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Summer’s here, and the heat isn’t just rising—it’s calling out to your nails. When your nails are freshly done, you feel like wearing more rings and taking pictures with a cup of iced coffee. Yeah, that’s what this article is about.
What’s trending this year?
Romantic flowers, colorful fruits, muted candy colors and art that is both simple and well-thought-out are what you’ll see. We’ll be showing you 21 nail designs that are both beautiful and express your mood. There are gel and acrylic styles here to suit everyone, no matter what their nails are like. I will also help you achieve the looks and teach you some professional tricks.
Ready to meet your next favorite mani?
Gold-Edged Hydrangea Charm
There’s no doubt that these short gel nails are delicate, as they are finished in a light pink nude with pretty, blooming blue flowers and a touch of gold. Since the design is light and natural, it looks perfect on summer wedding outfits or just when you want to dress up your favorite iced latte. The flowers look lovely on shorter lengths, keeping the outfit simple and not overdone.
To get the same look, I’d apply a nude-pink gel base and either “Mademoiselle” by Essie or “Bubble Bath” by OPI would be perfect. You can paint the florals yourself with a fine brush and periwinkle and cornflower blue colors or you can save time by using semi-transparent decals. The gold foil? For a sparkling look around each petal, use the gold nail foil flakes from Born Pretty.
According to Michelle Humphrey, who works on Dua Lipa’s nails, it’s best to apply thin layers of embedded foil or painted florals one at a time to prevent them from bleeding or smudging under the UV light.
If this kind of manicure is new to you, summer is the perfect season to give it a try. The scent is appropriate for work, for a date and it will make Pinterest happy too.
Pastel Berry Picnic
How cute is this? It makes me smile with its short acrylics and cute strawberry designs. What I enjoy most is how it mixes the youthful energy of teenagers with a professional feel. This combination of matte soft pink, eggshell white and fruit art is just right for “fun but chic,” which seems to be the perfect style for 2025.
If you’re into DIY manis, look for matte top coat, Zoya’s soft pastel polishes (especially “Dot” and “Jacqueline”), and a strawberry stamp or sticker set—MoYou London makes amazing fruit nail art plates. They suit square and squoval faces and can be easily filed for short hair.
When doing matte looks at home, I’ve found it’s better to let your colors dry completely before applying the topcoat to avoid cloudiness. And if you’re layering decals, seal it all with a high-quality matte finisher like OPI Matte Top Coat.
This style just makes you feel instantly cheerful. This is a lovely idea for picnics, spending time in the park or rewatching your favorite summer rom-com.
Lavender Breeze with Dried Petals
This almond-shaped set makes dreams look even more beautiful. I am fascinated by how the dried flower decorations float above the gel polish, especially with a deep lilac color on the rest of the nails. This trend is about fairy-inspired nails without being too fancy and I love how the base is see-through while the top is opaque.
To get this look, you’ll want a sheer pink builder base, soft lavender gel (try Beetles “Lilac Dream”), and a set of real or faux pressed floral pieces—Daily Charme sells beautiful pre-treated dried petals. To achieve the 3D effect, you should place the petals between the base layers.
According to Julie Kandalec, a clear builder gel should be used between the embellishments to create a smooth finish on your nails. She advises you to take your time with the layers, because your topcoat won’t cover any unevenness if the flowers are still bumpy.
I attempted this style last spring and each time I moved my hands, they appeared to shine like small stained glass windows. If you like your designs to be pretty, this one is softly beautiful.
Rose Gold Bloom Drama
This is bold, femme, and luxurious. A matte almond pink makes the perfect base, while the big, rose gold flowers give you that “main character” glow all summer. The way this nail art is made looks more like a piece of jewelry than a regular manicure.
This project would require you to be patient and use suitable materials at home. For a dusty pink manicure, choose Olive & June’s “AW” or Lights Lacquer “Mila.” After that, gold transfer foil or metallic stickers make the main difference. You could also hand-paint the blooms using Leafgel’s metallic art gels if you’re into that level of detail.
I usually prefer simple nails, but this one made me think twice. It’s one of those acrylics sets that feels couture—perfect for weddings, vacations, or just making a statement.
Soft Ombré French With White Leaves
If you prefer a short cut that still looks elegant, this will work for you. It is a new way to do French tips, with the pink gradually turning into white and featuring just a few white leaf patterns. I love that this feels both trendy and timeless. You can wear this manicure with linen pants, a woven bag and a refreshing matcha drink.
To get this look, use ombre sponges, apply Orly’s “Kiss the Bride” as a base color and use a brush to draw the white leaves. To achieve a glassy finish, end with Gelish Top It Off. If you’re not a freehand pro, decals work too—Deco Miami makes cute minimalist leaf sets.
If you are looking for artistic short nails that are not too flashy, this design will suit you. I’ve taken this on holiday and it helped me look put-together, even when I wasn’t feeling it.
Bubblegum Daisy Pop
There’s something unapologetically cheerful about this one. The square shape and bright lavender polish with white daisies make this nail look like a blast from Y2K, but with a modern gloss and cleaner style. Barbie-core is all about having fun on your vacation. Plus, the subtle 3D drops scattered around the petals? Chef’s kiss.
To recreate it, you’ll want a translucent pink base coat like Beetles Gel “Pale Rose” paired with a vibrant pastel lavender tip (try Lights Lacquer “Lilac Wine”). You can create the daisies by dotting them with a tool or using a nail art pen such as the Olive & June white Poppy pen. Apply builder gel and cure it fast to maintain the 3D effect of the dew-like drops.
Kawajiri, known for her unique celebrity looks, usually adds bold details like this, always with a reason. “It’s about play,” she says. A smile is a great result if your nails can bring it out.
Honestly? These scream teens meets glam. I chose the same style last year and a person in line at Whole Foods complimented me not just once, but twice. They’re a whole personality.
Lavender Love Mix
Let’s talk about contrast. In this design, the main color is cream white, the accent is a solid lavender and the glitter nail is wrapped in a neat square shape. The ring finger has a lavender heart added to it, so the design appears well-considered and not just a random mix of colors.
You can start with Modelones gel polish in Purple Galaxy, as it includes all the shades in one set. If you want to use the heart accent, you can draw it with a fine brush or choose stickers from Color Street’s Love Notes. The glitter nail may look hard to do, but once you have chunky holo flakes and a clear gel base, it becomes much simpler. To get the glassy finish, I always apply two layers of top coat on my glitter nails.
These nail polishes are ideal for anyone who wants a glamorous look for their nails without having to do fancy designs. And when the light shines on your glittery nail during the golden hour? Jaw-dropping. I think it’s a great choice for a girls’ night, a summer concert or even with your lavender iced latte.
Hot Pink Fade Tips
This manicure is simple, shiny and spiced up by a short almond shape and a pink-to-neon gradient. It looks as if your nails were kissed by the sun at the beach. The summer nail trend for 2025 is made for basking in the sun and wearing bright colors.
To get this look at home, use a sheer pink base (I love Essie “Ballet Slippers”) and a neon pink like OPI’s “Pink Flamenco”. You can achieve the ombré look by using a makeup sponge to dab the pink onto the tip a few times. Seal it all in with a high-gloss gel topcoat. If you’re going pro, ask for “baby boomer French fade” with a neon twist.
Tom Bachik, who works on J.Lo’s nails, believes that a great gradient requires patience and several layers. He advises to cure each layer of the fade under LED before blending the next to achieve the smoothest transition.
Whenever I put on this style, I feel both neat and free-spirited. I didn’t make a big effort, but my nails are the best here.
Cherry Pop Minimalist
This set is made with fresh and juicy nails and the green tips and red cherries make it perfect for Instagram. What I like most is the clean negative space which makes the artwork stand out. This reminds me of a retro diner with summer fruit stands and I love it.
To get the beach design, apply Zoya “Dot” for the nude-pink, Beetles “Spring Leaf” for the lime green and OPI “Big Apple Red” for the cherries. You can use a fine brush or a stencil to draw the leaves and the crystals give everything a touch of luxury.
Cherry designs are everywhere on TikTok and Byrdie Beauty predicts that fruit nails will be back in 2025, but this time, they should be stylish, not cute.
It would be great to wear this set outdoors, at a party or when you want to make your hands as lively as your favorite dress.
Classic White French Square
Let’s bring it back to the roots. The white tips on these square nails are a sign of pure and timeless elegance. Still, the soft base of the nude keeps it modern and not too polished or stiff. This design is so simple it seems to match any outfit. Ideal for brides, interviews or whenever you want your nails to feel brand new.
You’ll want a sheer beige base coat (like Butter London “Mum’s the Word”) and a stark white polish with precision—OPI “Alpine Snow” is a classic for a reason. To get that neat curve at the tips, use striping tape or French guides. For a trendy bridal look, end with a high-gloss topcoat or a coat that has a bit of shimmer.
As per Betina Goldstein, a nail artist, the best French tips are achieved when the nude base matches your skin’s undertone. Cool base? Go pink. Warm base? Try peach or beige.”
This is what I choose when I’m tired of following every new trend. Just as a white button-down shirt is always chic, so is a pair of white jeans.
Golden Minimalism for a Luxe Touch
This almond simple pink nail style seems both elegant and a bit daring. The base is a sheer nude-pink—clean, breathable, and universally flattering—while the micro-thin gold tips elevate the look from simple to “quiet luxury” in one stroke. It’s a style you would enjoy wearing with a white blouse, large sunglasses and a cold matcha drink on the roof. This is a great outfit that makes a strong impression.
If you want to imitate this look, choose OPI’s “Bubble Bath” or Essie’s “Ballet Slippers” as your base coat. For the gilded tip, a metallic striping tape or a steady hand with a gold leaf gel polish (like Le Mini Macaron’s Gold Foil) will give you that luxe finish. This design plays beautifully with natural light.
It’s a surprisingly forgiving idea for short nails too. Just ensure that your nails are healthy and your cuticles are well moisturized. Celebrity nail artist Tom Bachik (yes, J.Lo’s guy) often emphasizes cuticle prep when working with metallics—”because the simpler the designs, the less you can hide,” he says.
I wore this style for an anniversary dinner and I swear it made my gestures look more elegant. It’s only after you polish your nails that you can see how much your posture changes.
Summer Sorbet Color Pop
If summer had a manicure, it would look just like this one: bright, juicy and without any regrets. Lemon yellow, bubblegum pink and a white base with a lemon accent are making teens short simple energy look very stylish. The shape is modern, but the colors remind us of beach towels and lemonade.
The best part? This one’s surprisingly easy to DIY with regular polish. Try Olive & June’s “Wild & Free” for the pink, “Lemonade” by Essie, and top it with a strip of nail vinyl over a white base. If you use a dotting tool, you can create the slice effect in a playful way, without needing to be an artist.
I suggest using Seche Vite as a top coat to ensure your nails stay shiny for longer. Keep some cleaning tools at hand, since it’s simple to smudge your work when you’re working quickly. My trick? Dry layers of paint faster by using a fan on your desk.
It’s a summer pick-me-up, even on cloudy days. This spot is sure to inspire you to post pictures of yourself with a coffee and a colorful bikini on Instagram.
Milky Glow Soft French
The reason this light pink-to-white fade is famous is that it looks like a day spent at the beach. You can use this design at weddings or even while walking on the beach. The fade is a soft style that adds a gentle shine and neatness to your hands.
If you’re going to do the gradient by hand, remember to use Essie’s “Mademoiselle” or Bio Seaweed Gel’s “Milkshake” for the pink and use a sponge to dab the tips. Use a sheer gel overlay for staying power. It looks great on short gel nails since it makes the fingers appear longer.
If you want summer nails that are cute for 2025, this idea is perfect for both minimalists and those with a bridal style. In fact, Harper’s Bazaar recently announced that soft pinks and milky fades will be the top nail colors in 2025.
I like how it makes your hands appear cleaner and more stylish. It’s like the no-makeup makeup of manis.
Under-the-Sea Coral Art
Now this one? This is your designs beach fantasy in full bloom. The starfish, the coral and the bubbles give this piece a touch of seaside style, but not in a way that looks cartoonish. The peach-colored nude background makes it summery, fun and a little like Lisa Frank stickers for adults.
For this look, you can use “Mum’s the Word” from Butter London or “Tatum” from Zoya. The coral? Choose a fine brush and apply OPI’s “My Chihuahua Doesn’t Bite Anymore” color. If you need details, use a white gel pen or a liner brush. Finish the painting by adding a top coat to make it shine as if it were underwater.
I have noticed this outfit paired with a coral lip and wavy hair. It’s definitely for the bold—but also for the playful. Think beach bonfire at sunset vibes.
If you’re a bit nervous about freehand art, nail decals are your best friend. When I used starfish stickers from Etsy, people on the boardwalk kept asking me about them. It’s that cute.
Graphic Monochrome Twist
I really like how the outfit combines simple and bold designs. The combination of black and white French tips over a nude base seems like a new idea for mod fashion. It’s giving checkerboard chic, and it’s honestly a dream pairing with any black-and-white outfit (and you know we all have those staples).
The trick here is clean, clean lines. A sharp finish will require you to use striping tape or guides. First, use Deborah Lippmann’s “Fade to Black” and “Amazing Grace,” and then add a jelly-pink layer to give your nails warmth. It works especially well on short acrylics if you’re trying to avoid daily filing.
Elle Gerstein, a well-known manicurist, advises trying contrast tips this summer because “they match everything and still make a statement.” It’s like eyeliner for your nails—strong but effortless.
This one gives me a fashionable look even when I’m not dressed up. It’s sleek and bold but still totally wearable.
Mermaid Confetti Sparkle
This style appears as if mermaid scales were touched by the morning rays. I love the way the mint and lavender are placed together and the sequins make it look like a party is about to start. The oval shape is lovely, but the sparkles are what make it perfect for a festival. A mix of almond simple pink and holographic fantasy gives it a flirty, vibrant and summery feel.
You’ll want to start with sheer pink or nude base gel (try “Cover Beige” from The Gel Bottle Inc.), and then build your color with mint green and lilac polish—Essie’s “Bikini So Teeny” and Lights Lacquer’s “Jefa” work great here. It’s the holographic round glitters that do the trick; you can buy them on Amazon or at Apres. Cover the surface with a thick layer of builder gel to make it smooth.
This one’s easier to pull off than it looks. Place a bit of clear polish on a toothpick and use it to arrange the glitter. Use the curve at the base of the nail for the best “under the sea” design. I think this trick is perfect for pool parties, as it won’t come apart even after being in chlorine all day.
This look feels like you’re wearing sunshine and music on your hands. Bonus points if you’re pairing it with dewy skin and layered gold jewelry.
Galactic Gloss & Holo Stars
There’s a futuristic fairy-tale vibe happening here that I can’t get over. With its ultra-glossy finish and reflective chrome designs, this is one of those designs pretty enough for a girls’ night but edgy enough for a festival. Its shape is squared, but the starburst designs and shell-like waves make it look more interesting. It’s both understated and very effective which is quite unusual for summer.
The main stars in this design are holographic film stickers and chrome powders. You can achieve this by applying “Strawberry Milk” from Nail Reserve as your base and using Seche Vive as your topcoat. Use Aurora Chrome pigment for the shift and detail with foil or laser decals—Chaun Legend (Kylie Jenner’s manicurist) often recommends encapsulating such finishes in builder gel for extra depth.
For a summer wedding, I tried this and felt I had stars on every finger. If you add white linen, you get a simple outfit that stands out.
Strawberry Glazed Sweetness
If I were to describe the best summer nail trend for 2025, it would be pink gloss and cute fruit art rolled into one set. Its almond shape makes it seem soft and feminine and the strawberry detail gives it both a Y2K and cottagecore feel. It reminds me of the past, but the natural base makes it feel very modern.
You’ll want a semi-sheer nude pink (try OPI’s “Put it in Neutral”) and a vibrant berry red for the fruit detail. Dotting tools will help you create that seed pattern. Top with a no-wipe glossy gel topcoat. Nail stickers are a handy shortcut here if you’re feeling less confident on your paintwork.
What I like best is that it looks good on teens, twenty-somethings and anyone who prefers a playful style. It’s low effort but looks like high charm. The mani that makes your iced latte look more charming in your photos.
Matte Navy With Daisies
I wasn’t planning on liking a matte navy floral, but I do now. I find that these bold yet simple art ideas are always easy to find in my bookmarks. The matte blue looks great on warm skin and the daisies give it a touch of freshness. It’s like a garden party at twilight.
Use a pigmented navy polish like “Bootie Babe’s Blue Baboo” or Orly’s “Midnight Oasis” and finish with a velvet-matte topcoat. To paint the white petals of daisies, use a dotting tool and paint the orange-yellow centers with a toothpick or a thin brush. I noticed that Monika Nails, a nail artist, recommends curing every flower by itself to ensure there is no smudging.
This kind of outfit is perfect for wearing in different seasons. I wore the same type of dress last September and people kept asking me about it at every brunch I attended. This is giving off an art gallery vibe, but with a soft and playful twist.
Wavy French Colorblock
This one screams Sunday market stroll. The artsy-girl feel of the French tips in pastel lavender, pistachio and buttery yellow is never too obvious. This is a great way to do short nails, as the sharp negative space and sleek tips add an elegant touch. It’s a creative spin on designs simple that doesn’t sacrifice polish (pun totally intended).
Apply a striping brush with the shades “Lilacism” by Essie, “Sunshine State” by Olive & June and a pistachio green called “Jo” by Lights Lacquer. When drawing the wave line, use a fine brush in a different color or trace it with black for more emphasis. They look adorable on short nails and are simple to care for if you don’t enjoy doing your nails often.
I particularly enjoy this one because it’s gentle, enjoyable and allows you to use colors without making them too bright. They are also less likely to chip which is very important if you use your phone for typing or texting a lot.
Tropical Bloom Color Punch
Turquoise, coral pink, and floral detailing? This look belongs on a plane ticket. A glossy surface and bright colors make any design feel like a beachy oasis, but not in an overwhelming way. A touch of white and raspberry hibiscus gives this design a hand-painted look that is reminiscent of both Tulum and Maui. You should have a piña colada in your hand while getting this kind of manicure.
Pick shades that are rich in color such as “Where’s My Chauffeur?” by Essie and “Live Love Carnaval” by OPI. You can use hand-painted or water decal florals on the flower, depending on how skilled you are. You have to use a glossy topcoat; that’s what makes this design special.
I find this one works best on acrylics, especially when creating almond shapes, as it elongates the eye so nicely. I took this style on a trip and ended up not needing any other accessories. Just a statement manicure, and you’re done.
Therefore, we are here with 21 designs that range from simple joy for teens to elegant and natural styles. Whether you’re all about almond simple pink, obsessed with designs pretty art ideas simple, or just dipping your toes into white minimalist gel sets, this summer’s nail mood is clear: personal, playful, polished.
Your style this season can be whatever you like. At times, you’ll be in the mood for your nails to look like iced lavender lattes. Other days? Maybe they’ll scream glitter, cherries, and loud color. That’s the beauty of now—we’re living in a beauty moment where the lines are blurred between trend and self-expression. Sometimes I have short acrylics with a daisy pattern and the next time it’s a beach theme with jelly greens and fruits.
And listen, you don’t have to try every idea. Bookmark a few. Screenshot the ones that made you smile. Come back to them when you’re ready to switch things up. You might want to show your stylist your pictures and say, “I want it to look like this.”
The point isn’t perfection—it’s inspo. And that perfect summer nail moment? It’s the one that brings out your personality when the sun is shining.
So… which one are you trying first?
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