Round Nail Inspo for Summer 2025: Bright, Fresh & French Tip Fun

What nail style do you prefer when the weather is warm and you’re wearing sundresses? If you’re not ready to let go of your winter neutrals, now is the time to brighten up your nails. This year’s Round Nail Inspo for Summer 2025 features fun colors, new takes on classic styles and designs that make you feel happier with every brush of polish. If you prefer easy short sets or love bold fruity gel nails, I’ve got the best, shiniest and most popular ideas for you. Ready to find your new favorite?

Glossy Berry Wine Drama

A deep, glassy berry color is the perfect choice for a grown woman’s summer look. This nail design for Summer 2025 is stylish, a bit mysterious and perfect for when you’re feeling your dark feminine side but still want to go to a rooftop brunch. The compact shape helps the watch stay light and fresh and the wine-gloss finish gives it a rich look without being too dark. Ideal for people who prefer a simple yet striking look.

If you want to achieve this look, I’d recommend OPI’s “We The Female” or Essie’s “Bordeaux” in gel polish for the mirror effect. You must use a file that rounds the edges and a top coat that gives a high shine. The color alone is enough to make a statement, without any extra decorations.

I’ve used this color for a summer wedding before and it looked amazing with a linen suit and gold accessories. It shows that you don’t need bold or tropical colors to make an impression. Want to feel powerful but polished this season? This might be your move.

Tutti Frutti Color Pop

If sunshine had a personality, this would be it. The combination of orange, hot pink and milky nude is making me think of a fun poolside playlist. The asymmetric cut-in design? Chef’s kiss. It’s a style that is strong but can be worn and it’s fun but still neat. This is a new version of a basic short nail that doesn’t have to be sparkly to be fun. Whether you’re traveling for a holiday or just want something different on a Tuesday, you can totally pull it off.

For this look, choose gel nail polish in bright summer colors that will last. I’d use Sally Hansen’s “Sun Kissed” orange and Beetles Gel’s “Neon Pink” together. A precision nail brush helps you create the smooth, creamy edges of a nude manicure.

This one does take a little patience. First, use a base coat, then apply two coats of nude and finally, carefully paint the swirls with your nails steady. My tip? Use a dotting tool to create the curves first, as this is how nail technicians get those smooth, round blobs.

Daisy Daydreams with a Blue Twist

The details in this manicure are what make it so cheerful. The cobalt blue is very bright and the French tip design with daisies is a cute way to show your inner flower child. It’s a Summer 2025 nail trend that’s creative but not too much. You could picture it on the sleeve of a white eyelet dress or tapping your iced coffee cup while you take a break.

This is a gel lover’s dream. The base color is either sheer pink or nude and you should use a bright blue like Essie’s “Butler Please” for the stripes. If you don’t want to draw the flowers by hand, use white polish and nail stickers instead.

I once wore something like this to a music festival and people I didn’t know stopped to ask me where I had them done. There’s just something about blue florals that feels rebellious and soft at the same time. Looking for a fun idea that gets people complimenting you all the time? Try this.

Barbiecore with a Glitter Dip

You know it’s summer when hot pink hits different. The boldness of this look is softened by the gel glitter gradient on the ring finger. It’s equal parts bubblegum, glam, and beach cocktail realness. The round shape makes it fun, not intimidating and the use of just one accent nail with solid color? It’s the 2025 version of “clean girl meets party girl.”

I often pick “Tropical Punch” from DND or Gelish’s “Pink Smoothie” to get that bright color. You can apply the ombré glitter using a fan brush or by dipping a sponge into holographic micro-shimmer.

Personally, I love pairing this look with glossy lips and silver jewelry—it gives “I didn’t try, I just shine.” Plus, if you’re into simple art designs, this is a low-maintenance way to sneak in sparkle without going full disco ball.

Lime Daisies and Chill

Bright green and floral smiles? Say no more. If you’re looking for a cool and cute nail style for Summer 2025, this is the one for you. The combination of soft white and pastel green is lovely and the daisies add a nice touch. Total serotonin boost. It’s a simple design that looks great whether you’re in the garden or enjoying drinks outside.

I suggest using Zoya’s “Snow White” and “Josie” to get the green color. You can use a dotting tool to make daisies—draw the petals white and finish with a yellow center.

This simple short look is deceptively easy. It takes patience, yes, but the result? Pure joy. I wore something similar at my backyard BBQ and every aunt and niece wanted to copy my look. It’s universal, it’s cute, it screams “I’m thriving.”

Neon Tropics Floral Art

We’re going to end this batch with the ultimate tropical nail fantasy. The combination of neon fuchsia and hand-painted hibiscus-style flowers puts art right in your hands. The round cut softens the strong colors in the design. This is the nail style you choose when you’re off to Cabo or just want to feel like you are.

The neon base? Try “Purple Panic” by China Glaze. When painting the flowers, use a very fine brush and bright colors like turquoise, white and pink. Put on a top coat to make sure your nails stay perfect for photos at the beach.

Whenever I wore this outfit on a trip, I kept looking at my hands. They just sparked joy. If you’re looking for summer manicure ideas, this design is like a collection of inspiration on your nails.

Retro Cowprint and Forest Greens

This one’s a true blend of earthy and edgy. The use of sage green, black and a striking cow print art design makes this a unique choice for people who like to mix country with city style. The round shape balances the playful contrast and adds polish (pun intended) to an otherwise whimsical palette. And that single black nail? It brings the drama. Here’s a look at round nail inspiration for Summer 2025 with a twist.

I would go with Essie’s “Win Me Over” for the green and OPI’s “Black Onyx” for the accents. The cowprint nail? First, apply “Bubble Bath” by OPI as a base and then use a dotting tool or nail art brush to add the splotches.

I wore this look to a girls’ picnic in Central Park and it got more attention than my actual outfit. If you’re hunting for bold ideas that still feel wearable, this is a fun way to shake up your short nails.

Mod Petals and Mint Hues

There are times when a graphic, cool and minimalist look is perfect for summer, even if it’s still charming. This manicure delivers that exact balance. The combination of mint green and nude creates a clean background and the black petals with white centers give the arrangement a vintage touch. It’s very “modern-day Twiggy,” in the best way. A perfect example of a short nail, with great results and just the right amount of difference.

I think Zoya’s “Tiana” or OPI’s “This Isn’t Greenland” are great choices for the green base of this design. It’s best to use black gel polish and a dotting tool or a stiff angled brush for the petals.

I think of this manicure as “understated clever.” Most of the compliments you receive come from people who are familiar with good design. You’ll be happy if you want simple, short designs that still look professional.

Hot Pink Flower Power

Talk about dopamine nails. This mix of fuchsia and baby pink with lots of bold flowers is perfect for the boldest days of summer. The flower’s rhythm comes from the repeated daisy-style blooms and the changing base colors make it playful. This one’s not for the faint of heart—but it is for anyone who thrives in the spotlight and loves the power of punchy art on a feminine canvas. Hello, round nail inspo for Summer 2025!

I suggest starting with Essie “Mod Square” as your base and finishing with “Fiji” for the lighter parts. You can decorate the flowers by either stamping them or painting them by hand with gel using thin tools.

I had a rooftop birthday that was a great conversation starter. Sometimes, maximalism just works. If you’re thinking about what to wear for your next big trip, now is the time.

Watermelon Slices with a Neon Twist

There’s fresh—and then there’s this. These glossy gel nails give off a summer fruit feeling, with watermelon slices painted by hand on a neutral base and bright pink tips. The ring’s roundness keeps it from being tacky and the combination of solid and artistic stones ensures each finger is noticed. Honestly, it’s like your mani just RSVP’d to the backyard BBQ.

You should have a thin detail brush, lime green nail polish like China Glaze “Highlight of My Summer,” neon pink nail polish like DND “Summer Bright,” and a sheer nude base coat. Make sure to have a fine-point dotting tool for the little black seeds.

Is it over the top? A little. But do I regret it? Not for a second. If you’re after ideas that blend food, art designs, and full-on joy—this one’s a juicy winner.

Deep Blues and Love Hearts

This combination of midnight blue and soft white is both moody and artistic. The shiny finish makes the piece look better and the heart shapes add interest and depth. The coolest part? It’s romantic without being overly sweet. If you want a unique look that’s still grounded, this style is perfect for you. This design is one that feels comfortable to wear and is still very new for 2025.

I painted the heart with OPI “Russian Navy” and “Alpine Snow,” using a fine detail brush to add the layers. The glossy gel topcoat gives it that candy-shell finish.

Since I usually go for minimal looks, this felt like a bold choice that was still me. I’ve noticed that acrylic frames are trending on Pinterest, so this one fits right in without being the same as others.

Sky Blue Matte Moment

A matte blue manicure is the perfect way to feel cool when it’s hot outside. The look is easy to achieve, with a single color covering the nails in a square-round hybrid shape. It’s the kind of round nail idea for Summer 2025 that’s both stylish and easy to copy—no fancy designs, just bright colors.

This is the simplest to do: just file into a soft short square, use a base coat and apply two layers of Sally Hansen “Pacific Blue” or Olive & June “Angelfish.” Top it off with a matte sealer.

I choose this kind of manicure when I want to start fresh. It’s easy to do but looks great—and it matches any outfit I wear in the summer. Sometimes, color is all the inspiration you need.

Cherry Glazed Confetti

This style is sweet, bold, and bursting with joy. By using cherry red gel and jelly accents, along with pink, orange, purple and baby blue petal-style bursts, this nail art is both fun and elegant. Because it’s short, the design is simple to use, but the abstract layers give it a touch of art design energy. It’s a manicure that makes you feel like wearing less and smiling more.

I suggest using OPI’s “Big Apple Red” for the main color and a sheer pink base to make the colorful dots stand out. You should use fine dotting tools to scatter the drops like confetti petals, without making any precise lines.

This mani makes me think of summer smoothies and street fairs. It’s fun and perfect for both a last-minute holiday or a romantic night out. Isn’t it great when your nails reflect your current mood?

Soft Watermelon French Fade

This style is perfect for wearing with a new pedicure and a beach bag. This style is inspired by cherries, using soft pinks and lime tips, along with tiny black seeds—a summery version of a French tip. The round shape and the ombré fade are both detailed, pretty and just plain enjoyable. Because it’s not too bold, it’s ideal for anyone who wants to try something new but still look stylish.

I’d use Essie’s “Ballet Slippers” as a base, build the green tips with Orly’s “Key Lime Twist” using a sponge and finish with black dots drawn with a detailing pen.

If you’re planning a picnic or brunch, this is a simple and fashionable way to show off fresh seasonal foods. Who says French can’t be fruity?

Monochrome Blooms on Nude

There’s a power in keeping things pared-back. The black flowers stand out more on these short nails which have a nude base and a bit of an editorial look. The small light blue dot in the middle of each flower helps to break up the contrast and adds a little surprise. This round nail trend for Summer 2025 is a stylish change from the usual bright summer colors.

You should start with a neutral base like OPI’s “Bare My Soul” and then use a fine brush to paint on flower petals with black gel polish. With a dotting tool, apply sky blue lacquer to the small center dots.

I reach for this one when I’m wearing neutrals and gold jewelry. It’s simple but still expressive, so you can play with art without it feeling too finished. That’s always the vibe, right?

Pastel Polka Dot Pop

This is one of the cutest things I’ve seen all season. Using mint and baby pink as the base and adding turquoise polka dots to the accent nails, gives a fun Y2K feel. Because the shape is so simple, it’s easy to wear, even if you don’t like bold nail art. Consider it a sweetened version of artwork that makes you feel better.

I’d apply the polishes with a dotting tool and use “Mint Condition” by Olive & June and “Baby Pink” by DND. If you enjoy doing your own nails or having a summer mani night with friends, this project is a lot of fun.

This one reminded me of Lisa Frank folders and bubblegum lip gloss and I loved it.

Rainbow Confetti Party Tips

Talk about a full-on festival for your fingers. You’ll find glitter, hearts, holographic shapes, mixed colors and a riot of French tips in this design. The excitement comes from the disorder—it’s the perfect nail idea for Summer 2025 for anyone who loves every idea, every design and no rules. Every nail is a world of its own and it still manages to hold everything together.

To achieve this, you’d need a sheer base, multicolor glitter, heart-shaped confetti, and an endless stash of bold polishes. A fine brush helps you create clean French arcs on every nail.

I’m obsessed with how this set screams freedom. You might want to wear this nail art for Pride, Coachella or your birthday week. Need over-the-top inspiration? Done and done.

Cherry Moons and Dots

This is a cool-girl classic with a twist. Half-moons in red cover the base of the nail and small violet dots are scattered in the center, creating a fun, simple and stylish effect. Because it’s quick and simple, it’s ideal for those who want to try out color placement without making a big commitment. A modern take on 1960s nail art, now with a 2025 twist.

A dotting tool and Essie’s “Forever Yummy” red polish are best for this look, with a periwinkle dot in the center. Apply a sheer base first and then use a curved edge brush or French sticker guides to build the moons.

I like how symmetrical this design is and it looks smart without being overly complicated. If you prefer simple nails and aren’t keen on florals or glitter, this is the perfect way to make your nails stand out.

Electric Blue Meets Negative Space

A bright, shiny blue nail color always seems to suggest it’s time for a break. The round shape here gives the outfit a softer, cleaner feel. The thumb, index, middle and pinky fingers are painted with the same electric blue, while the ring finger is left bare with just a few simple blue waves. It’s playful without being loud—and totally wearable even if you’re not headed to Ibiza this weekend.

I’d use OPI’s “My Car Has Navy-gation” to get the rich blue and Essie’s “Mademoiselle” for the nude base. The wavy lines are best made with a slim liner brush. Many nail artists on TikTok suggest using a matte silicone grip brush for better control when you’re painting nails by hand.

You don’t need a salon trip for this one. First, use a gentle glass file to shape the edges; round and short is important for a polished look. Apply your base, then cure. Gently use a liner brush to draw your curves or use blue striping tape to help you achieve a perfect look. Apply a gel top coat and let it cure to get a lasting shine that is very 2025.

Personally, I love how versatile this is. The design gives off a holiday feeling, but it’s still simple enough for the office. It reminds me of when my best friend wore these to a summer rooftop party last year—everyone wanted to know where she got them done.

Pastel Lavender with Daisy Smiles

This design is sweet, soft and brings back a little nostalgia, like a ‘90s sticker book mixed with Pinterest-core. The base color for these short nails is lavender and two of the nails have white daisies with smiling faces. It’s a straightforward design that will have strangers in line at the coffee shop asking you where you got it.

To get this look, I usually go for Lights Lacquer’s “Lilac Wine”—it’s creamy and opaque in two coats. For the flowers, you can hand-paint with dotting tools or grab some press-on decals (Amazon and Etsy both have great sets). The smiley face adds a Gen Z touch that fits well with people of all ages.

Celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec suggested using a milky base to help the flowers appear to float on your nails. After the paint is dry, apply a thin layer of glossy top coat to achieve a glassy surface. Bonus: it hides tiny imperfections.

This one has a special place in my heart. It makes me think of the summers when I would wear nail stickers all the time. It’s not overly cute, but it always makes you smile when you see your hands. That’s what summer inspiration is all about, right?

Lilac French Tips with a Lemon Pop

If you’re like me, you love a fun take on the French tip and this mix of lilac and lemon yellow is just perfect. The base is soft purple, but the tips are painted a cheerful, bright color. The round shape is modern and neat, but it still keeps the fun factor that makes it a top choice for 2025.

I like to use Olive & June’s “JM” for the purple and Sundays Studio’s “No.12” for the pastel yellow. Use a half-moon French guide or even a silicone stamper to get those perfect arcs, especially if you’re doing it yourself.

A little trick? Don’t put too much color on the tips of your brush; instead, dab it off and add it slowly. Don’t forget to apply top coat to the edges to keep your nails looking shiny. They also help the colors stand out more from each other.

It’s a set that looks great with linen dresses and citrusy scents. I wore this outfit on a trip to Palm Springs last July and my nails got more attention than my whole outfit.

Gradient Hearts in Blue

Talk about cool-toned perfection! This summer 2025 nail trend mixes periwinkle and navy with a soft gradient heart design. It has a relaxing, sunset-over-the-lake feeling and the glossy surface keeps it looking new and stylish. All the fingers show different styles, from single-color art to designs that blend into one another. Heart eyes? Definitely.

You should use a cornflower, a midnight blue and a white for this design. I’d grab Zoya’s “Blu”, Sally Hansen’s “Midnight Mod”, and OPI’s “Alpine Snow”. If you don’t feel comfortable drawing freehand, use nail vinyls or heart stencils instead.

First, paint the background and then add hearts with a small brush. Use a flat angled brush and acetone to make the edges of your nails look perfect. Gina Edwards, a celebrity nail artist, says that using dark colors over light ones can make your nails stand out without the need for extra tools.

I believe this design is just right: it’s not too fancy and not too plain. Bold enough to be fun, but you can still wear them anywhere. It’s a more sophisticated version of the stickers we used to have—and it looks much better.

Cherry Pop on Clear Gloss

This design looks like it belongs at a summer fruit stand with a modern touch. The nails are kept simple, with a high-shine finish and clean edges and the cherry art designs add a touch of fun. Cherries on nails are a classic look, but this version is more grown-up and stylish.

You don’t need a full kit to pull this off—just a clear gel base (like Seche Vite Clear Gel), a dotting tool, and crisp red and green polishes for the cherry and stem. You can complete the tiny sparkle accent with OPI’s “Silver on Ice” or a foil sticker.

Use a structured round file to shape the nail—keep it simple and short. After your base is cured, use the dotting tool to add two red circles and then add a few green stems with a flick. Add sparkle, seal it with top coat, and voilà! Cute, classy, and takes under 45 minutes at home.

I’m obsessed with how this works for any age. It’s whimsical but never childish. My niece chose this for a summer picnic and I spotted a woman in her 40s wearing it at a weekend brunch. That’s what I love—when ideas can flex for anyone.

Sunshine Lemons on Blush

One word: juicy. I find myself wanting to eat lemon sorbet and enjoy a sunny afternoon after seeing this set. The blush pink is beautiful by itself, but when you add bright yellow lemons and green leaves? Pure seasonal joy. Because the shape is round, the bright colors look more feminine and refreshing, not too loud.

To copy this, apply Essie’s “Fiji” for the base and use a fine-tip brush with China Glaze “Happy Go Lucky” for the lemons. Olive & June “WKF” helps the foliage look its best.

It’s not as hard as it seems—first paint your base, then cure it and finally add the lemon ovals in groups. Draw the leaves and use a micro-liner to outline them and you’ll have a fruit stand on your fingertips. Remember to apply a UV-sealed gloss to ensure your paint stays chip-free in the heat.

I think this is the perfect manicure for anyone going on a weekend trip, especially if you’re planning to sip spritzers in the sun. It’s a summer design that makes you feel good and that’s something we could all use now.

Mint & Pink Butterfly Pop

This is a summer cocktail for your nails. The combination of watermelon pink and icy mint is just right to feel like it was planned. The round shape makes the energy gentle and the butterfly art designs add just the right touch of playfulness. It’s a standout look that somehow feels totally wearable, whether you’re headed to brunch or boardwalk.

I recommend using Essie “Play Date” for the pink and Zoya “Lillian” for the mint. The butterfly accents are best done with a super fine detail brush, but you can also use nail stickers if you’re short on time or not feeling creative.

File the nails into a neat, slightly rounded shape and then apply the base gel color. After the butterfly is cured, paint the butterfly halves near the cuticle, leaving a little space between the paint and the edge. It’s actually quite easy if you see it as a series of dots and curves.

Whenever I wear these clothes, they get the kind of attention that leads to conversations. I believe it’s the atmosphere—it’s bold and flirty, but not overdoing it. I often turn to music when I want to feel better.

Lemon Slices on Sheer Nude

If you’re looking for simple short summer ideas, this lemon-forward look is as fresh as it gets. A sheer nude base is used and the sunny joy comes from the detailed yellow slices and leafy greens. Because it’s round, the manicure stays light and neat, making it ideal for those who like detail but don’t want long or busy nails.

Start with a breathable gel base like Orly Breathable “Barely There”, then layer on soft yellow (try China Glaze “Sun Upon My Skin”) using a striping brush for slices. Add a little translucent white and green leaves to the fruit.

The main thing is the space between the elements which makes the design look more elegant and light. I prefer to put the lemon art at the tips or corners and make sure there are at least two nails that are either completely yellow or bare. It’s capturing the spirit of a Tuscan farmers market which is what I wanted.

If you’re looking for something clean, cheerful and a bit flirty—but not too themed—this is the inspiration.

Bold Red Reverse Moon

I’ve always loved a twist on a classic. The main color here is a deep red, but the round shape and half-moon space near the cuticle make it look very modern. It’s both stylish and modern—a manicure that shows you pay attention to the little things.

Apply a creamy red lacquer like OPI’s “Big Apple Red” and use a silicone stamper to make the half-moon area blank. Gel is the best choice for this because it gives precise results and keeps your hair shiny for longer.

You can easily do this look yourself, especially with a moon guide sticker or a French tip stencil turned upside down. Paint a first thin layer, cure it, then add a second layer and finish with a gloss top coat.

This is perfect when I want to feel like I’m going somewhere important such as on a casual date or for a presentation. It’s timeless, but not boring. Just like red lipstick on your nails.

Midnight Florals on White Base

There’s something about contrast that just hits in summer. The soft neutral base is the backdrop for little navy flowers which are matched by solid navy nails. The mix of short nails and small flowers makes the look sweet but not too cute.

If you want blue, go with Essie “Style Cartel” and if you’re looking for a base, OPI “Funny Bunny” is a great choice. A dotting tool or a small detail brush will help you make even floral shapes without making them look blobby.

If you’re doing this at home, I suggest applying solid nail polish first and then painting flowers on just two nails. It helps the design stay focused on the small details which is what matters most.

Florals are always popular, but these colors make them look fresh and different. I wore this for a friend’s holiday garden party and got more “wait, you did that yourself?!” comments than I could count.

Metallic Green Mirror Chrome

Let’s take a detour into futuristic glam. The nails are short and rounded and they wear a chrome gel in electric green that shines like a polished emerald. If you’re looking for a new style this year, this minimalist shape with a bold finish is the way to go.

You’ll need a black gel base for depth (like Beetles “Black Mirror”) and a loose chrome powder in bright green—Born Pretty makes a killer one. Apply the sticky gel with a silicone applicator and finish with a top coat that doesn’t need to be wiped off for a stunning shine.

The real secret? Buff in two layers of chrome, not just one. It takes the metallic from “cool” to “liquid jewel.” Tom Bachik, a famous nail tech, suggests that chrome looks best on shorter nails and stays on for a longer time.

I didn’t expect to love green as much as I do now. I wore this on a city trip and kept seeing my reflection in the windows of shops. It’s bold but totally wearable. Unexpectedly obsessed.

Fruit Salad Fantasy

Now this is what summer looks like. A variety of small fruits—cherries, oranges, blueberries and strawberries—are placed on top of glossy nude gel nails. Every nail is a small canvas, with a bold blue accent to keep it looking right. The season’s designs are colorful, bold and sure to catch your eye.

Recreate this with a sheer pinky nude like Essie “Ballet Slippers” and a fruit decal set (Etsy has great ones) or use tiny nail art brushes with neon lacquers. The bold blue in the collection is brought to life by OPI’s “Rich Girls & Po-Boys.”

If you’re painting it yourself, map out your fruit per nail before starting—space matters! Be sure to apply a topcoat twice, especially if you’re using several colors or stickers.

It’s like wearing your favorite fruit bowl—except prettier. I wore this outfit on a girls’ beach trip and it definitely made my smoothies taste better. Okay maybe not—but they did match.

Red French Tip with a Summer Curve

This style is inspired by the French tip, but it’s designed for summer. Instead of plain white, a bright candy apple red is painted in a curve at the tips of short round nails. The curved edge makes the design feel softer but still keeps it sharp. The glossy finish? Chef’s kiss. It’s timeless, but definitely not basic.

I use Essie “A-List” and some curved French tip stickers to get this look at home. First, use a sheer nude like Zoya “Laurie” as your base and then carefully paint just the tips red.

French tips are always great, but red gives off a flirty and sunny vibe that white doesn’t. I wore this to a Sunday market and people stopped me twice—sometimes, it’s the easy things that catch people’s attention.

Classic Noir with a Bow Twist

This manicure is inspired by Paris runway, but with a fun twist. A sheer gel base helps the nails look polished and black French tips add a stylish edge. Add a few rhinestone bow designs and you’ve added a touch of elegance with a hint of playfulness. It’s a look I never knew I needed—until now.

You’ll need a striping brush, OPI “Black Onyx” and a very glossy top coat. The bows can be painted or added as decals. Rhinestone centers are optional—but honestly, they make it.

There’s something powerful about black in summer—it’s unexpected, but oh-so striking. Especially when the shape is short and neat. I think this is a great place for rooftop evenings and meals with a nice view.

Strawberry Glazed & Glossy

Okay, how adorable is this berry-inspired set? It’s juicy, playful, and leans into full-on summer vibes. The strawberry glaze effect is created by using pink and red polish on short round nails and small dots are added to look like seeds. Think Y2K nostalgia meets modern gel artistry.

I like to wear Olive & June’s “Wild & Free” over Deborah Lippmann’s “My Boyfriend’s Back”. Using dots with different shades of color gives your painting a realistic and fruity appearance.

This set makes me wish I could eat a popsicle or feel the grass between my toes. I wore this style on a road trip along the coast and at every café I visited, someone would notice them. Berry good.

Blue Pop Art Picnic

This is the kind of thing you’d see in a graphic novel or a TikTok edit—bold checkerboards, daisies, hearts and swirls in different shades of blue. Every nail is a small work of art, joined by the soft short round shape that holds everything together. It may be loud, but it’s also stylish in a planned-out kind of way.

You should have several similar shades—use Lights Lacquer’s “Blue Moon”, “Send Nudes” as the base and Color Club “Take A Chill Pill” for the accents. You can use nail vinyls or stamping plates, but I prefer the unique look of hand-painted lines.

This feels like wearable pop art. I’d wear this when I’m looking for a fun nail color to show off on a long summer weekend. Spoiler alert: they will be.

Conclusion

So—did any of these designs speak to you? If you love bright details, simple gloss or a colorful fruit salad look, this year’s nail ideas are full of energy, fun and exactly what you need. Summer gives you the chance to try out a new shape or color, even if it’s only a small change from your usual style. Honestly? Your nails deserve a little sunshine too. Save your favorite nail style, capture the next one on your phone and let your nails speak for you this year.