23 Yellow Nails That Scream Summer 2025: Pastel, Bold, and Totally On-Trend

For me, yellow seems different when the sun is out longer and everything looks golden. The brightness of this color, how it comes in many shades and how it can liven up any day, make it the perfect choice for summer. No matter if the shade is soft or bold, yellow nail polish is now the favorite for anyone wanting to brighten their hands.

This year, the yellow nail trend is making a comeback, but it’s bolder, livelier and more vibrant than before. Remember the pastel pink, green and yellow flowers, bees and other artistic ideas you probably saved on Pinterest twice. You should let your hands express your emotions, the season you’re in and the moment you’re living.

In this guide, we’re walking through 23 yellow nails that scream summer 2025, each one its own vibe: whether you’re into minimalist swirls, bold typography, floral illustrations, or funky animal prints. I’ll talk about the color choices, the design structure, what makes each look unique, and how to bring them to life at home (yes, even if you’re not a pro). There are looks that are laid-back and cute and others that are bold and lively, but every one? They scream you.

Golden Hour Glam with Rhinestone Radiance

The set features pure gold nails that are so dramatic, they say summer 2025 right away. The strong butter-yellow matte looks perfect against the crystal-embellished nails. My favorite part? Those golden foil sunburst rays that feel like they’re channeling solar power straight to your fingertips. Because of its long almond shape, it looks fierce and is ideal for making a bold statement at the pool or during a rooftop brunch with friends. All the details blend perfectly such as the glittery tips and the raised gold beads. These nails aren’t whispering; they’re singing summer.

A good idea is to use OPI’s “Exotic Birds Do Not Tweet” or DND’s “Sunflower” as the first layer of yellow. For the glitzy bits? Grab gold foil flakes (Leafgel or Daily Charme carry amazing ones) and a rhinestone kit from Born Pretty. A builder gel will give the structure needed to hold the bling in place.

Making this set takes time, especially when dealing with the gold foil. If you haven’t tried embellishments before, I recommend working each nail separately. According to @chaunlegend, apply rhinestones using a wax pencil and always finish with a non-wipe top coat for the best results.

Last year, I wore this to a summer wedding and everyone seemed to notice my nails more than my dress. If summer were a nail, this would be it.

French with a Twist of Sunshine

The French manicure is always appealing, but this one adds a sweet summer twist to it. The tips in yellow and the row of pearls make these shoes both eye-catching and romantic. It feels soft, it’s raised slightly and you can wear it for anything from chores to sipping cocktails at sunset. A little fancy, a little fun.

Try to start by applying a pastel pink like Essie’s “Ballet Slippers” or Zoya’s “Dot.” To achieve the citrus look, use “Lemon Drop” by ORLY. Pearl accents can be picked up from any good 3D nail decor kit—try Swarovski pearls if you want to get luxe, or JellyBeanz if you’re keeping it budget-friendly.

I prefer to paint the French tips with a fine liner brush instead of using nail tape, as it seems more accurate to me. Apply the pearls while your top coat is still sticky or use a bit of nail glue for an even better hold. Just don’t forget to seal them in, or you’ll lose them the next time you open a soda can (learned that one the hard way).

This is the style I choose when I want something that’s neither too serious nor too fun. It’s my go-to for a weekend city getaway.

Sunny Wildflowers Meet Modern Art

This is the manicure that would perfectly represent the feeling of summer mornings. These nails are decorated with flowers in yellow and include a mix of natural shades. The see-through base allows the yellow flowers to appear as if they are on your nails. With that painted flowers design and gentle green and grass detailing, it’s giving cottagecore but elevated—like flower field meets Sunday chic.

You should use “Bee-utiful” by Sally Hansen as your pale yellow and have a brush set on hand with very thin tips for the details. I choose CND’s “Green Scene” or OPI’s “This Isn’t Greenland” for my leaves. Matte topcoat adds a creative touch that highlights the art.

This one takes a little more time, but if you’re comfy with nail art, try using a dotting tool to create petal shapes. To make the flowers look more natural, Julie Kandalec suggests using a silicone brush dipped in alcohol to soften any lines you don’t like.

At one time, I helped a friend with her baby shower and felt as if I had little bouquets on every finger. It was just right to receive compliments, but it also gave me opportunities to talk with others.

Tutti Frutti Ombre Feels

It mixes the calmness of a popsicle with the brightness of a sunset. Because of its pink orange to pale yellow ombré fade, this square-shaped design is cheerful, friendly and very summery. It’s giving lemonade-stand-on-a-hot-day energy. If you want to wear color but not something too bold, these are for you.

I achieve this by applying makeup with a sponge. The first step is to use a base coat and Sally Hansen’s “Petal Pusher” is a lovely one to try. You can blend “Coral Crush” and “Sun Beam” from ILNP or Holo Taco with your polish. Add a topcoat to restore the shine once you have finished sponging.

I use a latex barrier around the cuticles for this one—it helps prevent mess (especially if you’re impatient like me). Apply the colors by gently pressing the sponge on the nail and let the gel polish cure after each layer.

It makes me think of the pastel ice creams we enjoyed after we finished school. Nostalgic, sweet, and still so chic in 2025.

Neon Botanical Vibes

This set is bold, bright, and unapologetically summer. The bright yellow nails and detailed leaves make it look like a futuristic version of a garden. The coffin shape adds to the attitude and the black and clear layers give it a very modern appearance. It’s eye-catching and only the boldest should try it. If you’re up for trying the latest trends, this is the one for you.

Whenever I want a neon, I go for “Glowstick” by ORLY or “Electric Daisy” from Cirque Colors. The leafy art? I’d suggest using stamping plates for clean lines or try Stick It! decals if you’re more of a press-and-go kind of girl.

Paint two layers of neon polish, then stick the decal or stamp onto a base coat. It is important to paint two layers of topcoat if you have a detailed design. Celeb manicurist Gina Edwards suggests that adding clear gel over your artwork won’t dim the color.

This is the style I’m planning to wear at my next music festival. This is a wild place, it’s great fun and it almost glows with LED lights—I saw it myself.

Lemonade Shimmer Meets Daylight Glaze

This delicate yellow ombré with a milky-pink base reminds me of the light that appears on the glass of your iced lemonade. The sparkle at the cuticles makes your nails look dewy and glossy, much like how chilled drinks look on a warm balcony. The pointed almond shape enhances the beauty, so this design is both romantic and modern, like the golden hour.

I suggest painting the ombré with “Pastel Lemonade” by Cirque Colors and using “Sheer Fantasy” by Essie as the base color. A splash of China Glaze’s “Fairy Dust” silver glitter polish makes your nails shine. Add colors to your nails with a blending sponge and use a fan brush to sprinkle the glitter at the base.

I learned from manicurist Betina Goldstein that a damp sponge should be used to blend the thin layers of polish when creating ombré nails. It might be a bit messy, but the lovely fragrance is worth all the extra work.

At a garden party, I decided to wear this outfit and it matched my floral dress beautifully. It’s delicate but far from forgettable.

Dotty Citrus French with a Retro Punch

This outfit is a fun update on the retro style. The bright yellow square tips with white dots on top resemble the bubbles in a glass of lemonade. When you add a sheer pink and base, it looks like a mix of the 2000s and 2025. This style always seems to make me happy and I’m sure anyone would love to have that feeling at their fingertips.

A good base color is the pink “Mademoiselle” by Essie and a solid yellow is “Yolo Yellow” by Sally Hansen. A dotting tool or the tip of a bobby pin can be used for the dots. Use a thick top coat to bring out the shine in your nails.

My advice? Paint the yellow French tips, let them dry or cure and only then add the dots. According to Elle, two topcoats should be used to protect dot designs from peeling.

I plan to wear this style for my birthday brunch. It’s feminine, it uses bold images and it has some attitude.

Minimal Stripe, Maximum Impact

Now this is how to do sleek nail art when you’re in a minimalist mood but still want to play. These nails are painted in neutral colors, but with diagonal yellow and a single black dot nail, they remain stylish and unique. It looks well-made, editorial and is ideal for work and evening drinks. Bold in its subtlety.

You can use “Topless & Barefoot” from Essie or OPI’s “Samoan Sand” as your base. Afterward, use “Glow Up” from DND for the sharp stripe. Use a striping brush for precision. To create the dotted pattern, use black gel liner polish or any similar kit, like Le Mini Macaron’s.

I suggest that new painters use striping tape: apply the tape first, paint your yellow and peel it off before the paint dries completely. For the dots, put your hand on a flat surface and draw them in order from the biggest to the smallest.

This is the look I pick when I want my nails to whisper “I’m chic” instead of shout it.

Sunny Custom Lettering with Golden Glam

This set is short, sweet and perfect for summer with its bold short form, yellow color and special lettering. When paired with a metallic gold nail, it looks modern and trendy. If you want your nails to look personal and a bit fancy, this design is for you. Also? These are so easy to match with everyday outfits.

If you want a buttery base, I recommend using “Sunshine State” by Olive & June or “Daisy” by Holo Taco. The metallic gold in Color Club’s “Gold Digger” looks amazing on the nails. You can apply nail vinyls or temporary tattoo letters over a nail that has already cured.

When making text, use only a single letter or a short word. Anything longer tends to smudge or look cluttered. Miss Pop advises you to press the letters gently with tweezers and coat them with gel topcoat.

This is such a feel-good look—I love customizing it with different words depending on my mood (yes, I once wore “coffee” for an event, no regrets).

Retro Matte Waves in Yellow and White

This wavy matte design is everything. The logo takes inspiration from the 70s by using a bright yellow-and-white swirl that reminds us of a sun hat from that era. The almond shape gives the nail a classy look and the velvety finish helps it look contemporary. It has a playful look, is graphic and reminds me of summer days in Venice Beach or driving in old convertibles.

To achieve this, I use “Daisy Bloom” from Bio Seaweed Gel and “White Out” from Lights Lacquer. The curves in the painting are best achieved with a thin detail brush. Finish with a velvet matte topcoat, as both OPI and Zoya make ones that won’t crack.

My tip? You can mark the curves on the canvas with a nail pencil or simply picture them before you start painting. Less pressure, more flow. According to Britney Tokyo, shaping your nails along their natural curve will make them look more attractive.

This look is one of my all-time favorites. It feels like I’m enjoying a day at the beach boardwalk with roller skates and a huge lemonade. Nostalgic but totally 2025.

Leopard Love in Butter Yellow

Who says leopard can’t go bright? Instead of using neutral colors, this version of animal print pairs butter yellow with glamorous details, making it perfect for summer. A safari print is transformed into a citrusy version and the result is actually quite cool. This design is perfect for those who enjoy wild styles, thanks to the matte texture and smooth curves.

You can do this by applying “Banana Cream” by ILNP as the base and using a detail brush with black and brown to paint the spots. I often wear “Licorice” by Essie and “I’m Not Really a Waitress” by OPI for that deep golden brown color. Apply a matte top coat to your nails to ensure your powdery look stays bright.

I let the spots form randomly when I paint leopards by hand. According to Miss Pop, the secret to a great animal print is not making it too perfect. Let some spots be more circular, others open-ended.

This outfit reminds me of a time I was driving through the Southwest, with the windows open and my nails catching every bit of sun.

Speckled Sunshine with a Twist

I find speckles to be a joyful and carefree pattern. The base of this shoe is bright yellow and a white confetti-style pattern begins at the tips and slowly fades away. It has the summer energy of an egg shell, but in the most stylish way. While the almond shape makes the design smooth and gentle, the glossy finish makes it stand out.

I prefer to use “Sun Kissed” by Ella+Mila as the base and add some “Alpine Snow” by OPI for the specks. A small dotting tool or a broken sponge tip will allow you to fade the color without making it too strong.

I always suggest tapping off the sponge before you apply the paint. It maintains the speckled effect as if the paint is falling like petals instead of being thick and heavy. Remember to finish the paint job by applying a quick-drying gloss coat.

This is for the girls who are looking for something different but not too much. It’s like nail art’s version of a wink.

Sunflower Sketchbook Moment

The design is made up of ten fingers forming a whole sunflower field. The flowers are the main attraction and the fine lines and black outlines make them look like they’re drawn on your nails. The yellow petals stand out against the white base and the contrast is completed with alternating solid yellow nails. From the colors to the setting, this set reminds me of July, hats that flop over your eyes and fresh lemonade stands.

I’d apply “White on White” by China Glaze and “Lemon Fizz” by Orly on the base. To make the petals, you can use gel liners to paint them yourself or apply sunflower nail stickers if you prefer. Remember to get a fine-tip detail brush for drawing the fine details.

It helps to have a steady hand, mainly when working on the petal edges. Mazz Hanna recommends using a thin gel paint and adding your details one layer at a time to prevent them from bleeding.

I have always felt steady, bright and confident when I see sunflowers. These nails channel that exact feeling.

Bee Real, Bee Bright

I’m sure this is one of the cutest things you’ve ever seen. I’ve added cute bumblebees to these nails and each one is smiling. The style is both fun and neat and the bee design seems perfect for the season. It reminds us of the sunshine, busy gardens and the relaxed feeling we enjoy in warm weather.

The base polish? “Electric Daisy” from Cirque Colors is my go-to. Black and white gel liners, a striping brush and soft coral on the cheeks are perfect for giving your bees a kawaii look. Bee decals also work if you’re short on time.

Whenever you paint bees by hand, I suggest you paint their oval bodies first and then add the wings. The sequence matters and a dotting tool can ensure your lines are crisp. Gina Edwards recently stated on IG that she uses micro-dot top coat applicators for characters like these—what a clever idea.

This look makes people smile. No one can help but admire bees on someone’s nails.

Pressed Flowers and Sparkles Forever

It appears as if you’ve put real flowers in your summer journal. Since it has a soft pastel yellow base and see-through nails with flowers and rhinestones, it appears gentle, delicate and classic. The pressed flower design appears to float on top and the sparkle makes it look magical. It’s garden fairy goes glam.

Apply the base coat “Daisy Me Rolling” by Nails Inc. and then stick on small dried flower stickers from brands such as ManiMe or Etsy creators. The gel allows the design to be encapsulated without forming bubbles. Use flatback Swarovski crystals or rhinestones to achieve a sparkle that looks crystal-clear.

This design takes time to layer. I never add another step until the previous one is completely cured with LED, especially for delicate flowers. It is recommended by nail experts to use tweezers to arrange the flowers so the base is not smudged.

On our anniversary trip, I chose this dress and it felt just like having a small bouquet with me all day. One of my all-time summer favorites.

Lemonade Stripes with a Side of Sunshine

The square nails remind me of poolside popsicles, old beach umbrellas and every taste of sticky lemonade. Alternating creamy white and bright yellow stripes across the shirt makes it seem like a picture from a summer vacation. There’s something both playful and orderly about it—a sunny blend of retro charm and modern edge. I also want to mention how this color suits nails of any length.

The secret to getting these sharp lines is to use either a quality striping tape or a very fine liner brush. I usually reach for OPI’s “Sun, Sea and Sand in My Pants” (yep, that’s the actual name!) paired with a white like Essie’s “Blanc.” They are very long-lasting and their creamy texture ensures the color looks perfect.

A calm approach and a bit of patience will help the most. I first paint all my nails white, then apply the yellow stripes on top using striping tape. Remove the tape from your nail as soon as you apply the yellow to ensure the polish stays on. Make sure to apply a top coat, as it finishes the art and gives it a beautiful shine.

These nails actually remind me of striped beach towels and the pleasant feeling of the sun on your shoulders. If you’re into cute, slightly nostalgic designs that still look polished, this one’s for you.

Butter Bloom with a Delicate Accent

This butter-colored manicure is comfortable to wear and gives a gentle reminder of summer. You can wear this yellow with neutrals, as it’s not too bright, but it’s still sunny enough to shine when light hits it. The standout? A single nail with flowers on a creamy background is like the petal in your iced tea.

I noticed that “Mellow Yellow” from Sally Hansen gives a soft and rich yellow color to the nails. I prefer to use ManiMe nail wraps for the floral accent, as they are easy and can be customized, unlike painting a flower design by hand.

I apply two layers of yellow polish and let them dry before coating them with a matte or gloss finish, depending on how I feel. The flower art goes on last with precision. If you’re using stickers or wraps, press down firmly and finish with a gel-like topcoat to lock it in place.

I dressed up like this for a brunch-and-blooms party and everyone gave me compliments. This style is simply beautiful and just right for anyone who wants their nails to say “summer” quietly.

Pastel Pink Petals on Buttery Yellow

This pink flowery scene on a soft butter background has a lovely cinematic feel to it. The black outlines of tulip-inspired flowers look just like doodles in a love letter, but much more stylish. The addition of miniature pearls? Chef’s kiss. It’s stylish, fun and can be worn by those who prefer a simple look.

Your base color should be a pale, matte yellow and I usually pick “Banana Milk” by Cirque Colors. You can paint the flowers on your nails with a brush or make them easier using floral nail stamps. Add stick-on pearl decals (I like ones from Kiss or Olive & June) to finish with subtle luxury.

This flower requires a little extra skill, mainly when you paint the petals. I prefer to make the petals in pink and then outline them with black once they dry. After the matte top coat dries, use tweezers to place the pearls on the manicure while the polish is still tacky.

This makes me think of spring weddings and taking my time past flower shops. If you enjoy dreamy touches and a feminine style, you should try this look at least once this year.

Leopard Meets Lemonade

This outfit combines the wildness of leopard print with the brightness of yellow. The design mixes strong geometric shapes with an element of wildness. It’s a mix of a Miami pool party and a fashionable street girl. This is a bold look, but it’s done with such style.

This is the perfect time to pull out ORLY’s “Glowstick” (neon yellow) for that stand-out base, paired with a simple white polish and black dotting tool for the leopard spots. You can also try using Sally Hansen’s I♥Nail Art pens for precise nail art.

Start with alternating a yellow and white base coat. Allow the piece to dry and then use a dotting tool or thin brush to draw little “C” and “U” shapes in black as the print. The secret is that leopard should have some imperfections, as if it’s wild. Seal everything with a glossy top coat.

I wore this for a girls’ night out and it matched my gold hoops and my mood. If you’re craving a nail vibe that screams hot, confident, and a little untamed—bookmark this one.

Golden Leaf Chic

If you prefer something elegant for your summer nails, this gold-trimmed leaf design is perfect. The fine metallic gold lines on top of yellow and nude shades are modern, fresh and make your hands seem expensive without much effort. A nail shaped like an almond appears more flexible and natural.

I suggest applying “Daisy Darling” by Lights Lacquer and using a thin foil or stamping plate for the golden leaf design. With Born Pretty, you can buy a foil kit that has all the essentials. Add a milky sheer pink base to the nails to highlight the leaves.

You should first paint a nude base before you apply the gold leaves. Once dry, carefully press in gold foil in the leaf pattern (or stamp it on with metallic polish and a stamping plate). Finish the painting by spreading a glossy top coat to give the leaves a sunlit effect.

This is for the people who enjoy a bit of art in their summer nails and serve their iced coffee in fancy wine glasses. I’m obsessed.

Minimalist Heart with a Bold Accent

At times, the best designs are those that use the least amount of decoration. This style is all about minimalism and graphic designs which feel very 2025. The four main nails are bright yellow and the accent one is white with a heart design in yellow—it’s simple, stylish and very modern. It’s jewelry that allows you to express yourself with a touch of humor.

I find that a yellow that is warm and noticeable without being too much such as OPI’s “Don’t Tell a Sol”, is the best choice. For the white base, try Olive & June’s “HD.” If you want the heart shape to be perfect, apply nail vinyls or stencils. I promise, using a stencil will save you time and make everything look neater unless you are extremely skilled with your brush.

Apply your base colors first—two coats for full opacity. Once the white base is dry, hold your stencil close to the tip and use yellow polish to fill the cut-out gently. Take away the stencil when the polish is not dry yet for sharp edges. Apply a top coat with a high shine to highlight all the details.

I find this design so adorable that it really appeals to me. The style has a bit of romance, a dash of spice and a lot of positive self-assurance. Great for a first date, a dinner on the roof or when you want your nails to be your flirting partner.

Sunburst Art for the Modern Muse

This set is pure energy. While the almond shape is lovely, the main highlight is the starburst design that seems to shine warmth from your cuticles. The combination of yellow nails, arcs and a geometric floral pattern gives it a modern-art-inspired summer-festival feel. This one is for the bold.

You should choose a bright yellow polish such as “Zoya Darcy” or “Lights Lacquer Slice of Life.” This is one time when having a fine nail art brush and dotting tool is essential. I prefer a sheer nude gel for the base, as it looks like you have no polish but keeps your nails safe.

Start by painting full yellow nails first and allow them to fully cure (if using gel). To make a sunburst nail, first cover your nails with a nude base and then add the sun’s rays using a fine brush. The last step is to add the dotted border using a yellow dotting tool. Apply a shiny top coat to blend all the parts and protect them.

This look gives “sun goddess on a city rooftop.” It’s not too dramatic, but it makes your hands and fingers appear more elegant. I can easily imagine putting this on for an art opening or a summer cocktail party.

Retro Dots Meet Yellow Pop

Here’s the throwback vibe we didn’t know we needed. Think 1960s polka dots got a 2025 glow-up. The combination of bright yellow, glossy black and white dots looks bold, cheeky and is impossible to resist. The square shape of the nail helps to make the look playful. It’s almost as if nail art is wearing a pin-up sundress with oversized sunglasses and red lipstick.

Pick a banana yellow such as “Sinful Colors Let’s Meet,” and a black polish with a shiny finish such as “Black Onyx” by OPI. For the dots, you can use a dotting tool or even the back of a bobby pin if you’re DIY-ing this at home. “Alpine Snow” is a great white nail polish for achieving those neat dots.

Paint your nails in yellow and black, one after the other and let them dry completely. Apply white polish to the dots on your dotting tool and place them in a straight line on your black nails. Seal the whole manicure with a shiny top coat.

This manicure reminds me of old diners, using polaroid pictures and dancing in the garden without shoes. It’s full of nostalgia, but still completely now. If your nails are meant to be the focus, this is the one for you.
If sunshine were to have a shape, it would look like a yellow manicure. Whether your hair is soft and ombré or squared off and bold, with bees flying through your hair or flowers glowing, these styles remind us to celebrate the summer. And the best part? Every mood, skin color and moment can be matched with a yellow.

You could be the girl who likes a short, bright pop and a touch of gold. You could be mixing teal and yellow swirls or going for pink and orange fades for the first time. Or maybe you’re just bookmarking inspo for that one beach trip coming up in August (you know the one). Wherever you’re headed, your nails can go with you—sunny, stylish, and absolutely unapologetic.

So go bold, go neon, go soft. Regardless, let your nails reflect the hot summer of 2025. Because this isn’t the season to blend in. It’s the season to beam.

What’s your yellow mood this summer?