Chic Summer Nails: Simple & Trendy Designs for 2024

Let’s dive into the vibrant world of summer nails simple, where less is truly more, and elegance meets ease. As we sashay into the sunshine season, what could be more refreshing than a manicure that’s both effortlessly chic and a breeze to maintain? Dare I say, it’s the quintessential companion to your summer lemonade!

Starry Sky Simplicity

As a professional manicurist, I’ve always had a soft spot for designs that speak volumes with understated elements. These summer nails simple almond are like a clear night sky on your fingertips. The sheer base showcases a constellation of stars in a playful dance, with the subtle shimmer of silver adding a dash of glamour.

Materials Needed:

• Sheer nude polish (Base)
• Royal blue polish (Stars)
• Silver glitter accents
• Top coat for shine and durability
• Small dotting tool or toothpick

I recommend using a high-quality sheer polish that mimics the natural nail bed for an authentic ‘barely-there’ look. When it comes to the blue, opt for a hue that pops but still feels airy – think ‘summer sky at twilight’. For the silver, a fine glitter polish will do, but for a three-dimensional feel, tiny rhinestones are your best bet.

DIY Steps:

1. Start with a clean, buffed nail bed.
2. Apply two coats of sheer nude polish, letting each coat dry.
3. With your blue polish and a dotting tool, add stars. They don’t have to be perfect; the charm is in their whimsy.
4. Add a dot of glue where you’d like your silver accents, then place your glitter or rhinestone.
5. Seal everything with a glossy top coat for a finish as clear as the summer sky itself.

Sprinkles of Fun

Nothing screams summer like a pop of color, and these summer nails simple short are a celebration in themselves. With a base of creamy peach and speckles of joyous hues, this look is as tasty as a sprinkled ice cream under the July sun.

Materials Needed:

• Peach nail polish (Base)
• Multi-colored glitter polish (Sprinkles)
• Bright red polish (Accent)
• Protective base coat
• High-gloss top coat

The choice of base color sets the tone, so a peach that’s soft yet vibrant will do just the trick. The glitter polish should be packed with a mix of colors to mimic the look of sprinkles, and as for the accent nails, choose a red that’s unapologetically bold.

DIY Steps:

1. Lay down your base coat to protect your natural nail.
2. Apply two coats of peach polish on all nails except the accent nails, which will be red.
3. Once dry, take your glitter polish and gently tap it onto the nails, creating a ‘sprinkled’ effect.
4. Finish with a glossy top coat to make your manicure last and your sprinkles stand out.

Blooming Blue

Behold a nod to the summer nails simple square with a botanical twist. The fusion of periwinkle blue and blush pink in a floral pattern is as refreshing as a summer breeze through a blooming garden.

Materials Needed:

• Periwinkle blue polish (Flowers)
• Blush pink polish (Detailing)
• Milky white polish (Base)
• Thin brush for detailing
• Clear top coat

I suggest a milky white with a hint of transparency as your canvas—it’s forgiving and enhances the vibrancy of the design. The periwinkle should be muted, not electric; it’s summer, not a laser show. And the pink? Soft, like the inside of a seashell.

DIY Steps:

1. Prep with a base coat to prevent staining.
2. Apply the milky white as your base color, two thin coats should suffice.
3. Using a thin brush, paint your blue flowers, aiming for simplicity over intricacy.
4. Add a dot of pink in the center of each bloom for that pinch of warmth.
5. A clear top coat will seal your design and give it that glassy summer lake finish.

Peachy Keen Elegance

The summer nails simple coffin silhouette is an undeniably sophisticated choice. This design exudes a delicate balance between the commanding shape and the understated color—a peachy nude that’s both versatile and vogue.

Materials Needed:

• Peachy nude polish (Base)
• Glossy top coat for a sleek finish
• Nail file to perfect the coffin shape

I swear by a long-lasting formula for the base polish, ensuring your manicure keeps its elegant demeanor for days. The coffin shape requires precision, so a good file is indispensable. Finish with a top coat that promises shine and endurance through all your summer escapades.

DIY Steps:

1. File your nails into the desired coffin shape—think bold but approachable.
2. Apply a base coat to shield your natural nails.
3. Coat your nails with the peachy nude polish. Two coats should achieve opaqueness.
4. Top it off with a glossy sealant that lets the sunlight reflect off your nails.

Playful Strokes

Now, if you’re looking to encapsulate fun in your summer nails simple designs, this is your go-to. Short nails become canvases for abstract art with strokes of vibrant pastels, perfect for those seeking an easy yet energetic style.

Materials Needed:

• Taupe polish (Base)
• Assorted pastel polishes (Art)
• Thin art brush
• Sealant for a lasting finish

For these nails, select a muted taupe as your backdrop to let the colors play. Choose pastels that resonate with summer’s sweetness—think of the hues of sunrise. The art brush should be precise to deliver clean, playful strokes.

DIY Steps:

1. Begin with a taupe base, letting it dry fully.
2. Dip your art brush in the first pastel shade and sweep it across your nail. Repeat with other colors.
3. Once your miniature masterpiece is dry, apply a sealant to protect your playful art.

Retro Vibes

Flaunting summer nails simple short with a retro twist, this design calls back to the carefree spirit of the ’70s. The vibrant pink and sunny orange are interspersed with geometric precision, making each nail a testament to funky times.

Materials Needed:

• White polish (Base)
• Pink and orange polish (Design)
• Nail striping tape for clean lines
• Matte top coat for a contemporary edge

The white base polish should be stark—providing contrast is key here. And for the pink and orange, pick shades that say ‘summer sorbet’. The nail striping tape will be your best friend for those crisp lines.

DIY Steps:

1. Paint your nails with the white base polish.
2. Once dry, use the striping tape to outline your geometric designs.
3. Fill in the designs with pink and orange polish.
4. Remove the tape while the polish is still tacky, then let it dry.
5. Finish with a matte top coat to modernize the look.

Whisper of Florals

Adorning the summer nails simple almond, this design speaks in hushed tones of elegance and whispers of natural beauty. A ballet pink base lays the stage for delicate blue florals, creating an ambiance of a serene summer garden on your nails.

Materials Needed:

• Ballet pink polish (Base)
• Soft blue and lavender for florals
• Green polish for leafy accents
• Thin detailing brush
• Sparkling rhinestone
• Quick-dry top coat for a seamless finish

I’m partial to a ballet pink that mimics the grace of its namesake. When selecting the blue and lavender, think of the softest petals in a morning bloom. The green should be as subtle as the stem of a young blossom.

DIY Steps:

1. Prepare nails with a base coat for protection.
2. Paint the nails with two coats of ballet pink polish.
3. With a fine brush, create soft blue floral patterns accented with lavender.
4. Add green leaves to bring the design to life.
5. Adorn with a single rhinestone for a touch of sparkle, like dew on fresh petals.
6. Finish with a top coat that lets the design shine without overpowering it.

Confetti of Colors

Reflecting the summer nails simple short, this mani is a jubilant parade of colors. The warm peach backdrop is the canvas for a confetti burst, with speckles of vibrant purple, orange, and green that suggest a carnival on your fingertips.

Materials Needed:

• Warm peach polish (Base)
• Array of polishes in purple, orange, and green (Confetti)
• Dotting tool
• Clear top coat for a glassy finish

Opt for a peach base that’s bright yet soft to the touch, allowing the colors of the confetti to command attention. The purple, orange, and green should be as merry as summer festivities themselves.

DIY Steps:

1. Begin with a base coat to prevent staining.
2. Apply the peach polish and wait for it to completely dry.
3. Dip your dotting tool into the first color and begin to create your confetti pattern.
4. Repeat with the other colors, layering as you go.
5. Seal your celebratory design with a clear top coat, ensuring each speckle stays in place.

Botanical Whisper

Here, the summer nails simple acrylic blend the beauty of nature with the allure of intricacy. These nails are a canvas for a tender botanical print, with strokes of green and flourishes of lilac that feel like a secret garden unfolding at your very fingertips.

Materials Needed:

• Nude acrylic (Base)
• Green and lilac polish for detailing
• Fine art brush
• Silver stripe decals
• Top coat for protection and shine

For the base, a nude acrylic offers the perfect background for detailed art. Choose a green that’s fresh and a lilac that’s light, as if touched by the morning sun. The silver stripes add a modern twist to the traditional botanical patterns.

DIY Steps:

1. Sculpt your nails with nude acrylic for strength and a flawless base.
2. Paint on the green botanical outlines with a fine brush.
3. Fill in with lilac accents to give life to the greenery.
4. Apply silver stripes to add a contemporary edge.
5. Cover with a top coat to keep your botanicals as perennial as the summer season.

Petal Play

The artistry of summer nails simple almond shines through with this delicate petal play. On a sheer canvas, vibrant pink flowers bloom, surrounded by golden orbs that echo the joy of sunlit days.

Materials Needed:

• Sheer polish (Base)
• Vibrant pink polish (Flowers)
• Golden polish (Accents)
• Thin brush for detailing
• Top coat for lasting shine

For a sheer polish, I recommend one that enhances the nail’s natural beauty while providing a smooth surface for art. The vibrant pink should be rich yet not overwhelming, complementing the golden accents.

DIY Steps:

1. Apply a sheer base coat and let it dry.
2. Use a thin brush to paint pink petals, starting from the center and stroking outward.
3. Add golden dots to center the flowers and bring a touch of luxury.
4. Finish with a top coat to encapsulate the floral essence and add a brilliant shine.

Citrus Twist

Embrace the zest of summer nails simple coffin with a citrus twist. The marriage of milky white and bright orange tips speaks of sunny afternoons and refreshing orange slices by the poolside.

Materials Needed:

• Milky white polish (Base)
• Bright orange polish (Tips)
• Nail tape for clean lines
• Glossy top coat for a fresh finish

The milky white base sets a neutral stage, while the bright orange brings a burst of energy. Use nail tape to achieve precise, clean lines that separate the colors, simulating a perfect citrus slice.

DIY Steps:

1. Begin with a white base, letting it dry thoroughly.
2. Place nail tape where the white meets the tip, ensuring a straight line.
3. Paint the tips with the vibrant orange polish.
4. Once semi-dry, remove the tape to reveal a crisp edge.
5. Seal with a glossy top coat for a look as fresh as a summer beverage.

Soft Whimsy

This summer nails simple square design offers a soft whisper of whimsy. Translucent pink serves as a dreamy backdrop for playful polka dots and silver glints, reminiscent of a fairy tale bound in summer’s warmth.

Materials Needed:

• Translucent pink polish (Base)
• Assorted pastel polishes for dots
• Silver glitter accents
• Dotting tool
• Top coat to seal the magic

Select a translucent pink that alludes to a gentle blush. The pastel polishes for dots should be diverse yet harmonious, inviting a sense of play and wonder.

DIY Steps:

1. Coat your nails with the translucent pink for a subtle pink flush.
2. With a dotting tool, create a polka dot pattern using your pastel palette.
3. Add silver glitter accents sparingly for a sprinkle of enchantment.
4. A top coat will provide the perfect finish, keeping your nails looking whimsical and fresh.

Psychedelic Swirls

These summer nails simple almond are a playful homage to the psychedelic swirls of the ’60s, reimagined for the modern free spirit. The blend of pastel hues swirls together in harmony, creating a mesmerizing pattern that’s both lively and chic.

Materials Needed:

• Pastel blue, pink, and orange polishes
• A detail brush or a toothpick for swirling
• Base coat
• Top coat for durability and gloss

To achieve the pastel perfection of this design, select shades that are soft yet pigmented. The swirling technique requires a steady hand, so take your time and let the colors meld naturally.

DIY Steps:

1. Apply a base coat to protect your natural nails.
2. Paint a pastel base color and let it dry.
3. Add small blobs of your other pastel polishes while the base is still tacky.
4. Use the detail brush or toothpick to gently swirl the colors together.
5. Seal your psychedelic creation with a top coat for lasting wear.

Modern French

A twist on the classic French manicure, this summer nails simple short style introduces a contemporary edge with a cool blue tip. The contrast between the soft pink and the bold blue offers a fresh take on a timeless design.

Materials Needed:

• Soft pink polish
• Bold blue polish
• Striping tape for precision
• Base coat
• Quick-dry top coat

For the pink, a semi-translucent shade will add a natural look, while the blue should be chosen for its standout hue. The striping tape will ensure a clean, crisp line between the colors.

DIY Steps:

1. Prep your nails with a base coat.
2. Apply the soft pink polish and let it dry.
3. Place the striping tape at the tips of your nails.
4. Paint the tips with the bold blue polish.
5. Remove the tape carefully before the polish dries.
6. Finish with a quick-dry top coat for a sleek, modern look.

Floral Accents

Celebrating summer nails simple coffin, these nails blossom with floral accents, evoking the delicate nature of a summer’s bloom. The soft nude base allows the teal and yellow floral designs to pop, making each nail a petite canvas of artistry.

Materials Needed:

• Nude polish (Base)
• Teal and yellow polishes for florals
• Detailing brush
• Top coat for protection

Select a nude polish that complements your skin tone, creating a perfect backdrop for the florals. The teal and yellow should be bright enough to stand out but harmonious within the floral motif.

DIY Steps:

1. Start with a clean, well-prepped nail surface and a base coat.
2. Apply the nude polish as a base layer.
3. Use the detailing brush to hand-paint the floral designs with teal and yellow.
4. Once the design is dry, apply a top coat to protect your artwork and add shine.

Lavender Lines

Gentle and soothing, these summer nails simple square designs carry the serene vibes of a lavender field. Subtle yet intriguing, the purple squiggles over a naked base offer a modern minimalist look perfect for those lazy, hazy summer days.

Materials Needed:

• Sheer nude polish (Base)
• Lavender polish (Design)
• Thin brush or striping tool
• Top coat for a flawless finish

Aim for a sheer nude that evokes the bare beauty of your natural nails. The lavender should be a muted hue, reminiscent of the softest lavender blossoms swaying in the breeze.

DIY Steps:

1. Begin with a base coat to protect and smooth your nails.
2. Apply a coat of sheer nude polish, letting it dry to a transparent finish.
3. Dip your brush or striping tool in lavender polish and create freeform squiggles across each nail.
4. Once the design has set, apply a top coat for long-lasting wear and a professional appearance.

Pastel Wavelengths

These summer nails simple almond encapsulate the playful spirit of summer with their wavy pastel transitions. They exude a vibe as carefree as a day at the beach, with soft waves of color ebbing and flowing in a satisfying rhythm.

Materials Needed:

• Pastel polishes in shades of pink, blue, and yellow
• A thin brush for smooth lines
• Base coat
• Glossy top coat for sun-catching shine

Choose pastels that are light-hearted but pigmented enough to create a striking contrast with each wave. The harmony of colors should feel like a gentle summer melody.

DIY Steps:

1. Apply a base coat to each nail.
2. Starting with one pastel shade, paint a section of the nail in a wavy pattern.
3. Repeat with the next colors, allowing each wave to slightly overlap the previous one.
4. Use the thin brush to refine the edges of each wave.
5. Once dry, apply a glossy top coat to bring out the vibrancy of the pastels.

Daisy Days

Summer nails simple short can still dance with the delight of daisy fields, as seen in this charming design. The combination of pale pink and sunny yellow tips, crowned with daisy accents, brings a field of flowers right to your fingertips.

Materials Needed:

• Pale pink polish (Base)
• Sunny yellow polish (Tips)
• White and yellow polish (Daisy accents)
• Dotting tool or a small brush
• Top coat for protection

For this design, select a pale pink that’s soft and feminine. The yellow should be cheerful and bright, capturing the essence of a summer day.

DIY Steps:

1. Start with a pale pink base, ensuring it’s fully dry.
2. Paint the tips with a bright yellow polish for a sunny pop of color.
3. Use a dotting tool or small brush to create simple white daisy petals.
4. Add a dot of yellow in the center of each daisy.
5. Finish with a protective top coat to seal in your miniature meadow.

Deep Sea Calm

Dive into the deep calm of the ocean with these summer nails simple square in a serene shade of sea green. This one-color wonder speaks volumes with its depth and gloss, reminiscent of a peaceful sea voyage.

Materials Needed:

• Deep sea green polish
• Base coat for nail protection
• High-gloss top coat for a wet look

Choose a sea green that’s rich and profound, echoing the unexplored depths of the ocean. A glossy top coat will not only protect the color but also give it that just-emerged-from-the-water shine.

DIY Steps:

1. Start with a base coat to protect your nails and enhance polish adherence.
2. Apply two coats of the sea green polish, letting each coat dry thoroughly.
3. Finish with a high-gloss top coat to amplify the depth of color and add durability.

Sky-High Design

Reaching new heights, these summer nails simple coffin feature sky-blue and white accents that seem to soar among the clouds. The sleekness of the coffin shape is softened by the whimsicality of the design, perfect for daydreamers looking to bring a slice of the sky down to earth.

Materials Needed:

• Sky blue polish
• White polish for accents
• Detail brush or striping tool
• Base and top coat for a smooth, enduring finish

Select a sky blue that’s bright and clear as a summer’s day. White accents should be crisp to contrast beautifully against the blue, like clouds against a clear sky.

DIY Steps:

1. Apply a base coat to each nail.
2. Paint a sky-blue base and allow it to dry.
3. Use a detail brush or striping tool to add white accents—think wisps of clouds or bird-like shapes.
4. Finish with a top coat to seal your aerial adventure.

Spring into Summer

These summer nails simple short nails bloom with the joy of spring transitioning into summer. The pastel palette of pink, green, and lilac is sweetly punctuated with dainty floral accents, offering a fresh and youthful vibe.

Materials Needed:

• Pastel pink, green, and lilac polishes
• White polish for daisy accents
• Small dotting tool or a toothpick
• Top coat for a glossy, fresh-from-the-garden finish

Opt for pastel shades that are light and airy to create a feeling of freshness. White accents in the form of simple daisies bring a touch of innocence and charm.

DIY Steps:

1. Coat your nails with a pastel base, alternating between pink, green, and lilac.
2. Once the base is dry, use a small dotting tool or a toothpick to create white daisy accents.
3. Add a small dot of yellow at the center of each daisy for a hint of warmth.
4. Apply a top coat to protect your design and add a lustrous sheen, like morning dew.

FAQs

Q: Can I use any top coat to seal my designs? A: Absolutely, but for these looks, a high-gloss finish is like sunglasses: essential for summer.

Q: Do I need professional tools to create these designs? A: Not at all. A toothpick, a bobby pin, or the tip of a pen can be your best allies in dotting and detailing.