To quote Kyle Cooke from the reality television show Summer House, “summer should be fun.” In my opinion, this maxim shouldn’t only be applied to your social calendar—why not extend it to your nail art, too? Not to polish shame, but it’s time to step away from Essie’s Ballet Slippers—at least temporarily—and experiment with new colors and designs that reflect the exuberant energy of the season. Whether you want to keep things simple or sport a larger-than-life mani, let your nails make a statement this summer. Below, we curated the best summer nail trends to inspire your next manicure.
Micro French Manicure
Bright, neon tips are a great way to add a twist and some personality to the classic French manicure.
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Ombre Manicure
Balance out more muted tones with a vibrant pop of color with this seamless ombre manicure.
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Negative Space Manicure
Pair geometric metallic shapes with a nude base for a playful negative space moment.
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Watermelon Nails
Take a nod from the season and color block your manicure with complementary pink and green shades for watermelon nail art that doesn’t look corny.
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Glazed Nails
These iridescent nails might technically be neutral but they’re still exciting. The look is soft yet versatile and adds instant dimension to your nails.
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Multihued Green Nails
If your hand isn’t steady enough to execute a more intricate nail art design, opt for a gradient manicure. The color contrast is a fun way to make a subtle statement.
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Watercolor Nails
Swirl a few pastel colors together for a delicate yet detailed manicure that you’re going to want all summer long.
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Bright Yellow Nails
Swipe a bright, dandelion-yellow shade onto your nails for an instant mood boost every time you look down.
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Starry Nails
Graphic yet simple nail art is the way to go this summer. Add a cluster of metallic stars over a nude base for an eye-catching manicure. Don’t worry about free-handing stars with a nail brush—gluing on a few star sequins will give the same effect with a fraction of the effort.
