Summer 2025 is just around the corner and it’s letting us know how it will feel. Since we wear light clothes, enjoy late sunsets and drink iced drinks, our nails should be just as easy and breezy every day. But here’s the thing: simple doesn’t mean boring. It means beautifully understated, smartly curated, and confident. You don’t have to wear a rainbow of rhinestones to get noticed; just the right color can be your best choice.
If you’ve been wondering how to update your nails without going over the top with glitter, this is for you. This list is for you. We’ll explore some lovely, trendy and natural nail designs that are either simple to make at home or easy to ask for at your next salon visit. You can use these tips, no matter if you love short nails, almond nails, square nails or that perfect gel finish.
Matte Green with Minimalist Art Waves
It’s so easy to love the effortless coolness of a matte green almond nail with soft, wavy white designs. It’s just right in the middle of being plain and being bold. Even though the color is natural, the white curves make the design look lively and dynamic. It’s giving artsy botanical vibes without trying too hard.
To get this look at home, you’ll want a matte top coat (Essie Matte About You is a personal fave) and a rich olive or pistachio base. I’d recommend OPI’s “This Isn’t Greenland” as a starter. You can create the wave detail with either a thin nail brush or a nail art pen and Sally Hansen’s “White On” is a good white polish to use.
When I did this for a girls’ dinner, I didn’t paint the base art on two fingers to create some contrast. Pro tip from celeb nail artist Mei Kawajiri? Make sure there is some empty space in your composition, just as you would in design. It relaxes the eye.” And yes, it worked—I got three compliments before dessert.
Lavender Shine with Rose Gold Ribbon
Lavender makes an appearance when summer starts to feel a little dreamy. A soft pastel base and rose gold art waves which shine perfectly during golden hour, make up this unique gel-finish design. This new version of a classic solid color is sure to get noticed in a quiet, understated way.
A glossy lavender nail polish, like Olive & June’s “Lavender,” and a rose gold foil or fine glitter liner are what you’ll need to outline the curvy parts. There’s nothing like Beetles No Wipe Glossy Top Coat for an impressive, high gloss finish.
I was in San Diego over the weekend and found myself admiring my nails on the beach a lot. It was chic, but I didn’t have to try hard—like wearing a linen dress and sunscreen. I was just as happy with it for brunch as I was for swimming in a claw clip and suit.
Mint Green Elegance with Tiny Pearls
With this minty short solid color set, you’ll find plenty of cute and wearable pieces. The line of micro pearls gives the necklace more character and helps keep the overall feeling relaxed and romantic. It’s refined and not too flashy—perfect for anyone who likes a little texture and not much glitter in the summer.
A pale mint gel polish such as Zoya’s “Neely,” and some flatback pearl stickers are what you need for this look. A dotting tool and fine-tipped tweezers make application easier. Cover your pearls with a good top coat to prevent them from snagging.
My best friend chose this for a summer bridal shower and said it was her “soft aesthetic moment.” It’s that kind of look—playful, natural, and slightly vintage. It’s a bit like sporting a pearl necklace, except on your nails. Love.
Electric Blue with Glossy Chrome Finish
This one is a little more daring, but it’s still a simple summer nail look since it’s just one color, made bold. This bold, blue chrome is modern, stylish and can be worn with neutrals. It gives off vacation energy. Picture yourself on a yacht in Capri or dancing on a rooftop without shoes.
To replicate, go with a gel base in cobalt or sapphire (try DND Gel “Royal Blue”), and layer with chrome powder or mirror pigment in silver-blue. A sponge applicator and a top coat that doesn’t need wiping will help the effect stand out.
Actually, I didn’t think I would like this much, but once I tried it for a friend’s birthday, it made me feel unstoppable. If you’re looking for something unusual but not too extreme—here it is. Just don’t forget to accessorize with silver rings. Game changer.
Mint & Pink Combo with a Crystal Accent
You can wear this manicure with jeans, a maxi dress or even your everyday athleisure. This soft pink nail with a rhinestone is a lovely accent that doesn’t take away from the main design. This square-shaped set feels natural, fresh, and quietly playful.
To get the mint, use Essie’s “Mint Candy Apple,” and choose Butter London’s “Pink Knickers” for the accent. It’s possible to find flat-back crystals on the internet or in the nail section at Target. Press your gems into a little wet polish and top them with a clear coat.
I remember those summer mornings when you slip on a cardigan and have coffee outside, barefoot. It’s a manicure that you don’t worry about and it all just seems right to you. Calm, bright, and a little bit personal.
Fruit Sorbet Pop with Black Speckle
This set makes me feel like summer joy, just like eating a cold popsicle when it’s very hot outside. Lime green, lemon yellow and orange neon are combined with a fun black splatter art background. Because the shapes are short and slightly squared, the design can be worn for everyday activities. It’s giving watermelon candy meets modern streetwear—loud in the best way.
If you’re doing a DIY, I’d suggest using China Glaze “Lime After Lime”, Essie “Hay There” and OPI “No Tan Lines”. It’s simplest to achieve the speckled look by using a dotting tool with black polish—or you could use a black nail art pen like Sally Hansen I Heart Nail Art Pen in Black. Keep it sealed with a glossy gel top coat.
It’s like wearing friendship bracelets as a child, where colors that don’t match somehow work together. I was wearing this at a music festival and it started a few chats while we waited for tacos. It’s an idea that makes you feel better right away.
Blue Ombre Fade on Almond Nails
Make the heat disappear with this airbrushed blue ombré which goes from a nude pink at the base to icey ends. It looks formal with an almond shape, but its rainbow gradient makes things feel cheerful and soothing. It’s got a French tip feel and a hint of the future in the clouds, all done with minimal but dimensional color.
You will need a makeup sponge and polishes “Beetles Gel Skin Pink” and Modelones “Tiffany Blue” to do the ombré blend. Brush the sponge with both colors and apply them on your nail, drying each layer with a UV lamp. Concluding the project can be done with a glossy finish top coat for shiny appeal.
I’ve noticed that airbrush machines are used by nail techs in salons, but applying with a sponge is surprisingly effective at home. It gives major “clean girl with a secret edge” energy. Trying too hard isn’t necessary—and that’s the reason it succeeds.
Zesty Lemon Slice Summer Vibe
This nail design practically screams picnic-in-the-park. Solid yellow nails provide the base and two nails are painted with citrus slices and a bit of green. It’s bright, literal art designs with just enough kitsch to be cool. Colorful almond nails like these are perfect if you’re craving something punchy but still cohesive.
It’s important to have OPI’s “Sun, Sea and Sand in My Pants” and either a striping brush or nail stickers for the lemon slices. Apply a leaf with a fine green color using Essie’s “Off Tropic”. Finish the pedicure with a shiny transparent gel.
Honestly? I’d wear a short gel set like this on vacation or at a garden party. It’s bright, has a summer theme and makes me nostalgic—like a lemonade stand for adults.
Navy Daisies with Retro Charm
Deep navy almond nails decorated with white daisies look both vintage and modern, much like a 70s summer dress as nail art. The difference between the dark base and the sunny orange-yellow centers makes it look cheerful. You get a sense of curation, but everything is still easy to relate to.
The base of this look is Zoya’s “Ryan.” Use a dotting tool for the petals in white (try OPI “Alpine Snow”) and a small brush or second dotting tool for the bright center. Once you’re done, apply a gel top coat to hold the shine.
Seeing a similar style in a Pinterest folder I’d forgotten about made me want to try it and it was really satisfying. It’s a lively and practical style, great for wearing on late summer evenings in a sundress.
Cotton Candy Swirl on Almond Gel
If soft-serve ice cream had a twin that was a nail, it’d be this pretty pink and blue swirl on a short almond gel nail. All these gentle colors and wave patterns are just right for lazy summertime. It’s the ultimate pastel inspo that’s playful without screaming.
Blend Beetles “Bubblegum Pink” and Modelones “Sky Blue” onto your nails using a detail brush on a sheer base. The design is made more unified by a jelly top coat, but its brightness is not affected.
It’s perfect for when you want to try something new but want to stay familiar. I teamed this jacket with a denim romper and a bucket hat and people loved what I was wearing. It’s that kind of manicure—quietly cool, but impossible to ignore.
Rainbow Accent Meets Candy Pastel
It’s a fun, minimalist manicure that also celebrates rainbow pride. The star of this look is the soft green and pale pink nails, but the single stripe of rainbow color is what draws attention. The almond shape gives it a fresh look and the mix of light and bright colors says summer fun.
The look can be created using OPI “How Does Your Zen Garden Grow”, Olive & June “Rosey Tips” and a rainbow striping brush set. A striping tape or a liner brush will make it easier to create the arc design. Seal the whole manicure by putting on a gel top coat.
Last year, I wore something similar for Pride weekend and it felt like I was quietly celebrating rather than shouting. With this art, you can share your thoughts in a way that isn’t too much. And who doesn’t love a pastel rainbow moment?
Full-On Tropical Rainbow Almonds
This one’s a literal fruit salad for your hands. Sharp almond nails are decorated with blocks of bold, cherry red and pineapple yellow colors. There’s no accent, no shimmer, no art design—just pure, punchy color that feels like it belongs in a glass with a paper umbrella.
You can get the hues by using DND Gel Polish in “Cherry Red,” “Sunburst,” “Lime Sparkle,” “Orange Sunset,” and “Carrot Cake.” The gel is applied in a single coat and then a high-gloss top coat gives the nails a rich color.
If you’ve looked at a summer fruit stand and felt inspired, this mani is just for you. This is my favorite style for trips or festivals where you want to take a bit of sunshine with you.
Orange Sherbet with Abstract Wave Accents
We’re in our short casual, orange dream era here. The bright sherbet colors and white artworks in this set offer you movement, softness and structure together. It’s the love child of minimalist Y2K and beach boardwalks. Square nail shapes give it that wearable edge.
Make “Slice of Life” your base and add white waves with a striping brush and Sally Hansen “White On” as your top coat. Finish the cake by spreading a milky gel over the top.
I wore this at a beach bachelorette and got asked about it all the time. Summer nails are easy to do and still make you feel like you’re pulling off a trendy outfit—just like a linen jumpsuit.
Jungle Matte with Graphic Green Art
The deep green matte almond set is both elegant and a little wild. The bold art on the middle and index fingers looks like today’s camouflage, a hint at nature but made more stylish. It’s a luxurious forest story that includes some mystery.
Apply ONEFinish “Evergreen” or Essie “Off Tropic” for your base coat and finish with a velvet top coat. Take your finely pointed brush and add a neon or lime green shade to make the swirls. The trick? Keep the spacing intentional so the matte stays crisp.
This is for the days when you want your nails to have a sense of power, but you don’t want them to stand out too much. I’ve worn this at summer weddings and creative work meetings and it stands out without being too noticeable.
Pastel Garden Glitter on Short Rounds
This one is soft, delicate, and totally Pinterest-coded. A combination of short, rounded nails in soft pastel colors—sage, butter yellow and blush pink—makes a gentle, soft look. Because it’s so natural, this mani can be worn in many different ways.
Choose Zoya “Leif”, Olive & June “JLR” and Essie “Ballet Slippers” for your simple, basic colors. Add a layer of glitter on top with ILNP “Tulle” or Deborah Lippmann “Happy Birthday.” It’s a nice way to start using glitter without making your makeup too flashy.
This is what I wore on a staycation when I didn’t feel like making a big effort. It’s the kind of manicure that works with pajamas and brunch dresses equally well—and honestly, that’s the real power move.
Electric Sorbet Fade in Cool Pink and Blue
A diagonal fade combines electric blue and hot pink on these beautiful almond nails. It’s made up of candy colors and the colors of sunsets and it’s just right for your home and for parties. Bold but balanced, this design blends attitude with aesthetic.
You’ll need gel shades with high pigmentation. Try Beetles “Electric Sky” and Madam Glam “Pink Fire.” Cover a sponge with paint and wipe it diagonally on the glass; wait between each paint layer. A glossy coat that doesn’t need wiping will protect your fade and give it a shiny finish.
I went to a poolside happy hour wearing these and people I didn’t even know at the bar wanted to know where I had them done. That combination of sophistication and fun is why it’s always a hit in the summer.
Matte Royal Blue Power Move
Sometimes simplicity hits hardest. These nails have a bold square shape, come in matte royal blue and look very intentional. You won’t find sparkle or accents here; instead, there’s just rich color in a velvety texture that’s easy to wear.
Choose Essie “Butler Please” or OPI “Chillato Blue” for your bold polish and after it dries, add OPI Matte Top Coat for a great, matte effect that shows up in pictures. Make sure your nail beds are tidy—matte nails reveal everything, but that’s what gives you confidence.
I really love this idea when I need something that doesn’t take much work but still looks great. It’s modern, it’s bold, and it pairs perfectly with white denim and silver jewelry.
Minty Square Shine for Everyday Luxe
This mint green high-gloss color is clean, calm and the kind of simple design that everyone loves. Its clean profile comes from the square shape and the shine makes it seem high-quality. A good choice when you’re looking for something easy but stylish.
Applying Zoya “Jace” or Olive & June “WKF” with a gel top coat will give your nails that deep color. This set is also perfect for a DIY if you’re just starting out—no lines, no art, just pure, juicy shine.
I wore this all the time in July last year since I wasn’t sure which trend to pick. Just one quick action and I felt like I had it all together, even if I was just going to Trader Joe’s in bike shorts.
Lemon Zing on Rounded Neutrals
Talk about sunshine in a bottle. This gel set has a bright lemon yellow all over that looks amazing on all kinds of skin. Because the corners are rounded, the light feels easy to use—it’s definitely bright, but not too much.
Wear DND “Bright Yellow” or Essie “Sunshine State of Mind.” A single thick coat followed by a shiny gel top coat will prevent your nails from streaking. Keep nails trimmed and cuticles pushed for maximum polish.
I always turn to this when I’m looking for a mood lift. When you’re feeling down because your coffee is wrong and your sandals are broken, yellow can still make you feel better.
Nude & Sage Minimalism with Almond Tips
This set walks the line between natural and trend-forward. All the nails are shiny and light, with the exception of the sage accent paint on the little finger. Its almond shape gives it a cool look that doesn’t seem overly fashionable.
Try to begin with OPI “Bare My Soul” or Essie “Topless & Barefoot.” For the green, try Lights Lacquer “Matcha.” A glassy top coat keeps things modern and clean. This mani thrives in subtlety—it’s all about restraint.
I turn to this when I want to look nice with very little effort. Think: cotton dresses, linen trousers, barely-there makeup. It’s the definition of effortless.
Sunny Yellow Ombre on a Nude Canvas
If you’re after a cute and sophisticated look, this short gel set is just what you need. A flawless nude base leads to a vibrant yellow tip, creating a French ombré look that’s perfect for summer: cheerful, surprising and very easy to pull off. It gives your skin a natural glow and allows your skin to breathe like golden hour does.
Use OPI’s “Samoan Sand” as your base and Beetles Gel Polish in “Sunny Vibes” for the tips if you want to do this at home. Dab the polish on your nails using a sponge or a fluffy brush to get the gradient effect. Let each layer dry, apply a gel top coat and your nails will stay shiny.
I wore it when the heat was so intense that all I could wear was linen and keep lip balm handy. These nails gave me exactly what I was looking for—they were easy, bright and just what I wanted. They seem to give you a boost like an energy drink, but they’re neutral in color.
