Ready to refresh your look with the hottest summer nail trends for 2025? Get inspired with my list of trendy summer nails featuring vibrant hues, playful designs, and elevated looks!
The Hottest Manis For Summer 2025
I love summer manicures! They’re fresh and fun—effortlessly matching the aesthetic and vibe of this season. And as summer 2025 approaches, we can start to look forward to a new wave of stunning nail trends.
If you want to stay ahead of the summer nail trends, I’ve got your back! Below are the top nail designs and colors that will be all over your Insta FYP in 2025. From timeless classics with a twist to modern, daring designs, the manicure ideas on this list will add a chic and playful edge to your warm-weather ensembles.
And no matter what your personal style is, the summer nail trends below feature something for everyone!
Candy Floss Mani
(@melly.k.nails, @alice_godnailsss_, @matejanova)
Candy floss nails are set to become the ultimate summer nail trend. With a baby pink hue and subtle shimmer, these feminine and ultra-cute nails will add a gorgeous pop of color to any outfit, brightening your look without being too dominating.
Perfect for creating a chic, dreamy vibe, these nails will complement sundresses, beachy cover-ups, and casual summer ensembles.
To get this look try:
OPI – Bubble Bath
A timeless pale pink with a sheer but buildable finish. It’s perfect for achieving that soft, glossy, minimalist pink.
Lights Lacquer – Just A Tint
This dreamy, iridescent pink has a slight violet shift—ideal for recreating a shimmer and jelly-like effect. You could also layer a shimmer top coat (like Lights Lacquer’s Fizzy) over a pink base for a similar vibe.
Essie – Fiji
A creamy, milky pink with full opacity. It’s a great match for the pink-and-white French tip look—crisp, sweet, and perfect for summer.
Subtle Chrome
(@jenniferxlauren, @sansilt, @esvynails)
This summer, subtle chrome nails are where it’s at. According to newbeauty.com, “Small details in chrome over a semi sheer nail is ideal especially for the minimalist. Think of an added element over soap nails.”
Delicate chrome detailing along the tip of your nails or a simple, metallic finish over soft tones will create a chic, timeless design. I love a subtle chrome look featuring color, so consider adding this metallic topcoat to yellow, pink, or blue nail polish.
Pair this design with light and breezy summer outfits for a look that’s effortlessly elegant and on-trend!
To get the look try:
Essie – Sunny Business (with chrome powder)
A creamy, pastel yellow—ideal for the soft sorbet yellow polish by @jenniferxlaurn. To enhance the luminous effect, top with a pearl chrome powder.
Olive & June – Sugarcoat
This is a sheer, iridescent pink that shifts beautifully in the light—mimicking the pink-chrome glow by @sansilt. It works beautifully on its own or layered over a milky base.
OPI – Funny Bunny with Pearl Chrome Powder
Go with a basic, milky, almost clear coat and top with a light layer of neutral pearl chrome powder (with no blue or pink tones in it)
Summer Aura Nails
(@glossytipped, @simlynail, @junesalonkw)
Gorgeous, colorful aura nails have been all over TikTok, so it’s no surprise that this design is set to be one of the most popular looks over summer.
“Aura nails have been trending for a few seasons now, and they’re definitely here to stay,” says celebrity nail artist Michelle Humphrey. Not to mention, this trend is incredibly versatile. Anything from rainbow hues to a monochromatic palette works for this look, and you can embellish your aura mani with gems or pearls for an elevated design or keep it simple for an effortless appeal.
Either way, you can tailor this nail trend to fit your aesthetic and take your summer outfits to the next level.
Fisherman Core Nails
(@klawedbykyah, @polishedbyraelee, @m.aura_nails_)
Another nail trend making waves and gaining popularity across TikTok—cute and whimsical fisherman core nails! As the newest “core” aesthetic to take over the internet, we can expect to see plenty of ensembles, accessories, and manicures showcasing this style.
One way to nail the look (pun intended) is through classic maritime stripes. Navy striping across ivory polish will instantly transform your mani into a fisherman core design. If you want something a bit more modern and playful, opt for fish or starfish art featuring bright, summer-inspired colors. Pair this ocean-inspired art with stripes and other simple designs for a collage style look.
Milky Pastels
(@chelslounails, @stylemaven_la, @bygraceandco)
Next on our list of summer nail trends is a favorite of mine—milky pastels.
Strawberry milk nails, in particular (like the design above from @chelslounails), are going to be a hot pick. Described by celebrity manicurist Gina Edwards as “a soft pillow shade of a pink pastel sheered to a muted tone,” this soft, whimsical shade is a fun twist on the milky nail trend we’ve been seeing.
Lavender, mint, and the still as-popular-as-ever butter yellow will also be trending this summer. In my opinion, these delicate tones will complement light and airy summer ensembles, like a creamy white sundress or flowy maxi skirt. But don’t be afraid to mix and match vibrant summer shades when rocking a milky pastel mani!
To get the look try:
Fancy French Nails
(@heygreatnails, @thedailynailofficial, @nailsxbellaluna)
If you’re a fan of the classics but still want a playful and bold summer vibe, Fancy French nails are a must-try!
“The “Fancy” French manicure combines the original style’s minimalism with a touch of fun from glitter accents, jewels, or chrome finishes.” Creating your own Fancy French design can be as simple or intricate as you like. Subtle, shimmering tips are perfect for a laid-back brunch, while a chrome-topped milky French manicure is a stunning choice for a summer wedding. I also love the look of soft pink tips with cool silver accents.
This versatile design is ideal for an effortless and elevated look this summer. And I think these nails are perfect for blending the old-money aesthetic with fun summertime flair.
Mixed Media Nail Art
(@nails_by_annabel_m, @solovey_nail_art, @leximackeown_)
Mixed media manicures—nail designs that incorporate “chrome, foil, and textured patterns,“—are perfect for showing off your personal style in summer 2025.
This nail trend is for minimalists and maximalists alike, offering the opportunity to blend styles, colors, and textures for a unique and edgy appeal. To keep things simple yet chic, combine delicate chrome details and jewels on neutral nails. Or, if you’d rather make a statement, go for a colorful, freestyle design featuring metallic accents and 3D art.
There’s no wrong way to create a mixed-media look, so consider this a chance to play around and explore your style. If you can’t decide on an aesthetic or design, I recommend finding some inspo pictures to show your nail artist and give them free rein to create a one-of-a-kind mani for you!
Summer style is bold and playful, making this season the perfect time to try new trends. Elevate your neutral designs by opting for a Fancy French mani or go all out with fisherman core nails. No matter what you choose, these nail designs will add a trendy finish to your summer look!
If you loved this article, don’t miss 2025’s Hottest Summer Fashion Trends According To Top Style Editors!
Without specifc color recommendations this post is useless.
While we don’t agree that this post is “useless” Shari, your wish is our command – we’ve added specific color recommendations where applicable. Enjoy!!