Summer is here and everyone wants to taste something fresh. But since there are so many nail styles, how do you discover the best summer nails for yourself? Should you go bold or keep it simple gel? Is it better to have a daily style in pastels or go for chunky, chrome headphones? Here, I’m taking you through the cutest summer nails I’ve seen for 2025, all full of style, character and that summer spirit.
Burnt Orange Drama with a Sharp Edge
It shows that summer nails can be cute without being pastel or floral. Matte orange almonds and black lines give a bold look, as if the sunset is right on your nails. The design is straightforward, up-to-date and a little bold which is great for people who want to look fashionable with a simple graphic style. The mix of colorful elements and clear lines perfectly matches style with usefulness.
I think OPI’s “My Chihuahua Doesn’t Bite Anymore” with a matte topcoat or DND Gel in Spicy Orange will give you that perfect burnt orange. I use Orly’s Black Gloss Nail Striping Tape for my striping, since it does not fray or bubble under my topcoat. The almond tips make the shoes look neat and slightly elongate the fingers.
Start by making your nails clean and shaped and then apply two layers of your orange base. After the nail is dry, use the black striping tape to draw a straight line on top, holding it in place with tweezers. After everything is dry, seal everything with a matte topcoat to keep the color and texture intact. According to Betina Goldstein, a manicurist, to make the striping last, double-topcoat the edges.
Honestly? This style convinced me to love matte makeup once more. It’s one of those cutest summer nails ever moments — bold without being too much. Almond makeup that looks simple, but still amazing? Say hello to this makeup.
Deep Green & Blush Chrome Chic
It’s very refreshing to see creamy green polish combined with chrome and sparkly accents. It mixes the sweetest summer nail look with some contrast and elegance, like a garden party and a glamorous night out. The forest green is calming and the pink chrome and silver glitter add a touch of excitement. This is a good choice if you’re looking for something cute and colorful, but still feels like almond.
For the green, Essie’s “Off Tropic” gives you that rich tone, and OPI “Princesses Rule!” works beautifully as a soft metallic blush. Use Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Silver Stallion for a glittery pinky nail. I use chrome nail tapes or a detail brush with Chrome Gel Paint from Beetles to draw the striping lines on the blush nail.
Put on your base colors first and let them dry, then use the tape or brush to draw two or three thin lines across the blush nail. Wait for the first coat to dry before applying a topcoat that gives a high-gloss finish. Always use a soft cloth to keep your painted metal smooth after finishing; this helps your lines look clear.
What I love about this? These nails are a new way to do cute nails for summer and they look great and are easy to wear. A combination of art designs and ideas that perfectly matches the energy of 2025.
Cloudy Blue Simplicity
Simple and soft nail designs can look much cuter than bold and fancy ones. The soft blue almond style is light, clean and understated, much like the sky at the beginning of a vacation. It’s simple, but that’s its power. I have this design in my summer wardrobe since it looks great with iced coffee and also with linen sundresses. It’s pure simple gel inspo almond.
Lights Lacquer’s “Blue Moon” or Olive & June’s “BP” will give you this shade in two coats and both are very shiny and streak-free. No art, no chrome, just clean shape and color. It works well when you want to take a break from polish but still look neat.
I sometimes skip the topcoat and let the blue’s finish be more satin which makes it feel more delicate. Almond is rounded which softens the look, but square could make it appear more modern. Totally your call!
On days I want a simple outfit, this is where I look. If you are a fan of minimalist style, this blue summer nail look is one of the cutest.
Blue Leopard Twist
If you want cute summer nails that show you’re fun but not trying too hard, try matte baby blue with leopard accents. Literally. This style uses a bit of playful pattern, but it’s not too much like a safari outfit. To tell the truth, when do you get to wear blue leopard and still look classy?
Apply DND “Blue Mist” as the base and then make the leopard spots by dotting navy and periwinkle polish onto the nails. I apply Young Nails Artistic Detailer and their Mission Control Gel Paint in “Ocean Blue” to keep my nails looking good for longer. Add a velvet matte topcoat to preserve the soft look instead of a shiny finish.
Whenever I put this on, people always want to know where I got it done which makes me laugh because I did it myself while listening to podcasts. If you want something exciting that is still simple, this is the right choice.
Moody Teal Sparkle Square
Who says dark polish is just for winter? The square outline in teal with a glitter detail proves that dark colors are best in the summer. The richness, smoothness and shine that catches your eye from any angle make it special. If your summer is more “rooftop nights” than beach days, this might be your cutest summer nails ever match.
This is where Zoya “Hadley” or Cirque Colors “Succulent Garden” comes in for a dark teal result. The glitter? You could use Holo Taco “Play Rose” or combine teal and black loose glitter that is sealed with builder gel. I prefer to have just one nail with glitter so the teal color is the main focus.
Paint glitter onto the nail with a flat brush as soon as the gel is tacky and then topcoat it twice to secure the glitter. Try to make the square shape look smooth and not too harsh; it will give your haircut a modern and relaxed feel.
I’ve worn this one for weddings, dinners, even brunch. It’s easy to wear and gives that confident ‘cute summer nails’ look for the future.
Daisy Dreams and Pastel Mix
Daisies in summer make everything seem brighter and this nail art does the same. The soft colors lavender, blush pink and mint green make up a lovely palette and the daisy art designs on the middle nails give a pretty and feminine touch. Its cheerful look is not overpowering, so it’s one of those summer nails that feels like a picnic dress for your hands.
I use OPI’s “Do You Lilac It?”, Essie’s “Mint Candy Apple” and Zoya “Dot” to get the soft pink color at home. Dotting tools or toothpicks are great for daisies and you can use Sally Hansen “White On” for the background and Butter London “Yellow Submarine” for the flower centers. A good way to get the daisies right is to let the base dry completely before adding the petals.
I’ve worn this outfit to brunches, garden parties and baby showers and it always gets people complimenting me. It is lighthearted, nostalgic and just what anyone would expect from a brand like almond or soft this season.
Sunset Vibes and Beachside Art
Palm trees, views of the ocean and changing skies from orange to violet are the symbols of summer. It takes all the inspiration from your travels and makes it into beautiful nail art designs. The combination of pinks and the palm tree on the center nail makes this the cutest summer manicure for people who are ready for the beach.
You will need a vivid gel base such as Beetles Gel in “Purple Bliss” and Makartt “Sunkissed Pink”, as well as a striping brush and detail tool for the sunset design. I use Born Pretty Gel Art Paints to paint the yellow, orange, purple and blue sky and I use a micro liner brush and black polish to add the palm trees and birds.
If using gradients is too difficult, use a sponge to do an ombré effect, let it dry and then sketch the palms. Julie Kandalec advises applying several thin layers to avoid mixing the colors and keep the blend looking smooth. And trust me, it works.
Putting on this mani feels like you have a postcard on your hands. This is a really fun summer nails design, especially for those who want some art ideas that feel a bit edgy.
Cosmic Blue Sparkle
I wasn’t expecting this, but it was a great surprise. The boldness of this vibrant cobalt paired with subtle shimmer totally delivers that “clean girl, but make it dramatic” energy. It’s a simple shape, a bold color and the subtle glitter shining in the sun? Chef’s kiss. This is a perfect style for summer nails blue with a touch of something different.
I apply Cirque Colors “Majorelle” or ILNP “Caroline” to get the intense blue color and the glittery finish. They both provide the ocean look without making the room too bright and flashy. You might just use one color of gel on all nails or if you want to make it fancier, add a silver French tip.
A piece of advice from celebrity manicurist Tom Bachik: “When using blue polish, first apply a ridge-filling base and make sure to apply two thin layers instead of one thick one.” It keeps everything crisp and glossy.
Whenever I put this on, I feel like I’m having a poolside or rooftop cocktail. It has just enough daring and it’s now officially one of my favorite summer nail designs.
Neon Fade and Jelly Pop
There’s playful, and then there’s this. Bright colors everywhere and a clear jelly thumb with glitter inside, it looks like a mixture of candy and glow sticks. If you’re not shy, this design is the cutest summer nails you can find.
I prefer to use the Modelones Neon Collection for the matte colors and Makartt Clear Builder Gel with glitter flakes to get the jelly effect. Start with your favorite solid neon base on each nail, then sculpt the clear gel tip separately and attach it with nail glue or builder gel if you’re doing press-ons.
A good tip is to use warm lighting and trim your nails a bit to make your jelly nails shine more. Ensure your glitter flakes are big enough so that the light can reflect off them or they might get lost in the gel.
I wore it at a festival and got a lot of positive comments from people. This is the choice for you if you want something bold and summery.
Pastel Rainbow Almond
This one just makes me smile. Using pastel pink, baby blue, soft yellow and a dash of lilac, the modern rainbow looks more like a summer sorbet than a box of crayons. Because of the glossy finish and almond shape, it looks mature and modern, not childish. You can wear these nails at a café or at the beach and they’ll still look cute.
Similar colors are found in the OPI Summer Make the Rules collection or you can choose “Yin,” “Sky’s the Limit,” “Chiffon,” and “Amethyst” from Lights Lacquer. Be sure to paint pastels on in thin layers, since they tend to show streaks.
I always start with Essie’s “Marshmallow” as a base to get a smooth pastel look. It helps the pastel pop and look more even. Always finish your work with a glassy topcoat — it really improves the result.
To my mind, this is the cutest nail style for summer. It’s soft, trendy, and works for literally every age and outfit — zero effort, 100% payoff.
Fresh Mint French Tips
If you want a fun take on the French manicure, the almond-shaped nails with a soft mint fade are one of the best summer nail ideas for 2025. The style has a natural base and adds just a touch of pastel turquoise at the tips which is ideal for sunny days and soft skin. It sounds smooth and easy, much like a cold drink on a hot day.
To recreate this fresh take on French tips almond, you’ll need a nude or light pink gel base coat, and a high-pigment pastel green like OPI’s “How Does Your Zen Garden Grow?”. A fine sponge is useful for applying the fade only at the very ends of your hair. End the process by applying a glossy top coat for a shiny summer finish.
Taping off the tips, applying the gradient with a sponge and sealing it is enough for anyone to try this look at home. I am so grateful for the TikTok tutorials on “ombre French nails.” They made it possible for me to get the transition right after three unsteady tries.
The minty color reminds me of both refreshing icy lemonades and the cool ocean air. It seems like this manicure is telling you to imagine a vacation, even when you’re working. I really love this idea for cutest summer nails.
Oceanic Ombre Square Tips
If you like a bit of contrast, the marine blues and soft pink in this design give a strong punch—it’s as if the nails are wearing summer mood rings. The square shape is both strong and fashionable and the ombre turquoise to deep sea blue looks like a little sunset on every nail.
I think the best way to try these cute summer nails is with Beetles Gel Polish in “Ocean Blue” and “Baby Pink.” A sponge or brush is needed for applying the ombre and a top coat without wipe-off is best for keeping it on. Don’t forget a great cuticle oil to finish!
It can be hard to blend blues; try to do one nail at a time and cure it right away. If the gradient gets streaky, buff lightly before sealing. Following tutorials on short ombre blends made things clear to me.
These nails look like the perfect summer nails blue, but they also have a soft and deep quality. I wore a version of this for a beach trip, and the compliments kept coming from every angle—even my barista noticed!
Leopard Chic in Ocean Tones
If you enjoy putting together different artistic elements and strong patterns, you will like this. This manicure features almond-shaped nails with a blend of cobalt, crisp white, gold and cheetah spots in a lovely messy look. It’s fun, bold, and absolutely unforgettable.
The most successful way to do this is with Modelones Gel Polish in “Royal Blue,” “Snow White,” and “Toffee Tan.” Apply the spots with a nail art brush or dotting tool. A matte top coat can give your nails a sophisticated, bold look if you like.
Start with the base layers and cure them fully. Make the swirls with a fine liner brush and the animal print with a dotting tool, making sure to go slowly and add layers. I bought a set of dotting tools on Amazon for less than $10 and they made a big difference.
I like that the mani combines a neat pattern with fun colors—it’s a cute summer look that stands out but in a quiet way. It’s inspired chaos, in the best way.
Bubblegum Pup Pop Art
This one is for the playful spirits and dog lovers! Long square nails are now bubblegum pink and one nail has a cute Frenchie face on it. It’s got a bit of cartoon and a bit of chic and it’s definitely one of the sweetest summer nail designs I’ve come across this year.
The combination of colors here uses DND Gel Polish in “Tropical Pink” and “Rose Petal.” As for the pup art? You can either go the freehand route with fine brushes or use a waterslide decal (Etsy is a great place for these!). Top coat that puppy for durability.
Clean your nails and put on the base colors first. The accent art should go on fully cured polish. I found out that using tweezers and a bit of water when applying decals helps everything go much smoother.
There’s nothing wrong with cute overload when it’s this well-done. I think it’s one of the sweetest nail designs for summer that makes me happy right away. And if someone smiles at you because of your style, that’s a real bonus.
Peachy Blue Summer Fruits
Blue skies and fruity vibes? Yes, please. The set has square nails with baby blue gel and two accent nails covered in hand-painted mini peaches. It’s soft, bright and very trendy, making it the perfect choice for cutest summer nails in 2025.
You should have a thin Simple gel called “Blue Taffy” from OPI and a fine nail art brush or some stickers to make the fruit pattern. Orange and coral colors like “Mango Mint” by Gelish make the peaches stand out the most. Always seal with a glossy top coat.
Put on two layers of the blue gel, cure it and then have fun with your fruits. Dab on the colors with small brushes or dotting tools to add leaves and white details that make the peaches look vivid. Finish with top coat and let dry completely.
Each time I have fruit art on my nails, people ask me where I got them done. Mentioning “my dining table and three YouTube videos” always gets a funny reaction from them. This is definitely one of my favorite, simple and cheerful ideas for the season.
Cherry Pop Art with Playful Minimalism
I think summer nail art should make you feel happy and this cherry manicure does just that. The soft baby pink color allows the two cherry illustrations on each nail to really shine, even if they are simple. It reminds me of retro soda shop signs, but the design is updated and looks very modern. This summer nail idea is both very cute and practical and it can fit your almond nails perfectly.
Here’s how I did it: I used OPI’s “Put It In Neutral” for the base and I can say it is exactly the right mix of semi-sheer pink with warmth. For the cherries, a thin nail art brush and two gel polishes—Essie “Forever Yummy” (red) and Beetles “Green Forest”—did the job. I recommend a dotting tool for precision if you’re new to tiny illustrations.
Apply two layers of pink polish, let it dry and then use your dotting tool to put on the red cherry dots. When that’s done, use a fine nail art brush to create the stems and leaves. Cure between steps to avoid smudging. Coat the manicure with a glossy top coat to seal in the fruity scent.
What makes this style special is that it looks young but not childish. I wore them to a weekend picnic and three people asked me where I got my nails done. That’s when you can tell that the design is perfect for summer.
Hot Cheetah Boldness for the Brave
This is where cutest summer nails get feisty. If you’ve ever wanted something bold and eye-catching but still good for your feed, this is your colorway. The orange and red colors alternate, but the main attraction is the cheetah-print accent which is black on top of orange and glows like jelly. It’s like animal print meets street style, and it’s a certified conversation-starter. Think about it as a cute summer nail style that combines warmth and strength.
I mixed a small amount of OPI “Cajun Shrimp” and “No Tan Lines” to make the orange base color. After that, I applied the spots using a dotting tool and a thin brush filled with Sally Hansen “Blacky O”. Red nails? “Big Apple Red” never fails. A jelly top coat is important here because it enhances the shine and depth of the polish.
I think this style is the best for square or short oval faces. After the base color has dried and been cured, paint the black spots by hand. Vary the pattern to make the look more natural and free-flowing. Apply two layers of top coat to make the nails glossy and strong.
This type of nail art will make people notice you at summer festivals or late-night parties on rooftops. I put on a denim mini and vintage glasses and I felt like I could be on a billboard.
Tangerine Dreams and Ombre Creams
A smooth ombre that goes from white to tangerine has a mesmerizing effect. This is a clean and fresh scent, just like a dreamsicle melting on your hands. It’s a favorite idea of mine for summer because it matches well with many summer colors. The way the fade is done here adds depth to the minimalist style. For those who like simple gels, this falls between looking plain and being unforgettable.
I put White Tips on one side of the makeup sponge, Tangerine Dream on the other side and patted them together. You should apply the paint in thin layers one at a time. A top coat is necessary and Seche Vite will give you a super shiny finish.
This one takes patience. Once the base white coat is on and cured, sponge on the orange starting at the tip and fade it upwards. Apply another layer after the first one dries and keep going until the fade looks smooth. Finish off with your favorite glossy top coat.
I actually wore this to a beach day, using only sunscreen and lip gloss and I felt like I was still dressed up. It’s that kind of nail—you don’t need anything else. Total aesthetic, zero effort.
Mint Petals and a Hint of Glam
A mani with fresh mint gel and botanical softness is a winner. Four of the nails are painted seafoam blue-green, but the accent nail is what catches your eye—a white daisy with gold beading in the middle, over a sheer layer. This design is cute, feminine and classy, but not too girly or overdone. The reason this works so well is the difference between the gentle bloom and the bold color.
I picked Essie’s “Mint Candy Apple” and a nude builder gel to make the floral nail. I made the flower with a dotting tool, a detail brush and some tiny caviar beads for the center. It’s fiddly but worth it.
This type of nail art gives a calm and joyful feeling. I left it on for two weeks and every time I saw it, I would smile. Many people bookmark this style because it looks great at weddings and also at brunch.
Playful Contrast with a Wild Streak
Minimalism just got playful. This idea uses a simple design, putting white polish with zebra stripes on one finger and a bright yellow on the thumb. It’s not what you expect, but it’s still even which is why I like it as a bold choice for anyone who’s tired of light pastels. If you’ve used short almond or square ideas before, this one works for both cuts.
White base? I recommend Gelish “Arctic Freeze.” I used a black gel liner to do the zebra stripes and the yellow is Orly’s “Sunshine State” nail polish. Tip: keep that yellow matte for a modern twist.
When I picked this style, I styled it with a white eyelet dress and black strappy sandals. It looked neat but still fun which is what makes the best summer nails in 2025. It means you can express yourself in many ways without ever speaking.
Pastel Sunset Aura on Oval Tips
The mix of changing colors makes it feel as if the sky is merging with the sea at sunset. It’s soft, sparkly, and oh-so-satisfying. The nail changes through shades of blue, lavender, pink, mint and even a touch of yellow, but the shimmer on top is what gives it a starry look. This is one of the most surprising cute summer nails blue looks of the year—it’s playful, but the oval shape makes it look more polished than you’d imagine. This design will make you think of bottled magic and it’s perfect for summer.
To get this layered iridescent vibe, I used a set of gradient gels from Born Pretty’s thermal polish line—they shift with temperature, but I picked ones with similar tones so they’d melt together. I added a little bit of chrome powder to the edges of the nails so they would look shinier. This season, many nail artists on TikTok are using the sheer layered technique, especially for short almond or oval manicures.
It does take some finessing. After you have the base color, apply the second shade with a dry sponge from the top to the base, blending them. Let each nail dry completely before going to the next to avoid sharp lines. I added a LeChat shimmer top coat to bring out the radiant look in the whole set. The top coat is what gives your nails that sparkling, light-catching effect.
Putting on this set, I felt my hands were colored by a rainbow. This look was so beautiful that I had to pause and admire it whenever it was in the sun. Should you wish for canvas art designs that give a touch of class and exuberance, feel free. It’s not just cute, it’s confidence in color.
