Summer is here, and if you’re like me, you’re probably itching to refresh your style – and there’s no better way than starting with your nails. Summer nails in 2025 are short, chic, and full of personality – they are all about expressing yourself. From sophisticated florals to daring and artistic designs, there is something for everybody. Let’s take a look at some of the most beautiful short summer nails you’ll want in 2025, every one of them a little canvas of creativity.
Playful Marble Swirls: A Splash of Summer Elegance
Blue and pink marble swirls are the perfect embodiment of summer — they’re vibrant, dynamic, and full of life. The cool, fluid designs on these short nails make for an arresting sight, with rich blues and corals jiving with warm pinks and golden highlights. There is almost a tropical feel here, the colors you see when the sun is setting on the ocean. This Short Summer Nails You’ll Want in 2025 design is a new take on the old marble trend, making you feel like you’re on the beach all the time.
To create this look I would begin with a white gel base for a blank canvas and then build with Blooming Gel to help the colors swirl and blend without a fuss. For the brave blues and pinks, I would suggest the Gelish Gel Polish in Azure Blue and Madam Glam’s Pink Dream. A touch of gold foil finishes the look and there is that touch of luxe.
Creating this at home is easier than you’d think. Use the white base and then the coat of blooming gel. When it is still wet, apply drops of blue, pink, and gold with a thin brush. The colors will automatically spread and give that dreamy swirl effect. Seal it in with a top coat and you are ready to shine.
Honestly, I love this look because it’s so versatile. Whether you are going to a beach party or just going for brunch, it gives that touch of art to your look but it is not too loud. It is one of those ideas that never fail to arouse the inspiration.
Classy Neutrals with a Pop: Simple Meets Bold
Neutral is not synonymous to boring, and this design is the proof. Nude shades maintain the class and cleanliness but it is the bright coral and the candy-striped accent nail that make this a real Short Summer Nails You’ll Want in 2025 moment. It is the perfect combination of basic and playful, and is therefore a must-have for all those who love a subtle yet stylish look.
To achieve this look, I would suggest to use OPI’s Tiramisu for Two for the nude base and Essie’s Tart Deco for that bold coral. The stripe accent can be done very easily with a thin nail art brush and a white polish such as Gelish Arctic Freeze.
For home salon-quality manicure, begin with a clear base coat and apply the nude and coral shades on your nails. Apply a thin brush to give the white stripes on one nail and finish with a glossy top coat. It’s as simple as that – a design that is made to look like you spent hours on it, but in reality, it’s all in the details.
What I like about this look is that it is so versatile. I can wear it to the office but still feel chic, but it is also fun enough for weekend adventures. It’s one of those 2025 simple designs that never get out of date.
Dreamy Pastels and Abstract Art
This one is a summer daydream come true – soft, pastel colours merging into each other like a watercolour painting. The combination of pastel purples, pinks and yellows, with an abstract art turn, makes for a light and playful look. It’s a Short Summer Nails You’ll Want in 2025 design that will suit anyone who is fond of a little whimsy, but not too much.
For the soft pastels, I would recommend Orly’s Lilac You Mean It, Essie’s Ballet Slippers and China Glaze’s Lemon Fizz. The abstract shapes can be done with a thin brush and you can use a blooming gel to help you get that soft blended look.
At home, to do this, begin with a clear base coat. Use your pastel shades in random patches and use a fine brush to softly blend the edges. For the abstract designs, dip a detail brush in your color of choice and lightly draw your shapes. Finish with a top coat of gloss for a perfect shine.
There’s something so fun about this design. It is light, fresh and allows you to be creative. I am a little happier when I look down at my nails whenever they are painted in these dreamy colors.
Vibrant Floral Pastels: A Breath of Fresh Air
Bright and cheerful, this floral pastel design is what you would want for summer. The lavender and yellow combo will bring a ray of sunshine to your nails, and the little floral accents will give it that little something. It is the type of Short Summer Nails You’ll Want in 2025 that will be suitable for garden parties or sunny picnics.
I would recommend Sally Hansen’s Laven-dare and Sinful Colors’ Unicorn for the lavender and yellow base. The floral design can be achieved with the help of a fine-tipped brush and a little amount of white polish.
Begin with the application of the pastel shades, by alternating between the two. Use a fine brush to add the little floral details – you can even use a dotting tool for the petals. Seal it all in with a top coat for the glossy finish.
It’s a design that always brings a smile. Each time I’ve ever worn this look, I’ve received compliments, and it’s one of those concepts 2025 that is new and happy.
Watermelon Fun: Juicy Vibes for Summer
Who says nails can’t be fun and fruity? This juicy watermelon design will help you to keep your summer vibes alive. That green base and those little watermelon accents are so cute and fun. This Short Summer Nails You’ll Want in 2025 look is like a summer picnic on nails.
For the perfect watermelon green, I would recommend OPI’s My Dogsled is a Hybrid, with Sally Hansen’s Pink Cadillaquer for the watermelon slices. A fine brush may be used to add the seeds in black.
This is actually super easy to do at home. Apply the green base and then use the pink and the light green for the watermelon slices. Use a thin brush for the black seeds. Top off with a top coat for the fresh, juicy shine.
I love how this look is so playful. Each time I put it on, it is like I am wearing a piece of summer with me wherever I go.
Neon Yellow Chic: Minimalist with a Tropical Twist
At times, summer requires something daring and bright and these neon yellow nails with fine black leaf accents are exactly what is needed. The bright yellow represents the sunny mood of the season, but the minimalistic leaf art keeps it classy. This is a Short Summer Nails You’ll Want in 2025 design that is both bold and elegant, ideal for those who want a little bit of color, but do not want to be too loud.
To achieve this look, I would suggest OPI’s Neon Yellow ‘Pump Up the Volume’ for that blinding bright base. For the leafy art, a thin nail art brush and Sally Hansen’s Blacky O will do a perfect job.
At home, begin with a clear base coat, put on two coats of the neon yellow, and let them dry. For the leafy art, use a fine brush to draw the leaves in a neutral base. Top with a glossy top coat for the salon shine.
This is one of my absolute favorites since it is a conversation starter. Whether you are lounging by the pool or going out to drinks with friends, these nails are sure to turn heads.
Kiwi Delight: Fresh and Fruity Vibes
Bright yellow with a fun touch – this Short Summer Nails You’ll Want in 2025 look is a fruity masterpiece. With a yummy real kiwi accent nail, it’s a piece of the tropical paradise on your fingertips. The juicy green kiwi against the sunny yellow is a pair that yells summer.
For this look, I would choose Essie’s Sunny Business and OPI’s My Dogsled is a Hybrid for the yellow base and the kiwi green respectively. A fine-tipped brush can assist you to make tiny kiwi seeds and white center to give it a realistic look.
To do this at home, use the yellow base on all the nails except one, which you’ll use the green. With a fine brush, paint the white center of the kiwi, add tiny black dots for seeds. Seal everything with a glossy top coat.
There’s something so refreshing about fruit-inspired nails. They’re fun, cheerful, and always a hit. Perfect for a picnic date or a beach outing.
Sunset Ombre: Warm Summer Hues
Sunsets are one of the most beautiful things of summer and this ombre nail design is a perfect embodiment of that. The gradient from hot pink to soft yellow is as if you were watching the sun go down. It’s a Short Summer Nails You’ll Want in 2025 design that is warm, bright and oh-so-satisfying.
For the best sunset look, I would suggest OPI’s Hotter Than You Pink for the pink and Sally Hansen’s Lemon Shark for the yellow. The gradient is possible with the help of a makeup sponge for that perfect blend.
To achieve this at home, use a white base to make the colors stand out. On a makeup sponge, put the pink and yellow polishes next to each other and dab them on your nails lightly. Repeat until you get a smooth gradient. Finish off with a glossy top coat for the sunset glow.
This design is one of my favorites since it is like you are taking a little bit of summer with you wherever you go. It is a good small talk and it always makes me smile.
Dreamy Daisies: Fresh and Flirty
Blue skies and fresh daisies – that is what this nail design is like. It is soft, light and so refreshing, therefore, it is a perfect look for Short Summer Nails You’ll Want in 2025. The fine white daisy art on a relaxing blue background is both cute and fun.
For the base, I would recommend Essie’s Bikini So Teeny, a gorgeous soft blue. The daisies can be done using a dotting tool and Sally Hansen’s White On for the petals, with a little bit of yellow in the center using OPI’s Sun, Sea, and Sand in My Pants.
At home, just put on the blue base and then use the dotting tool to make the white petals and a smaller dot for the yellow center. Top coat with a glossy finish for that beautiful shine.
This is one of those designs that never fail to give me compliments. It is sweet, happy, and is ideal for a sunny picnic or a beach day.
Neon Polka Dots: Playful and Bright
Who said polka dots are old-fashioned? This neon variation on a traditional style is not at all dull. With bright dots randomly placed on a neutral background, it is a Short Summer Nails You’ll Want in 2025 design that is all fun. Perfect for anyone who loves a playful, colorful look.
To re-create this look, you will need Essie’s Ballet Slippers for the base, and a combination of neon shades for the dots. You may use OPI’s Hotter Than You Pink, China Glaze’s Celtic Sun, and Orly’s Thrill Seeker.
For the application, start with the neutral base. When dry, use the dotting tool to add the neon dots randomly on each nail. End with a top coat that is glossy for a smooth and shiny finish.
This look is just pure joy. It is the type of design that puts a smile on your face every time you look at it – ideal for summer parties, holidays or simply to brighten up your day.
Tropical Blooms: A Splash of Paradise
Summer is bright colors and beautiful blooms and this Short Summer Nails You’ll Want in 2025 design is all about that. With a combination of rich green and deep red as the background, and bright pink floral touches, it’s as if you’re taking a little fragment of a tropical garden with you wherever you go. The design is elegant and fun and therefore ideal for sunny adventures.
For this look, I would suggest Essie’s Going Guru for the green base and OPI’s Big Apple Red for the contrasting red. The floral accents can be achieved using Sally Hansen’s Pink Dream for the petals and a fine brush to do the green leaves and golden centers.
At home, begin with your two base colors, green and red, alternating between the two. Use a fine brush to paint the pink flowers with a touch of gold in the middle for the touch of luxe. Seal with a glossy top coat for the salon-like shine.
This design is ideal for a person who wants to continue the summer vibes. It is like having a little piece of paradise on your fingertips.
Red Waves: Classic with a Twist
There is something so easy that is chic about red nails, but this Short Summer Nails You’ll Want in 2025 design takes it to another level. The glossy red is combined with a soft nude base, playful white waves add up to a sophisticated contrast. It is daring but with a touch of elegance – ideal for summer soirées.
For this look, I would suggest OPI’s Big Apple Red for that gorgeous glossy red and Essie’s Ballet Slippers for the nude base. The white waves could be applied with Sally Hansen’s White On and a fine brush.
To make this design at home, begin with a clear base coat, apply the nude and red base colors. Paint the wavy lines with a thin brush using white color. Seal everything with a shiny top coat for the mirror-like finish.
I love this look because it’s so versatile. It is daring enough to make a statement, but classy enough for any event. It’s one of those 2025 simple designs which you can always rely on.
Gold Stud Glam: Bold and Luxurious
Who says summer can’t be glamorous? This Short Summer Nails You’ll Want in 2025 look is all about luxury with a fun take. The combination of white, red and yellow nails decorated with gold studs is the best combination of bold and elegant. It is a look that can get you from beach parties to fancy dinners with ease.
For this look I would recommend Essie’s Blanc for the white, OPI’s Big Apple Red for the red and China Glaze’s Sun’s Up Top Down for the yellow. The gold studs can be applied with the help of a fine-tipped applicator and a little bit of clear gel to hold them in place.
To replicate this at home, use the three base colors on different nails. Gently put the gold studs along the edge of each nail while the polish is still wet and seal them with a clear top coat.
The thing I love about this look is that it has fun colors with a hint of luxury. It’s great for creating a statement without being too flashy.
Velvet Purple Marble: Deep and Dramatic
Summer nails do not have to be all bright and bubbly. This Short Summer Nails You’ll Want in 2025 design adds a little bit of drama with its deep velvety purple marble effect. It is mysterious, elegant, and is ideal for the lovers of sophistication.
For this look, I would suggest OPI’s Lincoln Park After Dark for that deep purple. Marble effect can be created with the use of blooming gel that makes the colors blend and swirl beautifully.
At home, begin with deep purple base and then add a layer of blooming gel. Use a fine brush and add lighter purple and white for the marble effect, and let the blooming gel do its dreamy swirls. Finish with a glossy top coat.
This look is perfect for summer nights out. It is dramatic but not too much and gives your style a bit of mystery.
Earthy Greens with Gold Accents: Natural Beauty
Sometimes, the simplest of things are the best, and this Short Summer Nails You’ll Want in 2025 look is a testament to that. The soft, earthy green with a light gold-touched white nail is fresh and elegant. It’s a look that is cool, grounded, and stylish without even trying.
For the base, I would recommend Essie’s Sage You Love Me for the perfect green and OPI’s Alpine Snow for the white accent. The gold accents can be created with a fine brush and Sally Hansen’s Gilty Party.
In order to do this at home, use the green base on most nails, reserving one for the white accent. With the help of a fine brush, draw the gold details and small leaves. Seal with a glossy top coat.
This is one of my favorite designs for the summer as it is so relaxing. It is ideal for any person who is a fan of natural, sophisticated look with a touch of glam.
Floral Fantasy: Blossoms in Bloom
There’s something timeless about delicate floral designs. This style takes the traditional French manicure and gives it a new lease of life by painting pink flowers and fresh green leaves by hand. The contrast of soft nude bases with the crisp white tips is a real definition of understated elegance, and the bright floral accents give that summer vibe a life.
To recreate this blooming gel art, you’ll need a steady hand or a fine nail art brush, a soft pink base (like Essie’s Ballet Slippers), a crisp white for the French tips, and a high-quality green and pink gel polish for the flowers. Finish it all off with a glossy top coat to keep that fresh and dewy look.
This design is best achieved with a precise approach. Begin with the base coat, then add your French tip with a guide strip if necessary, and then carefully paint the flowers using a dotting tool for the petals. A thin brush can be used for the leaves. If you’re feeling a bit extra creative, then add a little touch of gold to the flower centers to add a little extra sparkle.
There’s just something magical about floral nails. They add a little bit of nature to your fingertips and whenever I wear this design, I get compliments. It’s a perfect way to welcome the sunny season.
Pastel Marble Swirls: A Soft Summer Day
There is something about pastel colors that makes everything look dreamy and this marble swirl design is not any different. Soft lilac, white, and pale pinks all blend together perfectly, but it is still eye-catching enough to make a statement and is a soothing escape into a world of calm.
To achieve this look, you’ll need a blooming gel base, pastel shades (lavender, blush, and white), and a fine brush for swirling. Popular brands like OPI’s Lilacism or Essie’s Fiji are perfect for the pastel base colors. A thin nail art brush will help you to make those mesmerizing swirl patterns.
Begin with a base coat that is clear, then your preferred pastel base. Before curing the base under a UV lamp, swirl your secondary colors with a thin brush – this technique will give the soft marble effect. A top coat which is clear will seal the design and give a beautiful shine.
I just love how these marble swirls look on short nails – they are just a perfect combination of sophistication and fun which makes them a perfect choice for a casual beach day or even a summer wedding.
Natural Elegance: Green Leaf Minimalism
In some cases, less is more and this leafy minimalist design is a proof. Soft, muffled tones of beige and gray complement the gentle green and gold leaf accents to perfection, making the space earthy and sophisticated at the same time.
For this look, you’ll need a neutral gel polish base (try OPI’s “Put it in Neutral” or Essie’s “Urban Jungle”), a fine green polish for the leaves, and a touch of metallic gold. A detail brush will be your best friend here.
Creating this style is simple. Start with the neutral base color and, after it dries, paint the green leaves with a fine brush. The gold accents can be applied with the help of gold foil or a metallic gel polish. Top it off with a clear top coat for the smooth glassy look.
Whenever I have used this design, it has made me feel calm. It’s elegant, sophisticated, and right for the person who likes a less flashy style but still wants to be in the summer mood.
Wild Vibes: Mint Green Leopard Print
Who says short nails can’t be fierce? This mint green leopard print is an example that you do not need long claws for being bold. The bright green background with black spots is playful and bold, and it is just perfect for summer.
For this look, you’ll need a bright mint green base (try Essie’s “Mint Candy Apple”), a black polish for the leopard spots, and a dotting tool or a thin brush. You can also finish off with a matte top coat for a trendy velvety finish.
Start with bright mint base and once it is dry, use the dotting tool to create irregular black spots. Don’t get too worried about making them perfect, the randomness is the charm. After the spots are in place, top off with a matte top coat for that trendy look.
I wore this look on a beach trip last year, and it was so a vibe. It’s wild, fun, and definitely a conversation starter. Great for when you want to be a little bit daring.
Golden Sunburst: Bold Yellow with Black Accents
If you are willing to turn heads this summer, this golden yellow design is your answer. The bold yellow base, with the dramatic black and gold foil accents, is a statement look – ideal for those who love a bit of drama.
To recreate this bold look, you’ll need a sunshine yellow base (try Sally Hansen’s “Mellow Yellow”), a black gel polish for the accents, and gold foil or metallic polish. A detail brush will help you to finish the black accents.
Begin by applying the yellow base coat. When dry, use the detail brush for the black strokes. Use tweezers to apply the gold foil gently with a perfect finish. A clear top coat will keep everything in place.
This is the look that I pick when I want to feel powerful. There is something about the bold yellow and gold combination that just oozes confidence – great for the summer night out.
Watermelon Wonder: A Juicy Pop of Color
There is nothing that screams summer more than a slice of a juicy watermelon, and now you can take that refreshing feel on your fingertips. This design has a bright pink and green combo with a traditional watermelon slice design that is both fun and attention-grabbing.
For this fruity look, you’ll need a bright pink base polish (like OPI’s “Strawberry Margarita”), a vivid green for the rind, and a white polish to separate the two. Black polish and a fine detail brush will assist you to achieve the signature watermelon seeds.
Begin with a clean slate and then use the pink polish on most of the nails and leave one as an accent for the watermelon slice. Using the green and white, carefully create the rind. Dotting tool will help with those perfect little seeds. Top-coat with a clear top coat for a glossy finish.
Each time I put on this design, it is an automatic conversation starter. It is bright, it is fun and there is that little bit of nostalgia – ideal for sunny beach days.
Shiny Beetle Charm: Metallic Green with a Twist
For the lovers of a little shine, this design is a sleek metallic green with a cute little beetle accent. It’s bold, it’s eye-catching, and it’s ideal for a person who likes a bit of sparkle.
To achieve this look, you’ll need a high-shine metallic green polish (Essie’s “Penny Talk” works great), a crisp white for the accent nail, and a fine brush for drawing the beetle. You can apply a black polish for the body of the beetle and a green one for the dots.
Begin with a clean base and then metallic green on top of most nails. On the white accent nail, draw the beetle by using a fine detail brush. You can also use nail stickers for instant and perfect look. Seal everything with a glossy top coat.
This design always draws compliments – it is a little edgy, a little playful, and very unforgettable.
Gold Specks and Ocean Blues: Coastal Chic
If you are dreaming of a beach vacation, this gold and blue design will take you there. The speckled white base with streak of metallic gold is beautifully matched by the bold turquoise, and this design is a total stunner.
To recreate this look, you’ll need a white polish with fine black specks, a metallic gold (Sally Hansen’s “Golden-I” is perfect), and a bright blue for the contrast. A thin detail brush will help you to create the gold streak.
Begin with applying the speckled white polish to most nails. For the gold streak, use a fine brush and put a clean straight line. Finally, paint the remaining nails with the bright blue. Finish with a clear top coat for the smooth finish.
This is my go-to look for a beach vacation. It is stylish, sophisticated, but with that summer vibe.
Sunny Citrus Vibes: Speckled Yellow Delight
Summer is the time for sunshine, and this bright yellow nail design is just perfect for that sunny feeling. The speckled black details give it a playful touch, as if it is a refreshing lemon sorbet.
To achieve this look, you’ll need a bright yellow polish (try OPI’s “Sun, Sea, and Sand in My Pants”) and a black speckled polish for that textural effect. This look is all about simplicity and fun.
Use a base coat then two coats of the bright yellow polish. When dry, apply a coat of the black speckled top coat. To have a more controlled look, you can use a dotting tool to add the black specks in the places of your choice.
Whenever I put on this design, it is as if I am taking a piece of sunshine with me. It’s cheerful, fun, and perfect for summer picnics.
Dreamy Pastel Aurora: A Sky at Your Fingertips
Think of the soft tones of a summer sunrise on your nails – that is what this dreamy pastel design gives you. With soft swirls of pink, blue and purple, with a hint of gold, it is as if you were wearing a tiny masterpiece.
In order to create this ethereal look, you’ll need to use pastel gel polishes in pink, blue, and purple and a fine gold gel polish for the accents. A blooming gel base may be useful in achieving that soft, flowing look.
Begin with a definite base and then lay the pastel colors in soft wavy strokes. Before curing, swirl them with a thin brush to blend the colors. Lastly, use the gold polish for those fine, shimmering accents. Cap with a glossy top coat for the glassy look.
This design is ideal for summer weddings, romantic date nights, or any day that you want to feel a little bit magical.
Starry Night Elegance: Royal Blue and Gold
This design is an excellent combination of sophistication and celestial magic. Deep, thoughtful royal blue goes perfectly with soft pink and gold accents to create a look that is like a summer night sky full of stars.
To achieve this look, you’ll need a rich royal blue metallic polish (try Essie’s “Aruba Blue”), a soft pink for the accent nails, and a fine gold striping polish for the delicate star details. Dotting tool or a fine brush will help you to perfect the stars.
Start with the pink for the accent nails and the blue for the others. Draw the gold stars and lines with a fine brush. To finish off to perfection, seal everything with a high-shine top coat.
Whenever I put this design on, it is as if I’m walking around with a piece of the cosmos. It’s elegant, but it still has that summer magic touch.
Citrus French Refresh: A Zesty Twist
Traditional French nail art gets a juicy turn with this citrus inspired design. Lime green and lemon yellow slices stand out against the sharp white tips, so this is a great look for summer brunches or beach days.
To get this look, you’ll need a clear or nude base polish, a bright lime green, a sunny yellow, and white for the classic French tips. A fine brush is necessary for those fine citrus slices.
Start with a clear base and paint the white French tips. For the accent nails, use the green and yellow polishes to make the citrus slices. Add the white lines and dots for the details of the pulp. A good top coat will make it all fresh and shiny.
This is such a fun, happy look – ideal for picnics in summer, trips to the beach or any sunny day. It’s a guaranteed mood booster.
Monochrome Forest Lines: Simple, Yet Bold
Minimalism does not necessarily mean boring, and this monochrome forest line design is a proof of it. Sharp black silhouettes of pine trees on a white background bring a clean, chic look that does not overcomplicate things.
For this look, you will need a clean white base polish, deep black for the tree silhouettes, and thin striping brush. Accuracy is critical to this design but it is worth it.
Start with the white base, ensuring it is completely dried up before drawing the tree silhouettes. Painting the tree lines, use the thin brush and be careful. It will have a smooth polished finish if it has a clear top coat.
This is my everyday look for those days when I am in the mood for something easy yet eye-catching. It is ideal for nature lovers or anyone who loves some minimalist art.
Soft Marble Swirls: A Subtle Summer Glow
If you are in love with the concept of dreamy, flowing designs, these soft marble swirl nails are perfect. Soft swirls of cream, pale yellow, and soft peach tones combine in soft swirls that almost look ethereal.
To create this look you will need soft pastel colors in yellow and peach as well as creamy white base. A fine brush or even a blooming gel base will help you to make the smooth, blended swirls.
Begin with the creamy white base and then use the pastel shades in a wavy manner. Before curing, swirl the colors using fine brush for that soft marble look. End with a top coat that is glossy for a brilliant shine.
This look is so relaxing, and it is just right for those days when you feel like something fancy but not too flashy. It is like having a tiny bit of sunshine on your fingertips.
