avoid any unevenness with such a high pigmented color. I prepare by using a smoothing ridge-filling base coat, followed by two thin coats, and seal it with a thick and glass-like gel top coat.
On me, personally, I adore digging out more deep shades like this one on those end-of-summer vacations when you know you are moving into evening meals and a bit cooler beach evenings — evidence that classy summer nails to achieve a chic 2025 look do not need to remain pastel.
Mulberry Elegance
This plump mulberry color adds some last-summer decadence to your nail routine. The shiny berry color is sexy but autumnal, balancing flirtatious and professional. The almond shape, once more, gives those fingers that eternal extension.
With this shade, I am totally in love with Deborah Lippmann Miss Independent or OPI In the Cable Car-Pool Lane, both are fully opaque in two coats and that deep creamy finish is to die for.
Application begins by careful shaping followed by the application of two to three coats depending on coverage. Here, the trick is to ensure that your cuticles are in tip-top shape – these deeper hues just adore showing off any damage, so it pays to have immaculate edges.
It is now my favourite shade to wear when I feel like being a bit more dolled up for summer soirees or evening functions – it is loud, feminine and oh-so-glam!
Deep Cocoa Stiletto
Deep cocoa brown is a major player here, and the stiletto almond shape is giving it that modern editorial feel we are seeing everywhere at the moment. It is warm, slightly enigmatic yet also perfectly suitable to wear in warm weather – your favorite iced coffee but make it fashion.
To achieve this rich brown, I find OPI Chocolate Moose or CND Fedora to give that silky, velvet-y brown which somehow manages to feel surprisingly neutral.
When at home, I ensure I apply a good builder gel base to hold the longer stiletto shape. A rich color is then maintained with two thin coats of polish and a long wearing top coat of gel which helps keep the length intact.
This color has since grown on me as a summer power move, it is bold but not too loud and looks so good with gold jewelry, natural linens, and that golden-hour sun-kissed look.
Cabernet Crush
And at last we come to this juicy cabernet color that borders a bit on the plum but is otherwise opulent, grown-up and oozing with luxury. The almond shape again lets the color do the talking yet your nails remain fancy enough to be worn on a wedding or a late dinner date at the beach.
For this juicy shade, OPI’s Malaga Wine (again — yes, it’s that versatile!) or Lights Lacquer’s 143 are absolute stunners. They provide that glassy depth that makes darker reds so unbelievably stylish during the summer heat.
Here application must be in layers, a smoothing base coat must be applied first followed by two to three thin coats and a final top coat of gel-like consistency to achieve that glassy depth.
Personally, I am drawn to these shades when I am packing to go on a beach holiday where we will have dinner by the sunset – it just seems like the right wink to the warm, romantic evenings but in the most glamorous way.
