Long Summer Nail Inspo You’ll Love 2025: Fresh Ideas for Almond & Stiletto Designs

It’s getting warmer, so sandals are making a comeback, the sun is working longer days and iced coffee is back on everyone’s mind. So what’s next? Yep—your nails need a summer refresh. What kind of nail look will be on trend for summer 2025? Minimal or maximal? Playful or punchy? Scroll and decide, because this season, nail designs are not just an accessory—they’re a main character moment.

Ready to fall in love with something unexpected? Let’s talk 2025 trends, cute colors, and extra-fun ideas you can actually try—even if your nail art skills peak at French tip stickers. (Been there.)

Berry-Sweet Energy for Sunny Days

It’s a manicure that makes you feel like summer—with strawberry charms, glossy pink curves and red glitter that makes you want to plan a picnic, even if ants are a problem. This style is both fun and put together, thanks to its stilleto shape that adds a little extra flair. The red tips and tiny flower accents hit the sweet spot between kitschy and chic, especially if you’re after something extra but still wearable day to night.

I suggest starting with a base that’s soft and neutral such as OPI’s Bubble Bath or CND’s Romantique, to make the strawberry stand out. I think the glittery tips look best when you use ORLY’s Star Spangled over a cherry gel base. After that, add some decals: you can find fruit and flower nail charms on Etsy or use Daily Charme’s stickers for exact, Pinterest-style results.

To DIY this without losing your mind (or a whole Sunday), start by shaping your nails into a stilleto silhouette—file longer and more tapered than almond, but avoid going too pointy unless you’re a pro. Paint two layers of your nude color and then press your glitter into a triangle shape at the tip. Apply the top coat first and then put on your decals; you’ll find they stick much better.

There’s a playful, summery and nostalgic feeling about this set, much like your favorite flirty dress. I wore a version of this to a BBQ last year and got more compliments on my nails than my outfit (rude, but fair). Inspo gold.

Fresh Kiwi Pop

Green in summer? Underrated. This fun, acrylic, glossy look inspired by kiwi fruit is both bright and surprisingly easy to match with anything. The nail design is round and soft and the detail of real fruit on the accent nail makes this a great way to start a conversation. It’s giving health queen meets bold minimalist.

You should use a creamy chartreuse green like Feelin’ Just Lime by Essie and Gelish’s Go Green for the black part of the kiwi seeds. Give the center of the nail a soft off-white color, like OPI’s Funny Bunny and blend it outward for a more natural look.

Outline the inner circle using your nail art brush or a dotting tool after you’ve finished your green base. Use a tiny liner brush for the black seeds. Make sure to cover the accent nail with extra top coat which will give the design depth and a glassy finish. According to Julie Kandalec, a thin layer of clear builder gel helps achieve a 3D effect when you’re working with fruit designs.

I wasn’t sure I’d like green nails as much as I do now, but it feels perfect for summer. Especially with gold jewelry and a tan. It’s a cool-girl look without trying too hard.

Monochrome Meets Pop Art

Okay, this one’s for the bold. A combination of dots, some matte and some white and a single red nail—it looks like a gallery wall. The medium edge on this set is perfect for those who like modern, clean style and want a little pop of color. The fact that it’s square gives it a graphic and architectural feel and the red nail? Totally deliberate and rebellious.

If you want this look, I suggest starting with Lights Lacquer’s Paper Snow or Zoya’s Purity as your base. You can get the speckles by brushing a black polish over the nails using a toothbrush or by splattering with a fine-tip nail brush. The red? You want your nails to look glossy, creamy and strong, much like Chanel’s Pirate or Olive & June’s CV.

If you try this without nail wraps or tips, it’s not for beginners—but you can try it with those. Another option? You can use a stamping plate and a peel-off barrier to apply splatter makeup without messing up your skin. Trust me, that’s a game-changer.

I wore this with a red lip and a linen blazer to a gallery opening and three people stopped me to ask for my nail technician’s contact details. (Spoiler: it was me.) It’s not fancy, but it’s pretty and tough enough to be worn without extra jewelry.

Blue Skies, Floral Vibes

Blue florals always seem to represent a romantic weekend by the sea. With soft nude and pastel blue as the base and tiny 3D daisies, this mani really shows that energy. The shape? A classic almond shape with a slight taper, so it’s elegant without being too flashy. It’s a basic design that adds a bit of grown-up style to the soft girl look.

Paint your nails with a blue like Essie’s Bikini So Teeny or ILNP’s Poolside and cover the rest of your nail with a sheer blush color like OPI’s Baby Take a Vow. You may use tiny acrylic charms or dot the flowers with a brush and a detail brush. A yellow center dot makes the design pop.

When making this at home, first apply two layers of your sheer base. After that, use a sponge to blend the blue tip and create the desired gradient. Once the base coat is dry, use tweezers to apply the daisies and a bit of nail glue or paint them on with white and blue gel polish if you’d like. Don’t skip the final step of adding a thick glossy top coat to your nails.

It makes me think of the sky early in July, when you’re free all day and your music is gentle and indie. It’s simple to style, looks amazing and goes perfectly with either a white dress or double denim outfits. Inspo level: high.

Green Apple Crush

I’m also sharing a manicure that made me smile the first time I saw it: using bright green polish and transparent nails with green apple stickers. It’s playful, surprising and pretty much like a Pinterest board in person. The softness of the almond shape is balanced by the combination of sheer and solid, giving it that trendy look we see everywhere this year. If you’re into cute and slightly nostalgic ideas, this one’s a must.

You can get the same look by using Sally Hansen’s Green Thumb or Nails Inc’s Matcha. A builder gel or clear tips are the best choice for a transparent base. Amazon and Deco Miami are both places you can buy Apple stickers—they have lots of fun fruit charms and decals that make your job easier.

Having both opaque and clear nails gives me a nice contrast. First, paint the solid nails and wait until they are completely dry. After that, place your decals on top of the clear ones and cover them with a top coat that won’t yellow. For added fun, you can even draw on tiny apple stems with a fine-tipped brush if you’re feeling ambitious.

You could easily wear this to a rooftop party or a baby shower because it’s so cheerful. It makes me think of the days when you’d choose Lip Smackers by flavor. Playful, but make it adult. With an acrylic or gel top coat, your nails will keep that fresh fruit scent for weeks.

Pastel Dream, No Filter Needed

This set of pastels is soft, calm and anything but boring. Every nail has its own sorbet shade and all of them seem like ideas for a summer capsule wardrobe. Using butter yellow, lavender or mint green, this almond shape manicure is simple and fashionable. If you are a minimalist but like some variety, this style is perfect for you.

If you’re just getting into nail polish, Dot by Zoya, This Cost Me a Mint by OPI and You Do Blue by Essie are great to try. Gel polish or a semi-matte top coat applied to pastel nail polish will give your nails that soft velvety appearance. The secret? Two thin coats, not one thick one. It makes all the difference.

You can easily create this look in your own home. Shape the nails into an almond or medium round, smooth them out and put a different pastel color on each finger. Even if you’re not a precision painter, it still looks great because the imperfections fit in.

I wore this mani for my weekend in Santa Barbara and it matched every outfit I brought. I find it easy to imagine that this harmony of tones is perfectly natural. Soft girl, but grown.

Barbie Mermaid Disco Vibes

If Lisa Frank ever did nail art, it would probably look like this. We’re referring to blue and pink colors that are split with holographic squiggles that shine like mermaid tails in the sun. It’s bold, it’s joyful, and it doesn’t apologize. The very long stilleto shape takes this design into the realm of fantasy and I think that’s great. We need more of that energy this summer.

If you want this look, consider applying Lights Lacquer’s Strawberry Frosting or Cirque Colors’ Skylight. Dip a striping brush in chrome or glitter polish and use it to draw the liquid effect down every nail. Adding a foil transfer under the paint will give your nails a sparkling effect from different angles.

I’ve noticed that celebrity manicurist Brittney Boyce often uses this swirling technique on red carpets using a UV-cured top coat to keep the nails extra shiny. It’s best to put the squiggles on before your last coat of polish so the glitter is mixed in better.

If you’re not shy, you’ll love this set. Remember those pool parties, fun bachelorette weekends or any Tuesday when you’re looking for that special feeling. It’s a walking mood booster.

Watermelon Sugar Mani

Hands down, the cutest fruit-themed mani of the season. The gradient pink base with watermelon slice nails on this set is done so well, it’s ridiculous. How the rind is so green and the seeds so black? Chef’s kiss. This one is perfect for a summer picnic or fun day, yet it looks neat and well thought out.

The pinks? Go for DND’s Peony Blush or OPI’s Strawberry Margarita. Use Color Club’s We’ll Never Be Royals for the rind and dot black polish on for the seeds. You can use nail art pens or even toothpicks if you’re DIYing.

First, paint the French tips and then use green polish to paint the rind over the accent nails. Add seeds with a fine brush or dotting tool. Top coat twice for that juicy finish. According to Nailpro Magazine, a high-gloss gel top coat brings out the 3D and fresh effects in your fruity nails.

I put this on for a 4th of July road trip and people at every gas station stop complimented me. Just looking at this set can make you feel good.

Tropical Sunset Papaya

This look is spicy and sun-drenched. Orange shades are paired with papaya colors that look very real and we’ve included black seed dots and rhinestones to add texture. The shape? Dramatic stilleto—long and commanding. With this acrylic or hard gel style, you can feel like you’re holding exotic fruit. It’s tropical glam in the most wearable way.

Take a look at Beetles’ Orange Burst and Kiara Sky’s Marigold to start your ombré orange base. For the papaya slice, make an almond shape and use a mix of neon green, yellow and black. Apply rhinestones before the final layer of polish to make sure they don’t fall off.

If you’re making this at home, first create the color gradient, then use a liner brush to draw the fruit shapes. You don’t need to be an artist, just patient. Apply builder gel to the crystals and let them sit under UV light to cure.

You’ll be ready for any beach party or summer night with this drink. I picture this being worn with an orange maxi dress and some gold hoop earrings. It’s one of my top 2025 trends already.

Swirl Queen Energy

Last but never least—this neon swirl set. The almond shape and smooth, swirled patterns give a strong early 2000s vibe, but they’ve been updated for today. A combination of neon pink, electric orange and some yellow is swirled across every nail. It’s lively, bold and perfect for someone who likes a bit of busy coloring.

This set thrives on gel polish. Apply The Gel Bottle’s Dolly or Madam Glam’s Flamingo as your base and then add orange and yellow swirls to the tacky gel with a needle or fine-tipped brush. Seal with a no-wipe top coat.

Nail artist Sarah Nguyen (whose clients include major influencers) recommends blending the swirls on a silicone mat first, then pressing the pattern onto the nail with a clear stamper—genius hack, especially if freehand isn’t your thing.

This mani is a whole mood. If you’re off to a music festival or want to add some fun to your emailing, you’ve found it. It’s wild, fun, and somehow still chic.

Lavender Leaf Chic

This is what I call calm confidence. A light lavender base is decorated with fine white leaf-inspired accents which gives the almond-shaped set a botanical feel that’s both elegant and slightly trendy. It reminds me of a mix between Pinterest and a wellness retreat, so it’s grounded, cool and great for late summer evenings with a spritz.

For this set, pick a creamy purple such as Essie’s Lilacism or Lights Lacquer’s Amethyst, to start. You’ll want a detail brush to sketch the leaf design using white gel polish (I recommend using a liner gel—it’s smoother). If painting isn’t what you want to do, you can still achieve this look with nail stickers.

This design looks fancy, but it’s totally doable solo. As soon as the base is dry, carefully drag your white polish to form vines instead of neat lines. Seal with a glossy top coat. Celeb nail artist Betina Goldstein says you should cure your brush strokes in sections to avoid bleeding or fading.

I’d match it with linen pants, apply little makeup and put on a few silver rings. I’m all for the summer rebranding that happens at this time of year.

Tropical Garden Play

Welcome to the jungle—on your fingertips. The look is made up of neon green, leafy art and a flirty pink French tip. It’s designed for vacations, so it’s easy for anyone who wants extra without all the upkeep of full decals. The rounded shape of this shape softens the look, so it’s one of my favorite trends this year.

If you’re looking for bright colors, try The Gel Bottle in Apple and Flamingo Pink. The leafy art? Try using three green liner gels—chartreuse, jungle and mint—with a tiny detail brush. Matte top coat gives it that ultra-luxe finish.

To make this work, paint two nails green and two nails nude. Start by tipping the French on one and then either paint or stamp the jungle leaves with care. Mixing between matte and gloss finishes gives your pages a stylish magazine appearance.

I chose an outfit similar to what I’d wear in Miami and it really fit my mood the whole time. Even when I was just ordering room service.

Highlighter Gold Glam

Neon meets opulence. This combination of electric yellow and gold foil looks like it’s from a summer fashion shoot. It plays on contrast—loud vs. luxe, shine vs. shimmer. The almond shape makes your fingers appear longer and the accent nails give them that gold cracked-metal effect that we’ve seen everywhere on IG reels this year.

Your first layer should be a neon yellow polish such as Bio Seaweed’s Lemon or Cirque’s Hustle. You can achieve that foil look by applying gold transfer sheets over sticky foil glue or by using pre-set foil gels. They’ll provide you with that melted look without any mess.

Apply your neon polish and let it cure completely. Put foil adhesive where you want your gold, press the foil lightly and then lift it off. End with a thick top coat that doesn’t need to be wiped to keep your nails looking great. According to nail artist Tom Bachik, using a silicone tool is the key to making foil stick on nails like glass.

It’s unapologetic, runway-ready, and totally wearable. Try these steps if you want your nails to look like you’re about to take the stage at a festival.

Minimalist with a Twist

This one’s for the clean girlies—with a pop. A mostly uncovered base is finished with green lacquer and thin black abstract lines. It’s sleek and modern, yet still delivers artistic flair. Its almond shape makes it stable and the difference between the empty space and the bright color gives the design depth. Think: café meetings turned spontaneous rooftop drinks.

A good semi-sheer base is OPI’s Bubble Bath or Essie’s Sheer Fantasy. If you have a green, go for Olive & June’s Energize. When making black line art, use either a striping brush or a nail art pen.

Paint two nails with your bright color and paint the others with your neutral base. Once your work is dry, use a dotting tool to mark your curves and then use a fine brush to join and even them out. Abstract lines don’t need to be perfect—just confident. Top coat everything in a high-shine finish.

I use this method when I have to look polished but also want something creative, since it’s the best of both worlds.

Cherry Baby Blue

Saving this sugary delight for last. A blue base with cherry designs makes this square manicure fun and fruity. It’s a mix of Y2K and cottagecore and still looks new in 2025. These cherries aren’t just cute—they’re a whole aesthetic. It’s for the girl who likes attention to detail but wants it in a simple and clean way.

You can get a dreamy base with a polish like Lights Lacquer’s Blue Moon or Sally Hansen’s Babe Blue. If you don’t want to paint the cherries by hand, you can add them with decals or stamping kits.

Apply two layers of your chosen blue to every nail. After you’ve set the cake, use red and green to decorate your cherries and stems. Give your nails a glossy gel top coat to make them look like glossy candy.

I’d recommend wearing this with a picnic dress and a woven bag. It’s giving coquette core, but summer.

Molten Citrus with Marble Veins

This set of orange stiletto glasses is full of zest—it’s bright, lively and looks perfect holding a cold Aperol spritz. The white veining in the acrylic looks like the cracks in porcelain or like soft lightning in the sky over tangerine clouds. The design is luxurious, but not overdone, as it mixes ease with style. If you want some Long Summer Nail Inspo You’ll Love 2025, this style will definitely encourage people to talk at pool parties and brunches.

To get this juicy finish, I’d reach for OPI’s “My Chihuahua Doesn’t Bite Anymore” or Essie’s “Meet Me at Sunset”—both carry that punchy orange tone without skewing neon. The Beetles Gel Polish Set’s white gel paint, applied with a fine-liner brush, gives you a beautiful marble effect. I always wait a few seconds to cure each vein layer so that I don’t smudge them when adding new lines.

One trick I’ve learned from watching salon pros? With a very fine nail art brush, apply the marble lines on your nail and then use a silicone tool to softly blend the lines. A matte topcoat could make this more subdued, but I love it with a glossy finish for that “fresh fruit” shine.

It’s giving passion. It’s giving poolside glam. It’s a little something that can make your white sundress or favorite denim shorts look even better. I did something similar in July and a stranger at a taco stand wanted to know where I got them done—it was worth it.

Modern Tropical Florals

Here’s what I call botanical storytelling. The set includes three colors—rich blue, lemony yellow and creamy pink—and hand-painted florals that look like they’re from a Hawaii postcard. The almond shape makes the design less harsh so that the floral details can stand out and keep the look classy. It’s all about high energy and garden style which works great for weddings, holiday photos or a drink on your porch.

I find that these flowers work best when I begin with a pastel gel set and I like to use Madam Glam’s “Blue is the One”, Modelones’ Baby Pink and Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in “Sunburst”. The flowers themselves? Definitely a fine detailing brush moment. I use the floral stamping kit from Born Pretty when I need to be precise and don’t have time to draw it myself.

These take a bit of patience. First, put on the base color and cure every nail after application. After that, use your floral brush or stamp to put petals down one by one. It’s fine if your plants are not perfect—that’s what organic is all about. Finish off the model by applying a strong high-gloss topcoat.

A girl I’m really close to wore this on her Napa trip last summer and I couldn’t stop staring at her. The mani went well with lemon earrings and a long white dress. It’s one of those ideas that makes your entire outfit feel elevated—even if you’re just wearing slides and a tank top.

Citrus Slice Statement

Now this is just joy bottled in nail form. Bold orange, soft pink and lemony yellow mix to create a set that’s just like a fruit salad with a bit of style. That mini lemon slice illustration really makes the difference—it’s cheerful, a bit retro and perfect for posting on Instagram. The shape is sophisticated, but the art tells everyone you’re still having fun.

You’ll need some bright gel polish colors for these designs and Bio Seaweed’s “Sun-Kissed”, Lights Lacquer in “Slice of Life” and Gelish “Pink Smoothie” are great choices. If you’re not sure about using a brush, I think mini nail decals are a good choice for the fruit detail. Full sets of citrus art stickers are available on Etsy.

Having both solid and art nails is what makes this so much fun. I usually paint the ring finger with citrus and leave the other fingers plain to highlight it. A gel topcoat gives your nails a shiny, sun-catching finish.

There’s something sweet and low-maintenance about this set. I had this same dress on for a weekend in Palm Springs and I found it made packing much simpler since it went with everything I brought. Brights really do that.

Soft Wave Luxe

It’s as if you’re holding the golden hour inside a seashell. When you paint creamy white waves with liquid gold and lay them over a neutral base, it’s a simple summer nail idea that stands out. The almond shape adds to the elegance. It looks fresh and uncluttered, but there’s a hint of art deco glamour too.

These are best done using builder gel in a soft nude (try Aprés Nail’s “Milky Almond” or The Gel Bottle’s “Petal”), and a liner brush dipped in gold foil gel paint. It may be hard to do, but it’s definitely worth the effort. Finish with a light-catching, non-yellowing topcoat.

If you’re doing this at home, let the lines in your hair lead the placement of the gold. When you want your hair to move in waves, I think a striping brush is best. Pro tip from celeb manicurist Tom Bachik? Don’t press too hard on the lines; let the brush make the art for you.

For anyone who wants a luxurious summer feel but isn’t into neons, this is the ideal glam. This bottle would fit in perfectly at a wedding or could be your favorite part of a sunset dinner on a rooftop.

Sunset Glow with Neon Punch

Okay, now we’re in full vacation mode. The French tip design is given a tropical update with the addition of a palm tree and a pink-to-orange ombré color. It’s bold. It’s bright. It looks like something you’d serve to someone sipping coconut water under a cabana. The stilleto shape makes the shoes even more fashionable—hello, beach goddess!

To make this, first use a clear acrylic base and then apply your neon polishes—Orly’s “Glowstick”, Color Club’s “Warhol” and Kiara Sky’s Neon Collection are all good choices. If you want to paint the palm design, use a small brush or you can use a vinyl stencil instead.

Mix your gradient with a sponge before curing—begin with neon yellow at the tip, dab it into coral and finish with pink. Add black palm details by using either a gel pen or a brush. If you’re into charms, a tiny gold shell on one nail would make this even more iconic.

This is a trend I’ve already seen a lot—TikTok creators are combining this style with high buns, gold hoop earrings and large linen shirts. When someone says they’re heading to Tulum, I’m all for it.

Tropical Green with Fruit Art

It’s obvious that green is rarely used in summer nail designs, but this set shows us why that needs to change. The almond shape adds a tropical feel to the nails, with avocado-green polish, a palm tree and fruit art—you can see a papaya and a coconut. It’s offering a peaceful island spot and refreshing cocktails at sunset. If you’re not interested in all the pink and glitter, this is the Inspo you need.

Beetles Gel Polish in “Jade Dream” is the shade I use for my green base. Use a nude color on your accent nail to let your artwork stand out best. As for the tiny fruits? Coloring with the Modelones color pots and gel detail brushes gives you freedom or you can use stickers to make the process simpler.

If you’re doing the project at home, my advice is to let every layer dry before adding details. First, build your base and then use a dotting tool to make the fruit slices. Finish the project with a thick coat of paint to prevent details from chipping soon after. To be honest, it’s not much work for a big summer reward.

These are the nails I’d wear to a beachside farmer’s market or your best friend’s backyard luau. They’re adorable, a little odd and often make people smile when you pay for them.

Matte Yellow & Jet Black Drama

If you want your nails to show off your confidence this summer, this set is for you. There’s bold yellow, sharp almond points and matte black contrast waves that give your nails a high fashion look. It’s not colorful, but it’s full of attitude and definitely reflects a clean, extra, graphic style. This is the Long Summer Nail Inspo You’ll Love 2025 if you’re not afraid to go loud in a different way.

It’s important to use a matte yellow that is highly pigmented and Sally Hansen’s Insta-Dri in “Expresso Yourself” fits the bill. Try Essie “Licorice” if you want those sharp black lines. This look depends on using a matte topcoat such as OPI Matte Top Coat, to finish the design.

This one’s actually easier than it looks. You can protect the areas you don’t want to paint with tape, use a fine brush or stencil for your waves and finish with the velvet-matte seal. Removing dirt from the cuticle with a flat brush and acetone will help you achieve a professional look.

To me, this is what you’d wear with a black jumpsuit and strappy heels—effortless but intentional. My friend wore these the night before a girls’ night in Chicago and the bartender complimented her nails as she took our order.

Mint Pop on a Nude Base

You don’t have to wear bright neon or fancy art to get in the summer mood. Just one green nail against a backdrop of creamy soft pink can make your nails look different from the crowd. Thanks to the almond shape, this nail polish is versatile and the green nail with shimmery highlights makes your nails feel like they’re in the sun. Simple? Yes. Boring? Absolutely not.

I love using Zoya’s “Dot” for the base—it’s comfortable, breathable and great if you want your nails to look cleaner. If you’d like some shimmery mint, you can use Olive & June’s “KMC” or Color Street’s “Mint to Be” stick-ons. No art tools needed—just patience and a steady hand.

This look is a total breeze at home. Prepare your nails, cover them in two layers of nude, let them dry or cure and then paint on your green accent with attention. Top it off with a glossy topcoat. If the green isn’t for you, try using blue, lilac or whatever you love instead.

I remember wearing this combination as I worked from my patio in August last year. Looking down at my keyboard always made me smile because of that little mint nail. It’s a mini mood boost that lasts.

Blue Flames and Ice Queen Vibes

Here it is—the icy blue, chrome-tipped piece that can make you look great from the pool to the rooftop. We’re using square acrylics, gradient backgrounds, glitter tips and white flames that look like they’re reaching for your cuticle in a summer fantasy. The entire collection is editorial heat, mixing coolness and fieriness.

Use Baby Blue from Makartt’s ombré kit as your base and then top it with a silver chrome powder or Glitterbels Platinum Gel for the tips. The fine detail brush and white gel paint from Modelones will give you the ability to draw the flame effect neatly.

If you’re making this yourself, first do the ombré, then the flames and finish with the glitter. Let each step cure separately. According to Chaun Legend, a nail artist for Kylie Jenner, you should create your design in the same order as you would a makeup base, detail and highlight.

I’d put these on for a music festival or a party on the roof. They are great to photograph and always look on-trend with every flash.

Fiery Leaf Fade

If you’ve ever hoped your nails would look like a warm summer breeze, you’ll love this look. The use of orange, a soft gradient and leaf-like flames makes this almond-shaped design blend nature with spice. It’s hard to believe how well calm and dynamic are balanced here—it’s just like the manicure version of golden hour lighting through wheat fields.

Mixing OPI’s “A Good Man-darin is Hard to Find” with The Gel Bottle’s “Daisy” will give you this look. The white leaf flames? Either a nail art pen or a very thin brush can be used with Beetles Gel Art Liner in white. Just make the teardrops longer and taper them into flicks and it’s not as hard as you might think.

For me, it’s great because it looks good at any length, but it really stands out on longer nails. If you already enjoy ombré, you might like to change the flowers for this feathered flame look. It’s delicate, but with edge.

I wore the same style to an outdoor summer wedding, along with a coral satin slip and neutral heels. Compliments? Constant. Plus, it looks insane holding a glass of rosé.

Pineapple Pop Art

This one’s a total ray of sunshine. Soft almond nails in glossy yellow are made playful by adding a pineapple drawing and straight lines. It’s not overly cheerful or cheesy and the small touches make it look like a boutique design. When you want some seasonal charm that’s versatile for both office and everyday wear, these are the sets for you. Plus, tropical fruit just hits different in July.

I always reach for Lights Lacquer “Now & Later” because it’s not too bright or neon. For the pineapple? Nail stickers exist (thankfully), but I love using a dotting tool and green detail brush for the top leaves. Apply many diagonal lines and cover the surface with thin gold foil for some texture.

I learned from TikTok artists that adding a gel matte top to the pineapple nail makes it raised, while leaving the others glossy. It adds a surprising touch that makes the result seem much more impressive than it really is.

I wore this style in Key West and people kept calling it my “vacation mani.” It looked so good next to a Piña Colada that I couldn’t resist taking the photo.

Dreamy Script & Swirls

If nails had voices, this set would be reciting poetry softly. The look is created by soft pink and beige colors, along with swirling marble, gold flakes and the “Dreamer” font. It’s a feeling: gentle, beautiful and still interesting enough to be noticed. It’s perfect for a warm date, a summer wedding or any time you want to feel like the hero.

The first step is to use a creamy nude color as your base and both Essie’s “Ballet Slippers” and Olive & June’s “CCT” are great choices. Angular motions with gold foil and white gel polish give you a marble look. The script? If you’d rather not use press-on decals, you can try a nail stamping kit from Maniology.

This one’s definitely best done slowly. Base your cake with a smooth layer, cure it, swirl and foil while the frosting is still wet and finally, stamp or stick on your word art. It’s delicate work, but worth every second.

I wore this outfit to an anniversary dinner last summer and my boyfriend thought I’d gotten them done by a professional in Beverly Hills. It’s giving that luxe, simple elegance that makes you feel like you’ve got your life together—even if you’re just wearing biker shorts and dry shampoo.

Coral Candy Ombré

If you’re a minimalist but still like a little heat, this is for you. The shape of this stilleto is made to show off its soft coral fade which is like a summer sorbet fading into nude pink. It’s light enough to feel like your own skin, but has enough color to make an impression. If you need a style that matches every look, this ombré is your new favorite.

Try OPI “Living on the Bula-vard!” for the coral tips and a sheer nude base like Butter London’s “Mummy’s the Word.” Sponge on the color to get the soft gradient and complete with a gel gloss.

When applying at home, sponge the coral starting at the tip and tapping it into the pink base as you go upward. Complete the sanding as you go, then finish with a topcoat that is smooth. The fade is great for hiding regrowth, so it’s always a summer plus.

I wore this look for a beach bachelorette weekend and didn’t get a single chip all weekend. It’s low-maintenance glam at its best, and that coral? Chef’s kiss.

Barbie Meets Banana

Hot pink and banana yellow never looked so good. If you’re the kind of girl who likes your colors bright and strong, this set is for you. Its almond shape makes it look stylish, but it’s still a look that’s fun, bold and a little bit flirtatious. It seems that the unofficial manicure of rooftop brunches and dance floors is nail art.

If you want strong color, pick Ella + Mila “Cause I’m Happy” and Essie “Mod Square.” Apply two layers of nail polish and be sure to seal the tips to keep them looking good. These shades shine brightest with a glassy topcoat.

No art here—just color blocking. Paint alternating fingers with each shade, and that’s it. It’s great when you want to make a statement without adding a lot of details. It also looks great whether you’re in the sun or in a dark club.

This combo takes me straight to Palm Springs energy. I wore these to an outdoor gallery opening and got more compliments on my nails than my outfit (and I really liked my outfit). That’s how you know it’s a power duo.