With summer approaching fast, it’s time to get inspired by the most stunning summer nails for 2025! My list of summer manicure ideas features everything from bold and colorful to classy and neutral.
Summer Nails We’re Swooning Over
As we make our way through spring and head into warmer days, most of us are already planning ahead for those gorgeous, sun-filled summer days. If you’re like me, you’re already imagining all the days at the pool, tropical vacations, cute summer outfits, and seasonal nails that lie ahead.
Summer nails are my favorite when it comes to seasonal manicures! I adore the bright colors, the daring designs and patterns, and the overall playful aesthetic during this season. If you’ve been searching for summer nail ideas, I’m happy to share the gorgeous manicures below that are so perfect for this time of year.
I’ve rounded up a variety of styles, including old classics and brand-new trends. So, whether you’re planning a fun beach trip with the gals, need a chic and elegant mani for a summer wedding, or simply want something cute and summer-inspired for your day-to-day outfits—there’s a manicure on this list just waiting to inspire you!
Don’t miss our 2025 Summer Nail Trends post here!
Cherries & Cheetah Print
Cherries are a quintessential summer fruit, with vibrant red tones and a sweet, refreshing appeal that is perfect for the season. And while you may think cherries have been played out, this nail art stays trendy time and time again.
If you want to give your cherry nails a fresh twist, pair it with cheetah print for an electric combination that definitely turns heads!
Mermaid Vibes
Level up iridescent nail polish with mermaid scale accents. As the experts at Marie Claire say, “Texture is the trend to embrace in 2025,” and adding a siren-inspired vibe to your mani is bold and unique.
I love the seashell-tipped accent nails with pearl detailing, and I think it gives this manicure an elegant and balanced finish.
Fisherman Core
As far as trendy summer nails, fisherman core manicures are where it’s at! I’m obsessed with this vibrant, collage-style art, and the fish details, stripes, and adorable starfish add that undeniable summer aesthetic.
This palette couldn’t be a better choice for the season; it’s bright and cheery and has the perfect amount of contrast between the rich teal and warm summer shades. To create a similar look, I recommend choosing three complementary colors and one contrasting shade to really make the art pop!
Summer Aura Nails
These bright, feminine nails are perfect for something colorful and eye-catching but not too dominating. The summer hues will effortlessly complement playful warm-weather outfits or add a fun pop of color to neutral ensembles.
Pearly Polish & Seashell Details
Use pearly, iridescent nail polish to elevate classic French tips! Pair this timeless design with simple seashell-inspired accent nails and top the whole thing off with elegant pearl embellishments.
Waves & Water Droplets
This mani evokes thoughts of sea spray, sandy dunes, and crashing waves. I absolutely love this look for an upcoming summer vacay. The shimmering wave art and faux water droplets are so playful yet elegant, and these nails can easily dress up a sundress or simple beach coverup this summer.
Polka Dot Mani
Timeless and fun, polka dot nail art is perfect for something simple and classic but not boring. I love the combo of soft and deep blue, and this mani will pair perfectly with denim shorts and a white tee for a chic yet relaxed appeal.
The blue tones create an understated look, but you really can’t go wrong with any bright shade for summer nails. Pink and yellow are my favorite alternatives here, but choose any vibrant hue you prefer!
Rainbow Florals
Looking to add a burst of color to your outfits? Rainbow nail art is a must-try, and the floral details add a sweet and summery touch.
I love the ultra-feminine and carefree vibe here, and it will easily elevate a simple sundress or boho-style ensemble.
Summer Fruits
Create a refreshing twist on French tips, opting for soft blue polish instead of crisp white. This soothing tone is perfect for summer, and the seasonal fruit nail art gives this design a lively and youthful finish!
Soft Yellow Florals & Waves
Summer is the season of sunshine, making yellow an easy go-to for this time of the year. And you can take these nails from simple to stunning by adding 3D wave and floral accents and just a touch of gold!
While the design here is bold and eye-catching, the soft tones and monochromatic palette make it subtle enough for everyday wear and business events.
Strawberry Milk Nails
Soft and sweet, strawberry milk nails are soap nail-inspired with a summertime twist! Ideal for a casual day out or an afternoon brunch date, this clean, charming mani will pair beautifully with neutral and old-money outfits.
I also love this for a formal summer event, as it’s sleek and chic but still has a touch of gorgeous seasonal color.
Pink Plaid & Bows
Perfectly blending whimsy with chic summer art, these nails are ideal for a summer music festival or girls’ trip! I adore collage nails, and this season is an excellent time to showcase your bold sense of style with a variety of colors, patterns, and art.
Alternate summer fruit art with pink plaid and bow details for a feminine and ultra-trendy mani others will envy!
Butter Yellow & Daisies
Channel summer sunshine with butter-yellow nail polish and balance this bright tone with dainty white daisies. With a subtle vintage appeal, this nail design will add a classic touch to any summer-inspired outfit in 2025.
Summer Gradient
Warm, sunset-inspired tones are ideal for summer gradient nails. I love how this mani combines bold summer tones with a simple and classic design, creating the perfect balance between sophisticated and daring.
If warm tones aren’t your favorite, you can go for a purple-to-blue-to-green gradient for a sea-inspired look that’s just as gorgeous.
Dainty Details
Delicate with a touch of natural beauty, these nails are genuinely drool-worthy! A glossy neutral base is perfect for this design, so go for this same soft, milky pink polish or opt for a simple, nude tone.
Pair this manicure with flowy skirts, floral dresses, or light linen pieces for the ultimate summer vibe.
Butterfly Mani
For whimsical and oh-so-dreamy summer nails, shimmering polish and butterfly art are my top pick. I love the soft yet vibrant earthy green; the shimmer adds a playful touch that pairs effortlessly with enchanting butterfly nail stickers.
And don’t forget to add the pops of cool silver to add visual interest and texture without going overboard.
Vanilla Chrome
Sleek and sophisticated vanilla chrome is the perfect it-girl mani in summer 2025. It’s modern yet elegant and ideal for an upscale event like a wedding, baby shower, or business event.
The creamy vanilla tone adds warmth and vibrancy, making it work for fun summer look while maintaining a polished aesthetic.
Seashells, Starfish & Pearls
For a coastal chic vibe, you can’t find anything better than this!
Soft teal with pearls, seashell texture, and starfish art is a must for your seaside adventures this summer. I love this with breezy linen and crochet pieces, creating a youthful and summer-inspired look that’s absolutely Instagram-worthy.
Pearly Nails & Florals
Pearly nail polish is one of my favorite options for a subtle summer look. Ideal for an elegant brunch or summer date night, you can finish the look with cute floral art or leave the look as is for something clean and modern.
Candy Floss Nails
If candy floss nails aren’t already on your radar for summer 2025—they should be!
According to Senior Beauty Editor Jamie Schneider from Who What Wear, candy floss nails will be all the rage this summer. Best described as “sheer, slightly shimmery, and Chanel,” this manicure looks chic and elevated while being fun enough for summer outings, parties, and anything else you have planned for this season.
Choose a soft cotton candy or bubblegum pink for this, and finish the mani with a shimmering topcoat.
Milky Mani
Milky nails are elegant and versatile, making them perfect for pretty much anything. I love this shade on long, feminine almond nails; these add interest to the simple design and give it an elevated feel.
However, there’s no wrong way to create a milky mani. Choose between short or long nails, milky white or milky nude, add a shimmer, or don’t—no matter how you style these, you’re sure to look chic and sophisticated.
Blueberry Frenchies
If you plan to spend the summer picnicking by the lake, strolling through farmer’s markets, and enjoying al fresco breakfast, a blueberry-inspired manicure is perfect for you!
The soft blue tone is sweet and delicate, perfectly matching the dainty blueberry art. Plus, these nails will work for anything from cute, casual outfits to chic summer sundresses.
Summer nails offer the opportunity to showcase bold, playful style or elevate your looks with classic, timeless designs. No matter what aesthetic you prefer, this season is the perfect time to rock a stunning new mani!
If you loved this article, don’t miss the Hottest 2025 Summer Nail Trends According To Top Beauty Editors!
