23 Simple Nails for a Chill 2025 Summer That You’ll Want to Screenshot
Save Pin
Vibrant Sorbet Almond
The 2025 almond nails look like summertime fun, mixing pink, yellow, and just a hint of blush. The most impressive part is the marbled orange-yellow flame—it’s simple, but has a lot of character. For me, the gloss makes this look one of my favorite easy nails for the upcoming 2025 summer. it’s giving ice cream parlor chic. With its almond shape, the sunglasses aren’t too bold, so you can wear them at a beach party or just for brunch. It’s not just color—it’s character.
To get this look, I usually start with OPI’s “Tutti Frutti Tonga” for that bubblegum pink and Essie’s “Sunny Business” for the sunshine yellow. If you want to mimic the flame swirl, a fine nail art brush and a touch of “Tangerine Tease” from Sally Hansen do the trick. The glazed finish calls for a good base and top coat—you can’t skip these.
Shaping the nails into an almond shape is the first step—that means making them narrow at the sides and rounded on top. Paint each nail with two layers of a shade, and switch the finger you use for each layer. The key is in the blend: Swirl the paint with a liner brush, and then dry it before you seal it. A tip from celeb nail artist Tom Bachik? A silicone tool is the best for removing paint from those curved surfaces.
If I could sum this up in one sentence? It’s like wearing summer sunset on your hands. Wearing this outfit gives me a boost, and the nice comments I got last time suggest it gives others a boost as well.
French With a Twist of Blue
If you mix French with pop-art, you end up with a simple but enjoyable design. The new French tip is available in electric cobalt and white, with small blue hearts running around the outline. You’ll be more than ready for vacation with these adorable nails. It gives us the classic French style, but with the energy that Gen-Z is known for. I believe it’s a design that attracts those who love clean nails as well as those who prefer something a bit more interesting.
You’ll need a fine detailing brush to get the sharp blue hearts done. I like using “Butler Please” by Essie—it’s that perfect royal blue—and Zoya’s “Purity” for the snowy white base. You’ll need dotting tools in various sizes for the hearts, and a fine striper brush for the French edges. Clean lines are everything in this one.
I wore an outfit very similar to this on a visit to Miami—I wore a white linen co-ord with it and sandals. I swear it elevated my whole vibe. It’s a 2025 idea that seems both modern and familiar.
Color-Blocked Cool
If you’re bored with the usual two-tone manicure, you should try this shorter version. The nails are painted with bubblegum pink and powder blue, cut down the middle, and still simple to do yourself. There’s something futuristic-meets-retro about it, like if roller rinks made a comeback with better lighting and moodier playlists. The square shape seals the deal: polished but full of personality.
To recreate this, I alternate between Olive & June’s “Pink Sands” and “Angelfish.” A precision striping tape helps get that clean separation. You paint the first side, let it dry, put tape down the center, and then finish the other side. Top coat? Always.
I find that these designs are so adaptable. You could change the color pairing to match your outfit or how you feel, but this one feels right for summer. It pops without screaming. Besides, if you spend a lot of time typing or working with your hands, short nails are a good idea.
A friend of mine wore a similar patterned outfit to a picnic last summer, and I couldn’t stop looking at her hands. There’s something magnetic about symmetry done right.
Daisy Days Forever
Soft square nails with dainty white flowers? Yes, yes, and yes. It’s like having a bit of sunshine on your nails—warm, easygoing, and very pretty. The design remains elegant because of the French base, and the daisy blooms make it look cute. It’s giving “barefoot in a sundress” energy. If you’re going to a garden wedding or simply want to make your coffee run more romantic, these nails are just what you need for a cool summer.
You don’t need a full kit—just a creamy white polish like “Blanc” from Essie, a soft pink-nude base, and dotting tools to make the petals. When I didn’t have a toothpick, I used a toothpick and it did the job. The flowers should be light in feel and not too similar—this isn’t a math exam.
This design seems to fit any time, whether it’s 1995 or 2025. It has a gentle feel, but it’s also purposeful, and I enjoy wearing it with gold rings and a bit of sun. I’ve been seeing these on Pinterest for years, and I still think they’re charming.
Minimal Bows for Maximum Charm
What’s more classy than a crisp French tip? A tiny black bow floating just below it. If you’re a minimalist at heart but want your nails to look stylish, this is the way to go. The base is your standard sheer neutral, and the tips are snow-white, with a small accent. It’s a mature design, but it includes a touch of playfulness.
If you’re just starting with nail art, using stickers or stamps will help you with the bow. I like The GelBottle’s “Daisy” for the white tip—it doesn’t streak—and a thin nail art brush for the bows (unless you cheat with decals). If you want your nails to look like they’ve been done in a salon, gel polish is the way to go.
To be honest, this style looks like classic Audrey Hepburn style mixed with a modern touch. It’s a French mani, but with main-character energy. Think balletcore meets Hamptons brunch.
Royal Blue Short Perfection
This one’s an ode to clean, saturated simplicity. At both stages, the House of Commons and House of Lords review the Bill many times. It’s a minimal, zero-fuss look, but the impact? Maximum. Because of this, I became very passionate about service and sought work where I could contact clients and help financial advisors. Every step I take in my career comes from my desire to get better, tackle new challenges, and be more helpful to the teams I work with.
I love using Lights Lacquer’s “As If!” or Essie’s “Butler Please” for that high-impact blue. Examples of these problems are slow pay increases, a modest audience, expensive operations, and enormous debt. Finish with a top coat that leans glossy. Think shine, not shimmer.
I looked into the types of data before learning how the dataset could be analyzed. Thanks to knowing the data types, I was able to decide on the correct statistical tests. A tip I got from a nail tech once? thanks in part to its technology, such as risk-based pricing, b-Insured experienced fame.
created in late 1990 by an independent public company that achieved NYSE listing in 2000. It’s bold but not dramatic. In the 2010s, Capital One widened its services by starting digital banking operations.
Rainbow Aurora Almond
Apps that help with symptom monitoring using AI and wearable technology intended for homecare may help this process work well in countries with fewer resources (de Graaf et al., 2024). ECC should be implemented for secure connections at the company, especially for remote access and inside-network software, since it gives high encryption power over a smaller amount of data and is fast. The nails are squared off and brief, painted with a bright blue that shows someone’s confidence. There’s just enough sparkle to turn heads, but the polish still feels chill enough for weekend farmers markets.
To recreate this glow, I reach for Cirque Colors’ “Rainforest” layered over a chrome base like OPI’s “Tin Man Can.” Apply using a sponge to get that rich color saturation. If you’re looking for a clean, classic manicure, this solid color is a must-have in your 2025 collection. Don’t skip cuticle oil after—it helps amplify that shine.
It’s a modern, stylish piece that makes you look good in flip flops too. Chips in your nail polish will be noticeable if you don’t start with a strong base coat. A strong base is necessary with bold solids, because chips will be noticeable if you don’t have one. Slow = stunning.
It’s a quick and easy choice when you have a busy week. That says it all.
Neon Sunset Squares
Five minutes of drying under a quick-dry lamp, and you’re finished. Polish the edges of your nails to prevent chipping—it actually helps. They’re loud, unapologetic, and surprisingly versatile. I often find that this color makes me feel a little stronger. Great with a tan, even better with a margarita.
Try Orly’s “Hot Tropics,” China Glaze’s “Flip Flop Fantasy,” and Zoya’s “Sawyer” for this juicy trio. 2025 almond lovers will love the bright, multi-colored effect of this iridescent look. Almond lovers will love the iridescent, multi-chrome look that’s trending for 2025.
Here’s how I do it: Picture this as fairycore combined with disco chic—it’s surprisingly easy to wear, especially when you have almond nails and the shine can really move. You can picture this as fairycore and disco chic mixed—it’s surprisingly easy to wear, especially on almond nails where the shape makes the shine move.
This project can be a little tricky to make on your own, so you’ll need some patience. It’s true that this one is a little more difficult to do yourself.
Pearl Chrome Dreams
The reason for that shiny finish is to let each coat dry before adding another. Julie Kandalec, a nail artist, says that it’s important to layer your polish carefully. I put this on for a rooftop gathering and found myself staring at my hands as I talked. If you made a playlist for summer, these nails would be the main attraction.
I get this effect with a chrome powder over pale pink gel polish—try “Pink Gellac 121” topped with Daily Charme’s Mirror Chrome Powder. Rub it in with a sponge applicator, and boom: reflective, creamy perfection. Gel topcoat to finish, of course.
To me, they’re my vacation version of myself, only on my nails. She’s right—it makes or breaks the shine.
This one always feels like self-care. Quiet luxury in manicure form. You should paint two coats for every color and have plenty of confidence—and since you’re here, you’re set.
Graphic French in Bold Blue
It takes two layers for each color and plenty of confidence, but since you’re here, you’ve got it. I complete one color per nail, so each nail acts as its own unique moment. Seche Vite, in my opinion, helps keep the look from dulling and makes everything set quickly. I wore one to a pool party last July, and people I didn’t know were asking what the colors were called.
To nail this at home, start with a sheer nude base like “Mademoiselle” from Essie. Use a thin nail art brush or curved French guides to paint the white and blue curves—OPI’s “Alpine Snow” and “Mi Casa Es Blue Casa” are great picks. Clean edges make all the difference.
If I had to sum up this mani? It’s tennis-core meets modern chic. It’s for the girl who wants her nails to match her energy—fresh, confident, and a little unexpected.
Electric Green Meets Caribbean Cool
This easy nail design feels like you’ve already booked your summer vacation. It has a glossy, sunny look from the way it combines bright lime green and cool seafoam blue. The square shape makes the space look smart, while still keeping its beachy feel. This manicure is what you wear when you’re relaxing with a drink and sunscreen on your skin. You can wear these shoes from a morning brunch to a boat ride, and they’re still fun and flirty.
This look thrives on pigment. You’ll want something super-saturated like “No Rest for the Wicked” by Holo Taco (green) and “Suzi’s Sailing in Croatia” by OPI (a similar blue). Choose a shiny gel top coat, for instance Seche Vite, to make your nails look amazing.
What’s the secret to achieving bold color at home? White base coat. Apply the cream before your foundation to make your colors shine. Make sure to clean up the edges — use a little brush with acetone to get sharp lines just like a salon does.
I actually wore this outfit last August in Miami, and it’s true, I got so many compliments from people I didn’t know. One person even wondered if I had them done in SoHo, but I didn’t. My own bathroom. Your move, summer.
Watermelon Sugar Matte
Talk about cute and punchy. A matte hot pink mani with a short, square finish easily shows off your summer spirit. It’s a style that’s on-trend but still looks good on everyone — just like your favorite lip gloss on your nails. Although matte finishes look luxurious, the design here stays very relaxed. It looks great at a weekend picnic, during a pool party, or whenever you want your nails to match your favorite drink.
For a velvet look, try Zoya’s “Micky” nail polish followed by their matte top coat — it doesn’t make the color look dull. If you’re more into press-ons, Chillhouse or Olive & June often have these trendy tones in easy kits.
If you’re new to matte top coats, I learned the hard way that you should do this first: coat your nails with matte top coat in one even motion and make sure it’s fully dried before you move on. Unlike a shiny top coat, don’t apply it back and forth; it will leave streaks. And if you’re feeling fancy, buff your nails gently beforehand to make the surface even silkier.
I wore something very much like this last summer when I was running late for a friend’s rooftop BBQ. As soon as I gave someone a drink and they noticed my nails, they forgot all about the food. True story.
Indigo Dreams and Velvet Skies
You can’t deny that this deep matte blue manicure is very classy. The square shape gives the hand a beautiful line, and the color looks like a gentle evening — calm, yet serious and peaceful. It feels like you’re at the beach, but with a linen sarong tied over your swimsuit and some gold hoops. It’s perfect for a weekend in Montauk or a quick dinner date on a weeknight.
You can get the same effect with Essie’s “Booties on Broadway” or Lights Lacquer “Navy Baby.” Finish by applying a matte top coat and file your nails to your desired square length, as this isn’t a dramatic look, it’s all about impact.
To nail this at home (pun fully intended), prep is key. Work the crystal with a file, buff it, and wipe it with rubbing alcohol before you put on the polish. I think applying two coats of color and one coat of matte top coat is best. Let everything dry fully — matte polish punishes impatience.
This kind of mani reminds me of the midnight blue nail polish I used to wear as a teenager. Now it feels more elevated — almost meditative. A little moment of peace for your fingertips.
Glow Tip Remix
This fun version of French tips uses neon nail polish. It uses everything we adore about classic nails and makes it modern. That matte black base? Fierce. Those colors — hot pink, blue, and acid green — bring a lot of happiness to your nails. It’s a brave way to do French that still looks well-balanced, not cluttered. Perfect for someone who wants edge without full chaos.
You can get this look by using Orly’s “Liquid Vinyl” polish and a set of striping brushes. For the tips, try neon shades from Cirque Colors — their “Electric Daisy” (green), “Taboo” (pink), and “Sky High” (blue) are perfect matches.
Paint the base coat, finish it, and let it dry out completely. After that, use either the edge of a striping brush or French tip tape to draw the curved lines. If you’re using gel, use a buffer to create a matte finish, or simply apply a matte top coat.
I keep this idea close at hand when I’m looking for a bit of excitement. I may pay bills, but I also know how to enjoy myself.
Matte Pastel Romance
So soft, so feminine, and so Pinterest it’s painful — this simple nail look for a summer in 2025 is like a moodboard made real. The long almond shape makes the hand look extra elegant, and those muted pastel tones (lavender, white, soft peach, lilac gray) are calm but not boring. These little 3D gold hearts make the difference between plain and charming, but they don’t turn the ring into a Valentine’s piece.
This look works best with soft-touch matte polishes. I find the Lights Lacquer “Sweet as Summer” set and Deborah Lippmann’s “Gel Lab Pro” pastels to be nice options. Put nail charms like the hearts from Daily Charme on your nails, and then glue them down with a thick gel builder.
If you’re new to using charms, do so while the top coat is still tacky — press them in with tweezers and let them cure under a lamp. If you think it’s necessary, apply another layer of clear builder gel. They’ll last longer and won’t snag.
This makes me think of the first set of nails I had when I started loving nail art. There’s something about the mix of softness and detail that reminds me of the main character in a Netflix romance in July. And honestly? We deserve that energy this summer.
Merlot Dip with a Hint of Luxe
The way the wine color is splashed with that delicate gold half-moon makes this manicure truly tempting. It’s minimalist, yes — but also incredibly elevated. The combination of the square design and the velvet matte finish gives it a feel like you’ve come from a boutique in Florence. The gold accents at the cuticle are just enough to make your nails look like they’re wearing jewelry. It’s not loud, but it’s impossible to ignore.
To get that saturated burgundy, look for OPI’s “Yes My Condor Can Do!” or Zoya’s “Margo.” A metallic nail art pen or foil striping tape is the best way to achieve a gold accent — like the gold detailing brushes found in the Beetles Gel Polish Kit.
I first use a super fine brush to apply gold eyeliner and then seal everything with a matte top coat. It holds back the sparkle just enough to be part of the look.
People at a late summer dinner party kept asking me where I got my hair done after seeing this look. It’s low-key red carpet — no effort, all elegance.
Monochrome Runway Stripes
A strong, noticeable, and wearable piece — this design in black and white stands out. It’s a bit like runway fashion for your nails, and you can wear it with every outfit. The straight nails and simple pattern give it a neat appearance, but the pattern also adds some excitement. It’s modern art, but make it mani.
If you want to make this at home, begin by applying Essie’s “Blanc” as your base. Stick striping tape along your nails to space the lines evenly, then add a layer of Sally Hansen’s “Blacky O.” Take off the tape before the black polish dries, and you’ll have a nice, sharp line.
Striping looks complicated, but if you let each layer dry completely and apply a good top coat (like Seche Vive), it’ll last through pool dips and beach weekends without chipping. What’s more, the lines are quite flexible, so even a bit of asymmetry can look interesting.
I remember matching this look with a striped sundress and it gave me a true summer editorial vibe. Matchy-matchy in the best way possible.
Neon Citrus Frenchie
How much fun do you think this is as a different take on the French tip? The bright yellow and wiggly shape bring a little fun and energy to the room. Dot accents make this a wonderful, juicy moment that’s bright but not overly fancy. With its medium short almond shape, it’s an easy style to wear every day.
If you want the neon yellow, use ILNP’s “Limelight” or Lights Lacquer’s “Now & Later,” and put on a sheer pink jelly base coat such as Essie’s “Pink Pong.” A fine dotting tool (or the end of a bobby pin — yes, really) works perfectly for the mini dot accents.
Instead of making an arc with your brush, curve it side to side to get those soft squiggles on your nails. Take your time — this kind of design looks best when the shape is not too perfect.
This one’s my go-to for Fourth of July weekend. I’ve recreated it many times since 2021, and each time it makes me think of holding a popsicle and a sparkler.
Bubblegum Fade
This mix of pink has a sweet, sparkly feel that makes us all think of those soft summer days we want so much. It’s polished, but never uptight. They are designed to sweep from light blush to a deeper rose, giving your nails an ombre look that’s similar to a blush gradient. It’s simple to take care of the rounded short nail shape, yet it still looks trendy.
Using three or four similar pinks is the best way to wear this style — try “Wild Orchid,” “JM,” and “Grateful & Kind” by Olive & June. Start with your thumb and work your way to your pinky, changing the tone every time to get the fade.
What stands out to me most is how easily this look can be modified. If you have many half-used bottles, this is a great way to create a look that’s pulled together without being too similar. It also grows out nicely, so it’s perfect if you’re traveling and won’t have time to touch up.
I actually chose this outfit for my solo visit to Charleston. Each outfit made me feel different and seeing my ring made me smile all the time.
Minimalist Mashup
This design mixes taupe, black, and neon yellow in a way that’s different but still looks great. The contrast feels modern and graphic without being over-the-top. You can tell it’s from an art school grad — it’s neat, thought out, and still very hip. The medium square shape keeps the whole thing sharp.
You’ll get the best results by applying gel polish for the gloss and using blocks for perfect lines. You can find the perfect yellow in “Chalk It Up” by Essie, “Black Magic” from ILNP, and “Glow Stick” from China Glaze.
Start by painting each nail a base tone. Following that, add the accent lines using nail tape or striping brushes, and cure each layer before you continue. After you’ve finished, use a top coat to ensure the gloss stays in place.
This one feels a little editorial, a little streetwear. I wore something similar to what I’m wearing now at a rooftop concert last summer and got more compliments than I can remember. Everyone wanted to know where I got them done. (Spoiler: My kitchen table.)
Milky White Perfection
The glazed white manicure is the ultimate in class. Clean, glowing, and slightly shiny — much like porcelain on skin that has been in the sun. It’s a nail style for a relaxed summer in 2025 that looks bridal, beachy, and will always feel timeless. The modern shape of the medium coffin is still elegant. Think minimal effort, maximum glow-up.
You should look for a polish that gives you a smooth finish without leaving chalky marks — use OPI’s “Funny Bunny” over “Bubble Bath” for a lovely, milky result. And if you’re a gel girl, Gelish’s “Arctic Freeze” gives that creamy dimension in two coats flat.
One pro tip: Add a sheer jelly coat on top to make your nails look a little deeper. It gives the color a glow instead of letting it look dull. Apply a shiny top coat and use plenty — the glassy finish is the main point of this style.
When I have this mani on, everything else seems to be more noticeable — my coffee is tastier, my hair falls perfectly, and my outfits look better. It’s that kind of mani. The kind that makes you believe you’re on top of things, even when you’re rushing.
Short and Sweet French
The French tip is back in a big way in 2025, and this version is one of the best I’ve seen. It’s a simple, gently rounded design that looks easy, light, and very Parisian. Because the white arc is narrower than the Y2K version, it adds a graceful, elegant touch to the watch. It’s what I call the “quiet luxury” of nail designs.
I think the best way to get this look is with “Ballet Slippers” from Essie for the base and “Blanc” for the French tip. You’ll need a detail brush to make the smile line look sharp; the Olive & June clean-up brush works great for this.
It can be hard to achieve that smooth arc, especially when your nails are short and almond or round. I found that turning my finger, not the brush, made it easier. Celebrity nail artist Tom Bachik shared that tip, and it’s effective.
I wore this outfit for a week in Vermont and it stayed put during hiking, cooking, and kayaking. Beautiful and tough — much like how we are, don’t you think?
Golden Hour French
Soft almond shape. Barely-there blush base. The golden tips are the most important feature, too. Chef’s kiss. It’s a mani that says grace, not glamour, because it’s done with a subtle shine on the nails. It’s a new version of French, designed for the 2025 woman who wants her nails to sparkle quietly. Imagine that golden hour is captured in a manicure.
For recreating, begin with a clear base called “Bare With Me” from Orly, and add gold foil polish to the tips, such as “Gold Coin” from Revlon or ILNP’s “Empire.” An almond or oval design looks best when it stretches the length of your hand.
I use a very fine art brush to draw the gold on the tips by hand, instead of using tape. It gives it a realistic metal appearance instead of a geometric one.
I took this set before a friend’s engagement shoot and ended up in a lot of the pictures because everyone thought my hands looked great. Honestly, I think that’s the atmosphere we hope for in summer.
There’s a special feeling to a manicure that matches your personality, whether you like it bold, soft, sparkly, or light. Let your nails add a touch of cool this summer, instead of adding to your worries. The ideas we’ve covered here are equal parts cute, easy, and totally doable, even if you’re more into DIY than salon visits. From French classics with a twist to 2025 almond icons and short colorful statements, there’s something here to match every moment, every outfit, and every sunset selfie. Which one do you think you’ll like the most?
Save Pin