Summer is when you can go all out with your nails and it actually feels like the right thing to do. The weather is nice, iced lattes are ready and picking between a muted pastel and a shiny chrome is now the hardest choice of the day. So what’s trending this season? Is it still the French tip look or have we moved on to acrylic pop art? What if you’re looking for something easy, but still very cute?
We’re going to look at the summer nail designs for 2025 that will have you calling your nail technician right now. You could also buy a DIY kit and make something fun at home. Either way, these looks? Total main character energy.
Playful Pop with Zebra Stripes and Neon Clash
This summer nail look is packed with energy and reminds me of Lisa Frank and the Y2K era. Bright pink, blue and tangerine are all mixed with black zebra stripes in this pattern. It’s giving bold, fun, and fearless. The short oval shape keeps it practical for daily wear while still delivering that splash of “wow” every time you gesture.
To get this look, you’ll want a glossy base coat like Essie’s “Here to Stay” and shades like OPI’s “Hotter Than You Pink,” “No Room for the Blues,” and “Mural Mural on the Wall.” A good way to include zebra details is to use a very sharp liner brush and a traditional black polish like Sally Hansen’s “Blacky O.”
I paint two coats of color first, making sure they are dry before adding the black zebra pattern. If you’re sharpening the edges yourself, use a clean-up brush dipped in acetone. If you’re unsure about drawing freehand lines, zebra nail wraps will help you out.
I put this mani on when I want to look like I’m at a rave—in the most fun way. Whenever I notice my hands, I get a little thrill. Great for a rooftop party, a street festival or when you’re feeling low on a Monday.
Iridescent Pastel Chrome for Dreamy Vibes
This is your dreamy, summer-evening-on-the-balcony nail fantasy. The finish has a shiny chrome look with purple, blue and even a hint of mint changing as you look at it. The color is cool and the shape is like a ballerina’s, so it looks nice but is easy to wear all the time.
It’s now much simpler to get this mirror effect at home. You’ll need a base color (like OPI’s “Do You Lilac It?”), a chrome pigment powder (try Born Pretty’s unicorn chrome), and a no-wipe top coat. Apply the base, dust on the powder and make sure to seal it.
I’ve worn this look for weddings and late-summer trips and it always gives me a soft, polished look. It’s an easy design, but never dull, especially when the sun hits it at sunset. Chef’s kiss.
Berry Cute Summer Fruits on a Pink Canvas
If you’re looking for something that’s extra cute, check out this look. A soft base color and tiny dots give way to a lovely raspberry picture made with stacked shades and some green leaves. The rounded almond shape helps create a feminine style and the total look is halfway between picnic-core and Pinterest-perfect.
You’ll want a pale speckled pink (Lights Lacquer’s “Paper Snow”) and a fine brush set for the fruit art. Because gel polish is best for layering, you can cure each part of your design without it smudging. If you’d rather not draw, water decals or nail stickers can give you the same look in half the time.
I’ve always loved the nostalgic feel of fruit prints and I wore this exact top on a beach trip, making every sangria pic even better. Bonus? It works beautifully on short colorful nails too.
Mint Marble with Elegant Gold Ribbons
I feel like I’ve gone to both a posh spa and an art gallery. The nails are mostly green and two are painted white with metallic gold waves on top. There is movement, texture and a small amount of glam that gives it a unique feel.
To achieve this at home, wear Essie’s “Mint Candy Apple” on your nails and a stark white like “Blanc” on your toes. Make the ribbon look by using gold foil or metallic striping tape. Seal the whole look by adding a super shiny topcoat.
I’d choose this for a summer bridal shower or a weekend brunch. It’s straightforward, refined and enjoyable—and goes well with gold rings and fresh linen.
Classic Green and White Duo with a Twist
Sometimes, less really is more. The square-cut acrylic manicure is made using only two colors, green and white, placed in alternating blocks. It’s very crisp, bright and the earthy green color really draws your attention.
It’s important to use a gel polish with good pigmentation—try “Eucalyptus” and “Daisy” from The GelBottle for full coverage in just two coats. Using a square or coffin shape adds a designer touch to a minimalist design.
This is the sort of design I like for business or family occasions when looking chic is important yet I shouldn’t go overboard. It’s providing a stylish main character in a Jane Austen remake—except with better nails.
Retro Green Swirls with Almond Elegance
With this look, you will look as if you’re going straight back to the groovy times with a hint of refinement. One nail is painted green and the others have pink and white swirls reminiscent of vintage vinyl mixed with today’s cool. The shape of the nails created with an almond tip gives off a classy look, much like what you might see at a rooftop bar enjoying iced matcha.
I used OPI’s “Stay Off the Lawn!” for the green and Essie’s “Ballet Slippers” paired with “Mod Square” to swirl with a fine liner brush. Gel polish is the best choice for a marble effect because it gives you the best blend.
I especially like this style because it uses movement and color in a way that doesn’t feel overpowering. If you’re into art, like retro designs or just want something more than plain nails, it’s for you.
Sweet Blueberry Bliss on Lavender
This time, I’d like to discuss fruit again, but with a calm purple base and hand-painted blueberries that are so cute, they look like they’re going to jump off your nails. The details are what make this look special: the blues are layered, there are tiny highlights and the leaves are rich green. Because it’s short and rounded, it’s both fun and useful, whether you’re using your phone or growing herbs on your fire escape.
You can start by using Zoya’s “Abby” or Olive & June’s “Lavender” to get this look. Use gel pots for your fruit; the color you get is truly worth it. It is common advice from nail artists to use dotting tools to add depth to berries and then finish with a micro brush.
There’s something calming about this design. It’s a lovely and fresh choice for summer, especially with oat milk lattes and a linen dress. I dressed in a similar way for a farmer’s market brunch and it made the whole day special.
Sky Blue Daisies for the Flower Child
There’s something special about the way this sky-blue background is decorated with white flower daisies and golden centers. It’s a happy color that doesn’t seem childish and brightens any look right away. The shape and lines here make this design perfect for summer nail designs.
Lights Lacquer’s “Blue Moon” is a great base for your nails. Pick a white gel from your nail art supplies and fill the daisies. Then use a yellow polish called “Sunshine State of Mind” to put dots in the center. If you find it tough to cut out sharp petals, stamping tools can add those details for you.
This design feels like bottled sunshine. It’s simple, feels like the past and is the mani I choose when I feel like a flower child—especially on days that need a little boost of happiness. Daisy nails just hit differently.
Neon Yellow Love Notes with Butterflies
Neon is more than a trend this year; it’s a way of life. This electric yellow nail with black butterfly decals and handwritten-style “love” scripts is everything I want from a bold summer nail design idea. It’s a square design, looks neat and polished and still has a Gen Z feel.
I always use Holo Taco’s “Banana Hacks” if I want a neon base that stands out. Apply two layers, cure with a lamp and then stamp on butterfly decals or use a hand stamp for a fun finish. If you don’t like the glossy look, use a matte top coat instead.
I put on this set whenever I feel like I can’t be stopped. It’s playful, brings fun and goes well with summer songs, gold accessories and the light at golden hour. Bonus: it photographs so well.
Pink Ombré Stilettos with Butterfly Flight
This one’s all about the drama. From the nails’ tips to the cuticles, there’s a pink gradient, with white accent nails filled with colorful butterflies. With its stiletto shape, the dress adds glamour to any look, but the butterfly detail balances it out. It’s as if she has sugar and spice mixed together on ten sharp claws.
To perform base ombré, you can use four colors of Beetles gel polish applied with a makeup sponge. For the butterflies, you can either hand-paint them (if you’ve got time and patience) or apply decals sealed in with a glossy top coat. The shape is most flattering when made with acrylic, as it helps create the right structure and length.
This is a showstopper look. I had this look for a summer bachelorette weekend and people kept asking me who did my nails in line at the coffee shop. If you want a look that’s both bright and bold, this is the one for you.
Electric Leopard in Vivid Green
I can’t get enough of the way this green polish looks with shiny black leopard spots. You probably didn’t realize you needed this animal print this summer—it’s bold, polished and just a little rebellious. Its round shape makes it tidy and the bold pattern adds lots of sparkle.
A combo like OPI’s “I’m Sooo Swamped!” and Orly’s “Liquid Vinyl” will get you there. Lay down the green base and then use a dotting tool to paint some black spots filled and some left empty for added texture. It’s a simple look with high payoff.
This mani is all about Miami’s summer nightlife—full of fun, courage and ready to attract attention. To be honest, the red belt gave my all-black look just the right amount of contrast I didn’t realize it needed.
Colorful Candy Speckles on Matte Pastels
It’s as if an Easter egg with speckles exploded, but in a really good way. Pastel nails in different colors have matte dots of black to give them a sweet look with a slight edge. Thanks to the square cut, it’s easy to wear it anywhere and still feel like an adult.
Try out the Pastel Macaron Gel Set from Modelones and decorate with speckles by dipping a brush in black polish. I prefer to use Olive & June’s matte seal as the final layer of my manicure.
Whenever I can’t decide, I go with this—it’s simply the best, it’s easy and it fits all my iced drink posts this week. It’s also one of those sets people always ask if they’re stickers (they’re not).
Zebra Stripe Party in Neon Clash
Zebra, but make it psychedelic. In this design, yellow, purple and lime green stripes are clearly separated by glossy solids that finish the look. Zebra nails are perfect for a rave, full of attitude and they’re giving summer nail designs a colorful feel.
You’ll want high-pigment gel shades (try Nail Reserve’s neons) and a super fine nail art brush. To start, paint each stripe one color at a time and then brush black overtop in the typical zebra pattern.
This one is made for dancing in a crowd. I’ve worn a similar style to summer music festivals and my outfit didn’t make a big impression like the music did. If you’re ready to go bold in 2025, this is a good place to start.
Fresh Lime Gradient with French Vibes
This design is inspired by the French manicure, but it’s in a green, citrus and mojito-by-the-pool style. The nails start with a nude base and end in neon green, with a small lime slice and splash on the ring and middle fingers. It’s graphic, glossy, and screams vitamin C.
First, use “Bubble Bath” from OPI and then work in green polish using the sponge-blending method. Use Art gel for the lime details and use a dotting tool to draw the wedge outlines before adding white striping gel.
I’d wear this for a vacation at the beach or a wedding held by the lake. It’s light, it’s lively and it suits a sundress and a touch of glossy lipstick. A little pop of citrus never hurt anyone.
Teal Dip Tips with a Cool Ombre Fade
This design is pure summer elegance. The soft blue color at the tip gives way to a sheer pink base, just as ocean waves or watercolor strokes might look. The rounded almond shape gives the look a fluid feel and the whole thing is easy and breezy, like a little sun and a bit of wind.
Create this look with a sheer nude base (think Essie’s “Mademoiselle”) and a teal gel like “Splash the Beat” by DND. Use a sponge to blend the teal higher on the walls and top it with a glossy protection for a shiny, refreshing effect.
I love how soft and wearable this is. It’s clear, yes—but it’s the kind of simple that still looks like a plan. Whether I’m out for brunch or doing errands, it helps me look organized without much effort.
Neon Waves and Glitter Trails
This green manicure makes me feel like I’m wearing a dance track on my hands. The bright color, bold design and silver glitter on two nails make the classic square shape feel festive. The colorful summer nail designs like these make every movement seem extra cool.
I got that bright look by using “Electric Daisy” from DND and adding silver holographic glitter from Kiara Sky along the wave path with a detail liner. If you’re not confident in your freehand, you can use tape or a silicone nail guide to create the S-curve.
This mani looks so good in the sun that even pushing your cart will feel stylish. It’s giving “girls’ weekend in Miami,” even if you’re just out grabbing green juice.
Lemon Splash & Ocean Drip Vibes
Everything about this look says vacation. The blue marble, juicy lemon and bright yellow thumb give this a true tropical feel. The almond shape gives it an elegant edge while still screaming “let’s hit the beach.”
Start with “Sky Blue” and “Lemonade” on your nails and finish by using ‘darker blue’ polish with a brush and some acetone. With lemon art decals, you don’t have to worry about drawing your designs.
I wore something similar while house-sitting by a pool in July and those shorts were my favorite part of the summer. Trust me: these are nails for when you’re the person others ask for travel recs.
Floral Pop on Sunny Yellow
Buttery yellow nails have bright pink flowers on them, like flowers from a summer field. The almond shape makes the color less strong and the blossoms which have been hand-made, are a tribute to the vintage look.
If you’re short on time, try “Sunbeam” by Orly and add florals by applying nail art stickers or brushes. To finish the center, use a small dotting tool by adding a white base, magenta petals and a small yellow dot.
I tried these at a garden party before and everyone loved them. Everyone wanted to see them up close. They’re easy to make but can make people smile.
Pineapple Punch with a Glossy Finish
This one’s a tropical snack in nail form. A white base is decorated with a clear pineapple image, with four solid yellow nails surrounding it. The style is playful and looks great with either short, colorful hair or long almond-shaped hair.
I like “Bee” by Zoya best for yellow because it sits right in the middle of cool and warm shades. Pineapple details can be painted using striping brushes or added using decals. Spray a high-gloss top coat to achieve the look of glass.
It’s hard not to feel refreshed with these on. I wore a white linen romper and some rattan sandals and it all seemed very appropriate for a young entrepreneur. That’s a vibe, right?
Sunset Ombré and Island Palms
This is the nail design you wish you could have on every vacation. There is a beautiful gradient from light yellow to peach and pink, ending with a tree silhouette reminiscent of those you’d admire at golden hour on the shore. With the almond shape, it looks like you’re carrying a cocktail and a passport together.
Build the base using ombré blending with “Tutti Frutti” and “Limoncello” DND polishes. Once everything is dry, add a crisp black palm tree to your artwork using a stamp or by hand. If you want more style, top your eye makeup with a glossy or matte glaze.
Whenever I put this on, I’ve found myself wanting to stay longer on holiday. Not even kidding. It’s the manicure that makes it clear: “I’ve got SPF 50, but I’m still after a bit of a tan.”
