When did your nails become something you could use to show your style? As soon as the days get longer, you start craving sweets and sunsets are late, it’s time to update your manicure. Whether you’re already booking your next nail appointment or just browsing for that one perfect design, this season is giving permission to play. You can try long and elegant styles or simple short ones, because personal flair is the focus this Summer.
It’s hard to know where to begin when there are so many stunning pictures online. Should you pick a design that’s bold, simple, vintage or super cute? We’ll discuss the colors, textures and new ideas for French tips that are trending in salons across the United States. I’ve collected some of the freshest ideas—each one a vibe in its own right—that prove coffin nails are still that girl. Ready?
Midnight Marble with a Twist
This set of acrylics with a dark marbled effect is a real statement piece. The main color is a deep blue-purple which gives plenty of drama and the accent nail brings in a lilac and white swirl that makes the look less harsh. The slim, pointed shape of the coffin keeps them looking sharp and elegant, so you could easily text and close a deal with them.
I often use CND’s Shellac in “Rock Royalty” and OPI’s “Alpine Snow” to get this strong design. I use the Beetles Gel Nail Kit for both the base coat and shine and it holds up well no matter if I’m at the beach or in a hot store.
My advice for getting the swirl right: use a fine liner brush, act fast when the gel is moist and then gently pass a pin through the polish to achieve the smoke effect. According to Sigourney Nuñez, a silicone tool is better than a brush for precise application if you’re doing your own nails.
I reach for this style when I’m looking for a little more glamor. It’s a luxurious shade that doesn’t shout and purple nails are just cooler in the summer.
Lilac Bloom with 3D Florals
These lilac nails are extra cute, as they have little 3D flower accents that look just like tiny pressed flowers. Your fingers feel as if they’re wearing their own summer clothes. I really like that the petals are mostly smooth, but there are rhinestones in the center to add a bit of sparkle. Totally inspo-worthy for any garden party or Sunday brunch.
You should use a soft lilac polish such as Essie’s “Lilacism,” for the base and then shape the flowers with builder gel or 3D acrylic in similar colors. Rhinestones? Try Swarovski flatbacks—they catch the light like nothing else.
Since this look is more detailed, it’s best to add the 3D flowers last and cure each petal as you finish them. The key is building dimension layer by layer. On Allure, nail educator and artist Kirsten Hazler pointed out that layering petals helps create the look of real flowers and she’s absolutely correct.
It almost seemed like I had little fairy wings on my hands when I wore this mani. I was complimented while checking out at Trader Joe’s and during a Zoom call. It’s soft girl energy, but make it polished.
Pastel Wavy Daydream
There’s something very calming about this style—it feels like a light, refreshing breeze after a manicure. The main base turns to creamy white and one nail has fun pink and blue waves that seem to be from an old surfboard. This one’s for the chill girls, the Pinterest dreamers, and anyone who loves a nod to Y2K minimalism with a modern finish.
A neutral “Ballet Slippers” gel foundation from Essie makes the pastel fade look great and you can draw the wavy lines with a dotting tool or a very thin brush. Shades like “Mod About You” and “It’s a Boy!” from OPI give you the perfect pastel colors.
If you’re going the DIY route, you’ll want to sketch the waves first with a white pencil or dotting tool to plan the curve. After that, use gel polish to draw the lines and cure each section by itself to maintain sharp edges. I learned that trick from a tutorial by nail tech @NailsbyCamila who shows how to make abstract designs look easy.
This was my go-to set for a weekend getaway. It was a quiet process, but it never got boring—and it reminded me of getting a soft-serve swirl on my nails. Pure serotonin.
Pop of Neon: Modern French with Attitude
Sometimes summer just calls for something that pops. The combination of a fluorescent orange remix at the tips and a nude base makes this style long, sharp and completely bold. It’s giving cool-girl-in-a-crop-top energy without saying a word. The contrast is bold but still wearable—basically, it’s your classic French tip, just on a Red Bull.
The best way to get the brightness you want is to use Kiara Sky’s “Tangerine Tease” neon gel and Aprés Gel-X’s “Milky Pink” nude base. You’ll also need precision tape or nail guides to get that crisp tip shape, unless you’re a freehand pro.
I discovered it’s easiest to hold the hand upside down as you paint the tips, because gravity helps make the edge line straight. Pro artists like Jenny Bui (aka the Queen of Bling) use this trick for detailed work on celebs like Cardi B.
I went to a rooftop party in this set and three people asked me where I had my nails done. It basically gave “main character” all the attention it could handle. A little neon goes a long way.
Black-Tipped Elegance
Understated never has to mean boring. The combination of a mauve base and black French tips on a medium coffin shape looks both elegant and easy to wear. You can use this design for your afternoon coffee as well as your evening drinks. Minimal, polished, a little edgy—it’s a yes from me.
Honestly, this set doesn’t need much to look stunning. I built the base with Le Mini Macaron’s “Rose Crème” and used a jet black gel from Beetles for the tip. That contrast? Always on point.
I generally use a thin angled brush to freehand the tips and then I apply a high-gloss top coat. Celeb manicurist Tom Bachik gave me this trick: use a makeup sponge to dab on a gradient edge if you want a softer look.
I turn to this set when I want to look neat, but don’t want to spend much time getting ready. Just like when you’re wearing your favorite jeans and you’re still sweating. It’s the ultimate low-effort, high-impact look.
Electric Orchid with Abstract Waves
There’s something mesmerizing about this set. The soft, velvety richness comes from the matte purple base and the swirls of blue, black and gold glitter give the look a bold and different feel. The nails seem to move like waves and yet everything looks just right. It’s a design that captures your interest even if it isn’t trying very hard.
I get that luxe look by applying OPI’s “Do You Lilac It?” and topping it with a matte top coat by Velvet Matte. A detail liner brush can be used to paint the accent art and then “Ocean Blue” and “Jet Black” gels from Born Pretty are added, finishing with a bit of holographic gold foil.
For those who love swirls, apply the purple first, cure it and use a pencil to mark the design to ensure it fits your nail. Use a matte finish to give your nails the chalky look that’s popular this year.
I brought this along for a weekend in Austin and it fit right in. Because of the matte finish and reflective parts, it looked great in any light. The compliments? Non-stop.
Y2K Blue Meets Negative Space
One of the freshest ideas of the season? Playing with negative space and crisp blue lines. This style offers up a helpful dose of graphic art, plus 2000s nostalgia—the vibrant loops and curves look very Barbiecore and space-age. It’s high contrast and totally on-trend, without being loud. Perfect for the minimalist who still wants a moment.
I achieve the bold outlines by using striping brushes with shade “Blue My Mind” by DND, over a base of “Bubble Bath” by OPI. It’s all about the contrast. A high-gloss finish on top gives the design a cleaner, neater look.
If you’re a beginner and want a neater look, Julie Kandalec suggests taping off sections before you start. Pro tip? Let nail vinyls or pre-cut tape show you where to draw your shapes.
I wasn’t sure I’d like this one as much as I did. It was fashionable and stylish, as if I’d see it on a runway but now it’s part of my daily look. Definitely adding this one to my “repeat-worthy” folder.
Matte Teal Mood
I’m thinking of simple, medium coffin nails with a matte finish that make a statement. This deep teal stands out in summer and I think that’s a good thing. It feels grounded, cool, and effortless. It’s the shade of ocean shadows and deep water and I love how simple and sure it is without any decoration. If you’re a minimalist, you’ll love this, as colors can make a big difference all by themselves.
Zoya’s “Elliot” and Lights Lacquer’s “Alexandrite” will give you that moody teal effect. Don’t forget to use a matte topcoat to give your look a soft, blurry finish. Because of its coffin shape, the bag always stays structured and doesn’t look plain.
I didn’t bother with rings the day I wore this, to be honest. The nails did all the talking. You can tell they’re calm, collected and probably sipping on matcha quietly.
Hot Pink Summer Bloom
Is there anything that says summer better than pink nails beside fresh flowers? The long glossy nails in this set are so cheerful and the floral touches make them look like the nail art trend we’re spotting everywhere, including on Pinterest and Bella Hadid’s Instagram. It’s light and pretty, but using such strong colors takes some confidence.
The best way to get that vibrant color is with OPI’s “Strawberry Margarita” or Orly’s “Punch Bowl.” You can make the flowers by dotting them with a white gel polish called “White On” by Sally Hansen. Finish the look by putting a rhinestone or silver dot in the center.
Two layers of top coat seem to make the petals last much longer, particularly when it’s hot. Nail tech Gina Edwards uses this technique to make sure 3D art stays on her client’s nails all summer.
This set reminds me of my favorite sundress. It’s bold, happy, and somehow always makes me smile. I put it on at a summer BBQ and felt just like the main character.
Lavender Moon Gradient
Combining glazed lilac and soft white ombré in a manicure is like watching the sky change at golden hour. Add a silver crescent of glitter close to the cuticle and you’ve got a cosmic look. The coffin shape of the design is balanced by soft gradients on the top and shimmer details on the bottom. It’s dreamy, luxe, and romantic in the best way.
Use “Tulle” by Zoya for the base, blend upward with “Dreamscape” by Le Mini Macaron, and outline the lunula (that moon curve near the cuticle) using a glitter liner like Orly’s “Halo.” If you want to do ombres well, use a sponge or an airbrush.
If you’re doing your nails at home, apply little bits of polish at a time and use a makeup sponge to dab over the fading. Patience is key. Lippmann believes that using sheer shades together gives nails more dimension and movement and that’s what this set offers.
I wore this at a wedding and noticed someone taking pictures of my hands holding a champagne glass. It’s that magical.
Muted Romance with a Touch of Heart
I find it very soothing when a coffin set is a simple blush color and it becomes even more soothing if there’s a little heart detail that says “soft girl summer.” This style combines the trendy bridal-minimalist look that’s all the rage right now. The gentle sparkle and fine details mean it’s great for everyday wear, but the heart? It’s just sweet enough to make it feel like it’s for me.
I find that using Bio Seaweed Gel in “Cupcake” as the base is great because it’s creamy, stays put and is just a little bit see-through. If you want hearts and sparkle, small stickers or tiny dots made with a dotting tool work perfectly. Le Mini Macaron’s “Rosé Lumière” will give your macarons a nice glazed look.
I tried this look during a weekend at home, with time spent at bookstores, at brunch and just relaxing. The best part? It went with everything and made my sweatpants look like I tried.
Ocean Marble Energy
This type of blue nail design is sure to catch someone’s attention. The marble pattern swirls like beach waves hitting the sand, so this set is a perfect summer symbol. What I like most is the way elegance and raw energy combine in this music. The nails look as if they’re reflecting sunlight because they’re so shiny.
Apply “Blue-tiful Horizon” for the dark parts of your nail and “Ballet Slippers” for the light part. You should try using blooming gel with the marble technique—it creates the most natural-looking results.
I tried this out with a friend before a weekend by the lake and it turned into our own matching moment. I think marble nails will be the tie-dye of 2025—not what you’d expect, but still a great choice for nails.
Cotton Candy Galaxy
You can achieve this look with just some nail art and it’s both fun and versatile. Soft pink, lavender and periwinkle swirls floating above a transparent base make it seem like you’re holding a bubblegum galaxy. This cute coffin set is an instant mood-booster.
Sheer polish will give you this result, so apply your pastel colors in curved lines. I paint the gel polishes from the Beetles Candy Pastel Kit and use a thin liner brush to make the curves look soft and clear. Add a hint of glitter dust to finish.
Britney Tokyo’s favorite way to achieve the glass marble look is by layering transparent colors and this set shows it off beautifully. It gives soft glam without even trying.
I wore this set in the rain and it strangely made everything seem brighter and more relaxed. Highly recommend if you’re craving a pastel moment without going full Barbie.
Champagne Chrome Glow
When it comes to a set that’s halfway between neutral and high fashion, this chrome-tinted one is the best. That shiny holographic coating gives the nails a sculpted appearance. It’s a subtle luxury, much like the way a flute of prosecco looks at golden hour.
For this effect, put on a sheer nude like “Put It In Neutral” by OPI and end it with a chrome powder like Unicorn Chrome from Daily Charme. Just buff the paint after applying your final top coat and you’re done.
Nail artist Zola Ganzorigt (yes, the one behind Hailey Bieber’s viral glazed donut nails) popularized this effect, and it’s now a go-to for weddings, dates, and even office glam.
To be honest, I didn’t like chrome until I tried this. It’s not flashy, but you find yourself staring at your hands whenever they’re in the sun. Like glass skin, but for nails.
Split-Tone Sorbet Tips
Now this is a French tip remix done right. Its glossy finish and long, coffin-shaped body which are both soft violet and bright lemon, make this a real eye-catcher. It’s both fruity and punchy and it feels very modern, just like color-blocking for nails.
To nail the color blocking (pun intended), use gel polish like “Lemon Drop” and “Lilac Blossom” by Madame Glam. It’s usually best to leave the rest of your nails bare or with a nude base and “Bare With Me” by Sally Hansen is a good choice.
Guides or a French tip stencil will help you create even curves on your nails. I found it simpler to put the paint on a palette and then pick them all up with a flat brush for a more uniform result.
I felt like a human popsicle, in a good way, while wearing this. If you’re looking for a fun outfit you can wear, this is the time.
Sunset Highlighter Tips for the Bold at Heart
The style of this design is very much inspired by summer festivals and nights spent at the beach. Bright pink, orange, blue and lime French tips join a clean oval shape at the cuticle, making your nails look like they’ve been kissed by the sun. The edges are sharp, but the shape is still fun and it’s just the classic coffin nail we turn to for a touch of drama without going too far. These are long, vibrant, and unapologetically fun. The mix of colors gives a cool highlight look that looks great in both sunlight and with fairy lights.
If you want to get this look, I’d start by applying OPI’s “Bare My Soul” or “Bubble Bath” gel base. If you’re a bright, use colors from the Gelish “Feel the Vibes” line, like “Electric Game” or “Orange Crush Blush.” You’ll need a fine liner brush for the cuticle curves and a steady hand (or a tech who’s not afraid to go bold).
The trick to getting that perfect oval is to outline it with a micro brush before you fill in the rest. I found out from nail artist Tom Bachik that he uses a small dotting tool to get the curve right before painting. Genius. Once you’ve applied a high-gloss top coat, you’ve finished the job.
This set takes me back to last summer when I was at a rooftop party in LA wearing a white linen dress and these same colors on my nails and people really noticed. Using this cute acrylic set makes your hands look and feel like accessories. You don’t have to put too much thought into your outfit when your nails are making such a statement.
Muted Olive Swirls with Golden Touches
If you’d rather have a green smoothie and wear linen than go for a float in a pool, this design is for you. The nails have a mix of muted sage and off-white and dreamy gold foiled swirls are layered on like sunbeams shining on fabric. She manages to sound modest and luxurious at the same time. It’s the gold that gives the magic—it’s not glittery like some other colors, so these nails always feel classic.
A creamy olive gel such as Essie’s “Win Me Over” or Bio Seaweed Gel’s “Sage Advice,” will look great combined with a classic white or ivory. The metallic swirls? If you’re a DIYer, use nail tape or try gold flakes applied with tweezers and coated with gel topcoat. Olive tones are very popular for 2025 and they’re basically the most popular color combo on Pinterest right now.
I make the swirls with a dotting tool and then use a gold gel paint-filled thin liner brush to finish them. Gently move your body according to the music and don’t worry about getting it perfect. Imperfection adds to the appeal of hand-drawn nails and it helps you relax a bit, says celebrity nail artist Betina Goldstein.
My friend wore the same colors as this palette for her engagement pictures in Palm Springs. She said the gentle sparkle in the gold was visible every time she moved. It’s a simple design, easy to wear and works with everything you have packed.
Glossy Mint Ombre with a Botanical Surprise
Let’s talk softness. They give off a fresh garden in the morning feeling, as if there is dew on the mint and hydrangea after the sun comes up. A blend from soft peach to pale green, along with a transparent layer that has a botanical black outline and crystal dots? Yes, please. Even though it’s playful, the clean lines in the design make it easy to wear. This is a simple thing that will ruin summer 2025, but it won’t have to work hard to do so. It gives just enough.
I took DND’s “Peach Sorbet” and “Green Forest” and used a makeup sponge to blend them out for the gradient. That delicate black line art? A nail stamping plate does the job if you’re not into hand-painting. Add a few tiny rhinestones like Swarovski’s Crystals for Nails to complete the look. Don’t skip the gel topcoat—gloss is everything here.
Gradient nails take a bit of patience. Blend each color in thin layers, curing between coats. According to nail artist Julie Kandalec, it’s best to dab rather than brush when mixing ombre shades. It gives a better fade without harsh lines. For that floral detail, I used a mini brush dipped in black gel paint, but a sticker could work too if you’re in a rush.
It makes me think of the first farmer’s markets of summer and peaceful brunches in dresses. It feels a little earthy, a little glam. To be honest, who wouldn’t want to show off a full floral look on their nails?
Soft Dusty Rose with Whisper Lines
The focus of this design is on quiet luxury and confident calm. Soft matte pink covers the whole length of each coffin nail and only white squiggles, like floating silk threads, break the pattern. It’s not too much, it’s romantic and it’s versatile enough for a garden wedding or a Friday at work. There’s nothing loud here, but the elegance speaks volumes.
If you want this effect, use a dusty rose gel polish and I suggest “Eternal Optimist” by Essie or “Rosewood” by The GelBottle Inc. For the whispery lines, a thin striper brush and white gel paint (try LeChat’s Perfect White) will give you the control and crispness you need. To keep everything soft, put on a velvet matte top coat in the end.
A trick I use for these thin lines is to rest your pinky on the other hand to help you draw. A salon tech told me this and they say it works even when you’re feeling the effects of caffeine. She wasn’t wrong. Try to keep your curves close to the shape of your nail bed, instead of making them completely different.
I got more compliments than I thought possible for a set that seemed so simple, when I wore it for a friend’s bachelorette in Charleston. That kind of beauty doesn’t need to be noticed—it already is.
Cherry French with a Rhinestone Pop
This one is pure red-hot romance. Think Y2K nostalgia meets modern glam. Coffin nails have a reverse French tip in cherry red, an ombre blend to white and one nail that’s fully jeweled and glows like pearls in candlelight. It’s not a timid girl moment—it’s the “I’m organized and in control” nail look.
You’ll need a rich red like OPI’s “Big Apple Red” for that classic pop, plus a milky white (try “Alpine Snow”) for the blend. I prefer using Preciosa flatback crystals for the gems, since they don’t come loose and shine beautifully. For the reverse tip and blend, use a nail sponge or small blending brush and put the red at the base instead of the tip to surprise yourself.
According to Elle Gerstein, who works with celebs like Blake Lively, “Strategic color placement can elongate the fingers and elevate the entire look.” That’s exactly what this design does. It’s playful yet structured, dramatic but wearable.
I also wore this outfit on a summer date night and added a red silk slip dress. Whenever I held my glass of wine, someone would ask me where I had my nails done. They’re not only attractive; they also make you feel great.
Emerald Botanical with Luxe Crystals
This design combines the best of nature and luxury together. Emerald green is the main color on most nails and two accent nails have painted vines and glittering crystals. The plants seem tropical, as if I’m in a summer villa garden and the sparkle? Pure elegance. Because of the negative space, the green doesn’t feel heavy, making it perfect for every event, from a summer wedding to a rooftop party. If you like bold nails that are also classic, you’ll love this.
I’m a fan of Madam Glam’s “Envy Me” and The GelBottle’s “Jungle” for this shade of green. The little leafy details can be drawn with a liner brush and dark teal gel paint. If you want that sparkle, flatback rhinestones in marquise and round cuts are the same as the luxe arc. Make sure to finish your look with a thick layer of builder gel to keep your gems in place.
I found out from Sarah Nguyen that it’s best to seal in your color, then add a dot of builder gel to each gem as you place them one by one. It locks them in while letting the design breathe.
People in the produce aisle and on Zoom complimented me when I wore this look in August. It’s the kind of lovely, artistic acrylic set that makes you look put-together in your sweatpants.
Iridescent Blue Chrome French
Blue chrome is still popular and this French tip design is fun, cool and hard to resist. The nails start with a soft milky base and end in shimmering ocean colors that change from cerulean to lavender as the light changes. It’s modern, has a lot of depth and matches the holographic trend that’s popular on social media this year. These long coffin nails let you add a bit of mermaid style to your daily makeup.
For this, I start by applying “Milky Dream” from Luxa Polish as my sheer white base. Then comes the magic: applying a thin chrome powder (like Daily Charme’s Blue Holo Chrome) over a cured no-wipe topcoat using a silicone applicator. Apply a top sealant coating to ensure the shine stays and lasts on your paint.
According to celebrity manicurist Julie K, keeping your chrome layers thin will prevent your nails from chipping and becoming cloudy. She points out that how well your makeup lasts depends on how well you prepare your skin. And she’s right.
Looking at this set made me think of the light on Lake Tahoe at sunset which was always shifting, unreal and a little bit mesmerizing. If you’re looking for a confident look that’s still quiet, this is the style for you.
Sunset Heat Ombre in Burnt Citrus
If you’re a color lover, this design captures the essence of summer. The coffin nails are painted in a warm violet at the base and fade into a sizzling orange and gold—just as a summer sunset looks over city rooftops. It’s noisy, it’s full of action and it appears to have been painted with actual flames. Whether you’re on holiday, at a beach club or just feeling confident, this long nail set is a great choice. Sometimes, you’re not looking for a glow—you want a blaze.
My suggestion is to use the Kiara Sky or Valentino Beauty Pure colors named Tangy Tangerine, Flame Red and Purple Storm. Add each color onto your skin using a makeup sponge, horizontally and blend where the lines meet. Do this again for a bright finish, let it cure and then finish with a high-gloss top coat.
According to Brittney Boyce, using a sponge to apply gel nail polish will give you the best melt effect. I tried it once—and now I can’t go back. It works like magic.
I felt like a main character in a movie all weekend thanks to this look while I was in Miami. I put on the bikini and wrap and people started asking about me everywhere. Proof that color + confidence = unstoppable.
Frosted Blue Chrome with Flame Detailing
Now this is what I call cyber-cool. The design is made by painting some nails a smooth pastel color and others with chrome flames. It sounds like what you’d hear at a fashion show or a nightclub. This isn’t the same old blue manicure—it’s got an edge, some tech and is perfectly suited for 2025. Whether you’re in sweats or a mini dress, this design demands attention.
I often use OPI’s “It’s a Boy” as my base coat for the icy blue and finish the flame with silver foil polish from Born Pretty. If you’re feeling brave, you can either use a flame stencil or just use a striping brush to paint freehand.
I learned from @nailsbymei on Instagram that outlining the flames and then filling them in with chrome gives the best effect. It adds depth to the look which can be seen clearly in natural light.
I love this one because it’s both gentle and strong. It’s not just cute—it’s futuristic, fun, and totally unforgettable.
