Summer Gel Nail Design Ideas 2025 That’ll Inspire Your Next Soft, Colorful Manicure

Spring is leaving and summer is with us — are your nails keeping up with the new weather? No matter if you’re spending your day at the beach, having a drink outside, or just cheering up, your manicure is just as important as your summer clothes. For summer, the gel nail art trend is all about being fun, bright, and unique, with colors, designs, and shapes that suit every person’s nails. But here’s the question: will you go soft and minimal or bold and sunny?

I’d like to show you some of my favorite designs for 2025, which are inspired by real things. You can find something here, whether you like simple shellac or fancy almond nails.

Whimsical Avocado with a Matte Green Twist

This design made me grin instantly. It’s equal parts cheeky and chic: a matte army-green base across most fingers paired with one standout accent nail featuring an adorable avocado with the word “Oops!” Mixing short art and matte vibes is a natural and trendy choice for 2025 green trends. The almond shape gives the look a little more grown-up feel, so it seems like summer humor with a bit of class.

I believe the perfect way to get this style is to put on CND Shellac in “Cap & Gown” for the subtle nude color and OPI “Suzi – The First Lady of Nails” for the light olive green. A custom nail sticker or a dotting tool used for hand-painted gel art works well for the avocado decal. Put on a no-shine topcoat to maintain the matte finish, but keep the color vivid.

If you’re DIYing this at home, start with a good dehydrator and base coat for longevity. Apply two coats of green to all the nails except the thumb and cure them after each coat. The thumb gets a nude gel base, then the avocado art (either decal or freehand using a detail brush). Another way to end is to coat your nails with matte gel nail paint and make it fully cure.

Honestly, I’m obsessed. I wore this outfit last week and got positive comments from a barista, my cousin’s child, and a person I met at Whole Foods. That’s the power of confident, happy nails.

Neon Negative Space Meets French Remix

If you believe summer gel nail polish can’t be any more creative, you’re wrong. It blends the style of color blocking with a neon touch on the French tip. Pink, lime, and yellow colors make bold strokes across a clear glossy base, giving the nails a curved, dancing look.

To pull this off, I’d go for Beetles Gel Polish Neon Set (especially their electric pink and citrus yellow) with a fine liner brush. A clear builder gel helps hold the structure and still keeps the structure see-through. End the manicure by applying a glossy topcoat such as Essie’s Gel Couture Top Coat.

This one is more technique-heavy. Once you have shaped your nails to 2025 square, put on a nude-pink sheer base coat and cure it. After that, apply your color arcs, either following the natural shape of the tip or making them curve in unexpected places. Place the next layer over the original one as soon as possible and finish with a high-gloss protective coat.

Whenever I see this fashion, I imagine Barbie enjoying Coachella. It’s easy and enjoyable, which is exactly what I like in my summer nail ideas gel design pink days.

Strawberry Milk with Black Freckles

The simple design of this mani makes it look like strawberry milkshake with a soft white touch. The little black dots resemble the look of a fashion print on your skin. Its finish is smooth and shiny, and it fits well with a square design and short length, so it’s a great option for those who want a simple style that’s not dull.

It’s important to have gel polishes in blush pink and milky white. I enjoy using Lights Lacquer’s “Cherry Jelly” because of the pink and Gelish’s “Arctic Freeze” for the creamy effect. Use a dotting tool that has been dipped in black gel paint to make the spots. Don’t overdo it—less is more with the freckle placement.

What I really enjoy about this design is that it’s easy to wear. No matter if you are at a wedding, a work call, or a BBQ, you will feel totally at ease in this outfit. At times, the most unexpected looks are those that use soft power.

Electric Aqua with Lightning Veins

Summer’s superhero side would be seen in her manicure. The bold green color stands out, but the white lightning-like lines on the almond nails make the look even more interesting. Totally unforgettable. This design is more like a zap than a whisper.

Try Bio Seaweed Gel in “Neon Green” for intensity and a white nail art liner like Le Mini Macaron’s “Blanche” for the streaks. Drag the white lines over your nails with a very light touch to copy the jagged edges of real lightning. Add a glossy topcoat for maximum pop.

This one’s a bit advanced, so if you’re unsure, show the inspo to your nail tech. But if you’re adventurous, it’s worth practicing the streaks on a nail wheel first. It’s one of the most charming gel nail design for short nails art ideas summer styles I’ve come across lately.

While I was in Miami, I wore this and it seemed to match every swimsuit I brought. It’s drama—but poolside appropriate.

Neon Speckles and Butterfly Detail

It delivers a tropical punch with jungle bug vibes in a perfect way. This nail design is based on a neon base and black splatters. A butterfly shape is painted on one nail, giving a summery contrast to the others.

You should use Orly’s “Glowstick” for the neon green and a black nail art pen or stamp for the specks and the butterfly. A shiny topcoat is needed to get a smooth and attractive finish. You could make your nails look extra special by adding iridescent flakes or foil.

Even though this style looks bold, it’s actually quite easy to wear. When your nails are short or have shellac, the look is bold but still polished. On longer lengths, it leans straight-up editorial. In any case, it’s a fun change from the typical pink and white colors.

Lavender Haze with Cool Wave Lines

The design starts with a calm lilac background and enhances it with fun blue and white stripes that move across the fabric. The manicure gets its casual look from the curved, freeform lines that run diagonally and differ from nail to nail. The almond shape makes the nails look gentle and ladylike, but there is still enough room for the abstract art to shine.

I usually pick Gelish “You Glare, I Glow” for the lavender base and use Bio Seaweed Gel’s “Baby Blue” and OPI “Alpine Snow” for the line detailing. A long oval brush helps you get the wavy look without having to focus too much.

There’s something calming about the balance in this design. I did a version of this for my cousin’s bridal shower, and it got more compliments than her cake (which was spectacular, for the record). It is light, bright, and goes perfectly with the 2025 purple trend.

Ocean Ombre with a Pop of Love

The background of deep blue and jelly pink is ideal for a single, white heart that seems like a friendly wink in the middle of summer. Whenever I want to be a bit daring yet still keep it simple, I go for this summer nail ideas gel design blue. Its structure comes from the square tip, but the heart keeps it sweet and brings a smile to anyone who sees it.

You should use a good ombre sponge or airbrush for this fade, and Madam Glam’s “Blue Addicted” and Modelones Clear Pink Base are perfect for it. If you have a dotting tool, you can either stamp or draw the heart yourself. Don’t skip the glossy top coat—shine is crucial here.

If you ever wished your nails could show “beach at dusk” without any words, this is the look for you. I had a design like this on my nails last summer in Cape Cod, and it was perfect for short nails art ideas summer since it was simple to maintain, looked great with anything, and was eye-catching.

Lime Fresh with Minimal Stripes

At times, you just need a dish that’s fresh without being too over-the-top. This manicure uses 2025 green, white, and stripes that give me a lime popsicle and poolside mojito feeling. The look is crisp and clean with a touch of graphic edge—plus, it’s super wearable, even if you’re more of a “short nails only” type of girl.

I’ve tried this by using DND’s “Green Garden” and Gel-X “Milky White”. The stripes? You can apply nail tape or a very thin liner brush with green gel polish. Keep your strokes light and intentional to avoid smudging.

Wearing this green gel nail design with a white outfit or a straw hat will make you look together without much effort. It’s one of my go-tos when I’m short on time but still want to look like I tried.

Sweet Berry Mix with Strawberry Accents

This is summer picnic meets cute nail fantasy. Strawberry touches are added to muted pinks and creamy colors, making the look almost as good as real strawberry desserts. These berries remind me of stickers from my childhood, but they look very stylish. The hair is cut short and rounded, so it looks young and easy to care for, but the use of color and patterns makes it feel modern.

You can get the same look by painting “Fiji” by Essie as the blush pink, “Alabaster” by OPI as the cream, and adding strawberry decals or stamps. If you’re confident with a fine brush, hand-painting the fruit adds extra personality.

There’s something comforting about this one. A peach-colored version of the dress was perfect for a weekend in Santa Barbara, and it was very comfortable. This gel design is perfect for summer nail ideas white, but with a fruity flavor.

Hot Pink Leopard Drama

This song is dedicated to the girls who are fearless. Two of the nails are painted a bright orange-pink gloss, while the others have a leopard print in pink on a beige base. It’s giving Y2K energy, festival fun, and straight-up confidence. A basic tee and denim shorts can make the whole outfit look great.

You can do this by using Madam Glam “Hot Gossip” for the fuchsia and Zoya “Cho” for the beige base. Pick a fine brush and use black and pink gel paints to paint the leopard spots. A matte finish on the prints and a shiny finish on the rest creates the perfect contrast.

This style gives off a summery red feeling, even though it doesn’t use red nail polish. It’s bold, fierce, and unapologetic. I wore this to a street fair and many people asked me about the salon I went to. The best part? I did it at home.

Neon Venom with Matte Pop and a Sparkle Bite

This one is not for the shy. Shiny neon yellow almond nails are paired with a delicate nude shade and a sharp black graphic snake—here comes the mysterious goddess look. The final touch? A silver nail with glitter that breaks the regular matte trend and makes it stand out. It looks like a summer nail idea in gel design yellow, but it has a hint of edginess.

I would apply Kiara Sky “Highlighter” for the yellow and Apres Gel-X in “Glass Slipper” for the silver glitter. You can paint a snake on your clothes using a water decal or a hand-made stencil with gel paint and a fine liner.

If you are doing it yourself, cover the middle finger with two coats of nude gel and use transfer paper or stamping for the snake. All the yellow nails should get matte top coats, but leave the glitter nail shiny for more contrast.

I like to call it “poolside villain era,” and I really think it fits. Everyone needs to feel like the main character from time to time.

Sun-Kissed Dijon Bold

A set of yellow almond nails that makes you feel like you’re wearing mustard? I’m here for it. This nail style is simple, yet it still catches people’s attention and makes them wonder about the color. You can wear it with glowing skin and a denim jacket over a sun-dress.

The go-to product? OPI GelColor in the shade “Sun, Sea, and Sand in My Pants”. Precision is most important: the color and shape should blend smoothly, without any extra details. Json extra coats fully dry in between to make sure they are set.

This design is for the minimalists with bold hearts. If you’re ever debating between nude and something wild, this simple yellow is that perfect in-between.

Citrus Garden Party

This design is a perfect choice for summer because it is so cheerful. Bright pastel yellow base layered with vivid hand-painted lemons and green leaves—it’s like sipping limoncello on the Amalfi coast, even if you’re just standing in line at Trader Joe’s. The orange in the lemons matches perfectly with the green from the leaves.

You could use Beetles Gel Polish in “Banana Shake” as your base and then use a detailed gel art kit with greens, oranges, and white to create the florals and fruit. You should have a thin brush and be patient, as the result will be very cute.

I wore this makeup for my birthday brunch, and people actually thought I had my brows done in Italy. What I kept thinking was: nail art can be the main thing you notice about someone.

Zebra Dreams in Barbie Blue and Pink

This short art collection is so wild and I’m loving it. Imagine a base of matte pink and electric blue zebra stripes on top. It’s making “Lisa Frank is all grown up and now works on runway.” Because of its square shape, the design stands out with both order and energy.

You need to have Lights Lacquer “Skip It” and Madam Glam “Sky Is the Limit”. After the base is cured, draw your stripes using a thin brush by hand. Finish your nails with a velvet matte top coat to achieve a very vibrant look.

This is how I see Coachella if it adopted an animal print theme. Having fun, bringing back memories, and eager to be the star on any LA rooftop.

Jungle After Dark in Black and Green

Finally, this design mixes 2025 green with glossy black in a way that reminds me of summer nightlife. Here, the zebra stripes are made with a deep green base and black striping, and the contrasting nails make the look even better. It’s summer gel nail polish design, but it has a modern twist. The square shape adds a modern finish.

Use DND’s “Green Forest” and Essie Gel Couture “Licorice”. The pattern looks its best when you use two coats and add thin brush details. The glossy finish on top makes the stripes look much better.

I decided to have this at night on the rooftop, and the black looked beautiful as the light hit it when I sipped my sangria. Chef’s kiss.

Cartoon Narwhals & Pop Hearts Galore

Could looking at your nails alone make you feel in a better mood? Yes, if you’re wearing this rainbow-hued, cartoon-heavy design. A sky-blue narwhal, a row of colorful hearts, and strong white scribble hearts on neon pink and yellow bases are the best symbols of unbridled summer fun. This is the result when summer nail designs and Lisa Frank memories come together and succeed.

To get the same look, apply the gel polish of your choice from the kit it comes with, and decorate with sticker decals of the narwhal and hearts or draw them yourself if you feel comfortable. Trace the heart shapes with a white gel liner brush and finish by putting on a thick top coat.

These colors make me feel more cheerful when I apply them. I wore the same kind of outfit last summer when I went to the beach with girls, and even my “nude nail” friend ended up wanting a set.

Matte Indigo Serenity

Do you want a laid-back sound that can still be powerful? This solid, matte indigo blue on short square nails is what I call “cloudy sky calm.” It’s low-key, elegant, and still summer-appropriate. The beauty lies in the fact that color and shape are perfectly combined without any art or fuss.

After applying Zoya’s “Matilda,” put on a velvet matte top coat. The fact that everything is clean and in the same place is what makes this design special—nothing stands out except for its simplicity.

There’s a strong feeling of confidence in wearing a color that is subtle yet draws interest. Whenever I need something simple but still elegant, I go for this.

Matte Sky Blue Cool-Down

This one’s for those unbearable heatwave days when you just want to feel cool. The airy, fresh, and soothing look of light blue matte on a square shape is achieved by this color. Like minty gelato on your fingertips. This is a basic summer nail design you can try yourself and remain trendy.

I tend to pick Beetles’ “Sky Babe” when I visit the place. Put on two coats, clean the edges with a thin brush and acetone, and finish with a matte top coat. It’s beginner-friendly and forgiving, which is always welcome.

For a watch that has a simple and modern look, this model is always a good choice. Even though I was just in Palm Springs for a few days, I felt stylish and comfortable the whole time.

Monochrome Moo Moment

I never imagined saying this, but cow print is now a trend, and it actually looks good. Long, white nails with dark spots are transformed into this stylish moment that fits both the runway and TikTok trends. It means “I have my own style and I’m not too serious about life.”

Apply OPI “Funny Bunny” as your base and then draw the spots on with a black art liner. You can go glossy or matte—it works either way.

One time, I wore this to a rooftop happy hour and people were looking at my nails while we talked. That’s what confidence can do—and when a quirky pattern is done well.

Tangerine Curve & Dot Pop

We’ll round off this selection with an especially bold 2025 orange design. This nail design has half covered in a shiny tangerine color, and the other half is beige with tiny black dots and a clean line of white separating them. It’s graphic, smart, and definitely a conversation-starter. Think poly gel nail design ideas summer, but runway-ready.

You’ll need Essie “Tangerine Tease”, a sheer nude base (like Modelones “Soft Skin”), a dotting tool, and a fine liner brush. The curved white line brings structure to the design, so make sure it looks neat and smooth.

If you like to base your outfits on your accessories, these nails will quickly become your favorite. My nails were painted like someone’s rooftop art gallery, so they looked like tiny bits of abstract art.

Orange Splash with Glitter Speckle Swirls

If you are looking for a design that makes you feel like you’ve got a party on your nails, this is the one to choose. Two nails have the vibrant 2025 orange, while the others are covered in a bright white base, black specks, and silver glitter waves. Because of its color, texture, and fun elements, this is a perfect piece for late summer trips, especially if you’re planning to celebrate Labor Day in style.

If you want this look, apply Gelish “Tangerine Dream” for the glossy orange and OPI “Funny Bunny” as the creamy white base. You can use a fine dotting tool or sponge to put on the black speckles using LeChat “Black Velvet”. The silver glitter? Take a thin liner brush and dip it in DND “Silver Sparkle” to draw your wavy lines.

The highlight of this manicure is that it brings together different opposites such as sharp and smooth, glossy and matte, color and neutral. People seem to notice and want to talk about this style. When I wore a peachy color for a patio dinner, people asked me right in the middle of the toast where I got my nails done. (Spoiler: my kitchen table.)

Bold Striped Blue Safari

It looks like graphic art with a touch of beach-inspired boldness. The combination of blue gel and black, white, and blue stripes makes the hand look more interesting and rhythmic. It looks like a fashion choice—somewhere between current safari outfits and simple nautical styles. Because of the gloss and the 2025 square shape, your nails will look sharp, bold, and ready for you to show them off.

The first step is to apply Gelish “My One Blue Love” as the base coat for all the blue nails. Then switch to white gel (like OPI “Alpine Snow”) for the striped base. Paint thin and uneven stripes of black and cobalt over the white using a nail art brush, as this is what makes the nail art look modern. For the finish to look deep and shiny, glossy topcoat is essential.

I used this look before going on a mini-vacation in Miami, and I have to say, it gives the best tan. It has a creative style, but it’s not messy or chaotic. For sure, this is one of my favorite ways to design gel nails this summer.