Summer is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to switch up your manicure game! Are you already planning beach trips and summer parties? Your nails are equally important to pay attention to as your outfits. This summer, short nails are back in style for people who prefer a simple and trendy look. Whether you like plain or colorful styles, you can find something you like. Let’s dive into some of the most captivating short summer nail ideas for 2025, with a blend of classic and trendy inspirations.
Elegant Leafy Minimalism
The nails are not flashy but still manage to look elegant. The soft nude color allows the black leaf design to look elegant and graceful on the nails. It’s like nature kissed your fingertips! If you are a fan of simple, elegant and striking designs, this style is a requirement.
To achieve this look, you’ll need a high-quality gel polish in a neutral beige shade (try OPI’s Bubble Bath), along with a fine nail art brush and black gel paint. Finish off your lips with a gel that gives your lips a shiny look. The best part? It goes well with casual jeans and also looks great with a summer dress.
If you want to DIY, begin by applying a base coat to your nails. Paint on two coats of the beige gel polish and cure them each under a UV lamp. Then, use a thin brush to draw small leaf patterns along the shape of your nail. Apply a gel top coat to polish your nails and give them a high-quality shine.
Honestly, this style never gets old. Each summer, I notice it and it always looks so cool and easy. Also, it’s ideal for those who prefer simple designs but still like something eye-catching.
Holographic Summer Shimmer
For a glowing and light-catching manicure, holographic nails are perfect. The nail polish appears to shine like a mirror, showing off different shades of blue, pink and silver. It has a beachy feel but still looks stylish and understated.
For the same look, apply holo chrome powder on top of a light blue gel polish. Born Pretty is just one of the brands that have great chrome powders for creating that perfect holographic effect. Apply a no-wipe top coat after your painting to achieve a glass-like finish.
It may be difficult to use holo powder, but remember to make the gel base slightly tacky before rubbing it in. Apply the powder to your nails with a brush and finish by adding a top coat. You’ll be ready to sparkle in the summer sun!
I appreciate how these nails can be worn during the day or at night. The way they shine, whether at a beach or in the city, is always fascinating. They really just shout “more is more” in a positive way.
Mint French Tip for a Fresh Look
Who says French tips are outdated? The mint flavor gives the traditional style a new and refreshing feel. The mint green tips on a natural, glossy base create a look that’s both pretty and unexpected. It’s perfect for those who love a simple yet trendy design.
You’ll need a mint green gel polish (like Essie’s Mint Candy Apple) and a fine-tip nail brush. Shaping your nails into an almond shape should be your first step. Apply a clear base coat and cure. Paint the tips of your nails with the mint color, matching the curve of your nails. Finish with a glossy top coat.
I enjoy this style because it is light and not too much for my taste. It also looks great when paired with summer clothes and beach items. I’ve been wearing mint colors a lot these days because they seem perfect for summer. What do you think?
Blush Nude Chic
Sometimes less really is more. These blush nude nails are made to look polished without looking too done up. With a smooth and shiny finish, your nails look beautiful in a subtle way. You can’t make a mistake with this simple nail style.
To get this look, choose a creamy nude gel polish (like OPI’s Bare My Soul). Paint on two layers, curing each one and finish with a high-gloss top coat. You can wear this manicure for any event, no matter how you are dressed.
If you’re anything like me, you’ll find that this color is both versatile and classy. It makes you feel stylish without much effort. Plus, it’s great if you’re aiming for that “clean girl” aesthetic.
Bright White with a Pop of Blue
Summer is about having fun and this design does just that with its cheerful colors. A simple touch of blue heart on one nail adds flavor to your ensemble. Shorter, but adorable enough for people who appreciate simplicity.
You’ll need a white gel polish (like DND White Bunny) and a contrasting blue shade for the heart. Start by applying a base coat and curing. After the white gel, apply a second layer and paint a blue heart on just one nail. Seal with a top coat for a glossy finish.
I enjoy including tiny details like this in a basic manicure. Doing this is a fun way to represent yourself without really designing your room. Plus, blue and white just feel so fresh together!
Lavender Zebra and Sky Blue Combo
When you can’t decide between bold and subtle, why not do both? The manicure combines soft lavender and sky blue, adding zebra stripes that are far from plain. Because of the matte finish, this nail polish combines style with a hint of color, making it suitable for those who don’t want to wear too much color.
To recreate this look, you’ll need a lavender gel polish (like Essie’s Play Date) and a sky blue gel polish (such as OPI’s It’s a Boy!). You can paint zebra stripes on your nails with a fine nail art brush and white gel paint. Applying a matte top coat will help the design stay trendy and attractive.
This style may look intricate, but it’s surprisingly simple to achieve. First, put down the lavender and blue base colors and cure them with a UV lamp. After that, paint zebra stripes on the accent nails using a small brush. Not only does the matte finish look cool, but it also makes the colors more vivid.
I find it impressive that this design is both playful and elegant. You can enjoy a small safari experience right on your phone, but it’s not too wild. This is a great option for a summer brunch or a day at the beach.
Golden Waves of the Ocean
If you wanted to paint your nails to look like a beach day, this would be perfect. Swirls of blue, white, and gold create a mesmerizing ocean-inspired design that’s as calming as it is eye-catching. This manicure highlights the beauty of the sea by adding some extra shine.
You’ll need a sky blue gel polish (like Zoya’s Bluebell), white gel polish, and gold foil flakes for that luxe finish. You will need a fine detail brush to paint the swirls and waves in your work.
To achieve this look at home, first put on two layers of the blue polish and cure them separately. With a thin brush, paint a few flowing white swirls on your nails. Once you have the colors, place pieces of gold foil over the swirls to make them shine. Apply a top coat on top to seal in the shine of your car.
There’s something so mesmerizing about this style. You can keep the beach feeling even when you’re at your desk all summer.
Summer Vibes: Smiley Faces and Waves
A combination of sunny themes and bright colors is what makes summer fun. This nail design reminds me of the cheerful smiles and waves from the past. It’s fun, lively and makes you think of a beach day.
For this look, you should use white gel polish, aqua blue gel polish and yellow gel paint for the smiley face. You can use a fine detail brush to paint the detailed parts of your painting.
First, paint the background with white, aqua blue and pale pink. Cure each layer. Use a small brush to add the smiley face, the curved lines and the small sunburst. Finish the painting with a glossy top coat to make it look summer-ready.
This design is so fun and nostalgic. It makes me think of the happy days of summer when all we wanted was to be near the water. Plus, who doesn’t love a smiley face?
3D Flowers on Soft Pink
Floral nails are always fashionable, but using 3D designs gives them a modern touch. These pink nails decorated with 3D flowers are both pretty and elegant at the same time. The added flowers add a touch of elegance to the dress without making it too bold.
To get this look, you’ll need a soft pink gel polish (like OPI’s Rosy Future) and 3D gel flower molds. Apply the base color first and cure. After that, mold the 3D flowers and attach them to the nails with a generous amount of builder gel. Add a small burst of color by putting gold beads or rhinestones in the middle of each flower.
I truly enjoy how these nails make me feel dreamy and romantic. Wearing nail polish is similar to carrying a bunch of flowers on your nails and it’s perfect for summer weddings or any time you want to feel very feminine.
Serene Blue Elegance
If you prefer a clean and impressive look, these blue nails are just what you need. The light blue sheen combined with the simple look is perfectly chic and matches well with anything you wear.
To achieve this look, go for a dusty blue gel polish (try Zoya’s Lake) and a high-gloss top coat. Paint a layer of blue polish on your nails, cure it and add another coat. Make sure to apply a top coat for a shiny and smooth finish.
Because this color is so soothing, it goes well with the loud styles usually seen in summer nail art. At times, being understated is the best way to make your look unique.
Metallic Mermaid Vibes
If shimmer is your thing but you prefer to be calm, selecting this metallic silver-blue garment is a perfect choice for summer. The shiny finish and almond form on the nails give them a space-age impression similar to an underwater scene made of ice.
To recreate this look, use a chrome gel polish in a silvery blue shade (like Born Pretty’s Holographic Silver Blue). Use a gel base coat, add two coats of chrome polish and finish with a layer of glossy top coat. This manicure is already eye-catching, so adding more designs isn’t necessary.
I find it fascinating how these nails sparkle and remind me of a mermaid. A great option for summer days when you want to look like a siren but remain stylish.
Peachy Pink Ombre with Gold Accents
A pink and peach ombre just looks so effortlessly pretty. A few touches of gold add a hint of edge to an otherwise sweet outfit. Thanks to this style, an outfit gets a warm and ladylike look with a contemporary feel.
To get this look, you’ll need a peach gel polish (like OPI’s Stop It, I’m Blushing) and a hot pink gel polish (like Essie’s Pinkalicious). Blend the color with a sponge or an ombre brush. When your nails have dried, add some wavy lines to one or two nails using gold foil or gold gel paint.
Making an ombre can be difficult, but try to apply the color in thin layers and blend them well. To achieve this style, you need a smooth transition from light to bright, adding just the right amount of gold.
This manicure is ideal for a fun night out in the summer. It’s bold yet soft, playful yet sophisticated.
Bold Pink Pop
A hot pink manicure is always fashionable in the summer. The idea here is to make a bold statement using just one color. The pink color stands out, is colorful and works wonderfully for anyone who wants a simple but striking look.
For this style, grab a neon pink gel polish (like DND Pink Lemonade) and a soft blush pink for the accent nail. On each nail, use two coats of the bold pink, but the ring finger should have a soft blush. After everything is done, apply a final coat of gloss to preserve the shine.
At times, being bold and choosing a bright color is the best way to make your outfit unique. This color really reminds me of the warm days of summer.
Lavender Florals
Those who prefer a gentle and sweet nail design should go with lavender featuring tiny flower motifs. The design is feminine and features small gold and purple flowers set against a cool lavender background.
You’ll need a lavender gel polish (like Essie’s Lilacism) and gold nail stickers or a fine brush for painting the flowers. Paint two layers of lavender polish and then decorate with stickers or paint some flowers. Finish with a top coat to seal the design.
The reason I like this style is that it is soft and romantic, yet not overdone. This is the perfect choice for summer picnics, weddings or whenever you want to look extra beautiful.
Neon Smiley Faces and Dots
Summer is a time to let loose and these neon smiley faces and polka dots will help you do just that. The mix of nude, hot pink and neon green makes the outfit perfect for a festival.
Getting this style requires a neon green gel polish, a hot pink gel polish and a nude base coat. Draw the polka dots with a dotting tool and use a fine brush for the smiley face.
This manicure is perfect for summer parties, festivals and days when you want to have some extra fun. Also, you can easily make it yourself with only a few simple tools.
Sweet Strawberry Fields
If you want something both cute and playful, these strawberry nails are perfect for you. With tiny red strawberries on a soft pink background and green leaves here and there, this look looks both lively and attractive. It’s the ideal way to enjoy a light and enjoyable day in summer.
To recreate this look, you’ll need a soft pink gel polish (like Essie’s Fiji), red gel paint, and green gel paint. You can use a fine detail brush to paint the little strawberries and leaves.
A soft pink base should be applied and cured for a DIY manicure. Paint small, round strawberries using the red gel paint. After the dough is cured, add some green leaves and a few white dots to make the strawberry seeds. Seal with a top coat for that glossy finish.
There’s something about strawberries that just screams summer, right? It’s cute, quirky, and definitely a conversation starter.
Golden Sunflower Accent
If you want a simple manicure with a touch of style, this yellow nail with a single sunflower is the answer. Yellow is eye-catching, while the simple sunflower playfully adds a hint of nature.
To achieve this look, grab a sunny yellow gel polish (like OPI’s Sun, Sea, and Sand in My Pants) and a dark brown gel paint for the sunflower center. Paint the petals and the center with a fine brush and then coat the painting with a top layer.
I appreciate that this design is simple yet it still makes an impact. Plus, yellow nails always bring that happy, summer-ready vibe.
Lemon French Tips
French tips are back, but this time they’re being given a lively update. The combination of these lemon-yellow tips and a nude base reminds me of a glass of cool lemonade on a summer day.
To get this look, you’ll need a nude gel polish (like OPI’s Bubble Bath) and a yellow gel paint for the tips. After applying the base, cure it and then add another layer. After that, paint the yellow French tips using a thin brush and finish with a shiny top coat.
This version of the French manicure is both simple and fun. You can enjoy it at a summer picnic, on a brunch date or just to enjoy the sun.
Vibrant Tropical Geometric
Summer is known for bright colors and this design brings them out beautifully. A unique pattern made with bright pink, teal green and nude looks both modern and stylish.
For this look, you’ll need to use hot pink gel polish, teal green gel paint and a nude base coat. Apply the nude base first and cure. After that, use a fine brush to paint the sharp angles, switching between pink and green.
Because this design has clean lines, use the detailing brush to sharpen the edges. Top off your nails with a bright and shiny top coat.
Minimalist Pink Stripes
Sometimes, less really is more. For those who want a simple and tasteful design, the white foundation and thin pink line here goes perfectly.
To achieve this look, use a nude gel polish (like Essie’s Ballet Slippers) and a bright pink gel paint. Apply the nude base and cure. Paint a single pink stripe down the middle of every nail using a thin brush and try to keep it straight. Finish with a glossy top coat.
I find it impressive that this design is both straightforward and eye-catching. It’s great when you want something simple and still beautiful.
