Pretty Summer Nails You’ll Want in 2025: Fresh Designs, Colors & Inspo for Every Vibe

Summer 2025 is shaping up to be a playground of nail art, and I don’t know about you, but I’m already plotting my next mani like it’s a full-on fashion event. What colors are going to pop? Which shapes feel fresh without being fussy? How can you mix cute, bold and effortlessly cool styles?

I’ve gathered some lovely summer nail designs that you’ll want to try in 2025 and they’re both trendy and easy to wear. Every time you look, it’s different and you’ll probably want to save each image.

Buzzed in Blooms: Soft Pink Daisies and Bees

This nail look makes it look like you’re holding a wildflower field in your hands. The pretty, soft pink base is understated and lovely and the daisy petals and hand-drawn bees add an enjoyable summer touch. It’s sweet, nostalgic, and perfect for those looking for simple nail art with a dash of nature. I love that it’s short and square — a super manageable shape for daily wear, but with just enough detail to make you feel dressed up even when you’re in a tee and denim.

A soft pink gel base such as OPI’s “Put it in Neutral” or Essie’s “Ballet Slippers,” will give you this look. To add flowers, use a fine brush, apply white polish and dot on the yellow centers with a little tool. Add a black gel liner to your eyes and add a yellow dot. Don’t skip the top coat for a shiny and full look.

If you follow the steps, you’ll find it’s much simpler to make this at home. First, apply your base shade and cure. After that, use a dotting tool to put the daisy centers, add the petals and finish by adding bees — curing each step as you go. According to Betina Goldstein, a final coat of builder gel will keep designs like these looking strong for a longer period.

When I wore this outfit last year in Carmel-by-the-Sea, the barista commented on it as she gave me my iced latte. It’s one of those designs that’s cozy, feminine, and totally summer-core. Think “frolicking in a field but make it fashion.”

Rainbow Glaze Dreams: Iridescent Acrylics for the Bold

Here’s one for those girls who love a little excitement. Their long, shiny acrylics have sunset gradients and a chrome finish that remind us of hot-girl summer. There’s some pink, purple and neon shine — just like your nails could have come from the main stage at Coachella. The shape which is square with slightly coffin edges, looks polished and sharp. It’s the kind of look that pairs perfectly with chunky rings and fresh highlighter.

You can achieve this look with acrylic extensions and iridescent chrome powders and I’ve found Born Pretty’s aurora series to give great results. A gradient base with vivid gel shades (like Madam Glam’s “My Oh My” and “Margarita Time”) gives you the vibrancy, and then you can layer chrome to shift the light. Serious shine will only come if you use both your base and top gel.

If you haven’t tried ombré blending and chrome powder before, this look isn’t for you — though if you’re willing to learn, check out @nailsbyzola’s TikToks. Her suggestions kept me from making some embarrassing mistakes when I started out.

In all honesty, this set needs a lot of attention, but it’s definitely worth having. I had on something like what I wore to a rooftop dinner in Miami and it looked amazing in the golden hour light. It’s what I call a “conversation-starter manicure.”

Scarlet Edge: The New French Tip for Almond Lovers

If you love classic beauty with a small twist, this sharp almond shape with a blood-red French tip is your summer vamp dream. You can hardly see the blush and the red tips are what really stand out. Chic, grown-up, and unapologetically sexy. This style of French manicure isn’t subtle about its elegance — it makes it clear. Color contrast is the only thing you need, without any rhinestones or glitter.

You’ll want a high-pigment red polish (think Chanel Le Vernis in “Rouge Puissant”) and a soft pink base — I use “Mademoiselle” by Essie. A good liner brush will help you get a precise point on your nails. If you’re going to an event, seal your nails with a strong gel top coat to keep them looking great.

You can do this look fast: prepare your nails, put on the nude base and paint your tips with a brush. According to Julie Kandalec, making a tension point in the middle of the nail helps you get the perfect dramatic French look.

I’ve put on something similar for weddings and interviews. It always gives “put-together” without trying too hard. And for summer? Red lipstick looks amazing on tanned skin, especially if you’re not actually tanned.

Daisy Pop: Cheerful Sky Blue with Flower Art

This mani is all about joy. You’re wearing your favorite summer sundress on your hands with this sky blue base. It is both bright and soft and hand-painted white daisies add a youthful touch that isn’t childish. It’s a cute, rounded style that’s welcoming, feminine and absolutely worthy of Pinterest. Talk about inspo for picnic season!

This one is simple to do yourself — use a pastel blue like “Saltwater Happy” by Essie or “Blue La La” by Orly. You can finish the floral art quickly with a white nail pen or dotting tool and a glossy gel top coat will finish the look.

I always use this style when going on road trips — the petals just make me smile whenever I look at the wheel. It also looks amazing in travel photos.

Mustard Matte: Easy Speckled Yellow for Minimalists

This one took me by surprise. It’s muted but bold, minimal but super chic. With its soft yellow matte finish and small black specks, it looks like it was made with ceramic glaze. It’s a short oval shape that’s very comfortable to wear and appropriate for work as well as everyday activities. Because it’s simple to style, it has a big impact, especially for the earthy and grounded 2025 colors.

For this one, grab a matte top coat (Sally Hansen’s is affordable and solid), and a mustard polish — I used “Sun Kissed Clay” from Olive & June. You can create speckles using a splatter brush and black nail polish that’s been thinned or you could buy a “freckled” polish instead.

I put on this look when I want my nails to look cool, but not too cool. A lot of people who see the design tell me, “I don’t usually pay attention to nails, but these… wow.”

Pop Citrus French: A Colorful Twist on Tradition

The reason I love this tip is that it’s not your usual French one. A neon-lime base is used for the squared-off nails, with dotted cobalt-blue curves around them that look playful and new. The colors used are as bright and refreshing as the drinks you’d find at a summer juice bar. It looks like something from a comic or mod fashion, but it’s still easy to wear. It feels like a designer’s sketch turned real. If you’re a maximalist, this one is for you.

If you’re doing this yourself, use a dotting tool and choose bold shades of green and blue inspired by 2025. The key is contrast. You might want to try colors called “Electric Daisy” by Lights Lacquer and “Butler Please” by Essie. A steady hand is useful for the curved lines, but nail vinyls will also make your lines look cleaner.

It takes time to do this design, but it’s really satisfying when you’re done. First, use your base nude color, let it dry and then add the lime tips. After the painting is dry, put the blue dots on and coat the top with a sealant. According to editorial nail artist Miss Pop, putting on a gel base causes those little dots to stand out and look more luxurious.

I wore something similar to an art opening, and a stranger actually asked if they were hand-painted or press-ons (high compliment, right?). It’s a new version of an old shape — and one of the prettiest summer nails you should look for in 2025.

Lavender Ice: Short Purple Drama with a Hint of Glitter

There’s a special calming quality to purple and this short gel mani shows how it can be both soft and striking. A lavender base is given a boost with navy crescent patterns, layered designs and bits of sparkling silver. Each nail gives me a chance to create something new, all while telling the same basic story. It’s artistic without being chaotic, dramatic without being heavy.

You can get this look by beginning with a gel purple called “Lilacism” by Essie or “Lavender Fields” by Gelish. A navy blue polish is what you need for the edges and you’ll also want a detail brush to add the curved lines. For the sparkle? Apply a foil transfer or a polish with lots of glitter — Orly’s “Halo” can give your nails a sparkling look. Don’t forget your top coat for depth and gloss.

You need to layer this style — put on the base color, then draw the swoops and add a bit of glitter near the cuticle. According to nail artist Naomi Yasuda (who’s styled Lizzo and FKA Twigs), mixing creamy base tones with metallics makes the nail feel more editorial.

Personally, this is my go-to for evenings out. It shows that brief doesn’t mean dull and the glitter in gel polish will stick around even after your weekend is over.

Neon Split: Pink, White & Green Acrylic Almond Nails

If you want to make a statement, these acrylic almond nails are just for you — they’re sharp, bold and meant for girls who want impact. The neon green, electric pink and cool white colors used in the outfit look like they would be on a futuristic summer runway. The almond shape elongates the fingers, while the unexpected placement of colors on different nails gives it that “I woke up like this… but extra” energy.

These require an acrylic base for structure — if you’re going to go long and pointed, you want strength. Polishes like “Hotter Than Pink” by Orly and “Who Is She?” by Color Dept (a creamy neon green) work great. If you have white hair, try Apres Gel’s “White Out,” which is very pigmented.

You should stripe or brush your colors onto the canvas before adding the rest of the design. Cure after each color section to avoid smudging. A clean base coat underneath helps them glide evenly. Pro tip: avoid matte here. The gloss enhances the vivid tones.

When I wore this at a beach wedding for a friend last summer, I kept getting asked about them all day. They looked daring — but matched well with a breezy dress and tan shoulders. It’s a style that not everyone likes, but if you recognize it, you’ll understand why.

Waveform Minimal: Ocean Blues with an Artistic Touch

This design is brief, blue and brings a calm, cool coastal style to the space. The nails are soft blue, except for one which is painted with dark sea wave forms. You can feel like you’re in the Mediterranean, even when you’re just picking up iced coffee nearby. There’s a simplicity to it — no sparkle, no distractions — just pure oceanic ease.

If you are looking for gel colors, choose “Bikini So Teeny” by Essie and “Pacific Blue” from Sally Hansen. It’s possible to create the wavy lines with a nail art pen or a thin striping brush. A clean cream color is perfect for the white base — make sure it’s not too soft.

This is an easy design to DIY. First, use your base color and then draw the waves by hand on one or two nails. Seal it all with a no-wipe top coat. If you’re not confident with freehanding, you can use decals or stamping plates instead.

I was at the lake for the weekend and this outfit really suited the moment. I’m a fan of blue, but this design gave it a modern and almost peaceful feel. Nail art that stays in your mind, but doesn’t scream for attention.

Pastel Curves with a Golden Vein

This almond set is soft, elegant and stylish, all without being too obvious. It mixes pink and purple with gold accents that make it look like jewelry. You can wear this style with a silk blouse or your favorite comfortable linen pants. It’s a look all about smooth lines that merge into one another.

Try shades like Zoya’s “Abby” (a soft lavender) and OPI’s “Bubble Bath” for the pink base. Use metallic striping tape or a nail art pen such as the “Gold Foil Liner” from Mia Secret, for the gold detailing — it gives a fine-thread look without being too noticeable.

This one’s simple to recreate but looks ultra-luxe. Distribute your base color in broad lines, using each side on every nail. After the paint dries, add gold along the edge and complete with a satin matte top coat if you want a softer result.

I turn to this when I’m in the mood to feel mature, but still want to be fun. It looks good on everyone, but especially on darker skin, as warm gold is a lovely choice.

Sage Bloom: Soft Green with Subtle Florals

When I want a manicure that looks neat but isn’t too bright, I pick a soft green. The base color is creamy and earthy and a single nail with tiny white swirl-flowers gives it a summery touch. This is a new way to do botanical nails — one that looks great with simple sundresses or jewelry.

I applied Olive & June’s “Sagebrush” for the base and drew a white floral swirl with a gel detail liner. If you want to add more detail, dust some sheer shimmer over the petals — it looks lovely in natural light and doesn’t make the arrangement look too fancy.

This one’s an easy at-home project. Paint your base, let it dry and then draw the petals by hand with a liner brush. Ensure the design is focused in one area, so everything doesn’t seem crowded. I was told by manicurist Gina Edwards that if your base is a soft color, make the details shiny to add a little contrast.

I chose this outfit for a garden brunch and completed it with gold hoops and a bun that wasn’t styled. I felt like I was seeing peak grown-up summer girl style — and it will never go out of style with all the colors 2025 is offering.

Ocean Flicker: Metallic Brushstrokes in Deep Blues

If you feel calm watching waves, this look is for you, made nail art style. Soft chrome is used with deep blue and metallic stripes to create the look of water reflecting the moon. You can tell the artist didn’t use a brush perfectly which adds character and a relaxed atmosphere to the painting. It’s artsy but grounded — and pairs so well with both neutral outfits and saturated colors.

You’ll want a mix of gel shades for this: “Aruba Blue” by Essie, a teal chrome like Beetles’ “Mermaid’s Tale,” and a brushed silver (try “No Place Like Chrome”). For an abstract look, use a flat fan brush by dragging it through polish that’s still wet.

Pick your base blues, cure them and then brush a little metallic on the accent nails with the fan brush. Don’t aim for perfection — the imperfect texture is what makes it luxe. Top your eyes with a thin glossy gel to make the shift and shimmer more noticeable.

I noticed something like this in an editorial on colors for dark skin and let me tell you, it looks amazing. It’s truly one of the pretty summer nails you’ll want in 2025 if you love a water-inspired, dimensional design.

Tangerine Garden: Orange Burst with Wild Daisies

I’m excited to mention colors 2025 that feel lively: this bold orange almond-shaped manicure is sure to turn heads and remind you of summer. There’s one nail with daisy art and little orange dots that look like petals blooming in the sun. Bold meets boho. You can really feel the difference when you wear it with a tan — or, if you’re honest, just some self-tanner.

I did this by applying “Marigold” by Lights Lacquer and outlining the flowers with a tiny liner brush and white and black gel polish. The mini florals are much easier to do with a dotting tool. If you want to keep the shine going, try this gel version and it will last all week.

You need to be patient, especially when you’re doing the accent nail. My tip? First, stamp the florals onto the plate, then press them on for a better result. Hang Nguyen recommends choosing a single nail for a busy floral design and I think that’s a great idea.

I always feel better when I put on this orange almond shape acrylic. Like vitamin C for your style.

Cherry Pop: Retro Fruit with a Glossy Twist

There’s something about cherry nails that never gets old. It’s fun, a bit nostalgic and somehow remains both flirty and new. Add a touch of fruit to your nails with this short rounded red manicure and a single cherry design on a nude base. It feels like sipping soda through a striped straw. Summer nostalgia at its finest.

I applied “Big Apple Red” by OPI and “Mademoiselle” for the nude. The juice on the cherry comes from a jelly gloss and is painted with two liners, red and green. This is a wonderful first step into detail work if you’re just starting to do your own nails.

You can do this with only a thin brush, dotting tool and a steady hand. A touch of green with a sharp tip is all the leaf needs. According to celebrity nail tech Tom Bachik, making quick flicks instead of perfect shapes will give your nails a natural fruit look.

I’m not suggesting you’ll feel like baking a cherry pie, but you might find yourself matching your nails to your lip gloss.

Cotton Candy Drip: Hot Pink with Icing Art

Finally, this pink, acrylic, square manicure is a real treat for your nails. Nails with a bright bubblegum base and a white drip pattern, plus splatter dots — it’s fun, evokes old memories and is very Gen Z. Summer boardwalks, sweet smells and snapping a photo with cotton candy and sunglasses are all you need to think of.

Use “Pink Voltage” by China Glaze for your nails and a white gel liner around your eyes to get the look. You use a dotting tool to make the dot and then pull it down to form the drip. Put a few small black dots on top to give the cake a faux ice cream look.

If you’re looking for a challenge, this is a great one to make at home. You’ll get the best look when you use longer square tips. Trace the white icing with a thin brush and then use a thicker dot of color to fill it in.

I’m being honest when I say that if I do acrylic almond or square again soon, this will be the one. It’s colorful, playful and doesn’t get too serious — and that’s often the best thing about summer makeup.

Retro Curves in Sunset Tones

It’s a very cool look—imagine a 1970s trip to the Riviera with modern nail art. The base is a creamy nude so that the bright retro colors of blue, mandarin orange and turquoise can really shine. It’s bold but still totally wearable. This design reminds us of the past and the future all at once which is exactly what’s popular for 2025.

To recreate this acrylic almond manicure, I’d reach for OPI’s “Hue is the Artist?” as a base, layered with Essie’s “Tangerine Tease” and “Butler Please” for those high-impact curves. You need a thin brush for this part, as it’s hard to do freehand unless you’re a wizard.

I first apply two layers of the nude base and let them dry fully. I use a curved liner brush to outline the design with blue, then add the orange wave just a little higher. Coat your nails with a very shiny top coat to make them look like they belong in a magazine. If your curves aren’t steady, you can use striping tape to help you paint them. Betina Goldstein, a famous manicurist, says that building up your look one layer at a time and allowing each to dry is the key to sharp, graphic nails.

There’s something about this combo that gives me energy. I was wearing something similar to this last summer in Palm Springs and people I didn’t know asked me about it while getting iced matcha. It’s bright, it’s strong and it actually makes me feel polished even when I’m wearing flip-flops.

Neon Garden Party

This is nail art turned full-on botanical fantasy. The almond shape is lively and has a feminine feel and those pansies painted by hand look almost too lovely to exist. The reason this look feels new for 2025 is because it uses bold floral patterns and cheerful coral. It’s taking inspiration from vintage seed packets, but giving the look a premium touch.

To pull this off, you’ll want a quality gel polish in electric coral (like Gelish’s “Tiger Blossom”), plus a detail brush for the florals. Typically, I take yellow, deep purple, white and a little green from a painter’s palette, using LeChat’s Perfect Match collection.

Now, creating this at home? It’s a weekend project. You’ll need patience and a thin nail art brush. Paint the base with coral and then draw the centers of your flowers in dark plum. After that, paint on more petals, this time using white and yellow and finish by outlining the leaves. Floral designs are best when you add a touch of white to the petals for some depth, says editorial nail artist Naomi Yasuda. Don’t miss out on putting a gel topcoat on, as it will help secure the shine.

Whenever I choose florals, women of all ages compliment me and I receive the most compliments at summer BBQs and farmers markets. It’s a fun look, ideal for when the sun is out, you wear a sun hat and enjoy drinks outside.

Sunset Ombre with a Dusting of Glitter

The square shape gives this mani a soft, edgy look at the same time. Going from bubblegum pink to white makes it seem like a summer sunset and the black flecks add some excitement to the look. It’s equal parts sweet and sophisticated. Short nails won’t stop this manicure from looking amazing.

I use a makeup sponge and add thin layers of pink and white gel polish such as Modelones “Soft Pink” and “Milky Dream,” to get the fade. As soon as the ombre is smooth, I apply a little black fine foil glitter and then cure it. I like that it’s a mix of messiness and style.

I usually prefer quick steps, so I’ll use a dotting tool with foil glue to sprinkle the glitter, rather than covering everything in glitter. It has a simple look that still lets light through. Gina Edwards, a leading artist at Kiss Nails, thinks speckled accents are popular now because they add a fashionable touch without making your nails look busy.

This mani reminds me of soft skies and drinks on a rooftop. I’d pair it with gold rings and a light dress, as if we’re going to be pretty, we might as well go all out.

Palm Trees and Poolside Blues

There’s something cinematic about this set. The shade of blue to purple with palm silhouettes reminds me of a Malibu summer. What makes this different for 2025 is the smooth transition and the simple way details are used—those black trees against the color change? Pure vibe. Plus, the square shape keeps it modern and wearable.

You’ll want to use gel polish for the glassy look on this one. I prefer to make use of “Skyline Blue,” “Lavender Chill,” and “Bare White” from Born Pretty. A fine detail brush (like from Winstonia) will help paint those tiny palm trees with precision. If you’re unsure about drawing freehand, you can get the same look with a water decal.

I apply each shade with a sponge, blend them and then cure the nail after each layer. The key is making it look airbrushed. The first step for the palms is to do the trunk, then I flick the leaves out like tiny fireworks. Use a final top coat for a UV filter, so your nails won’t fade in the sun.

This look just screams vacation. I tried this before a bachelorette trip and I couldn’t get enough of my nails by the pool. It made every cocktail feel just a little fancier.

Barbiecore Meets Safari

Pink and leopard print? Yes please. It’s a set that is both bold, playful and a bit rebellious in the most positive way. The square shape supports the design and allows the prints to really stand out. We’re still big fans of using acrylics to mix prints and high-gloss effects, without feeling guilty about it.

A bright pink from Sally Hansen called “Pink Blink” and a white base will give you the best results. I make the leopard spots by using black and magenta polish with a dotting tool and a fine brush. They give your home a touch of art that feels just right for you.

I tend to cover the print first and then I use my dotting tool to add layers of color to the spots. A top coat with a glossy finish helps keep the hair looking wet. It’s the kind of design that turns heads—literally. According to nail artist Miss Pop, adding bold color to animal print makes any set look both planned and fashionable and I fully agree.

Would I wear this to the office? Maybe not every day. If it’s a night out or you’re feeling like the hero of a movie, go for it. Wear a pink lip and tell me you don’t feel like you’re on fire.

Cherry Hearts and a Classic Pop

This manicure which is shaped like almonds, is a great way to celebrate bold summer fun. The red tip on the nails contrasts nicely with the soft pink underneath and the single crystal adds some glitter. But the hero? The ring finger is decorated with tiny heart confetti, turning it into a fun and flirty style that’s still elegant.

For that semi-sheer pink, you should use a gel base that lasts such as Gelish’s “Cover Me Head to Toe.” I use OPI’s “Big Apple Red” for the hearts and red tips because it’s classic, bold and perfect for summer. The little rhinestone? You can find them at any nail supply or in a DIY craft kit.

I use French tip guides to make my lines neat and then use a detail brush to paint the red polish over them. In my opinion, dotting tools or nail stickers are perfect for the heart. A crystal setting tool allows you to place the gem in place without leaving smudges. One highlight can take your manicure to the next level and this manicure shows that well.

I once wore this while having brunch and I’m sure my mimosa tasted better because I had the glass. Red French tips will always be stylish and in 2025, they’re getting a playful update.

Starfish Shoreline

With mermaid-core still popular this year, I can’t help but imagine myself in a coastal Airbnb after seeing this lovely blue almond set with gold starfish charms. The mix of nude and icy blue, finished with a silver line, gives the design a little extra interest without looking too fancy. It’s dreamy and breezy in all the right ways.

To recreate this look, you’ll need a sheer gel pink (I love Beetles “Natural Nude”) and a crisp blue like Essie’s “Saltwater Happy.” You can get starfish charms online or from nail art stores—select those with flat backs so they don’t stick up.

I use a damp makeup sponge to mix my colors and gently press until the fade is smooth. The silver accent looks best when you use a striping brush and foil gel. I put the charms on last, then seal them with a thick builder gel to make sure they don’t move. Celebrity nail tech Elle Gerstein says charm placement is a great way to spark conversations and she’s right, because I’ve had baristas talk to me about them several times.

It’s one of those acrylic almond designs that seems complicated but is actually easy to do. It’s vacation-ready, cocktail-in-hand kind of pretty.

Lemon Zest Picnic

Okay, tell me you haven’t seen anything fresher today. Thick lemon slices and white flowers on a clear base? Yes, please. These nails are making the Italian countryside look like it’s in the middle of July. The mix of yellow and green in this design makes it one of the happiest I’ve seen this year.

I start with a milky nude base, add Sunflower for the lemons and finish with a green and white from my nail art palette. You need a dotting tool to paint the flowers and a tiny brush helps you add the fruit and leaves.

It takes a little patience, mainly when painting lemons, but once you get going, it’s very relaxing. I normally draw the design with a thin brush in pencil before applying color. Don’t forget to use a thick layer of gel on top to guard your mini citrus orchard.

Honestly? This look just makes me happy. At a girls’ weekend, I wore something similar and my friend commented, “Your nails are what lemonade tastes like.” Enough said.

Glossy Pearls and Clean Whites

Talk about elegance with a twist. These nails are short and square, in a creamy off-white and have a gleaming finish that shows off like polished marble. The single arc of micro-pearls? Absolute genius. It’s simple, elegant and super quiet, but it doesn’t stop being enjoyable for summer.

I choose OPI’s “Funny Bunny” for a soft white and put on two or three layers for a creamy look. Pearls are included in both nail art wheels and jewelry craft kits. Secure the nails along a half-moon arc with some nail glue or gel adhesive.

A dotting tool and a wax pencil are what I use to place the beads into the slightly sticky gel. Then I cure it for extra hold. Celeb nail artist Julie Kandalec says that including one 3D element makes your nails look like pieces of jewelry on your hands. That’s exactly the vibe here.

I chose this mani for my summer wedding because it was classic and still interesting. It also looks great on dark skin, thanks to the soft white which doesn’t make the skin look washed out.