As soon as the heat comes, I head straight to my nail salon. Every summer, I find myself wanting to wear bright and sparkly nail polish. But let’s be real: There are so many summer nail art ideas for 2025, so how do you decide which one to use?
This summer, you can find everything from understated nudes to bold and bright nails that make a statement. No matter if you prefer to change your power design every week or keep it the same all season, there’s a vibe for everyone.
I’ve chosen the best styles that look amazing on tanned skin, with sandals, and when you’re feeling extra summery. Ready to find your next obsession?
Here are the trends that are sure to make you schedule your next manicure.
Spicy Terracotta with a Creamy Finish
Why not take a break from the pinks and try out this spicy terracotta shade for a more grounded look this summer? It’s warm, rich, and surprisingly versatile. It makes your tan stand out in the sun, but it also looks great with white or pale clothes. Its rounded and short shape makes it look like it was done without much effort.
Sundays No.13 and JINsoon Charme are great alternatives for this type of burnt clay look. You want something that reads warm, but not rusty. You’ll only need two coats of these polishes to achieve a full and even finish.
I always feel more polished when I wear this nail color, even if I’m not dressed up. I like that it’s not the most common color people wear in summer, and that’s what makes it a good topic to discuss. We should consider wearing this kind of color all year round, not just during fall.
Classic Cherry Red in a Clean Square Shape
The color of red in this case is so bright, it’s like finding fresh cherries in a farmer’s market. It is perfect for every skin tone because it has just the right blue shade to make everything look clean and neat. With its sleek, squared-tips, it remains a classic that excites people in 2025.
You can find that color in Chanel’s Rouge Essentiel or Essie’s A-List. They are made to be rich and solid, so they don’t leave streaks on reds. I’d also finish it with a high-gloss gel top coat to ensure it doesn’t chip easily.
I keep going back to this red shade since it makes me feel like I’m wearing red lipstick on my hands. It dresses up a plain outfit. It matches a good mood. It feels grown-up in the best way. If you want to create a capsule collection of summer nail colors for 2025, this one is your base.
Rounded Scarlet for Bold Simplicity
This almond-scarlet combo is such a vibe. It’s not as light as a sheer pink and not as dark as a burgundy; it sits right in between. The shape is dramatic enough, but not to the point of being too fierce, and the shine is perfect. It has a vintage style, yet still looks great with casual clothes.
I use this color to let my nails say something. If you’re looking for a red, try OPI’s Big Apple Red or Sally Hansen’s Cherry Red in their Miracle Gel line. These colors last, shine, and give that classic-glam finish.
A manicurist once told me that if you’re ever unsure what to wear for an event, go red nails and black eyeliner — and honestly, she was so right. I use this manicure for weddings, dinners, interviews, and any other occasion. It never fails.
Bubblegum Almond for the Bold and Bright
Let’s talk pop. This almond nail shape in bubblegum pink is over-the-top in the most delightful way. I put it on when I want to feel playful, like when I’m having dessert and chatting up the bartender. The matte finish also gives a modern and editorial-style look to it.
If you want a quick-drying formula that won’t chip, I suggest Lights Lacquer in Juicy or Holo Taco’s Pink Flamingo. Finish it off with OPI Matte Top Coat for a matte look. It adds a soft and luxurious feel to the color, instead of making it look cartoonish.
While this manicure is often associated with Instagram baddies, you don’t have to be one to wear it. I put this on at a pool party, and everyone wanted to know what color it was. It’s pure serotonin on your fingertips.
Soft Ballet Pink in a Minimal Square
If you want something that looks beautiful and is easy to care for, this is the choice for you. I think a ballerina would pick this soft ballet pink to wear to a brunch with friends. It is a square shape but has a little roundness that makes it look flattering and soft. No frills, no fuss. Just effortless polish.
I like to use Olive & June’s Pinky or Zoya’s Joey for a barely-there blush look. They are easy to apply and give just enough color. A high-gloss finish is what really makes the product look brand new.
This is the style I choose when I want to tone down the color but keep my look put together. I call it my “reset shade.” It’s a simple and elegant way to add a touch of calm to any outfit.
Pink Petal Fade with 3D Floral Touch
It’s like a manicure for the sunset, gentle, soft, and kind of romantic. The transition from nude to pink and the 3D flowers give the nails a unique and artistic feel. The design is practical, but there’s something special about it that makes you appreciate it.
I think the trend this summer is 3D florals, and this one strikes a nice balance between being dramatic and dainty. To make the ombré, use the “Candy Pop” kit from Beetles Gel, and the petals are built with builder gel and a small silicone tool or dotter. It takes patience, but the payoff? Worth every second.
You could go with this design for a late-summer wedding or even for a bridal shower, if you prefer not to wear white. A year ago, I tried the same thing and people at brunch kept asking me where I got them done. That rarely happens. It’s a conversation-starter mani—and a memory-maker.
Powder Blue Cutout Heart Tips
Have you ever seen a sky so clear that it looks almost impossible? That’s the vibe this mani gives me. The tips are powder blue with a metallic silver line, and there is a little heart accent—it’s graphic, clean, and unique. It has a modern take on French tips, with a hint of the Y2K era.
You’ll need Olive & June’s “Angelfish” polish, Sally Hansen’s “Silver Stallion” polish, and a negative space planning brush to do this at home. First, put a sticker or draw a line around the heart with silver. I use a dotting tool to help me make the inner curve look neat.
This is a style I’d wear when I want someone to say, “How did you manage to look so great?” It’s unexpected but clean. Sophisticated but flirty. This would be perfect for someone who wants a minimalist watch with a touch of flirt.
Chic Blush and Gold Botanical Blooms
This is elegance wrapped in flower petals. The blush color and daisies give the impression of enjoying rosé wine in a garden on the roof. The design doesn’t shout—it hums. It has just the right amount of soft floral and elegant shine.
I love the look of it, but it only lasts long when applied with the proper gel polish. You should try CND’s “Bare Chemise” for the color and Leafgel’s gold art liner for the gold detail. You should use a micro-detail brush for the vines and make sure your hand is steady or you practice a lot.
Even though I’m wearing casual clothes, this outfit makes me feel like I’m the best-dressed person at a wine tasting. The color is refined but not stiff, and it even looks more beautiful when the sun is setting.
Mint Cracked Tips with Modern Edges
Let’s talk unexpected cool. What caught my eye was the minty green tips, with white lines that are broken, over a nude base. It has the feeling of broken sea glass or cracked ice from the summer, with a natural edge to it. You can wear it every day, but it will still feel fresh and different.
I got a similar effect last summer by using Essie “Mint Candy Apple” over a neutral sheer gel. You can create the lines most easily with a long striping brush, not by over-thinking the shapes. Let them look a little random. That’s what gives this style its punch.
After putting on these nails, I started to think twice about green nail polish. I’d always been a pink-red classic, but this? This felt creative. Playful. I was the girl at brunch who seemed to be an artist, but I’m not at all.
Pearl-Tipped Negative Space Flames
Now the image is showing a beach fire pit and a fancy dinner by the sea. The light pink-white flames on the sheer background seem dreamy and a bit retro, and then the little pearl drop adds to the charm. Genius. It’s dainty and a little dramatic at the same time. Like a 2025 update on Y2K flame nails—but elevated.
This look takes some layering: Apply a coat of OPI’s “Funny Bunny” white polish, and finish with some pearls. Apply nail glue or gel, and then finish with a thicker top coat to make them last longer. I wore this style to the beach and the pearls stayed put thanks to the good seal.
It’s definitely one of those designs that gets noticed. A woman at the beach asked me, “Where did you get these?” I was like, girl… I’m surrounded by my dotting tool. Being patient and making some improvements can really help.
Lavender Sunset Swirls
This looks like the perfect scene for relaxing with iced lavender lemonade at sunset on a balcony. The base of this pink is so soft, and the pastel lines in lavender, white, and a hint of yellow give it a sunset effect. It has a swirly shape, is well-balanced, and looks both dreamy and classy at the same time.
I would pick Lights Lacquer “Lilac Wine”, Essie “Toned Down”, and Zoya “Bee” for the striping colors. For this one, you should use a liner brush and move your hand smoothly, not going over the same area repeatedly. You can also mix up the direction of the swirls to avoid having too repetitive nails.
I picked a similar style for my outfit as my friend’s garden party, and people wondered if I had an artist at my beck and call. No, it’s just a nice manicure, a relaxing day, and watching TikTok videos on nail art.
Matte Mint with Cloudy White Lines
This is the green I have been looking forward to wearing all season. The mint is both strong and soft, and the unpredictable lines make it look like clouds or marble. It has a casual yet elegant style that makes it suitable for all kinds of activities.
You can get a matte finish by applying Olive & June “WKF” followed by their matte top coat. To draw the white accents, it is best to use a thin art liner or a nail stamping pen. Don’t be concerned with the lines sounding perfect, they are supposed to feel natural.
If you’re looking for nail art that is simple and still looks great, this is perfect for you. I wore it with a white linen set on the weekend and felt like I was in a minimal aesthetic Pinterest board.
Tangerine Dream Waves
This one’s for the bold girls—or the shy ones who want to fake it with their fingertips. The orange and the cream swirl together in a way that looks like popsicles melting on the sidewalk. It’s juicy, spicy, and a little wild in the best way.
You can use Sally Hansen “Sunset Orange” and Essie “Vanilla Latte” to get a great contrast. Paint them in random swirls by using a liner brush and changing direction each time. If you want a metallic look, apply a layer of gold foil in between the lines before you seal it with the top coat.
Wearing this set instantly boosted my mood. It’s like listening to Dua Lipa while cruising in the car with the windows open on a hot day. Totally not for wallflowers—but oh, so worth it.
Pastel Patchwork Polish
The design is simple, but it brings out a cheerful mood with each nail having a different pastel color, making it look like a collection of your favorite summer memories. The main thing is to ensure the shades are even and the finish is glassy. The way your fingers change color from pink to blue is really satisfying.
I really enjoy the Olive & June “The Summer Set”, which has lavender, peach, soft pink, mint blue, and a yellow pop. They air dry fast and have a high-gloss finish when you apply a gel-like top coat. To be honest, this is the quickest way to give the impression that you put a lot of effort in.
This is what I choose when I want to look cute but am in a hurry with my nails. It photographs well and goes with everything from swimwear to sundresses.
Cotton Candy French with Floral Accent
Is it just me who thinks these look like the more mature version of candy nail stickers from our childhood? The floral pattern on top of the pink and baby blue tips adds an extra fun touch. Perfection. It’s the sort of thing that always makes you smile whenever you notice it.
You’ll want Essie “Fiji” and OPI “It’s a Boy!” for those pastel tips. With dotting tools, you can make small flower clusters in pink, yellow, white, and navy to add contrast. Add a secure base and a strong topcoat to make sure all the parts are secure.
This style makes me think of Pinterest, but in a good way. I ended up with an image that looked like it was from a spring advertising campaign. It’s sweet, stylish, and unapologetically cute.
Ocean Breeze Marble Waves
This one? It’s the beach—on your fingertips. The mix of soft beige, white, and striking cobalt blue is like a scene from crashing waves and tide pools. I really like how the semi-transparent base and the blue color make everything look like it’s suspended in jelly, but not too overpowering.
If you want bold blue, Essie “Butler Please” or ILNP “Royal Blue” will give you the shade you want. The remaining items can be done with white and neutral liners. First, use a sheer nude gel base, and then add the colors in swirls with a fine brush. If your swirls are getting blurry, it’s just like water moving.
I was on a trip down the California coast and noticed my nails shining in the sun. It’s like they move with you. If you plan to visit the beach, these clothes will be perfect for you.
Peach & Lemon Abstract Swirls
I never thought pink and yellow would be such a stylish combination. This set brings serious fun to the table. The nails are painted a soft peachy-pink, with thick, bright lemon-yellow swirls that look like sunshine on sliced lemons. It’s a playful contrast that still looks sophisticated.
I used Zoya “Emma” as the base and Color Club “Yellin’ Yellow” for the design when I did this. You should let the base coat dry completely before adding the swirls, or you could end up dragging the paint. The final look is given its shine by a thick top coat.
This design is such a mood lifter. During a rainy week in July, I wore it and it really changed my mood. These nails will give you the summer happiness you didn’t even realize you wanted.
Minimal Mauve Bud Accents
If you’re into something soft, subtle, and a little poetic—this is the look. Adding tiny mauve floral accents to each nail gives them just the right touch of elegance. The spacing gives your nail art room to breathe. It’s clean, but far from boring.
You can use Olive & June’s “MM” soft pink with a cool-toned plum polish like Lights Lacquer “Jane” for the petals of your flowers. It is easy to shape the petals and dots with the help of a micro liner brush.
I wore it while visiting a vineyard, and I was amazed by how pretty it looked on a wine glass. Quiet luxury? This is it—in nail form.
Glossy Cherry Ombré
Red nails are all the rage this summer, but not any red will do. The fade from light pink to dark red on this cherry fade gives it a glossy and hot look. It gives off a freshly picked fruit vibe and melts like an ice pop in the middle of summer.
You’ll need to use OPI “Bubble Bath” as your sheer base and Sally Hansen “Cherry Delight” as your rich red for this look. Sponge on the ombré and blend gently to ensure the fade is soft. Finish with a juicy gel top coat.
It’s high-impact without being loud. I attended a dinner on the roof and the dress shone beautifully with the setting sun. This is a timeless classic that brings something new to the table.
Statement Red Gloss
Whenever I wear red nail polish, I always feel ready and confident. I might face anything during the day, but having red nails on is my power. This bright red almond-shaped gem is both fierce, flattering, and will never go out of style.
One option is OPI’s “Big Apple Red”, Gucci’s “Goldie Red”, or Olive & June’s “CV”. All three colors give you great color in one coat, and when you add a gel top coat, the shine is amazing.
Whenever I want to feel confident, I always go back to this type of manicure. Red never hides. Red doesn’t apologize. It’s bold summer energy—bottled.
Watermelon French
There’s something really fun and happy about this mani, it just makes you smile right away. A creamy, bubblegum pink is the main color, but the surprise is something else entirely. That razor-sharp, lime green French tip. It’s juicy. It’s zesty. It’s giving watermelon sugar with a twist. I love how the shiny finish makes everything look so sweet and dreamy, like it’s made for having brunch on a hot summer day or just relaxing with a cold drink on your balcony.
To get this look, I usually go for OPI’s “Strawberry Margarita” as the base because it’s a pretty pink that looks great on all types of skin. For the green, I like to use Cirque Colors “Hustle” because it’s a bright apple green that looks great with pink, but it’s not too loud. The trick is to use a striping brush and go slowly so you get the same color on both sides, or you can use nail guides to help you make sure they match.
It’s actually super doable at home. Start with a smoothing base coat (Deborah Lippmann’s is magic), two layers of your pink, and let them dry completely. Use nail tape around the edge to help you get a nice straight line for your green smile, then finish it off with a shiny top coat. I swear by Seche Vite because it gives your nails a really shiny and salon-like finish.
Personally? This combo reminds me of those days when I used to wear fruity lip gloss, and I really like it. It’s young, but not childish. And it gets compliments. Every. Single. Time.
Berry Fade Perfection
This look? Absolutely hypnotizing. A berry-stained ombré that slowly fades from a light color to a darker purple at the ends, just like blackberry juice dripping down a glass. The almond shape makes it look classy, but the colors really catch your eye. It’s rich, a bit chilly, and has a bit of a moody feel to it, which is surprising for summer. And that’s what makes it so hot.
Color-wise, I start with Essie’s “Bahama Mama” as my base and add in ILNP’s “Black Orchid” at the ends to make it darker. The secret is using a makeup sponge to dab on the color, starting at the cuticle and then adding more as you go up toward the tip. Gel polishes make blending colors a lot simpler, but if you have the right sponge and take your time, regular polish can also work just fine.
The trick? Blend in thin layers and gently tap the brush, instead of dragging it. And always use a small, pointed brush dipped in acetone to clean up any rough spots and make the edges nice and clean. It’s a game-changer.
I wore this outfit to a friend’s rooftop dinner and someone actually asked me if I got it done in Paris. (I did not. It was me, my cat, and my Amazon sponge wedges.) So yes — highly recommend for sultry summer nights.
Cherry Wave Drama
Bold, graphic, and unapologetically juicy — this cherry-red swirl design looks like it’s made for a summer romance. The ribbons of color on this blush look smooth and almost dance across the surface. Add the gold studs, and you’ll instantly look a lot more glamorous. This is the nail art you wear when you’re feeling yourself.
This kind of swirled look takes a bit of time to make, but the main design is pretty easy. Think about Essie’s “Ballet Slippers” or Lights Lacquer’s “Milk and Honey” for a soft and light pink look. Then grab a really small detailing brush and put on a nice, dark red polish like Zoya’s “Sooki.” Apply your swoops slowly. Let them dry. And then stick your nail gems on while the polish is still a bit sticky or use a small drop of nail glue to hold them in place.
Not gonna lie, it took me over an hour the first time I tried to do it. But once you get your swirl rhythm down, it starts to feel like a peaceful and relaxing thing to do. Plus, the little golden accents? They catch the light just right.
It’s the kind of manicure that makes you feel like you’re wearing something special, even if it’s just a plain old white T-shirt.
Latte Swirl Elegance
Sometimes, keeping things simple is the best way to go, and this creamy latte-inspired design shows just that. Alternating warm mocha and soft pinky-beige tones make a nice backdrop, but it’s the chocolate-toned swirls on a neutral base that really make this look stylish and easy to wear. You could wear this to work or to a farmers’ market on a Saturday — it goes with pretty much anything.
I love mixing Olive & June’s “EC” with a rich neutral like OPI’s “You Don’t Know Jacques!” to get that perfect coffee shop color palette. Use a detail brush or even a toothpick to make the swirls in the icing. Top it off with a subtle dot of chrome powder on one swirl for dimension if you’re feeling fancy.
What I love most about this set is that it’s really easy to wear and looks good on everyone. Not every summer design has to be really bright or show off the sun. This is like the nail version of a linen dress and big sunglasses — simple, classic, and just cool enough for anyone.
Cobalt Wave Energy
This one is pure dopamine. Vivid cobalt swirls on a bright white background give off a really modern look, like something you might see in the future or in Miami. It’s clean, it’s bold, and it’s surprisingly easy to pull off — the color combo is bright and fresh, perfect for showing off at the pool.
Start with a true white base — I usually go with Essie’s “Blanc.” For the blue, nothing looks better than Sally Hansen’s “Pacific Blue” or ILNP’s “Carried Away” if you want that shiny, gel-like look. Use a small detailing brush and try to make the shapes look natural and free-flowing, moving them around as you go.
I actually wore this look on a beach trip last year, and it held up really well, even after a lot of sun and sand. The white base makes your tan stand out even more, and the blue color is really eye-catching. It photographs insanely well. If you want a manicure that looks great and can also be a fun accessory, this is the one for you.
Golden Constellation Magic
Midnight blue paired with tiny golden stars? Yes, please. This design is pure celestial poetry. The deep navy base gives that rich night-sky vibe, while delicate gold constellations and scattered dots twinkle across each nail like they’re whispering wishes. It’s like sitting up on a rooftop on a warm night, sipping a glass of prosecco while watching the stars.
To nail this (pun absolutely intended), start with a navy polish like Butter London’s “Royal Navy” or Essie’s “Style Cartel.” For the stars, you can use gold nail stickers or just use a thin brush and some gold nail polish like OPI’s “Glitzerland” to draw small bursts by hand. A matte top coat can make your nails look velvety, but I think the glossy one looks even better and more magical.
This mani looks intricate but isn’t hard to do. Paint your base, let it dry completely, then use tweezers or a small dotting tool to put on the stars one by one with nail polish. Finish with a top coat to keep the shine looking nice and bright.
Honestly? It’s the kind of look I put on when I want to feel a bit more sure of myself. Like mini pieces of the galaxy on your fingertips — who wouldn’t feel like a star?
Modern Romance Meets Ink
If soft romance tried to break the rules, this would be it. Pale pink almond nails give off a sweet and fun vibe, but the dark plum French tips, the inky blue accent nail, and the hand-drawn butterfly design really make the look stand out. It feels like the author put a lot of thought into every little thing, and it all adds up to tell a story without being too obvious.
To recreate it, I start by putting on a nude-pink polish like Lights Lacquer’s “Wish You Were Here.” For the deep plum, go with Orly’s “Sable Rich” because it looks great layered and adds a rich, deep look. The butterfly? That’s the trickiest part. You’ll need a thin liner brush, some time to get it right, and you might want to try out your strokes on paper before you start on your actual drawing. I like using a white polish pen for precision.
The way the colors and empty spaces are arranged here is what makes this feel like a summery picture. It’s not heavy. It breathes. Which is exactly the kind of energy I want in the heat.
When I wore this, someone at a gallery opening actually stopped to tell me they really liked it, and they were wearing a really expensive outfit. So, you know… doing your nails in a creative way is a way to show off your style.
Muted Mauve Minimalism
Sometimes, subtle speaks the loudest. These short, square nails have a simple look in light shades of rose, mauve, and blush with just one tiny heart at the tip. It’s the kind of design that whispers I’m soft, but I still slay. Perfect for everyday wear, but not boring. Never boring.
My go-to shades here? Try Zoya’s “Brigitte” for the mauvey color and Sally Hansen’s “Pink Pong” for the softer pink. The heart detail? Just a little sticker or a nail stamp with a deep cranberry color — something like Essie’s “Bordeaux.” A matte top coat gives everything a softer, velvety look that I really love.
This mani is a breeze at home. It’s beginner-friendly but feels polished (literally and metaphorically). Apply two coats, let them dry, add some extra detail on one nail, and then seal it all in. You’ll have a super cute manicure in no time.
I love how this set makes me feel grounded. Like I’ve got my life together, even though my iced coffee is melting way too fast for me to finish it.
Cotton Candy Fade
There’s just something about this pastel gradient that makes me feel really happy and reminds me of summer days, like watching the sunset or eating a sweet treat. The fade from baby pink into soft lavender is really smooth, and the almond shape gives the look a nice, grown-up touch without losing any of the fun.
The key is in the blend. I layer ILNP’s “Sweet Pea” over “Lilac Bridges” using a sponge to blend the colors together. Dab gently, let it dry, and keep doing it until you get a nice, smooth layer. Top it off with a glossy gel coat to make the surface really shiny and smooth.
You’ll want to start by putting on a light white or beige base coat so the pastel colors really stand out and don’t look too dull. And always clean your edges! A tiny angled brush and some acetone can really help clean up your nails and make them look better.
Honestly? This mani makes me feel like I’m in one of Lana Del Rey’s songs. Dreamy, light, and just a little indulgent — that’s how I want my summer days to be.
Retro Floral Fun
If you’re not feeling like summer just yet, this pretty floral dress might help you get there. Bubblegum pink base with doodled black flowers? It has a bit of old-school style, some young vibes, and just feels really cool. The square shape helps it look neat, but the flowers make it feel light and airy. Love that balance.
Try Olive & June’s “Wild Orchid” as your base. Then use a dotting tool and some black nail polish to make your flowers. I like to use Essie’s “Licorice” polish because it’s nice and dark. You don’t need to be a pro here. Uneven petals? Totally fine. They just add charm.
You can put the words in the order you want or follow a simple pattern. I switch it up by putting big floral designs on some nails and just a few dots on the others. Finish with a top coat and you’ve got a cool, updated version of 2000s daisy nails.
When I wear this outfit, I just feel like myself right away. It’s simple, but it still has something to say, and that’s what I want to do this season.
