During summer, your nails can look good enough to be an accessory. How can you mix cute and casual, stylish and practical, when the heat makes you want to stay relaxed? What’s fresh but not fussy? Today’s post is all about inspiring summer nails that look great without being too complicated. Whether you’re into soft pastel hues or bold art designs, there’s something here to make your fingertips pop all season long.
We’re going to look at the ideas that 2025 almond french lovers, the short gel girls and those who love a glossy pink or fun square tip will enjoy. Summer is heating up and your nails will too.
Playful Petals with a Glossy Pink Twist
It’s always uplifting to see bright pink paired with a little art. It is a sweet but exciting look: glossy pink nails that really shine in bright light and one accent nail with a white base and some pink daisies. It’s a simple, cool look that has just the right amount of style. I like this design because it’s both playful and tidy which is just what I look for when I want something bright and organized.
To pull this off at home, I use the OPI GelColor in ‘Strawberry Margarita’ for the base. For the floral accent, a dotting tool and a thin detailing brush are your best friends—don’t rush it! For the white base, Essie Gel Couture ‘Pre-Show Jitters’ works beautifully. Finish your manicure with Gelish Top It Off for a long-lasting shine that won’t fade under the sun, sweat or sand.
When I had the same style last summer before a weekend in Santa Monica, people were stopping me to find out where I got my nails done. I’d done them in my apartment while watching Netflix! One accent nail is all it takes to make a simple manicure look summery. And flowers? Always a yes.
Zebra Stripes & Hot Pink Drama
Sometimes, summer calls for a little edge. A classic plain hot pink gel is teamed up with a black-and-white zebra print in this design. It’s not loud—it’s confident. A pair of sunglasses can instantly make any look feel more stylish, whether you’re wearing shorts and a tank or a linen set.
If you’re recreating this at home, start with a base gel coat like Beetles Gel Polish in ‘Rose Rush’. For the zebra nail, you’ll want a clean white base (like Bio Seaweed Gel ‘Snow White’) and a sharp striping brush with black gel paint. I finish by applying Kiara Sky’s Non-Wipe Top Coat which gives the nails a smooth-glass look.
My tip? Use a sponge to dab on a little clear base between layers if you’re worried about polish thickness—makes a big difference in heat and humidity! It’s as if you’re heading to a rooftop bar with a strong sense of self and some good mascara. Rings aren’t necessary; the nails themselves are the accessories.
Cute Hearts on a Soft Pink Base
This manicure is one part romantic, one part playful. The combination of pink and blush makes the drink look and taste dreamy, so it suits summer’s fun rays and lazy afternoons. What makes it pop? A single nail decorated with little hot pink hearts and dotted with gentle white—it’s sweet, not too sugary. It’s cute, calm, and a little bit flirty.
I’ve found that DND Gel in ‘Baby Pink’ makes the perfect base here. For the hearts, a dotting tool or a small silicone brush dipped in Orly ‘Hot Shot’ gives that juicy fuchsia pop. I often use a toothpick to help with the finer details—it’s not fancy, but it works great. If you need to get ready quickly, you can use heart-shaped nail stickers as well, but remember to seal them well so they don’t peel.
I tried this look for Galentine’s brunch last year and I really liked it. Everyone thought it was a salon job. It shows that simple summer nails can still be fun. Sometimes the smallest shapes—little hearts—say the most.
Daisies on a Glossy Pink Base
This design is sunshine bottled up. If your summer style includes white blouses and floral skirts, you’ll love this one. It has soft, curved square nails that are painted a bright pink and one of the nails has an art design with clean white daisies. This style is all about having fun and looking tidy, so there’s no mess or disarray.
For those daisy petals, I rely on The Gel Bottle in ‘Daisy’ (yes, the name fits!). Use Modelones White Gel Paint to put white dot centers on your work and you’re done. Apply the polish with a dotting tool and then clean around your cuticle for a neat look.
This set gives me major cottagecore-meets-girlboss energy. It’s fun to wear to the park, but it’s also polished enough for your Monday work meetings. Summer is the perfect time for a short gel mani because it lasts so long.
Retro Florals with Soft Gold Accents
To finish off this collection, I love how the daisy prints are layered in soft pastel pinks and blues. This natural, rounded nail shape is a sweet nod to Y2K but with grown-up polish (literally). A light application of gold leaf makes the painting stand out and looks great when caught by golden hour light. This place has a playful, artistic feeling that I always notice.
To get the look, try a sheer pink base like Essie ‘Ballet Slippers’ or OPI ‘Bubble Bath’. I applied tiny floral decals between each layer of clear gel and they look wonderful. After applying the glitter, use tweezers to add a little gold foil and finish with a thick top coat.
The way it is mixed sounds simple and peaceful, like keeping a diary outside or twirling in a dress. I enjoy that it’s a simple color outfit with something extra—it’s not loud, but it still has its own story.
Dot Party on a Blush Pink Base
This style is a strong argument for dots replacing florals. You can see here how hot pink and white dots are playfully placed across a light blush background. It’s fun without being loud, symmetrical without being stiff. The blend between deep pink and a soft natural background makes the shade flashy and still wearable.
You’ll need a tool that makes precise dots to achieve this style. I like using Beetles Gel Polish in ‘Raspberry Smoothie’ paired with a soft rose-toned nude like OPI GelColor in ‘Put It In Neutral’. Tiny white accents? Modelones White Gel Liner is fantastic for that. A top coat is needed to cover and protect the details but not to dim the color on the model.
What I like best about this style is how cheerful it is, just like having fun at brunch or on your first day away. It’s fun, cheerful and has a nice surprise or two. I chose this style for a weekend baby shower and it was my nails that everyone complimented, not my dress.
Berry-Pink Ombre for Every Mood
This one has a similar sweet berry sorbet feel. Mixing mauve and violet gives a dreamy, gradual effect that is loved by those who prefer simple colors as well as those who like short solid color glam. It’s juicy, juicy summer without needing neon. This design is ideal for almond or coffin nails and it looks both elegant and relaxed.
If you want this tonal effect, choose a trio like DND’s ‘Sweet Romance’, Kiara Sky’s ‘Pink Petal’, and Madam Glam’s ‘Purple Splendor’. Start with the darkest color on your pinky nail and work your way to the lightest on your thumb or try a different order. If you’re not sure which color to choose, just use every one you like.
This way of dressing allows you to mix and match outfits and doesn’t make you stand out, but you’ll notice the sparkle when your hands catch the light. If you want your nails to stand out, colors are all you need, not stickers or glitter.
Pink Ombre Square Tips
The square tip set brings out a soft sunset look with its pink ombre summer nails. A light milky base and hot pink tips make this a fresh version of a beachy French tip for the year ahead. Despite feeling contemporary and modern, the gradient has a romantic nature too.
Making this look at home needs you to be gentle and use a makeup sponge. First, apply Orly ‘Kiss the Bride’ as a base. Then blend in OPI ‘Suzi Nails New Orleans’ by lightly dabbing polish from tip to mid-nail. Apply the polish two or three times, finish with Seche Vite for a shiny look.
If you’re getting married or going on a long weekend, this style will make you feel polished and relaxed. Imagine wearing airy linen, wearing a straw hat and sipping iced drinks on a roof.
Gold Leaf & Floral Fantasy
Feeling bold? This nail design uses just one art nail which is covered in shimmering gold foil and adorned with bright pink cherry blossoms. With a bright pink manicure and coffin nails, the design looks as if a tropical theme met with a botanical garden. It’s extra—but not overpowering. Something to wear when you want to celebrate or feel your best.
I use Born Pretty Nail Foils for the gold and Daily Charme for the floral nail wraps to recreate this look. Press the glitter down onto a light gel base and finish with a thick topcoat to make the surface even. Use Beetles ‘Peony Passion’ for the bold pink gel surrounding the accent.
Whenever I’m flying to a beautiful place or at a rooftop event, this is the look I go for because it makes every move seem more elegant. The gold reflects light beautifully and it’s sure to attract attention.
Soft Lilac Almond Simplicity
Ultimately, this collection ends with a pretty, lilac-colored almond eye look. It doesn’t get any better than this—there are no accent nails or designs, just a smooth and beautiful color. Sometimes that’s all you need. This type of style is perfect for every summer event, as it doesn’t clash with anything else you wear.
For that plush, creamy finish, go with Zoya ‘Abby’ or Lights Lacquer ‘Lilac Wine’. They both last a long time, are breathable and give my skin that perfect after-dry shimmer. I always use Olive & June’s Dry Drops to lock it in and save me from smudging everything right after painting.
This color gives me peace. I pick it when I’m looking for a simple, neutral and light look for my nails. Finish the look with some gold rings and you’re all set for a simple and elegant outfit.
Soft Blush Stiletto Minimalism
This is your most powerful short solid color look, only on nails that are long and almond-shaped. A delicate pink color covers the whole hand, with nothing extra and just a focus on shine, shape and simplicity. It’s clean girl aesthetic, bottled. If you’re looking for a natural, easy-going glam look, this one is perfect.
There’s something so calming about this style. I recommend Lights Lacquer in ‘Matilda’ or Bio Seaweed Gel ‘Blush’ for the exact creamy-pink finish. Before using any new polish, use a fine-grit buffer to make the shape as good as possible. Don’t forget cuticle oil—it helps make your minimalist nails feel luxurious.
I do this mani when I want to calm down and have something quiet to focus on. This one whispers elegance instead of shouting for attention.
Bubblegum Waves on Square Tips
This one is pure summer fun. Picture a room with glossy pink and candy-stripe touches and add some modern art designs to the mix. Thanks to the square outline, the box looks sophisticated, but the stripes give it a bit of fun which is often found in Barbie’s wardrobe and in designs from your favorite artist.
You’ll want to use a smooth, clear pale pink like DND ‘Sweetheart Pink’ and a deep fuchsia such as Madam Glam’s ‘Pink About You’. After drawing wavy lines with a striping brush, finish by applying a self-leveling gel for a nice, smooth top.
This gives me major nostalgia vibes—with a twist. You can wear it to a design office or a tech launch, but it’s also great for a relaxed day out with ice cream.
Strawberry Milk Meets Zebra
Okay, this one might just be my current obsession. The pink background is highlighted by soft white zebra lines, making this look clean, cute and easy to wear. Because it has an almond shape, it’s chic and a mix of matte and gloss makes the metal texture stand out just a little. This style elevates the pastel trend to something different.
To create this, I like using Essie Gel Couture ‘Fairy Tailor’ for the base and adding stripes with a precision brush dipped in OPI GelColor ‘Alpine Snow’. Make sure your hand is still as you draw each line and let each one dry a bit before you continue—it really helps.
It makes me think of Sunday morning coffee or a breakfast table that looks great on Instagram. Calm, curated, and totally simple summer nails coded.
Neon Zebra Vibes
Neon is definitely the color for summer. The bright hot pink base and black stripes on these nails remind me of a rooftop DJ night, so I instantly want to organize one. This design is eye-catching, strong and surprisingly easy to wear.
I used OPI’s La Paz-itively Hot as the base and Gelish Black Shadow with a liner brush for the stripes. Hold your pinky finger against the paper as you paint to help keep your strokes clean.
As soon as I put this on, I feel like I could drive a convertible with my hair up and my nails out the window. It’s giving “yes, I’m the moment.”
Color Pop With Silver & Lime
And for our final moment—talk about colorful almond energy. Pink, neon green and metallic silver are blended into diagonal swirls and set on top of a strong hot pink base. It’s not subtle, but it is strategic. If you want your nails to make a statement, this combo will do the trick.
Try the Modelones Neon Collection and follow it with Silver Chrome Gel by Born Pretty to add some shine. Rub the detail brush lightly in waves to apply the colors, just like you would do with lollipop ribbons on your nails. It’s a trendy way to keep your nails looking fun and fashionable this summer.
It seems like I’m entering a night market in Tokyo or joining a crowd at an outdoor music event. When the light is perfect, these nails really catch everyone’s attention.
Double Neon French for the Bold
This is not your average French tip. There’s a base of beige under pink and orange neon layers, all sculpted into an almond shape that’s both soft and sharp. Thanks to the dual-tip design, the nail appears lifted and noticeable, but it isn’t too much. It’s modern, clean, and just a little rebellious.
I used Beetles Gel Polish ‘Neon Lights’ collection to get that vivid color payoff. First, apply a neutral base like OPI ‘Bubble Bath’, then use a detail brush to layer in arcs of hot pink and electric orange. Be sure the first layer of paint dries completely before you move on to the next.
It’s like putting on bold sunglasses on your nails—your nails tell your style story with every stroke. It’s a concept that naturally gets people’s attention.
Pink Shimmer & Glossy Glam
Here’s a style that never goes out of fashion, with just a touch of glitter. A plain pink manicure becomes more fun by adding just one accent nail covered in small glitter gel. The design looks so refined and easy to wear and it gives a grown-up fairy feeling that I really like.
Start with Essie Gel Couture in ‘Flawless’ or Lights Lacquer ‘Pink Sands’ for that solid base. The glitter nail? I love Holo Taco’s ‘Aurora Unicorn Skin’ layered over a pink gel base, sealed in with a glossy top coat.
It’s great for any day, as it is both comfortable for work and stylish for dinners out. It’s one of my favorite low-effort, high-reward summer options.
Floral Fade in Bubblegum Pink
I’ve always loved great art designs and this one fits the bill perfectly. With one nail deep pink and the other petal pink, both feature a few hot pink daisy images. The elegant form of the almond shape is paired with a fun and relaxed floral pattern. Summer acrylic nails are fun and have a little touch of cottagecore.
For the flower art, I used a silicone stamper with Modelones ‘Hot Pink Bloom’ gel. The base? Try Zoya ‘Dot’ or DND ‘Pink Petal’. A dotting tool or fine brush can be used to add petals and remember—perfect symmetry isn’t necessary, you want the flower to be charming.
This one seems like choosing flowers from a roadside stand. Whimsical, delicate, but totally wearable.
Retro Daisies with Gloss Finish
What’s summer without daisies? This manicure takes the traditional white daisy and puts it against a pink background that shines. The design is done on one nail, leaving the rest to keep their shine and color. It’s a perfect summer nail look: not too fancy, not too simple, just right.
Use OPI ‘Strawberry Margarita’ as your solid base and Bio Seaweed Gel ‘Snow White’ for the daisies. If you use a dotting tool and keep your hand steady, you’ll get those lovely petals. Give the final coats a gloss finish so you get a jelly-like look.
I’ve put this on for pool parties and lazy Sundays and it goes with any mood. It’s cute, nostalgic, and easy to love.
Abstract Cowprint Energy
Finishing this list with a new idea: abstract pink and white cowprint. The blobs made with a brush give a streetwear feel to a classic gel manicure, making it both fun and very on-trend for 2025. Whatever you call it, whether it’s Y2K, Gen Z or Pinterest-core, it’s still cool.
To recreate, use DND Gel in ‘Pink Flirt’ and draw on some pattern blobs with Modelones White Liner Gel. Here, the shapes can be any way you like, as long as they look like they were meant to be. Think cowprint meets cloud swirl.
After seeing it on TikTok, I started using it and now it’s one of my favorite ways to add something unique to my outfits. Whenever I wear this, someone always asks me where I had my nails done.
Color Block Moonlight in Pink
If you’re a girl who likes your manicure simple yet interesting, this is for you. Choose glossy oval nails, where the main color is pink and there is one nail with a half-moon block in cherry red. It’s organized, lively and fits right in with the 2025 almond french style, but not by overdoing the French tip.
To achieve this chic blocked look, I used Zoya ‘Jolie’ for the pale pink and DND ‘Velvet Romance’ for the brighter tone. For the accent half-moon, apply the base pink first, cure fully, and then gently sponge or paint the moon in with Essie ‘Forever Yummy’ using a circular stencil or striping tape.
I truly like that the design is both minimalist and appealing to the eye. You can wear it on any nail shape, it flatters your hands and its design is just different enough. If you’re looking for a summer outfit that’s fashionable, but not too flashy, this is what I suggest.
