The arrival of summer makes us want to refresh our lives and the first place to start is with our nails. There are so many trends appearing on Pinterest that it can be hard to know where to start. Do you go bold with vibrant colors? Play it cool with delicate florals? Or go for the trendy, polished and minimalist style that’s becoming popular in salons? I’ve put together the best summer nail designs of 2025 which are both trendy and practical for real-life use. Whether you’re planning lazy beach days, rooftop brunches, or just want that perfect everyday glow, these manicure ideas are here to inspire your next salon visit (or DIY session). Let’s check out the best nail designs that are easy to wear, look great on everyone and are simply stunning.
French Floral Fusion
Nude pink meets crisp white in this elevated take on the French manicure — and honestly, it’s everything I want for summer. The shape of the almonds makes the design look chic and the hand-painted flowers add a touch of fun. The bright pink and yellow flowers remind me of a little tropical escape, so they are ideal for sunny days or time spent by the pool. This is the style that will make you think of pretty summer nails in 2025, but it’s very simple and effortless. It’s sweet, it’s elegant, it’s Instagram-ready.
To recreate this look, I would go for a high-quality nude gel polish like OPI’s Bubble Bath as a base — it’s that perfect milky pink that complements any skin tone. The French tips look best with a pure white like Essie’s Blanc. The florals? That’s where the fun starts. You can mix Gelish Pink Smoothie and LeChat’s Yellow Bright on a fine nail art brush and hand-paint each petal. Give the nails a shiny finish by applying Seche Vite Top Coat to seal the design and add a lot of gloss.
The key here is patience. File your nails into an almond shape and make sure they are buffed before you begin. After your base and curing are done, use white paint for the tips. When your design is cured again, add your flowers one layer at a time and cure each section to keep it neat. According to Sarah Bland, a nail artist who has worked with Hailey Bieber, always use thin layers and add them slowly to achieve the cleanest look.
Whenever I put on this style, I feel like I’m taking a bit of summer with me. Even a quick iced latte run can seem special with this kind of manicure. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with anything — whether you’re in your beach cover-up or headed out for sunset cocktails.
Berry Wine Petals
Deep berry colors look especially tempting during the heat of summer. It uses pale blush as a base, adds rich wine-colored tips and includes bold flower details that seem like a glass of sangria on a rooftop at sunset. The metallic bead inside every petal gives these earrings a touch of glamour and will make people want to ask about your hands. Who wouldn’t want their nails to sparkle in the light like this? You’ll be looking for these simple, pretty summer nail colors in 2025.
I would choose OPI’s Bare My Soul or CND’s Satin Pajamas as a light blush base for this manicure. You can bring the French tips to life with Essie’s Bordeaux or Zoya’s Courtney which are both rich and elegant colors. You can also build the floral petals using the berry gel and a thin brush. Those metallic centers? The design is enhanced by using tiny gold studs or Swarovski crystals.
The process here is all about layering. After I have shaped and prepped, I apply two layers of the sheer base and then use a soft arc to apply the French tip color. Using a silicone nail art tool can make the curve look perfect. The petals are hand-painted and then cured and the stud is added only after the final top coat. Celebrity nail artist Tom Bachik — whose clients include Jennifer Lopez — often says: “The secret to dimensional designs is to keep each element balanced — let one feature shine while the others support it.”
This design makes me feel a little more glamorous, even when I’m running errands. It’s classy, but with a hint of rebellion. Besides, darker colors look amazing on tanned skin and will make you stand out.
Milky White Ombre Dream
The soft milky white ombre is the biggest nail trend during the warm season. You could also describe it as the more fashionable and refined version of the baby boomer fade. The transition from pink to white is pleasing to everyone and gives a simple, timeless look. It’s the kind of pretty summer nails youll want in 2025 when you’re after something chic but low-maintenance. These nails whisper luxury without shouting it.
The magic happens with the right color pairings. Apply Bio Seaweed Gel’s Princess as the pink base and then blend it into Gelish Arctic Freeze for the white tip. The best blend can be made with an airbrush, but a sponge or soft brush will also work when you’re doing your makeup at home. Finish it off with OPI’s Brilliant Top Coat for that wet-look shine that lasts for weeks.
Creating this look at home requires a little finesse. I start by applying the pink base and curing. After that, I use a makeup sponge to dab white on the tip and blend it toward the center. Light tapping motions help build that airy gradient. After a few layers (and curing between each), the blend looks buttery smooth. Betina Goldstein recommends applying polish in thin layers, since it’s simpler to build up than to remove.
Whenever I put on this ombre style, I feel like I look more put together. It goes well with all sorts of summer outfits such as big linen shirts and silky dresses. And let’s be real — when your nails look this clean and glossy, you almost don’t need any accessories.
Cherry Blossom Whispers
This design is gentle, romantic and fits perfectly with sunshine, like real cherry blossoms. The light pink background makes the red and white flowers stand out, while the little leafy strokes add the perfect touch. It’s light, natural and great for both garden parties and surprise picnics on the beach. These are the perfect summer nails for anyone who wants something playful but still very elegant.
You could use Butter London’s Piece of Cake or Olive & June’s Pink Sands for the base shade which is a soft neutral pink. Mixing Madam Glam’s Red Sea and LeChat’s White Bright White will give you the right color for your blooms. Small details are best done with a fine liner brush and a dotting tool is useful for making the flowers’ centers.
Hand-painting florals takes a steady hand and some practice. I start with the darkest red petals after the base is applied and cured and then I add white highlights. The leaves and stems come last to avoid smudging. According to nail artist Julie Kandalec, work in the middle of the nail and don’t put too much polish on your brush. Clean lines make all the difference.”
I really enjoy that these nails have a romantic feel, but they’re not too delicate. They’re classy and enjoyable, much like your favorite summer dress that looks great for any occasion.
3D Pastel Playfulness
There are moments when summer is all about having a good time and this 3D pastel design does the trick. The base color is bubblegum pink and the addition of bows, hearts and rhinestones makes every nail look like a small piece of art. The trend mixes Barbiecore and Y2K, but it’s still suitable for outings by the pool or at brunch. If you’re craving pretty summer nails youll want in 2025 that are playful, bold, and unapologetically cute, this is your vibe.
You can get the pink base with OPI’s Suzi Nails New Orleans or DND’s Pink Lemonade. Most of the time, the 3D bows and hearts are made with soft acrylic or gel molds and you can find ready-made pieces on Etsy to apply with nail glue. The rhinestones? Swarovski flatbacks remain the gold standard for sparkle.
Applying 3D nail art at home can be tricky. After the base and curing are done, use a small amount of gel glue to attach each charm. Cure under an LED lamp for extra hold. As celebrity manicurist Mei Kawajiri often shares on her TikTok: “The secret to 3D staying power is to seal edges carefully with builder gel — it keeps charms from catching and popping off.”
Whenever I wear this style, people I don’t know often stop me to talk. The depth and sparkle in diamonds put smiles on people’s faces. It’s easy to feel a little joy with these products and that’s what summer beauty is all about.
Golden Ribbon Accents
It looks like a sophisticated summer outfit with a hint of glamour. The combination of blush pink and cherry red is fun, but the gold ribbon accents on each nail make the look even more elegant. It’s giving me kintsugi vibes — that Japanese art of repairing pottery with gold — but on nails. That’s why these summer nail trends will be so special and new when 2025 comes around.
For this color combo, I love CND’s Romantique as the pale base and OPI’s Big Apple Red for that rich pop of crimson. Ultra-fine metallic striping tape or hand-painting with Born Pretty’s Gold Nail Art Gel are both ways to make the golden ribbons. A reliable hand and a thin liner brush help you apply the gold lines smoothly.
For designs like this, I begin by drawing the lines lightly with a dotting tool to help me make the curves. After the base colors have cured, I carefully draw the design in thin lines. According to Elle Gerstein, who has worked with Blake Lively, take your time when applying the gold accents. Taking a breath between strokes helps you draw even and smooth lines.”
I find that wearing this design makes me feel more dressed up, even when I’m just having iced matcha in the backyard. It’s elegant, a bit creative and ideal for people who want their summer nails to look like small pieces of jewelry.
Sunset Gradient Magic
This ombre has a way of showing the golden light of a late summer evening. Soft pink slowly turns into juicy peach and bright tangerine, just as the sky changes from daylight to the warm hue right before dusk. This style makes you feel warm and is almost meant for taking selfies on vacation. Definitely, one of the summer nail designs you should have on your mood board in 2025.
I tend to use DND’s Peony Pink, OPI’s Got Myself into a Jam-balaya and Gelish’s Orange Cream Dream to create this look. The key to a smooth finish is to use several makeup sponges to dab and blend the colors as they are still wet. Finish your nails with Kokoist’s Ultra Glossy Top Coat to make them look shiny and smooth.
I apply a light pink base at home and allow it to cure. After that, I use a damp makeup sponge to apply the gradient, tapping gently as I blend it all the way to the tip. Multiple thin layers create that gorgeous fade. Julie Kandalec’s advice is to keep the sponge damp so that your nail design looks smooth and even.
Every time I wear a sunset gradient, it makes me feel like I’m chasing the sun, whether I’m beach-bound or just out grabbing dinner. It’s cheerful, feminine and makes you feel like you’re on vacation even when you’re not.
Rainbow Pop Perfection
There are days when you want your nails to look like pure happiness and this rainbow manicure is perfect for that. All the nails are painted in bright colors that remind me of summer sorbet. It’s bold, fun, and totally carefree, channeling all the best parts of summer festivals, ice cream trucks, and pool parties. For sure, these will be the summer nails you want in 2025 if you want to see your nails smile back at you every time you glance at them.
For these vibrant shades, I would pull from Olive & June’s Summer Collection — shades like Yes Please (yellow), Stinson Sunset (orange), Grateful & Kind (green), Bold & Unshaken (blue), and Honest & True (violet) cover the spectrum perfectly. A top coat such as Seche Vive Instant Gel Effect protects the color and makes your nails shine.
The easiest part about this mani is that you can do it yourself at home. After prepping and shaping your nails, you just need to apply two coats of each color, curing between layers if you’re using gel. The only real challenge? Deciding the order of your colors.
Whenever I get rainbow nails, people tell me how cheerful they feel. They can improve your mood, help you talk to others and are perfect for brunches with your friends on sunny weekends. Total serotonin in nail form.
Pastel Picnic Vibes
The combination of soft sage green, checkerboard and dainty floral accents feels so refreshing. It gives me serious cottagecore-meets-modern-summer vibes. Wearing pastel nails with a variety of patterns gives a fun and practical look. Yes, this is one of the pretty summer nail styles you will wish to try in 2025.
Now & Later from Lights Lacquer is the perfect soft green and it looks great next to CND’s Cream Puff white gel polish in the checkerboard design. The floral details can be painted using a fine brush with soft shades like Essie’s Check Your Baggage (yellow) and Olive & June’s CNH (peach).
I start at home by coating all my nails with sage green polish first. I use striping tape to mark out the squares on the checkerboard to ensure the lines are neat. The last step is to paint the flowers with a tiny dotting tool. According to celebrity manicurist Steph Stone, begin your flower design by placing five small dots as petals and continue adding depth as you go on.
When I put this outfit on, I feel that I belong in a farmer’s market in a sundress, carrying a basket of peaches. The design is sweet but not too sweet and the mix of patterns is just enough to keep things lively.
Metallic Garden Fantasy
The design brings a new level of soft elegance to the scene. The background is a soft mauve and the silver flowers are so detailed they seem like bits of lace. The little bit of gold and gems on the French tips gives a luxurious look without being too much. These are definitely pretty summer nails youll want in 2025 if you want to feel like a summer wedding guest — even if you’re not attending one.
The base color in this design could be created with OPI’s Taupe-less Beach or Essie’s Ladylike. I would apply the metallic floral look with a stamping plate such as Born Pretty’s Silver Rose Plate and silver stamping polish. A steady liner brush and Leafgel Gold Art Gel can be used to apply the golden French tips.
I stamp the decorative floral patterns on the metal after the base is cured at home. After the painting is completely dry, I apply the gold tips with thin strokes to keep the details neat. As manicurist Tom Bachik says: “Less is more when you’re layering metallics — let the shine speak for itself.”
As soon as I put on a design like this, I feel more pulled together. This kind of glamour is subtle and fits any summer event, either a party on a rooftop or just a regular coffee run.
Marble Smoke Elegance
The way this design resembles swirling smoke makes it seem like it’s been frozen in time, trapped inside soft pinks and whites. The thin and uneven metallic lines in the nails give a glamorous and modern look that is still easy to wear. Definitely one of the most elevated pretty summer nails youll want in 2025 if you’re looking for something more artistic without being loud.
I would use OPI’s Baby, Take a Vow and Gelish Sheek White for the base to give it a gentle, icy look. You can get the marbled effect by using a fine detail liner to draw the lines with Born Pretty Silver Spider Gel. Making the metallic veins thin and random in shape helps the countertop look like real stone.
When I make marble nails at home, I begin with a nude-pink base, add some white polish in random places and blend it all with a brush that has been soaked in acetone. After curing, I carefully add the metallic veins. Elle, a famous manicurist, often suggests: “The unique spots in marble are what make it so appealing, so don’t try to make it too perfect.”
Whenever I put on clothes with marble designs like these, people always ask me about the place that did them. They look polished and luxurious, as if you had just gotten a manicure in a top NYC salon.
Soft Nude Perfection
There are times when a simple touch is all you need and this soft nude mani clearly shows that. The combination of a creamy blush color and an almond shape makes the eyes look both elegant and attractive to everyone. It’s a manicure that says luxury but is still flexible for all your summer activities. Its no wonder this will be one of the most popular summer nail styles in 2025, since it suits every person.
I usually choose CND’s Field Fox or OPI’s Put It In Neutral for this nail look. They both give off that rich and creamy neutral color that matches any skin tone. Applying Essie’s Gel Couture Top Coat on your nails gives them a shiny finish and keeps the soft nude underneath safe.
Application here is all about precision. I take care of the cuticles first to ensure the nail beds are clean and long. A nude polish applied in two thin layers and a shiny top coat will give your nails a professional look. According to manicurist Betina Goldstein: “When you want minimal nails, you need to make sure your nails are healthy, since it makes the nude color look more expensive.”
I feel much more pulled together when I wear nude nails. Whether I want to look fancy or stay casual, they always suit me. Effortless elegance, every single time.
Retro Star Power
This look instantly takes me to the world of playful, retro glam. The combination of deep wine colors, white French tips and red stars creates a strong ‘70s-inspired Y2K look. It’s full of life, bold and brings back memories from the past yet feels very modern. Without question, this is among the pretty summer nails youll want in 2025 if you’re ready to stand out.
I would pick OPI’s Malaga Wine for the base because it gives a deep berry color. You can apply CND’s Cream Puff to get the bright white and you can either paint the red stars on your nails with LeChat’s Red Baroness or use nail decals for a cleaner look.
I draw dots of light pencil on the stars before I paint them which helps me paint the same shape on both hands. Once the base colors are cured, I paint the stars, let them dry and add a final thick glossy layer. Celebrity nail tech Mei Kawajiri says: “Stars prefer their nails to have clean edges.” Apply a small amount of polish to the fine detail brush before you begin to avoid spreading it.
By wearing this design, I feel a little like a pop star which is ideal for summer concerts, pool parties or moments when your nails are the center of attention.
Minimalist Botanical
The design is soft, delicate and not flashy, much like the way wildflowers feel in your hands. The naked nail base allows the green vines and tiny white flowers to look natural on the nail. It’s elegant but still whimsical, and exactly the kind of pretty summer nails youll want in 2025 when you’re craving something natural yet sophisticated.
For the sheer base, Essie’s Mademoiselle works beautifully. You can use Gelish Amazon Flirt for the green vines and OPI’s Alpine Snow for the flowers. Painting small and detailed parts becomes much simpler with a tiny detail brush and a small dotting tool.
I start by sketching the vines very gently and add the leaves after to ensure the drawing looks well balanced. According to Steph Stone, “When you’re doing a design, let it flow freely across the nail, as asymmetry usually looks more natural and thoughtful.”
When I choose this design, it helps me feel connected to the earth, since it reminds me of nature wherever I am. It goes wonderfully with sundresses, trips to the farmers market and brunches in the open air.
Monochrome Petal Drama
The design is both daring and simple and it makes use of contrast very well. The soft pink background gives a great backdrop to the black flowers and white dots. Bringing together angular lines and soft flower shapes makes the design modern, noticeable and never too much. If you like a touch of edge in your femininity, youll want these totally pretty summer nails in 2025.
I recommend using Olive & June’s Pink Sands for the base color which is a light dusty pink. The petals are brought to life with Gelish Black Shadow and CND’s Cream Puff for the small white highlights. You must use a fine detail brush to make sure the petal tips are crisp.
First, I mark the center point with a little dot and then I draw the petals outward using quick strokes. According to Julie Kandalec, it helps to flash cure dark gel nails after each petal to ensure they don’t move and become smudged.
Every time I wear this style, I feel like I’ve got my life in order, even if I’m just getting my third iced coffee. The print is bold, lively and goes well with many different summer outfits.
Red Velvet Ombre Waves
The combination of rich reds with soft pinks and gentle rhinestones seems as sweet as a summer dessert. They are not too complex, yet they manage to move and seem deep which is what makes them so appealing. If you’re looking for pretty summer nails youll want in 2025 that strike the perfect balance between flirty and classy, this is it.
I love to use Rose Petal by DND at the base and then blend it into Hot Rod Red by Gelish. You can make the swirl accents by using a fine liner brush and OPI’s Malaga Wine. The rhinestones? A few well-placed Swarovski crystals always make any outfit look more special.
I begin the ombre design by sponging the lightest color first and moving to the darkest shade. With a steady hand, I use a liner brush to add thin lines of burgundy to the swirls while the base is still sticky which makes it easier to blend. Nail artist Park Eunkyung always says: “The swirl is all about pressure control — keep your hand light and let the brush glide.”
Every time I put on this style, I feel ready for a summer date. It’s a little over the top, but that’s part of the fun and it’s still practical for daily wear when the light shines through the crystals.
Matte Embossed Garden
The 3D floral design is beautiful for its soft and gentle look. The matte blush pink background makes it easy for the hand-made flowers in soft pastel colors to stand out. It’s a romantic, soft and elegant fabric that suits garden weddings, summer events or whenever you want to feel very feminine. If you want something detailed yet not too bold, these summer nails will be perfect for 2025.
I would start by applying OPI’s Baby, Take a Vow as the base and finish it with a Velvet Matte Top Coat from Gelish. The raised floral patterns are made with 3D sculpting gel and Kokoist’s Platinum Sculpture Gel is perfect for this job.
Sculpting flowers at home takes patience. I start by curing the base, then I add the petals of the flowers one by one with a small nail art brush and flash-curing them as I go. Celebrity nail artist Britney Tokyo suggests: “Work one petal at a time — it’s like building tiny sugar flowers.”
Whenever I put on embossed nails, people usually stop me to find out where I got them done. They’re delicate, feminine, and feel like little wearable sculptures — perfect for summer’s more romantic moments.
Midnight Floral Bloom
The navy French tips and hand-painted white flowers create a design that looks almost heavenly. The mix of dark and light, as well as the tiny lavender details, gives it a beautiful and noticeable look. If you’re looking for a soft summer manicure in 2025, you’ll want to try this one.
The base I’d use is CND’s Bare Chemise and for the tips, I’d add Essie’s After School Boy Blazer. You can color the flowers with OPI’s Alpine Snow and add a bit of Zoya’s Serenity for the lavender parts.
I always begin with the full color and use a fine brush with acetone to create the perfect shape for the tips. Celebrity manicurist Tom Bachik often shares: “Dark tips require extreme precision — clean your edges while the gel is still soft for that crisp look.”
I love wearing this design for evening events — it’s elegant, a bit moody, and surprisingly wearable. Dinner parties, stargazing evenings and any summer night that stands out are perfect for this.
Sky Blue Simplicity
At times, you want a color that’s refreshing and this glossy baby blue is perfect for that. The way it’s shaped and how it feels makes it trendy, simple and very satisfying. You’ll want to have these summer nails in 2025 when you want something soothing, simple and appropriate for the season.
You can get this soft pastel blue with Olive & June’s Blue Canoe or Essie’s You Do Blue. Seche Vive Instant Gel Effect will give your nails a shiny and professional-looking finish.
Getting a single-color manicure right depends on clean cuticles, a uniform file and thin, even coats of polish. Nail artist Betina Goldstein always reminds: “Flawless color starts with flawless prep — don’t skip buffing and base coat.”
Whenever I put on this solid color, I feel refreshed and ready to start over. Clean, calming, and pairs perfectly with breezy linen or oversized white button-downs — total vacation energy even if you’re still sitting at your desk.
Berry Swirl Abstraction
The swirl design is so bold that it feels just like abstract art when you touch it. The different shades of berry and blush are blended in a way that looks both smooth and well-planned. It’s not too intense, so it’s a perfect choice for a summer manicure that will really make a statement in 2025.
I’d choose OPI’s Lisbon Wants Moor as the base and then add swirls of Zoya’s Madeline and Essie’s Berry Naughty for the contrast. You need a liner brush to help you draw smooth, curved lines.
First, I do the base and cure, then I add each swirl of gel polish, curing after every layer to avoid the colors mixing. Nail artist Chaun Legend always advises: “Keep your wrist relaxed — let your brush follow the natural curve of your fingertip for the best flow.”
Every time I put on swirl designs like this, I feel like I’m wearing a bit of modern art each day. It looks great on nails of any length and shape and it’s both creative and flattering.
Rosy Ombre Fade
This rosy ombre is pure effortless summer energy. The transition from nude to pink makes your nails look soft and blushing which suits any outfit and is easy to wear. This is one of those summer nail colors you’ll want in 2025, as it looks polished and classy but still simple to wear every day.
I apply OPI’s Bare My Soul as the starting layer and then blend it up to DND’s Pink Smoothie or Essie’s Bachelorette Bash to achieve the soft-to-bold effect. An ombre brush or sponge blender will give you a smooth and seamless transition. Apply a top coat of Kokoist Ultra Glossy to maintain the glassy and plump look of your nails.
I use thin layers of the gradient, sponging each one on at a time, at home. The thin layers ensure there are no streaks and you can manage the blend easily. Professional nail artist Julie Kandalec points out: “To get the perfect airbrush look, create the ombre effect in stages.”
Whenever I put on this gradient, my hands feel more refreshed. It’s a nice mix of plain and colorful — the ideal manicure for everyday summer use.
Muted Olive Minimalism
Matte olive green paired with delicate white leaf details? Yes, please. It looks very up-to-date, simple and natural, all while maintaining a chic appearance. Definitely pretty summer nails youll want in 2025 if you’re after something calming, trendy, but not too loud.
I usually go for OPI’s Olive for Green or Lights Lacquer’s Now & Later to achieve a soft sage base. When the painting is dry, I use CND Cream Puff and a fine liner brush to add the leafy parts. After everything is dry, a Matte Top Coat by Zoya creates a velvety finish.
When I make detailed leaves, I start from one central line and draw short curves outward to show how leaves grow. According to Steph Stone, nail artist, try to use short strokes and be gentle, so the leaves look light and not stiff.
Whenever I put on this muted green, it always seems to be soothing and refreshing at the same time. You can enjoy it at summer farmers markets, on weekend trips or even during a peaceful coffee date.
Blush Almond Simplicity
Sometimes, the best way to express yourself is with a smooth pink nude lipstick. The almond-shaped blush pattern is always in style, looks clean and goes well with any summer outfit. This is one of those summer nail designs you’ll be looking for in 2025, since it suits every mood.
For this color, I recommend CND’s Satin Pajamas or OPI’s Bubble Bath which look stunning on every skin type. Seche Vite Dry Fast gives the nails a glossy top coat that makes the color stand out and keeps them shiny.
The secret to making a simple shade look luxurious? Prep. I pay attention to cuticles, file my nails and shape them well to make sure the polish is smooth. Betina Goldstein, a nail pro, always points out: “The base is the most important part when using nudes.” Don’t skip the prep work.”
No matter if I’m shopping or going to a bar, this neutral always helps me feel a bit more polished. It’s pure, simple luxury.
Emerald Vein Statement
This is when you can be more daring such as wearing a loud ring on every finger. The clear nude base is highlighted by vibrant emerald greens and thin gold lines that look like they were taken from a jewelry designer’s ideas. One of the most sophisticated pretty summer nails youll want in 2025 if you’re craving something elevated and dramatic.
The base for my nails would be OPI’s Bare My Soul and I would add Bio Seaweed Gel’s Emerald City for the deep green parts. Born Pretty’s Metallic Gold Nail Art Gel and a super-fine liner brush can be used to add gold veining to your nails.
I first draw the green sections, cure them and then carefully paint the gold lines to divide the green parts. Nail artist Elle Gerstein always advises: “Don’t aim for perfection — irregular lines mimic the look of real stone, which makes it more organic and chic.”
I like that these nails look so elegant, as if I’m at a summer rooftop party with a glass of champagne. They’re artistic, bold, and surprisingly versatile.
Mossy Marble Dream
This design is calming because it combines deep forest green with subtle marble swirls. It’s a surprising pretty summer nail choice because it’s bold and natural at the same time. This feels like having a bit of nature close at all times.
For this look, I use OPI’s Stay Off The Lawn! for that moss green base. Adding a few swirls of Essie’s Blanc and clear gel and lightly feathering them with a brush dipped in isopropyl alcohol gives the marble effect.
When I do marble nails, I focus on control by adding each layer slowly and curing it with the flash light after every layer. As Julie Kandalec points out: “Avoid swirling your marble too much or it will no longer be soft and floaty.”
Whenever I put on this outfit, I feel chic and still connected to the ground. For those who like simple summer outfits, this is a great choice that’s both chic and perfect for those who want a bit of green without the neon look.
Black Starry Contrast
This design feels like minimalism with an attitude. The combination of white and black gives the design a strong look that is still comfortable to wear. It’s modern, playful, and gives serious editorial vibes without trying too hard. Absolutely one of those pretty summer nails youll want in 2025 if you’re craving graphic simplicity with a twist.
I would use CND’s Cream Puff to get a nice white base for this nail style. You can either stamp stars with a fine detail brush or star-shaped stamping plate or you can freehand them with Gelish Black Shadow. Seche Vive’s glassy top coat helps to secure everything in place.
I always make sure to place stars in an uneven pattern so the nails look more interesting. According to nail pro Elle Gerstein: “Place the stars randomly so the design stays trendy and attractive.”
Whenever I put this design on, I feel a bit more stylish, as if I were a street-style star at fashion week.
Berry Bloom Glow
This gradient design almost glows from within. The smooth change from deep berry to soft pink makes the finish look like a 3D jelly which is incredibly mesmerizing. If you want colorful nails that are still soft and deep, these are one of the summer nails youll want in 2025.
You can achieve this look by using DND’s Sweet Romance and OPI’s Kiss Me on My Tulips. For a smooth fade, sponge the makeup very gently, apply it in thin coats and blend it as you go between each curing phase.
The main thing is to cure the paint in stages and lightly polish it between each layer to keep the gradient smooth. According to Julie Kandalec, the secret to a jelly-like gradient is to apply the colors in thin layers.
Wearing a gradient like this makes me feel like I just left the salon for a long period of time. It’s a simple look, but it makes your nails look really special.
Rose Chrome Mirror
A full set of chrome golf clubs looks very luxurious and the soft rose gold version is perfect for this summer. The glossy surface reflects every movement, making any outfit look more special. If you want to look glamorous without trying much, this is one of the pretty summer nails youll want in 2025.
Usually, I apply OPI’s Baby, Take a Vow as a base, let it cure and then rub in Daily Charme’s Rose Gold Chrome Powder. Finish the job by coating it with a non-wipe top coat for a perfect mirror look.
You should apply the chrome powder onto a top coat that is still tacky to ensure it sticks well and is shiny. According to Tom Bachik, using a silicone applicator makes applying chrome smooth and streak-free.
Every time I put on chrome nails, I get a lot of compliments. They are innovative, trendy and can be worn with both casual and dressy outfits in summer.
Soft Marble Whisper
The design looks like marble, but it is so delicate, as if thin pink swirls are floating softly over a nude background. It’s elegant, understated, and feels like wearable luxury. If you like simple but artistic nails, this is one of the pretty summer nails you should consider in 2025.
I would apply OPI’s Lisbon Wants Moor as the soft nude base for this look. Rose Brocade from CND is used to draw the fine marble veins and a thin liner brush or tiny detailing sponge is used to make sure the swirls are not too bold.
Diluting the colored gel with a clear base is what gives me those pretty semi-transparent wisps when I create marble at home. In Steph Stone’s opinion, the best marble nails are achieved by painting just a little and leaving the rest natural.
When I have this design on, my nails seem just like tiny pieces of fine porcelain — elegant, polished and special.
Striped Nude Zebra
This is where wild meets subtle. The soft pink background is made more playful by the neat white zebra stripes. It’s entertaining, a bit bold, but still looks suitable for both casual and professional occasions. Easily one of the pretty summer nails youll want in 2025 if you want a playful print that doesn’t scream for attention.
You could use Essie’s Eternal Optimist as the first layer for a soft base. You can use a fine liner brush and OPI’s Alpine Snow to paint the stripes in a wavy pattern that looks like a zebra’s stripes.
I make the stripes lightly at first, then make them darker once I am sure the pattern is correct. According to nail artist Mei Kawajiri, making the lines of your stripes slightly different is what will make your animal print nails look modern, not childish.
Whenever I choose this pattern, I find it looks very stylish. It gives my summer clothes a unique touch, making them look great with both linen and blazers.
