Summer 2025 is on its way and it means nails that spark joy, freshness and bright colors. If you’re relaxing by the pool, driving with the windows open or simply looking for a new look, a manicure can finish off your style. This season, summer nail designs are all about fun colors, simple flowers, modern French tips and combining art with style. Ready to find your next nail obsession? We are going to explore the best summer nail ideas of the year.
Sun-Soaked Swirls with a Retro Twist
These curved lines in mint, neon yellow and peach really evoke a sense of being on vacation. I enjoy how the bright colors move across my nails, just like waves in an old pool party poster — not too neat and not too messy, just the right amount of boldness. The glossy finish and almond shape? Anyone looking for a combination of nostalgia and modern trends will find it here. These fun summer nails almond are a bit bold and I think that’s just perfect.
I’d use OPI’s Infinite Shine in “Mexico City Move-Mint” and “Suzi’s Slinging Mezcal” for the yellow and I’d add Essie’s “Tart Deco” for the peach. You should use a fine-liner brush for nail art and finish it off with a Seche Vite topcoat to maintain the shine and fresh appearance for a long time.
First, apply the base coat and then alternate two layers of peach or turquoise. After that, use a small brush to apply each color in your swirl pattern one by one. Keep it simple, as loose and natural lines make for a better result. Top it off with a generous glossy seal. She always reminds people that “the curve matters more than the straight edges” in nail design.
This is a manicure that goes with rooftop BBQs, lemon sparkling in my hand and watching the world go by without mentioning my job. It’s designs pretty art ideas aesthetic meets sunshine rebellion. Definitely one of my favorite designs 2025 so far.
Daisy Dreams in Sunshine Yellow
These nails bring to mind summer days spent in the sun and having picnics. The contrast between lemon and nude backgrounds and the daisy detail in the middle, give this manicure a real July feel. Here, the combination of summer nails and retro style is just right. This design is so cheerful that it makes anyone feel a little happier.
When you’re doing this on your own, reach for a bright yellow like Olive & June’s “Sweet & Gracious”, a soft nude like Zoya’s “Tatum” and a crisp white for the daisy petals, like Butter London’s “Cotton Buds”. A dotting tool is the ideal tool for this or you can use the back of a bobby pin if you’re feeling creative.
It’s not necessary to be an expert to achieve that flower detail. I start by adding a dot to the center, then I add five small white dots around it, making a sunburst shape. Make the petals small and curved to give the daisy look and use a detail brush with polish remover to clean it if necessary. They are simple ideas that anyone can do and may receive compliments.
This manicure makes me think of the good old days — enjoying ice cream, having lemonade stands and watching the sunset late. This summer nail idea is adorable and brings out the soft side of your outfits.
Mint Mirage with Holographic Shine
This is designed for those who like a simple style with a hint of magic. The mint base color in this polish looks like a scoop of pistachio gelato and the holographic chrome accent? A whole summer mood. It’s understated, it’s fashionable and it grabs your attention as you look through your feed. The shimmer catches the light with every little hand movement, perfect for those of us who talk with our hands (guilty).
What makes this work is the balance. Should you decide to recreate it, I suggest using DND’s “Mint Green” for the base and Holo Taco’s “Aurora Unicorn Skin” over a sticky top coat to create the shimmer nail. Gently buff the finish, reseal it and your shoes will have a mirror-like shine.
To be honest, I would choose this for a museum date or a walk around town with iced coffee. It’s easy to do and really eye-catching which is why it’s such a popular summer nail design this year. Quiet luxury, but make it beachy.
Pop Art Patchwork in Pink, Lime & Blue
Is it nail art or is it modern art? The bold, colorful and blocky design of this game reminds me of the candies found in the 90s. And the matte finish? Chef’s kiss. These nails on teens look like something from a Y2K cartoon, but they’re also high-fashion and easy to pull off.
Instead of a glossy topcoat, use a matte one to get the best results. I would apply ILNP’s “Hi-Fi” for the blue, OPI’s “Pink Flamenco” for the pink and Essie’s “Mojito Madness” for the lime part. To get the color blocks clean, you can use nail tape or a thin detail brush.
The energy that this style creates is what I like best about it. It’s style is simple, short and it encourages me to put on jelly sandals and lip gloss with sparkles. These nails are so bold that they stand out in any crowd.
Watermelon Sugar Cute
I’m talking about cute summer nails short designs — these could easily be used as a picnic accessory. The main color is red, the black seeds are neatly placed and the tiny slice has green-white highlights? Straight-up fruit-forward fun. The reason strawberry and watermelon nails are always popular is that they are nostalgic, a bit flirty and just a little cheeky.
You might like to use Sally Hansen’s “Red-ical Rockstar”, Zoya’s “Josie” for the green tips and a thin black brush or pen for the seeds. If you feel comfortable, you can just draw the rind curve by hand, but using a curved stencil will help keep the design neat.
This mani always gets compliments. It’s cute summer nail ideas meets juicy fruit realness. Even if you’re not a fan of nail art, this design is surprisingly simple and very rewarding.
Ocean Breeze Meets Porcelain Chic
Cool-toned perfection, anyone? The almond-shaped nails are blended with a light marine blue and a crisp white and they are made special with a hand-painted leafy design and metallic touches. It’s giving almond blue, it’s giving “July wedding by the sea” — and I can’t stop thinking about how polished yet effortless it feels. The combination of matte and gloss gives the eyeshadow a unique look and makes it wearable at the same time. This design is definitely one of the best almond-shaped summer nails this year.
This is a moment for CND’s “Blue Moon” paired with OPI’s “Alpine Snow”, and if you’re going all out, a fine-tip liner for the white leaf detailing and nail studs from Daily Charme will get you there. Be patient, because what makes this look special is its clean lines.
I wore a similar dress last summer at a friend’s engagement dinner and three people I didn’t know complimented me while I was holding a glass of wine. This is what I was referring to when I said designs are pretty art ideas aesthetic — they are not flashy, but they still catch people’s attention.
Pink Nudes with Black Flower Power
Let’s get into this quiet statement moment. The combination of a light pink base and dark black floral designs gives this set a sweet and sexy look. The difference is especially noticeable in the summer, when everything else is colorful. These nails are simple enough that they don’t have to be bright to show off your style. Its rounded almond shape gives it a friendly look, so it’s great for shopping as well as relaxing with a drink on the roof.
If you haven’t used nail stickers or stamping plates before, now is your opportunity. Apply “Ballet Slippers” or “Dot” by Essie and afterward use black flower stamps or decals from MoYou London. Seche Vite gives a glossy finish that won’t smear your nails.
Sometimes I crave the opposite of summer brights, and this look scratches that itch without sacrificing the season’s vibe. It’s soft girl meets midnight garden — and I’m here for it.
Tangerine Fade for the Glow Chasers
Hello gradient fantasy. This style of orange to coral ombré is like a summer sunset on your nails. I love the way the color changes from mango to papaya, making it rich, juicy and very tropical. It combines the feeling of tropical sorbet, heatwave glamour and designs from 2025 in one look. A squared-off tip gives the design a strong and stylish look.
To get this faded fantasy, you’ll want polishes like Orly’s “Tangerine Dream” and Essie’s “Come Here!” — plus a makeup sponge for blending. Let the colors stand out on their own by not mixing them too much. Always top it off with a high-gloss finisher.
What’s special is that this color looks good on almost every skin tone. Being a person who uses both self-tanner and sunscreen all the time, I can say it’s very versatile.
Jungle French Tips with a Rosy Twist
Rather than the usual all-white or pastel manicure, this manicure dares to mix eclectic forest green and ballerina pink. There’s a mix of glam and nature in this design and I think it would suit both square short and medium length nails perfectly. What I like is that it does the opposite of most nail art, yet it still looks neat and attractive.
French tips are making a big comeback, but now they have more character. OPI’s “My Gondola or Yours?” and Olive & June’s “WKF” are good choices for a deep green color. Use French tip guides or a steady angled brush. You could try Zoya’s “Joey” for a pale pink shade that goes well with this color.
This could be my top pick for a casual-chic style. For example, brunch in the garden or going away for the weekend and changing outfits a lot. It’s a great option for those who want to add something fresh to their neutral outfits.
Breezy Aqua-Pink Waves
Swirls again? Yes. But this version is pure bubblegum beach party. The mix of teal and cotton candy pink with white waves looks like pool floaties, summer clouds and romantic crushes all in one manicure. With its simple almond shape, the dress can be playful and cute without being too much.
I find that Lights Lacquer’s “That’s The Ticket” and Cirque Colors’ “Retail Therapy” look great when I use them with a white nail art pen or thin striping brush. It’s actually not hard to do swoops — start one-third up the nail and move toward the other end.
In all honesty, this is made for the girl who loves to stand out. It’s a lightweight way to have summer nails acrylics, making your nails look flirty and fun. Call it Y2K but grown-up.
Mix-and-Match Pink & Green Color Block
Minimal effort, maximum effect. The way bubblegum pink and deep pine green are put together makes for a lively contrast that is still very wearable. It has a simple finish and is not very fancy which makes it ideal for those who want a unique summer look without being too bold. Because of the alternating pattern, the shoes can be worn with a linen dress or with cut-off jeans and look equally stylish.
You won’t need any fancy products for this look; use Olive & June’s “Pink Sands” for the blush and Essie’s “Off Tropic” for the green. Two layers of paint and a glossy top coat will give you a perfect finish.
Whenever I’m in a rush and want something tasty, I go for this one. You can always depend on a square simple design to match your outfit and mood perfectly.
Coral Crush for the Sunshine Chasers
This one’s a tropical smoothie in manicure form. Coral is an eye-catching color that makes things look lively and fresh. It leans orange, but there’s enough pink in the mix to keep it universally flattering. And on a squared-off medium length nail? It’s straight-up summer goals. These are your cute summer nails short but elevated.
If you want a bold coral, I recommend OPI’s “Live.Love.Carnaval” or Zoya’s “Sawyer.” These phones are all about their smooth, glassy look and their attractive shape.
Solid colors can be just as impressive as detailed designs and this is especially true in summer when our skin is glowing and our accessories are light. This one’s a no-fail pick.
Glossy Cherry Red with Classic Elegance
Ah, red — forever iconic. This shade of glossy cherry red has a sweet and seductive look. Even though it was made decades ago, it fits right into the 2025 trend report because of its round shape and shiny finish. These can be worn as short almond or medium length if you want that style.
For a glassy finish, use DND’s “Cherry Mocha” or Essie’s “Rock the Runway” with Seche Vive as the top coat.
If you’re the type to wear red lipstick even to the beach — these are your nails. It looks great, is sexy and is simple to apply on any skin color.
Lemon Zest Hand-Painted Delight
I can’t help but admire how charming the lemon motif is in this room. The yellow fruits painted by hand on a light green background make me think of the Italian coast in August. These summer nail ideas are just as cute as they sound. I really like that the almond shape keeps the design looking elegant, despite the fun theme.
If you want to DIY this look, apply Zoya’s “Neely” for the mint and use a tiny brush with OPI’s “Sun, Sea and Sand in My Pants” for the lemons. With “Off Tropic” from Essie, you’ll have a citrus garden just waiting for you.
This is for the teens almond group or anyone who likes fruit-inspired manicures that are still practical. Make the experience even better by drinking an Aperol Spritz and wearing a flowy dress.
Electric Ombre in Purple and Neon Lime
This manicure captures the fun of summer nights in one look. The change from vivid violet to zesty lime green is cheerful, exciting and bold. Imagine spending the night by the pool, drinking cocktails with LED stirrers and listening to music with lots of bass. I think this is one of the most impressive summer nails acrylic designs I’ve seen so far in 2025.
You can use Color Club’s “Disco Dress” and China Glaze’s “Lime After Lime” polishes. It’s best to use a sponge to blend and dab the middle line with the gradient; repeat this until it blends well and then add a glossy topcoat.
My friends have tried this look on beach trips and it always starts a discussion with others. It’s full of excitement, energy and bright colors that are impossible to ignore.
Neon Drip Over Nude
This one’s like a summer art class exploded in the best possible way. The colors—neon yellow, electric pink, turquoise and crisp white—are applied over a nude base with ease. The result? An abstract approach to design makes the artwork look colorful, but not too much. The almond shape makes it look more mature and well-planned, even though it’s still fun.
You’ll need a sheer pink or beige base (like OPI’s “Bubble Bath”) and super bright neons — China Glaze or Color Club do fantastic ones. Take your striping brush and move the colors downward with fast strokes. The less you plan it, the cooler it looks.
If you like bright colors but also want a nude feel — this is the one for you. These feel like you’re painting your mood for the day.
Citrus Explosion in High Gloss
This one? Pure Vitamin C. The nails have a stiletto shape and they use bright orange, fuchsia, lime green and a little orange slice design to bring the fantasy to life. If you enjoy cute summer nails acrylics, this is an experience you shouldn’t miss.
You could use Kiara Sky’s “Highlighter”, OPI’s “Hotter Than You Pink” and DND’s “Electric Orange” shades. You can draw the fruit by hand or use decals for the fruit art. A jelly gloss topcoat will give your nails a juicy and shiny look.
Each year, there’s a nail style that reminds me of pool floats, Popsicles and parties and this is it for 2025.
Blue & Moo — A Cow-Print Moment
We’ve entered playful territory, and I love it here. This shoe features cow print and a bright cobalt blue color. For the girl who likes to mix patterns with color, this is both cute and cool. A shocking victory in the designs square, but the outfit is still wearable.
Apply Sally Hansen’s “Pacific Blue” and then top it with a white base like Essie’s “Blanc”. Use a dotting tool and black polish to add cow spots, as you don’t have to be very accurate. The more organic the shapes, the better.
Sometimes, the summer mood calls for a bit of excitement and a touch of chaos. It’s the feeling of happiness, captured in nails and it always puts a smile on people’s faces.
Matte Fuchsia & White Floral Stamps
This is what I call “bold meets sweet.” The combination of matte fuchsia pink and delicate white flowers is like having a summer wedding guest outfit on your hands. Even though it’s simple, the combination of the soft floral and bold base makes it look luxurious and never fails to impress.
First, use Zoya’s “Gigi” or OPI’s “Pompeii Purple” as your base and then use white stamping plates or decals to add the flowers. A matte topcoat transforms the whole mood.
I have always worn something like this when on vacation and each time someone asked me where I got it done. Trust me, it’s that kind of mani.
Mint Green French with Sparkling Accents
A soft-glam finish — this French tips almond design is made summery with pastel mint tips and silver foil flakes over a sheer nude base. This one is ideal for girls with medium nails or teens who want a simple style with a sparkle.
You can get the “Minty” polish from Olive & June and foil flakes from Born Pretty or Daily Charme. Use either a fine brush or French guide stickers to paint the ends of the nails. Cover the first foil with a second layer of foil while your topcoat is still sticky — then seal it.
It’s understated but not boring. It’s a great choice for those late summer nights when you want a beautiful piece that doesn’t stand out but still sparkles a little.
