Don’t forget that your nails can be the highlight of your summer style. When the days get longer and the mood brightens, it’s time to have fun with colors, fabrics and new ideas. Whether you’re sipping spritzers on your porch or brunching by the beach, these colorful summer nails are the vibe for 2025. Ready to bookmark your next obsession?
Hot Pink Meets Zebra Chaos
The combination of hot pink with white zebra print is incredibly satisfying, giving off a beach rave vibe in Miami. The glossy finish on the plain nails gives a lot of glamour and the stripes add a touch of unexpected style. What’s more, the almond shape gives the style a refined and modern look that is easy to wear. This is definitely one of the most colorful summer nail polishes I’ve chosen this year.
Get your hands on OPI’s “Strawberry Margarita” to obtain the glowing pink and choose “Funny Bunny” for a perfect white shade to copy the animal stripes. If you’re not confident in freehand, use a skinny striping brush or stamping tool to help you. And don’t skip the top coat; the shine is what gives this design its bold polish.
I cure each layer under the LED lamp for 30 seconds and I handle one finger at a time when doing detailed striping. I can assure you, being precise matters a lot and being patient is very important.
Anytime I wear this set, people usually ask me where I had my nails done. And the answer? A countertop and a bit of motivation from coffee.
Cherry Pop Art Minimalism
This shade is making me want a cherry popsicle! The glossy burgundy and white together with the single cherry detail are just too cute. It’s playful without trying too hard and fits right into that category of colorful summer nails short and totally cute. There’s a fun but simple touch to this design, much like a flirty wink on your nails.
Pick Essie’s “Forever Yummy” for the red color and Sally Hansen’s “White On” for the white base to create the cherry look. I have noticed that dotting the fruit with a tool helps it look more balanced. You can use a small liner brush to make the leaf flicks look perfect.
This manicure is also simple for anyone just starting out, so it’s perfect for a quiet summer evening when you want to relax.
Having fruit on your nails gives everything a more refreshing feel. What’s more, this design shows a hint of 2025 pop art, but does so quietly.
Lemon-Lime Sunset Pop
If you prefer bright colors but don’t want a complicated design, this four-tone neon set is perfect for you. The bright citrus yellow, the almost coral pink and that speckled white? Ugh, it’s giving energy. I call this colorful summer nails that are simple but still look great. The square shape adds boldness and a modern touch and it looks great on nails that are medium in length.
I apply ILNP’s “Summer Crush” for the bright coral and Modelones’ pastel lemon gel for the yellow part. A sheer white top coat with micro-dots such as Cirque Colors’ “Speckled,” can be used to make the speckled nail look. It’s so much easier than it looks.
To be honest, I wore a similar outfit to a beach party last July and I got so many compliments. These nails are just unapologetically fun.
Daisy Chain Dream
These yellow tips with white and yellow daisies are so lovely and dreamy. It’s setting up a picnic in the countryside in July, while playing a soft and romantic playlist. It’s great that this design gives a floral look without being overly busy—it’s just the right mix of bright, cute and neutral.
Dotting tools can be used to make daisies, using OPI’s “Bee Yellow” and “Alpine Snow” polishes. The remaining nails can be done with a plain butter yellow or a clear gel to make them stand out. It’s very DIY-able if you have a little patience.
This would be a great choice for summer bridal showers, garden parties or any day when you want to feel cheerful and warm. It fits that basic but beautiful mood perfectly.
Watermelon Confetti Party
This one’s a straight-up mood. Watermelon slices, confetti dots, and lemon-yellow polish? It feels like a fruity drink in your hands. I’m going to say that this is one of the happiest and most colorful summer nails acrylic almond looks for 2025. That design really leans into 3D-style detail, even though it’s totally flat—it’s visual texture!
You’ll need a bubblegum pink, a sunny yellow (try Gelish “Brights Have More Fun”), and a liner brush for the watermelon rinds. The use of dotting tools will ensure your confetti looks deliberate and clean.
I think this is perfect for vacations, long weekends or moments when you’re hoping for positive energy. This nail color will always help you feel better. It’s loud, yes—but it’s also deliciously wearable.
Blue and Green Coastal Energy
The combination of cerulean blue and leafy green is like a splash of tropical water and it makes me think of hot sand and a cold drink. I like that this design is straightforward and strong, but it’s not at all dull. It’s the epitome of a laid-back vibe done with intention—perfect if you’re into colorful summer nails square looks that still feel refined.
If you’re recreating this at home, try Zoya’s “Talia” for that vibrant ocean blue and Essie’s “Mojito Madness” for the juicy green. You can achieve a strong look with just well-applied polish and a top coat that shimmers in the light.
Sometimes I use this look as a quick reset. If everything seems overdone, this color scheme brings me back to balance. It’s basic in the best, most calming way.
Ocean Dip with a Twist
If you mixed a French manicure with ocean waves, you would get this fantastic design. Its almond form and the difference between navy-blue tips and a light grey base make it very special. It’s like a wearable gradient without needing to blend. It’s perfect for summer, with a touch of design and it goes straight into french tip territory.
To pull this off, I love using a milky grey gel base like Beetles “Gray Sky” and outlining the tips with a bold royal blue (Modelones “True Blue” is a fave). A striping brush is a must for precision. If you’re just starting out, French tips are a good way to start.
I’ve paired this with a white linen dress and gold rings for a vacation and it gets noticed gently. It creates a relaxed look that somehow makes you seem more organized.
Star-Spangled Energy
This one is pure summer fireworks. Red is the classic and the sparkly navy cover and star give more depth to the nail art. Instant fun. It’s a celebration on your fingers, perfect for long summer weekends, rooftop parties, or late-night drives with the windows down. One of those summer nail looks that you won’t soon forget.
I prefer OPI’s “Big Apple Red” nail color and add a dash of dark blue sparkles using Zoya’s “Dream,” plus vibrant stars hand-painted with white acrylic paint. Using a tiny dotting tool or sticker stars helps you finish the job with ease.
I put this on for Fourth of July or concerts in the park, since it has a modern look but still reminds me of the past. A little twist and it becomes your personal touch for each season.
Pastel Blocks of Happiness
Color blocking with pastels? Say less. The combination of these colors reminds me of sidewalk chalk, colorful marshmallows and outfits with a lot of personality. Every nail shows a little story, for example, the half-moon on pink and green or the peach, yellow and lilac combination. It’s everything colorful summer nails designs should be.
I often use the pastel shades from Lights Lacquer such as “Amethyst,” “Matcha,” “Banana Cream,” and “Bikini Bottom.” You can use striping tape to achieve neat curves and contrast tips. These look salon-grade with just a steady hand.
This design is great for people who love nail art but don’t want a lot of detail. You’ll get compliments from strangers. Guaranteed.
Turquoise Poolside Perfection
Now this is the basic shade that makes a big statement. If I want a neutral nail color that’s still appropriate for the season, I choose a soft turquoise that is glossy and clean, whether my nails are short or medium. Just like your favorite swimsuit, you feel confident in this one every time.
If I want to have this color, I usually use Olive & June’s “Yes Please” or Orly’s “Vintage” polishes. Apply a ridge-filling base coat and a topcoat with a glossy finish, as this will enhance the whole appearance without needing nail art.
This is a nice change from the florals and glitter you might have seen for a few weeks. And honestly? Nothing beats that turquoise glow in natural sunlight.
Personalized Baby Blue with a Pop
The light blue manicure with a handwritten-style accent nail is so sweet, it feels like a love note on your hands. The combination of “Eloise” and colorful dots gives this piece a special touch, yet it is still easy to wear every day. The script and shiny solid polish together create a vintage look that is very cute. I’d describe this as a perfect choice for summer nails that are short and have a personal touch.
You can make this design by using nail stickers or detail pens and I’ve found that Maniology’s pens work well for me. To achieve the right polish, you can use “Blue-tiful Horizon” from Essie which is a pastel sky blue. You can easily make multicolor accents with dotting tools.
When I wore a similar look with my niece’s name, people lost it. It’s a lovely idea to include your nails in your summer memories.
Electric Green and Silver Sparkle
Now we’re entering glow-mode. The combination of these bright green nails and silver glitter nails is making a strong and noticeable statement. Anyone who wants their nails to look special without nail art will love this set because of its striking contrast between cool tones and shiny shades. This one goes into the category of bold summer nails with a bit of edge.
My go-to shades for this would be Lights Lacquer “Now & Later” (that green is unreal) and ILNP’s “Mega” for the dense holographic silver. If you want your glitter nail to stand out, put a thick glitter polish over a foil base.
It brings to mind summer nights, with flashing lights, silver jewelry and the perfect music you enjoy with the windows open.
Tangerine Bloom
The combination of orange flowers on white is like capturing the sun in each petal. You can enjoy this floral print without going overboard on romance, as it’s fresh, bold and cheerful. They are bright summer nails short and the simple color scheme makes them easy to wear.
To recreate, use a matte white base like “Snow Me White” by SinfulColors, and hand-paint the florals using nail art pens in orange or coral (Sally Hansen’s Insta-Dri “Snappy Sorbet” works well). If you’re nervous with a brush, try stamping tools.
I would choose these nails for a Sunday trip to the farmer’s market. They simply have a positive and relaxed mood which is what summer is all about.
Abstract Art Pop
This design is practically an art exhibit. The use of bold purples, fiery oranges and unusual black and white abstract shapes makes the nails look like they belong in an art gallery. This set is perfect for summer nails because it doesn’t need raised texture to look colorful. There is a lot of detail in the visuals and the film is packed with excitement.
Make sure to have Orly’s “Tangerine Dream” for the orange, “Indigo Away” for the purple and a white base for the nails with the print. You can draw the abstract swirls by hand or choose water decals if that matches your level of patience and experience.
I feel more confident when I put on outfits like this. They’re like wearable confidence boosters—and honestly, it’s just fun to play around with unexpected combos.
Strawberry Matte Sweetness
This matte pink-and-green strawberry design is practically edible. I love the black dots, the leafy green top and how velvety the finish is. It’s pure summer in fruit form—and very fun if you’re into colorful summer nails acrylic almond with a whimsical spin. What I like is that the finish isn’t shiny, but it still has a light and airy feel.
You should use “Pink Sands” from Cirque Colors which is a dusty rose and apply a matte topcoat to complete the look. The seeds can be touched up with a micro brush using dark brown or black polish and the leaf crown can be drawn on with a jungle green polish like Essie’s “Off Tropic.”
If you want your hands to look like they’re from a picnic, this design is perfect for you. It’s playful but still put-together—summer perfection.
Sunset Popsicle Palette
This set of mango yellow, mint green, chalky white, tangerine and fire orange looks as if it came from a colorful Instagram café during the summer. The space is clean, simple and just a little more refined than usual. If you prefer colorful nails for summer but want something light, this combination is perfect for you.
This works beautifully with gel or regular polish. I find that “Stinson Sunset,” “KMC,” and “Grateful & Kind” from Olive & June are perfect for these pretty and rich tones. The simple square shape makes the place look minimal and modern.
One of the things I’d do is wear this with a cream tank dress and some chunky sandals. It’s simple and provides just the right summer atmosphere without being too obvious.
Juicy Watermelon Slice
It’s true that watermelon nails are a classic for summer and never lose their appeal. But this version? It’s extra clean, with smooth edges and vibrant tones that scream 2025 freshness. The half slice is fun and the pink color keeps the design sophisticated. I really like this fun and cute twist on summer nails that comes in a variety of colors.
A glossy pink called “Mod About You” by OPI and a green called “Tropic Like It’s Hot” from Lights Lacquer are good choices. Nail art brushes will help you a lot, as the rind and black seeds are tiny but definitely worth working with.
I wore something similar to this last July while on vacation and it certainly made my iced drinks feel cooler. The power of cute nails is real.
Cherry and Leopard Combo
Now this is where it gets juicy. A sweet-and-sassy pairing of cherry designs with leopard print? I never realized I wanted such a design idea, but once I saw it, I couldn’t stop thinking. The soft base comes from blush, cherries bring a touch of cuteness and leopard adds a bit of spice.
Use the base color Essie “Ballet Slippers,” and then add small cherry red dots with a dotting tool. A brown color with a black outline on a fine detail brush is all you need to make leopard spots. Finish the painting by smoothing it with a gloss top coat.
It’s playful, bold and has a hint of flair that reminds you of a wink on a hot day. It’s giving “girl-next-door… who parties.”
Azure on Almond
This elegant polish in clean blue on my medium almond nails is one of those styles that never go out of trend in the summer. Golden hour with the sun shining through the blue sky reminds me of it. If you like simple summer nails in almond with just one color, this shade is perfect for you.
I prefer to use “Butler Please” by Essie or DND’s “Sky Blue” gel color for this manicure. Because of the shape, the bold color has a smooth and polished look.
If I’m not sure what nail style to pick for a summer vacation, I go with this. It works with linen, denim, floral prints—you name it.
Rainbow Block Party
It’s giving full Barbie-friends-meet-Y2K-in-Mykonos energy. Five bright colors are placed one after another to make the room more cheerful and eye-catching. The neat square tips add to the polished look and the glossy finish keeps it fun. Anyone hoping for a bright summer nail look won’t have to think too much about the design with this style.
You can either use polishes from Lights Lacquer’s “Summer Vibes” or combine polishes from different brands, but be sure to have both warm and cool tones on your nails.
I’ve mentioned this before and will say it again: no one ever feels bad when their nails are painted in a rainbow. It’s confidence bottled up in five little canvases.
Sparkle-Frosted Bubblegum
This is the kind of pink that gets you. Because of its hot pink base, shimmery center and one silver glitter, it looks very nostalgic but doesn’t go over the top. It’s fresh, it’s fun, it’s that perfect colorful summer nails short idea for when you want to keep it girly but with a little edge—like sprinkles on your favorite iced drink.
I begin with a deep fuchsia pink, add a shimmery light pink and finish with a bold silver chrome. I always apply a glass-smooth top coat to get the best glazed finish.
I go for this color when I want my nails to brighten my day. Glitter and pink seem to make everything more fun, so even running errands feels like walking a catwalk.
