22 Trendy Summer Nail Designs You’ll Want to Bookmark, Stat

A summery manicure is a great way to show your love for the warm season and when it comes to nail designs and trends, there are so many things you can do to take your manicure to the next level. Summer nail colors and nail art is a great time to play with different colors, textures, nails shapes and designs, from textured chrome accents to neon polish to milky BIAB nails, there are many different ways to get creative. 

If you’re like us and have been bookmarking tons of different summer nail inspiration on social media, you may need help deciding on a manicure because there are so many good choices.

We’ve made it easy for you and have rounded up a list of 22 of our favorite nail designs and trends. Keep reading for summer nail colors and designs that can help you add the perfect accent to your warm-weather beauty look.

22 Summer Nail Designs Ideas and Colors to Try Right Now

Check out these creative nail designs and colors that are perfect for flaunting your favorite things about summer. 

1. Chocolate Milk Nails

For the record, your favorite childhood beverage looks ridiculously good on a manicure of any length and shape. Like the drink itself, the color can be as light or as dark as you like it, depending on how much chocolate you add. If you don’t want to go too dark for summer, try a milky chocolate hue.

2. Mermaidcore Nails

Mermaidcore nails are shimmery, iridescent and pearly in soft tones like turquoise, cream, lavender, seafoam green and ocean blue. It’s a fantasy come to life and it makes for one gorgeous mani.

 

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3. Marble Nails

If statement-making nails are on your mind, it’s time to get acquainted with marble nails. This unique design mimics the look of marble surfaces for a gradient, luxurious style. To DIY the look, use a small detail brush to paint swirling colors onto your nails, then seal everything in with a high-shine top coat.

4. Neon 

Like most things ‘90s, neon is back with a vengeance — even on the nails. A great way to achieve bright summer nails is to go with a neon hue, as it adds just the right amount of pizazz to your nails, for a vibrant look that won’t go unnoticed.

5. Mismatched Nails

Also known as indie nails, sporting a different design on each nail is majorly in right now. If you’re bold you can try it with different colors, textures and designs on each nail, or you can keep it subtle with similar designs in the same color family. The options are limitless so have fun and get creative with it.

6. Rainbow Florals

Florals in bright colors are super on trend for summer. Whether it’s on a short mani or long, almond-shaped nails, they’re charming and just right for the season.

7. Orange Nails

Orange is one of our favorite nail polish shades for summer and it looks stunning on all skin tones. With a glossy top coat, it’s simple, yet absolute summer perfection.

8. Micro French Tips

Leave the traditional French manicure behind and go for an updated version of this classic design, like micro French tips. This barely-there style of nail art looks great on a short manicure and it’s perfect for those that like to keep things minimal.

9. Strawberry Nails

Fresh, juicy strawberries are a sure sign of summer and they look so good on a manicure. With a nude base, you get to focus on their bright red hue and intricate details — add the design to one nail as an accent or all of them for a strawberry masterpiece.

10. White Daisies

We love a sweet, blossoming flower design on our nails the second the weather starts to turn, and white daisies have been so popular as of late. Add them all over one accent nail or give each nail a large flower for a standout look.

11. Gemstone Nails

With marbled swirls of color and gold accents, gemstone nails look just like the crystals that you keep nearby to ward off bad vibes. Overall, they’re great for summer (and anytime of year) and definitely a compliment-getter.

12. 3D Nails

Summer 2023 nail trends are a maximalist's dream — the more texture, color and glitter the better and that’s exactly what we get with 3D gel nails. The textured ridges create an abstract design and a sculpted effect, plus when you pair them with chunky glitter and rhinestones, it only dials up the drama even more.

13. Chrome Stars

One of the latest iterations of trendy chrome nails is chrome stars. It’s a metallic, graphic masterpiece that shines (no pun intended) on a bare, milky nail polish base with stars in a foiled hue like silver or blue chrome.

14. Tie-Dye Nails

With blooming gel, you can create a number of different gradient designs and tie-dye nails are one of our favorites for summer. Pick a few shades of your favorite colors or go for the boldest statement with a vivid swirling of all the colors in the rainbow.

15. Chrome Pink

If you like a neutral, barely-there nail look, try your favorite pale pink polish with white chrome powder on top. It leans into the glazed donut nail trend, but you still get a neutral manicure that will stay looking fresh, even as your nails grow.

16. Rainbow French Tips

If you can’t pick one color — don’t, pick all the ones you like and rock a rainbow French manicure. In various bright colors, it’s fun for summer and creates a manicure that is exclusively custom to you. A French manicure looks good on all nail shapes and this vivid variation is no different.

17. Chrome Line Work

Along with chrome stars is chrome line work on different bases colors and designs, like aura nails. This free-hand design is edgy and on-trend with a mix of different textures and finishes.

18. French Tip Swirl Nails

A French manicure with a reworked spin is a great way to dip your finger (nail) into trendy nail art this summer. This swirly upgrade combines color and design with the timeless arched design and milky base of a French mani. We recommend going with a longer nail shape like square acrylics or almond gel extensions to give enough room for the design.

19. Red Half Moon Nails

Half moon nails exude old Hollywood glamour and timeless styling. With a bright cherry red polish, there’s not a nail size, shape or length it looks bad on.

20. Multi-Color Airbrush Gradient Nails

Any variation of airbrush or aura nails is super on trend for summer because they evoke emotion and personality. If you need some inspo, go with a few different colors or try a pink and orange variation, as the two shades are very complementary.

21. Cherry Florals

Fruit-themed nails with cherries and florals are sweet just like summer. To play up those cottage-core (a simple, romanticized, vintage and rural life aesthetic) feelings, wear them on a round nail like an almond shape.

22. Abstract Designs

An abstract design typically includes various shapes and swirls to create a contemporary nail look. Go for a bold shade like cobalt blue or hunter green (both are super on trend for summer) and a nude base to let the pops of color and freehand design stand out.

Next: What’s the Difference Between Gel Nails and Acrylic Nails?

Photo Credit: IG/@gels.byjess, Photo Design: Sarah Duvivier