Cool Blue Nail Ideas for Summer 2025 That Are Too Pretty Not to Try

Does summer really feel like summer if your nails don’t match the mood? All the beach trips, rooftop brunches and wedding events on your calendar mean you should give your nails a special moment. But what’s hot in 2025? Cool Blue Nail Ideas for Summer 2025 are getting a lot of attention—they’re icy, dreamy and just bold enough to add a hint of elegance. Let’s discuss the variety of shades, shapes, finishes and small design features that make people curious about your home.

Blue is all the rage right now, from almond shapes for every finger to neon tips that suit a tan. There’s a style here for every kind of mood—gel, acrylic, short, long, simple or with lots of art. If you’re getting ready for a prom, holiday or just want to update your summer beach look, this guide will help. Ready to get inspired?

Baby Blue Meets Pearlcore Romance

There’s something effortlessly angelic about this soft gel manicure. The main colors are a soft light blue, a white cream and a clear nude that has tiny beads attached. It’s a perfect balance of being sweet and sleek, thanks to the almond shape that makes your fingers look longer. It’s easy to wear, but it’s still noticeable, like your favorite satin dress with some good earrings.

To recreate this look, I recommend using OPI’s “It’s a Boy!” for that perfect pastel tone, paired with Essie’s “Blanc” for the white. For the pearls, choose a 3D embellishment kit and you can get good sets on Amazon or look at The GelBottle’s Pearl Art line which fits the modern design trend but isn’t too bridal.

The first step is to shape your nails to an almond shape with a file that has 180 grit. After the gel base coat, paint on pastel blue, then on white and cure each coat before adding the next one. Use a sheer pink polish for the accent nail and then, using a dotting tool and gel adhesive, place the mini pearls in a swoosh along the middle of the nail. Finish everything off with a clear topcoat to make it look nice and last.

I actually put on this design for my friend’s prom-themed birthday party last July. How the pearls reflected the sun was almost perfect. This kind of detail elevates even a casual outfit. You can shine without glitter—a little softness can make you sparkle.

Bold Contrast with Leopard Accents

This manicure is bold but does not shout with its look. The combination of blue denim and white makes the dress look neat and the leopard print brings a fun surprise. This isn’t the kind of summer set you’d imagine and that’s what makes it so refreshing. The shine of the finish is ideal for a party or any time you’re at the pool.

If you’re looking for a bright blue, Butler Please by Essie works well or CND’s Date Night gives a richer and deeper blue look. Use black and white nail paints together and a narrow brush to make the animal print pattern. The key here is precision. Acrylic base extensions keep your nails looking neat and straight and they don’t move.

The steps? Make your acrylic base, shape it to a sharp almond point and paint the solid nails first. Paint the nails white first, then draw unfinished “C” shapes in black and finish with a few beige spots in the center. Top coat for that mirror-like finish. A micro detail brush is Betina Goldstein’s choice for applying these patterns—it helps you control the design even if you do it yourself.

I’m really fond of this one because leopard is surprisingly easy to wear. It’s giving trendy, but not try-hard. I had three people ask me about my nails after I wore the same style in Santa Monica. That kind of power? Instant confidence booster.

Holographic Siren Vibes

Welcome to your futuristic fairycore moment. The iridescent holographic finish on this square, long nail set changes from purple to turquoise to pink when you look at it—just like sea glass got a makeover. It’s not overly “festival girl” and looks great at any event, even a summer beach wedding.

You can achieve that glow by using Born Pretty’s Holographic Chrome Powder over a silver base. Make sure to use a gel base coat to help the color stand out. If you don’t want to use acrylics, you can use this powder over gel polish to get the same mirror finish.

I won’t lie—this isn’t the easiest to DIY. You’ll need a buffer, UV lamp, and patience. But it’s worth it. To get the best results, use a sponge tip and burnish the powder until your base is tack-free. Always apply a second top coat which will maintain your shine even when you’re in the sun or near the ocean.

I chose this for a rooftop party and felt as if I had little disco balls on my hands. The color shift under sunset lighting? Unreal. It’s the acrylic bright colors neon art trend of the season, only better.

Waves of Cool: Ocean-Inspired Lines

This design flows like a summer breeze. Minimalist art designs are created on soft almond shape nails. The light nude base has a wavy line of blue, navy and white across it, just like waves from the sea. The way the design is random makes the nails seem lively and it’s not your typical French manicure. It’s freehanded summer energy bottled into a manicure.

What makes this set special is how quickly you can customize it. I’ve found that Beetles and Modelones gel paints are strong enough that you only need to paint once. Paint the wavy lines with a fine liner brush and always have a dotting tool close to make the blue dots. A sheer nude polish called “Fairy Tailor” by Essie looks great as the base for this look.

If you’re at home, try lightly drawing the waves with a light eyeliner pencil before you paint them. That gives you structure without needing perfection. Celebrity nail artist Tom Bachik says that designs that match the shape of your nail bed can make your fingers look longer and this nail style does just that.

I always think of late afternoon beach walks in Laguna when I look at this set—my hair still wet, holding a cup of coffee and the waves full of color in the sunlight. It’s not overly complicated, but it’s interesting enough to make you look again. If you prefer basic designs but want your room to feel artistic, this is the obvious choice.

Frosted Blue French with a Twist

A French classic gets a summer twist here, with a hint of blue that gives the look a fresh, lemony feel. Ideal for those who like a clean design but don’t want something plain, these nails are short and have a softly rounded square tip. The tips are a light blue, put over a semi-transparent pink base to give your nails a manicured look.

I prefer to use “Blue La La” from Orly or Zoya’s “Blu” to create this shade since it’s not quite pastel, not quite frosty and doesn’t go into purple. Use Gelish’s “Top It Off” gel top coat to keep the shine and stop your nails from fading when you spend longer in the sun.

A fine striping brush or some French nail stickers are all you need to make this Cool Blue Nail Idea yourself. Apply a base coat, cure, paint the blue tips with a steady hand (or tape guide), and top it off with a glossy shield. Such square shapes are excellent for a simple, useful style that doesn’t lack style.

This is a favorite for weddings and it works especially well for beach ceremonies. I attended a friend’s holiday elopement in Florida wearing this and it looked wonderful with a linen dress and no shoes. I’m serious when I say this style suits every summer occasion.

Lightning Marble in Midnight Blue

If you’ve ever been amazed by the ocean in a storm, this design shows that power. A dark royal blue color is swirled with white lightning streaks which makes the whole nail look like a dramatic marble. It’s a little bit moody and a bit elevated, great for those who want statement nails that are still classy. There is just the right amount of shine on the gloss finish. To be honest, this is exactly what you want to listen to on a summer night.

I suggest starting with “Royal Navy” from Orly for this nail style. After that, add white gel polish to the design using a fine brush or needle, while the base is still fresh. Gelish’s “Arctic Freeze” works well for the veins. A layer of jelly-like top coat makes your nails look shiny and have real depth.

I’ve experimented with using both brushes and cling wrap for this technique. The wrap adds cracks, but the brush is used to paint those streaks like lightning. According to Sarah Bland, a nail artist who is known for her editorial work, layering your marble nail designs in thin layers really helps to keep them clear and effective.

I use this when I’m aiming for nails that look like they’re from the runway or under the moon. It’s dramatic without being costume-y. Bonus: it hides chips better than you’d expect, which makes it secretly low maintenance.

Matte Blue Daisies for a Country Picnic Vibe

This is sunshine in nail form. The background is a light cornflower blue and on top are white daisies with golden centers. It has an almond shape that looks good and feminine, but isn’t too pointed. It’s like a summer picnic in the park, but with Scandinavian simplicity. Because the daisy art is so clean and evenly arranged, the entire design ends up looking neat and positive.

I started with a coat of Sally Hansen’s “Sky’s the Limit,” and finished it with a matte top coat. The best way to paint the flowers is with white polish from Sinful Colors and a dotting tool. Add a touch of yellow such as OPI’s “Sun, Sea and Sand in My Pants,” to the middle of your nails. Matte top coat is non-negotiable—it transforms the whole mood.

Skip the stickers—this one’s all about freehand charm. Paint your base first, let it dry or cure and then add little dots of petals around a yellow dot in the center. I watched a YouTube video by Nail Career Education and found the trick easy to do, even if I’m not a pro.

I put this on during a beach vacation last August and couldn’t stop looking at my hands. It’s not flashy, but people noticed. If you’re tired of neon but want to stay on trend, this is the look for you.

Chevron Chic with Short Length Confidence

At this point, short nails show how they can still be stylish. The mix of powdery blue and white chevron art in this set makes it crisp, geometric and very modern. The design looks basic, but the clean pattern gives it a little extra edge. It feels like a simple fabric turned into art—it’s linear, attractive and surprisingly fun.

The base should be a light blue like Essie’s “Bikini So Teeny,” and you’ll use a crisp white gel liner to draw the chevrons. If your hand isn’t steady, nail tape will do the job, but the unevenness can add a nice touch to your project.

This one’s super approachable to recreate. Paint two layers of your blue, let it dry and then use a striping brush to paint the chevrons over the blue. A glossy top coat will really make the edges stand out.

I love this style for everyday wear. It’s organized, attractive and allows you to enjoy neon art using acrylic colors without making a lot of noise. I had on something similar to what I’d wear to a weekend farmer’s market and my barista actually stopped to ask how I got them done. Enough said.

Ombre Fade from Barely There to Bold

This soft ombre is a kind of luxury that stands out more than glitzy jewelry. The nude color becomes a deep midnight blue at the ends of the nails. It’s light, clean and gives your nails a lovely inner glow. You could put this on for a wedding, a meeting or a last-minute cocktail party and it would always fit the occasion.

I prefer to use a sponge when I’m doing a fade. Start with a sheer pink base (try OPI’s “Bubble Bath”), and build your gradient with a blue like Zoya’s “Ryan.” Use a makeup sponge and press it down on your foundation, then blend it out until it’s smooth. If the edges are clean and you add a gloss top coat, you’re done.

Cutting down on cleanup time is possible by using a latex barrier when sponging, according to Mazz Hanna and I’ve found it to be very helpful. Ombres can get messy fast if you’re not prepped.

Whenever I’m in the mood for something traditional but with a twist, I go for this look. It feels refined but not boring. I also rely on this look for late summer events when you don’t want to spend too much time on your nails.

Color Blocked Pop Art Blues

Here’s your bold girl moment. The acrylic set is shaped like a square and uses royal, cornflower and baby blue colors. A vertical drip design on one nail makes it look like a playful graphic. It’s giving us pop art, it’s giving us high fashion and it’s giving us “don’t talk to me until I’ve had coffee and compliments.”

You might like Essie’s “Mesmerize,” Sally Hansen’s “Pacific Blue,” and Orly’s “Morning Mantra” as your blues. A flat edge brush and a bit of patience are necessary to draw those clean lines and striping tape is useful, but the drip design should be drawn by hand for the animated effect.

Paint the base color first and then mark out your color areas. Paint each coat separately, allowing each one to cure if you’re working with gel. A medium dotting tool moved downward helps you make the long teardrop shape for the drip. Finish with a mega-glossy topcoat to keep things crisp.

I was wearing something similar on a holiday in New York and someone in the museum elevator told me I looked nice. It’s stylish, sure of itself and will stand out even if you’re a little sleepy from your coffee.

Sharp French Waves with a Twist

If you’re someone who loves French manicures but wants to update your look, now is your chance. The nails have very clean square tips, a light clear-to-nude base and curvy blue tips. Mixing daring cobalt with a gentler sky blue gives a classic design a fresh and trendy look. It’s classic, yes—but definitely not basic.

To pull this off, I used “Chillin’ Blue” by Olive & June as the light tone and OPI’s “Yoga-ta Get This Blue!” for the deeper hue. A fine liner brush is what you’ll need to make the French tips look neat and curved. Your design will stay sharp and unsmudged all week with a strong gel top coat.

The main thing is to add the blue in curved waves instead of a straight, stiff line. According to Julie Kandalec, a curved tip can help shorter nails appear longer, so it’s great if you’re trying to grow them out.

I find this design to be a great mix of serious and fun. I wore it to a prom-style dinner night (theme: ‘90s reimagined), and it got more compliments than the dress. It’s that kind of manicure.

Lavender Meets Indigo in a Floral Fade

Here’s where purple enters the Cool Blue Nail Ideas for Summer 2025 chat—and steals it. A dusty lavender, indigo and ombre shimmer palette makes your nails look like an impressionistic bouquet. Because it’s short and rounded, it’s simple to care for, but the colors are far from dull. A single nail with silver glitter gives your look a bit of extra glamour. This one whispers luxury with a hint of nostalgia.

You can use “Lavendula” from Zoya and “Ink Blue” from CND as polishes. A blend of sponges helps you mix two colors into a soft shade. After applying the accent nail, sprinkle a little biodegradable silver glitter on it while it’s still sticky and finish with a high-gloss top coat.

and it’s great for daily life, but it’s also stylish enough to wear to a weekend brunch or dinner on a holiday. project I did before a garden wedding made me end up wearing the same color as the bridesmaids. Unintentional coordination? Always a win.

Matte Waves and a Statement Pearl

This set? Absolute elegance with a creative wink. Blue curves painted over matte nude nails give the nails a layered and moving effect. Then—surprise—a large pearl detail makes a big statement on the ring finger. It’s a detail that you notice, but it’s not too much. Think Parisian vacation with an artistic flair.

I used “Serenity Now” by Deborah Lippmann for the first, lighter wave and “Blue My Mind” by Sally Hansen for the second, darker wave. Use “Beige Milk” from Bio Seaweed Gel as your neutral matte base. To get the pearl accent, use nail art glue to attach a 3D half-bead firmly.

The matte finish really softens the look of the whole design in a modern way. Hang Nguyen, a nail artist, says that matte effects highlight colors more and that’s certainly the case here. If you’re a trendy girl who wants to try a high fashion look with little effort, this is the one for you.

Teal Gloss and Wild Zebra Vibes

Smooth teal gel polish and a wild zebra accent nail make this look bold, unapologetic and just a little bit wild. Thanks to its almond shape and shiny finish, the nail looks both classy and smooth. If you’re going to a pool party, taking a girls’ trip or want to change your mindset, these pieces are perfect for you.

A deep teal polish like Essie’s “Turquoise & Caicos” will look great and you’ll also need a black-and-white set for the animal print. I used a striping brush to hand-draw the zebra lines, but nail wraps work too if you’re short on time.

A manicure like this says everything for you. I found that this looked perfect with my swimwear, gold jewelry and even when my skin was just covered in sunscreen. There’s something about teal that hits different under sunlight.

Aqua Marble with Saltwater Dreams

The smooth set combines blue, white and seafoam into a calm and gentle mix. Each nail is different—like little works of water-washed art. With a glossy finish, the waves are highlighted and the acrylic almond shape adds some sparkle. It’s giving mermaid core meets minimalist luxury.

In order to make it yourself, apply “Aqua Chrome” from ILNP and top it with a shimmery sheer coat. Drop white and teal polish dots on the nail and swirl them gently with a thin brush. Cure between layers if working with gel.

I love this look for July and August, especially when you’re spending weekends by the water. There’s something calming about the colors, like you’re carrying a piece of the ocean around with you. The length of your hair doesn’t matter with this design.

Chrome Flames in Sky Blue

It’s a bold look, with long and square nails painted sky blue and topped with chrome flame overlays that give off a fast car in Malibu vibe. It’s giving heatwave, but make it chic. The dress is stylish and sophisticated and the metallic silver accents make it just a little dramatic. These flames are real — they move around with your hands as if they were liquid.

To recreate this acrylic masterpiece, you’ll want to start with a base coat to protect your natural nails, followed by a gel polish like OPI’s “To Infinity & Blue-yond.” The flames? You can use nail foils or a chrome powder like Silver Mirror from Daily Charme to get the look. If you’re feeling artistic, let your tech freehand the design for you.

You should file the square to perfection, then apply two coats of your blue and use silver gel or foil glue with chrome pigment to add the flame detail. Finish your nails with a top coat that doesn’t wipe off so they will look good for the next holiday weekend.

Personally? A concert in July saw me wearing something similar and someone actually stopped me to compliment my “miniature art gallery.” Safe to say, this style doesn’t go unnoticed.

Shimmer Meets Swipe: Ocean-Streaked Realness

There’s a cinematic feel to this, like a combination of deep-sea and stormy-sky. Because of its shimmery silver base and brushstroke touches of royal blue and teal, this short almond set looks like waves hitting against a rocky coast. It’s great for people who prefer a hint of color, not a full blast of neon.

A light-reflecting gel such as Essie’s “Silver on Ice,” should be your base and you’ll also need some bold colors like OPI’s “Teal the Cows Come Home” and “Russian Navy.” Use a fan brush that isn’t wet to add the streaks — this is what makes your artwork unique.

This style’s actually super DIY-able. After your nails are prepared and your base is on, let it dry before taking a fan brush and drawing the accent color across the nail with light pressure. You don’t want precision — you want vibe. Think beach towel on a windy day.

I told my sister about this for her prom and wow, even her pretty dress couldn’t compete with how many people photographed her nails. It’s artsy, modern, and just a little rebellious.

Wave Accent on Classic Blue

This one is a surprise — it’s simple and clean, but the ring finger detail is wonderful. That’s where the story is. She has rounded nails, each with a soft blue polish and one that looks like the ocean tide. It’s the perfect summer softness and if you’re heading to the beach last minute, it’s exactly what you need to look on point.

For the light creamy look, try Sally Hansen’s “Pacific Blue” or Olive & June’s “Angelfish”. If you want to do the wave, you could use nail vinyls or make it with a dotting tool and mixes of mint, white and turquoise polishes. There’s nothing flashy about it, but those close-up details make people want to pay attention.

I often turn to this look when I’m planning a last-minute road trip. It goes well with white sundresses and linen two-pieces and when the light catches your wave curl? It’s like your nails are literally smiling.

Geometric Kisses and Matte Coolness

A bit matte, a bit glossy and plenty of character. You can see geometric shapes and graphic prints, including mini lips on your ring finger, in this look, all in different shades of royal and sky blue. It’s a bit naughty, but not too much and it’s exactly what’s in style for Summer 2025.

You’ll have to use both matte and glossy top coats to achieve this style. First, use Zoya’s “Blu” as your base and then change to ILNP’s “Royalty” for the bold blue. For the geometric area, use striping tape or nail vinyls and stamp your lips with a kit — unless you have the confidence to draw them yourself.

I wouldn’t explain the steps here, since your tech can do it best for clean lines — but be sure to screenshot this and bring it with you.

I wore something similar to a girls’ night out in Brooklyn, and it sparked more convos than my outfit. There’s something about matte textures that just makes people want to touch your nails — fair warning!

Half-Moon French with Baby Blue Tips

The whole set is about looking refined, with almond shapes, nude cream bases and tips in pastel blue, plus golden half-moons. It’s a small update on the French manicure trend we’ve seen lately, but this time with a pretty pastel touch. Chic, elegant, and surprisingly versatile.

You could use “Ballet Slippers” for the base and add a touch of “Saltwater Happy” to your nails. For the golden arch? Try nail foil or a thin gold striping tape. It’s perfect for a wedding but also stands out on your holiday trip.

First, paint your base color, use the French tip guides to make the blue curves even and then curve the gold at the bottom slightly. Clean, classic, and super flattering on all skin tones.

This piece makes it look like you’ve just returned from Capri, effortlessly. It’s timeless, but with just enough Summer 2025 twist to make it feel current.

Daisy Dots on Matte Teal

This manicure combines the look of the past with the style of the present. The nails feature a muted, teal-blue matte base (totally in line with 2025’s love for earthy tones), dotted with delicate daisies and crisp white polka dots. It’s giving garden picnic meets editorial shoot. The elegant almond shape is paired with fun floral art to give you a sense of summer fun.

The best top coat for this manicure is matte — choose Essie’s “Matte About You.” If you are choosing the base, try dusty teal like Zoya’s “Bee.” Make the dots with a dotting tool and white gel and use a very small brush for the daisies. Give each flower a sunny look by adding yellow gel to the center. This combo balances whimsy with polish (pun fully intended).

It’s the same as the pressed daisy stickers I used to decorate my middle school notebooks, but now they’re stylish and can be worn to brunch in the Hamptons or a backyard BBQ.

Soft V-Tips in Baby Blue

Here we’re leaning all the way into minimalistic elegance. Imagine long, pointed tips with a V-shaped blue French design — these are simple and elegant, but very powerful. The design is bold, the palette is gentle and the result is a subtle look that gets noticed. Honestly, this one’s giving CEO-on-vacation energy.

V-tips are popular with nail artists this season because they help make the fingers look longer and add a twist to the French look. A transparent nude is essential — try “Mademoiselle” from Essie — and a light baby blue like “Bikini So Teeny.” Paint the V lines with a tip or a fine brush, then finish it off with a lovely shiny top coat.

I had my friend use these nails for her engagement shoot and the photographer thought they were very elegant. Sometimes, the right look is a shape that stands out and a color that doesn’t.

Pop Art Hearts on Glitter Blue

Playful? Check. Y2K nostalgia? Double check. These nails have a rich electric blue base, some sparkly glitter and bright pink hearts on top. It’s a sweet-looking style with a strong attitude — half Lisa Frank, half grown-up glam. Whether you’re at a festival, on holiday or just want to feel better on a Monday, it’s a great choice.

Use a polish like China Glaze’s “Frostbite” and add a sprinkle of glitter top coat (ILNP’s “Mega” works wonders). For your hearts, try a colorful gel sticker or use a stencil and apply “Mod About You” by OPI for a hot pink effect.

Personally? I’d wear these just for the dopamine hit alone. They’re flirty, unexpected, and pair surprisingly well with white linen or denim looks — especially in late summer when you’re not ready to let go of the season.

White Flames on Pearl Shimmer

Hello drama. The contrast here is on point — icy white shimmer nails everywhere, except for the statement nails which are blazing with royal and white flames. The shapes are strong and square and the colors add all the excitement of a wave in the middle of a heatwave. This one’s a certified head-turner.

Use “Alpine Snow” by OPI as your base and afterwards, add your royal blue flames with a detailed brush. Lightly sponge on some light blue nail polish and use a fan brush to blend it with the flame color. Finish off with a top coat to keep everything secure — flames should always sparkle.

According to Julie Kandalec, flames are set to be a big trend for 2025, but the true focus will be on contrast. I couldn’t agree more. I love this design because it’s not at all subtle.

Retro Triangles on Sky Blue

If geometry had an older sister, this would be who she’d be. Combining a white and cobalt design, these nails form a triangular pattern that is easy to spot on the glossy background. It’s organized and enjoyable — just like summer nails are designed to be. Totally wearable, and surprisingly easy to DIY.

You should have “Blanc” by Essie for your white and “Butler Please” for your blue. If you use nail tape or triangle guides, your lines will come out cleaner. This isn’t about chaos — it’s about controlled fun. Layer carefully, cure with a UV lamp if you’re using gel, and don’t skip that glossy top coat.

A friend of mine wore this style to her birthday dinner on a rooftop in Miami and it looked amazing under the string lights. It’s graphic, cool, and gives just enough attitude.

Cloud French on Sky Blue Tips

With a touch of playfulness, this style brings back the French manicure by adding clouds painted by hand on sky blue V-tips. Even though the almond is soft, the difference between its smooth nude base and puffy white edges adds a lively feel. These nails make me think of a Sunday morning with iced coffee and no interruptions — they’re light, airy and very easy to look at.

For this look, put on a sheer color like Essie’s “Mademoiselle” first, then use baby blue “Blue Me Away” by Sally Hansen to do your French tips. For the clouds, use a dotting tool or small detail brush with white polish, dab a bit and you’re finished.

The atmosphere here is like being poolside with big sunglasses and a book I won’t get through. It’s the same pretty look, but made for real life and office wear, not just holiday vacations.

Geode Glam with Gold Accents

Talk about elevated! This style is a perfect example of art — the swirled geode patterns in blue marble are highlighted by fine gold veins. It’s presenting “minerals from MoMA,” but in a form you can wear and care for easily. These nails are proof that simple doesn’t mean boring. They feel like treasure.

A creamy blue like “Blue Rhapsody” from Essie and a metallic foil or liner for the gold are what you’ll need. Many nail artists apply plastic wrap or a dry brush to make the swirling design. Finish the nails off with a protective coat of topcoat to give them shine.

A nail tech explained to me that geode nails are as unique as fingerprints, because each set is different. In fact, that’s what makes them seem like a small luxury. Enjoy this look at summer weddings, during weekend brunches or whenever you’re wearing your favorite gold jewelry.

Matte Indigo Meets Marble Art

This one’s for the edgy minimalists. The royal matte nails are paired with white marble accent fingers which are then topped with navy stripes that look like cracked porcelain. It’s bold without shouting, stylish without trying. A matte finish always makes your nails pop — it’s like wearing velvet on your fingers.

To create this look, go with a velvet matte top coat (Zoya’s “Velvet Top” is great) over a deep acrylic blue like “Royal Navy.” Paint your accent nails with white and violet and then use acetone to make the lines appear blurry, like stone.

I wore this style to a gallery opening in the winter and it still worked well for summer if you like to keep your wardrobe simple. If you’re one of those daring people who wears black all year, you’ll love this one.

Gold-Lined Waves on Baby Blue

This design flows — literally. It is designed with soft movement in mind, using pastel blue waves over a neutral pink base which are traced with golden foil. The look keeps its soft almond shape and the whole feel is elegant, feminine and quietly luxurious. If you’re the kind of person who packs silk blouses for weekend getaways, this one’s for you.

You should use Color Club’s “Blue La La” pastel, with a soft blush nude as the base. You can add gold to your eyes using foil tape, a metallic gel liner or ultra-thin glitter polish. Wear a top coat with a sheer finish to hold your nails and give them a bright touch.

Refinery29 recently spoke with celebrity manicurist Gina Edwards, who said that abstract curves and flowing lines will be the biggest trend in nail art this year. This is exactly what that trend is about — it’s elegant, wearable and not at all basic.