Short Acrylics for Summer 2025 Fun – Trendy Nail Designs to Try This Season

Summer 2025 is officially in full swing — and if you’re anything like me, you’re craving that fresh pop of personality on your nails to match the season’s energy. So, the question is: how can you mix fun, vacation-style nails with something you’d wear every day? You don’t have to have long claws to look great. The trendiest short acrylics for summer 2025 are adorable, easy to wear and full of character. From artsy to nautical to simple-glam, this roundup is packed with real nail inspo you’ll want to bring to your next appointment — or even DIY if you’re brave. Let’s get into it!

Grid Florals & Gingham with a Twist

There’s something so feel-good about this mix of violet, yellow, pink, and white — it’s giving playful picnic vibes with a design that’s half whimsy, half graphic. The energy in this square nail shape comes from the color-blocked design: grid lines, big floral petals and a surprising metallic stripe give it structure and a twist. It’s not bright, but it stands out — and it’s like having sunshine on your nails.

The key is to apply a thick layer of pastel in every area. I’d start with Essie’s “Play Date” for the lavender, and “Hay There” from Sally Hansen for that juicy yellow. A striping brush and OPI’s “Alpine Snow” white polish are needed for the grid and a gold tape or fine liner will help you add the fancy stripe.

A steady hand (or a nail vinyl for that clean grid!) is your friend, but it’s not about perfection. A small mistake gives it a handmade look which is very popular right now. PopSugar Beauty believes that DIY-inspired looks are popular in 2025 because they seem genuine.

What I love most? It’s giving nails designs that make people stop and ask, “Where’d you get those done?” — and isn’t that the summer vibe we’re chasing?

Nautical Chic Meets 4th of July

This one’s like a summer vacation in a manicure — bold reds, ocean navy, and crisp whites anchor the look (pun intended). If you’re headed to the beach, a boat day, or even a pool party, this nails almond shape paired with maritime motifs — think mini anchors and ship wheels — brings major nail inspo.

This design looks great with gel polish — use Gelish “Reds-y for the Holidays” for the red and CND Shellac’s “Midnight Swim” for the blue. You can use stamping plates for the details or draw them yourself with a micro-liner and white polish.

Pro tip from celeb manicurist Tom Bachik: if you’re using reds and dark blues, always double up on base coat to prevent staining (especially if you’re DIYing it).

I wore this last summer on a lake trip and it stayed in great shape all week with sunscreen, sand and spritzers. It’s a classic, but it never gets old.

Emerald Glam with Glitter Pop

Talk about mood. The emerald green is already stunning, but add some champagne glitter and it’s even more eye-catching. Obsessed. It’s a sophisticated style that hints at a little celebration — like, “I’m working, but I could be enjoying a glass of Prosecco later.”

This is one of those simple but stunning combos. I’d start with DND’s “Green Forest” and add OPI’s “Champagne for Breakfast” glitter. The best way to keep your nails looking good and lasting is with short gel nails.

For this look, you don’t have to be an artist; just paint two layers of green, add a layer or two of glitter on your chosen fingers and finish with a high-gloss top coat.

I’ve chosen this when I wanted to dress up but still wanted to stay in season. The look is perfect for brunette hair or a golden tan. It’s confident without shouting.

Soft French Florals with a Sparkle Line

If you’re craving something dainty, feminine, and clean, this mani is whispering your name. For summer 2025, go for short acrylics in the softest pink and white shades. The small flowers and sparkly French tips are cute but not childish — they’re like a mix of a wedding and a brunch.

Apply Essie “Ballet Slippers” as your base and use a dotting tool to paint the tiniest daisy petals. The sparkle stripe? You can also add a silver glitter liner — Sally Hansen’s nail art pens are very precise.

There’s something effortlessly cool about the way this style is worn. I can see someone in this while enjoying a matcha in a linen dress with her hair flowing freely. It’s a simple way to show you care, without making a big statement.

Pink & Black Party Contrast

This combination is all about attitude — the glossy pink and deep black with the full glitter nail give it a rebellious look, but it’s still polished. It’s the kind of nails designs you wear when you’re heading into the weekend with zero apologies.

When I’m feeling indecisive, this is my go-to. You can have bold, flirty, sparkly and edgy all at once. Plus, the square shape keeps it crisp.

Pastel Florals with 3D Pop

These flowers seem to have come from a poolside drink — they’re refreshing, playful and a bit nostalgic. The 3D flowers add a lot of depth to the nails and the bright colors are ideal for enjoying the beach or boardwalk.

You can easily see these on a daring vacation outfit, perhaps with your hair slicked back and several necklaces. It’s one of those moments that instantly makes me feel better.

Van Gogh Swirls in Blue & Yellow

Who said short acrylics can’t be art? This one’s practically museum-worthy. The navy and golden swirls are inspired by Van Gogh’s “Starry Night,” but the design is updated for today. It’s the most artistic, dreamy version of short acrylics for summer 2025 fun I’ve seen yet.

The swirls in this mani are so striking that you don’t need any extra decorations. If you’re a fan of creative nail designs, this one is perfect for you.

Tropical Sunset Dream

It’s like a beach vacation in a bottle — pink fades to mango which fades to turquoise blue and there are even palm silhouettes on the nails. It’s warm, breezy and reminds you of a summer postcard you’ve dipped your fingers in. What I really enjoy is the sparkle overlay that reflects the light just like waves do at golden hour.

You can recreate this using a sponge gradient method. For the pink, use “Cotton Candy” from DND, “Lemon Zest” from Orly for the yellow and “Surfboard Blue” by OPI for the sea tone. If you’re patient, you can add palm decals or use a detail brush.

When I wore this outfit in Miami last year, people I didn’t know would grab my hand to check it out. If you want nails that remind you of vacation even when you’re stuck in traffic, you should try this one.

Ocean Daisy Bloom

Let’s discuss vibrant and sweet — these nails are a rich royal blue and have a soft sheer base with daisies in blues, lilac and aqua. It’s not like most floral arrangements; it’s more exciting, lively and still looks put together. Blue nails always seem to stand out in summer, especially when paired with bright flowers.

You can easily do this yourself using dotting tools and nail stickers. You can use “Pacific Blue” and “Peach of Mind” from Sally Hansen as your base colors and add floral decals if you don’t feel confident with freehand designs.

Bold blue nails are set to be big in 2025 and they look great with hair colors from platinum to espresso.

Garden Pop Acrylics

You’ve got a whole bunch of flowers on your nails — fuchsia and lemon on a natural background, with one or two solid nails in cobalt to keep everything together. The flowers are painted by hand but look lively and full of life. It’s as if you’re at a garden party in the middle of summer — on your nails.

The base is probably a sheer pink such as Zoya’s “Madeline,” and the petals are painted on with OPI’s “No Room for the Blues,” “Sun, Sea and Sand in My Pants,” and “La Paz-itively Hot.”

This manicure looks great with tousled hair and a linen midi dress and it even makes iced coffee taste better.

Blue Blossom Accent

For those who like minimalism, this look is perfect — navy on most nails, with a single floral accent on a white background. It is a design that is both peaceful and deliberate and it’s clean without being dull. I love how the space around the flower gives the painting a modern feel.

The shine and smoothness of this manicure make it look like gel nails and that’s a good thing. You might like Beetles “Royal Blue” and Modelones “Snow White” gel polish.

If you’re someone who wears structured blazers even in July (guilty), this mani totally complements that kind of sharp but elegant mood.

Frozen Glitter Splash

We love a sparkle moment, but this one? It’s icy, magical, and somehow summer-cool all at once. The look starts with a soft baby blue and ends in a full glitter explosion, making it look frosted, fresh and quietly bold. It’s soft glam meets frozen lemonade.

This is simpler than it appears: apply Essie’s “Find Me an Oasis” as your base, add Deborah Lippmann’s “Outta Space” glitter and blend it with a sponge. A final thick top coat smooths everything out.

This look is great for the office, but it’s also perfect for a night out on the town. I was wearing something like this with silver rings and people in line at Whole Foods kept complimenting me.

Neon French with Heartbeats

These acrylics are playful, pink and poppy and they add a twist to French tips by using neon pink and tiny hearts. The vibe is total Barbie pool party, but grown-up. I’m sure everyone could use a little love in their pocket.

You’ll want a jelly pink base (try The Gel Bottle’s “Dolly”), a neon gel tip, and a fine liner brush or dotting tool for the heart shapes. Curing between layers is key for keeping lines crisp.

If you’ve been thinking of mixing nails bright looks with romantic touches, this one nails it (pun fully intended). It’s not too sweet or overdone and it’s playful without being too much — just like a summer crush.

Classic Cherry Red Confidence

Sometimes you don’t need flowers, sparkle, or ombré. Sometimes, you just need a cherry red moment. These shiny square acrylics are strong, self-assured and look good on everyone, especially when worn with brunette hair or a deep tan.

Red nails will never not be chic. I always have Chanel “Rouge Essentiel” on hand for just this purpose. If you add a high-shine topcoat, you’ll get the look of gel nails without using a lamp.

I grab this manicure when I want something easy, but still want my nails to look strong, polished and colorful with any outfit. Because sometimes, less is more.

Ultra-Violet Shine Simplicity

There’s something mysterious about this shiny, deep purple — it has no glitter, no design and no extra details, just a color that changes with the light. They are a perfect mix of bold and simple designs. The tone is calm and deep which stands out nicely against the brightness of sunlit skin.

If I want nails that are both simple and strong, this is the one for me. I’d suggest using OPI “Do You Lilac It?” or Beetles gel in “Purple Sky” to get that vibrant base. Two coats, one glossy top, done.

Sometimes, the color is enough to make a bold statement, so you don’t need detailed art. It’s surprising how well this color pairs with warm-weather shades, especially for brunettes.

Electric Bloom Explosion

This one’s a party on your nails. Neon pink, tangerine, citrus green and sky blue are all part of a design that brings together solid brights, layered florals and color-tipped edges. These nails make me think of summer festivals, colorful floats and sweet popsicles all at once.

You should use gel neons for this — try The Gel Bottle’s “Flamingo,” “Glow Stick,” and “Blueberry.” Make your own garden by using floral stickers or a mini dotting tool.

The bright energy in these nails was so noticeable — I wore a similar look to a rooftop brunch and everyone at the table noticed me before I even said hello. No regrets.

Pastel Block Party

Now this is what I call playful sophistication. Each nail was painted with soft pastels — mint, peach, baby blue, pink and lavender — cut in half lengthwise. It’s very satisfying to see the symmetry, especially since the square nail shape holds everything in place.

You can choose a matte or glossy finish and it will still look fantastic. I chose Olive & June’s pastel collection for my nails, as the brush makes it simple to get a neat split.

If you like colorful nail designs that are still neat, these are perfect for you. I matched it with a lavender slip dress and got lots of compliments from Pinterest girls.

Monochrome Line French

This one’s for the detail lovers. White acrylics are finished with a small black curve at the tip, giving them a modern twist instead of the traditional French shape. It’s so well-made and stylish, it seems like something a fashion editor would wear while working at Fashion Week.

This is best done with gel polish for precision. Trace your curves with a liner brush and I prefer using Essie “Blanc” and Gelish “Black Shadow” for this look.

It’s not much, but it looks great, especially when you add gold jewelry and a neat low bun. Honestly, it’s my secret weapon for looking put-together in a flash.

Aqua Sunflower Pop

Turquoise nails and a single sunflower — that’s summer in both appearance and mood. The look is so cheerful, but not overdone. The square shape makes the shoes crisp and the hand-painted flowers and rhinestones give them a bit of sparkle.

A good turquoise color is Sally Hansen’s “Water Color,” and I suggest using a small brush or a floral sticker for the details. Don’t forget to add the rhinestone — it ties everything together.

If you’re headed to a summer BBQ or brunch, this mani fits the mood. I chose this for a backyard gathering and felt like I was right on trend for fall.

Geometric Green Tips

This design uses forest green and sheer pink to give the classic French style a fresh and modern look. The combination of tips and half-moon shapes adds a little interest to the design. It’s balanced and unexpectedly cool.

Try Essie “Off Tropic” for that exact shade. After that, it’s just about painting and using some tape if you need to make the angles right. Gel nails are the way to go, so your lines stay sharp and don’t fade.

If you prefer a capsule wardrobe or like to wear your hair in a clean bun and big hoops, this look is perfect for you. It’s versatile, but not basic.

Strawberry Picnic Vibes

Okay — this one’s adorable. A base of summer fun, with tiny strawberries, seeds and green tops on short acrylics. It’s sweet, playful and gives off a cottagecore vibe without making you look like you’re in costume.

Choose ILNP “Cherry Luxe” for the cherry red, a forest green detail brush and white dots for the seeds. You can also use a nail stamper to get the same shape on all your nails.

I wore these at a weekend market with my friends and they started many conversations. I really like these kinds of nail ideas — they’re fun, different and have a touch of nostalgia.

Neon Squiggle French for a Festival Mood

This design is everything I want when I’m chasing the energy of Short Acrylics for Summer 2025 Fun—a neon rave in manicure form. Every nail is a small celebration, with a different bright color: lime green, electric pink, lemon yellow, cobalt blue. The black area below the letters makes the colors stand out brightly. And can we talk about the vibe? It gives us Nails designs neon, but in a way that’s easy to wear. It looks young, daring and neat because of its curved tips. Definitely nails bright without being overwhelming.

Neon gels such as OPI’s “Hotter Than You Pink” and ORLY’s “Pump Up the Volume,” are the best choice for this look. A fine nail art brush is best for the swoops, as you don’t have to be perfect, just confident. The Gelish Foundation base coat helps the neon color go on smoothly.

Apply a sheer pink or natural gel base, cure it and then draw your French swirls using a fine brush and your neon polish. Don’t worry too much about the angles—let them move easily across your nail. After the polish has dried, finish the job with a gel sealant that gives your car a shiny and durable finish.

Personally, this is the set I always bring out when summer hits hard and I’m packing for music festivals or rooftop brunches. It always gets people talking and that’s one of the best parts. Elle Gerstein, a celebrity nail tech, once said that bold nail color can instantly brighten your mood and she’s correct. This set lifts mine every single time.

Modern Nautical Dots and Blooms

The navy-and-white color scheme is always crisp and clean and this design takes that look and adds a fun pop-art touch. The nails are decorated with indigo, floral dots and pinstripes, showing how well bright lines and soft shapes can be mixed. It’s like summer by the sea, but with a touch of city style. The striking difference between the colors makes this manicure stand out easily.

If you’re trying this at home, I suggest using Essie’s “Blanc” and “Aruba Blue”—they’re both very pigmented and go well together. You’ll need a dotting tool to create the navy circles and a very fine striping brush for the pin lines.

I usually begin by painting two nails white and the others navy. After the base is cured or dry, carefully place your florals on the nails with a nail stylus. To get the pinstripe effect, hold your hand steady and use striping tape if you want more accuracy. Finish your nails with a glossy gel topcoat to ensure the shine stays.

I wore the same set last year at the Cape and people in the seafood shack line kept asking me about my nails. It’s classic, cool, and still unexpected. Navy polish goes perfectly with a tan, in my opinion.

Seaside Fantasy with Starfish and Seahorses

This one’s a beach lover’s daydream come true. Seashells and the smell of salt inspired these nails which combine soft nudes and ocean blues, with a seahorse and starfish painted by hand. The short square design makes it easy to use and lasts well, so it’s great for beach days and the whole look is just too cute for Summer 2025.

A good way to make this look is to use OPI’s “Samoan Sand” as your base and add Zoya’s “Blu” or Sally Hansen’s “Pacific Blue” to it. If you prefer, use a fine brush or decals to draw the seahorse and starfish instead of doing it by hand.

This design does take a steady hand. If you’re doing it yourself, start with the background colors and let them dry completely before moving on. Then layer in your ocean elements. A matte finish on the nude nails gives it a driftwood look and gloss on the blue makes it look like water.

Honestly? I’d wear this while enjoying a mojito in a white sundress. It feels whimsical and polished at the same time. As celebrity manicurist Tom Bachik once said, “Nails are your best accessory”—this design proves it.

Soft Pastel Rainbow Vibes

There’s something so quietly joyful about pastels. The nails in this set are painted with sorbet colors, each one a different shade—mint, lemon, blush, lavender, sky. It’s a nice version of gel nails and a gentle choice for bright nails in 2025 that isn’t neon. The round shape makes these Short Acrylics soft, playful and very easy to wear, perfect for adding a little fun to your nails.

I grab a DND pastel when I want my nails to look buttery without having to apply many layers. Use two coats max for opacity. Since pastels may be streaky, you should use a ridge-filling base coat to ensure a smooth finish.

This one’s easy to pull off solo. If you like a bit of sharpness, file your nails into a soft round or almond shape. Paint each nail a different pastel. Add a glossy topcoat for that candy-shell effect. If you’re feeling bold, alternate hands so the colors mirror each other.

I wore this outfit on a spring picnic and it felt as if I had a bouquet in my pocket all day. Pastels are similar to cotton dresses in nail polish: they never go out of style, suit most people and are always in season.

Tropical Glitter and Coral Mix

Talk about sunshine in nail form. I love these three things in the summer: juicy coral, shimmery teal glitter and bold hand-painted floral art. It’s the sort of nail inspiration that makes you want to head to the beach at the last minute to match the feeling. The square design helps everything stay organized and the colors add both fun and femininity. This is a top contender for Short Acrylics for Summer 2025 Fun, especially if you’re leaning into that glowing-skin, glossy-lips kind of summer.

I’d apply “Corally Invited” by Essie, then add some glitter with “Teal Me Something” by OPI and finish with a white base called “Alpine Snow” for the flowers. You need a fine detail brush and a dotting tool to paint the flowers. Remember to apply a strong top coat such as Seche Vite, to keep your nails shiny.

If you’re doing it at home, begin by painting the pinky and thumb with coral, adding glitter to the middle finger and florals over white on the ring and index. Cure each layer if using gels. Include a touch of yellow or gold in the middle of the flowers to help everything blend—the sunlight will make the artwork shine.

I tried this out for my best friend’s bachelorette in Key West and the pictures turned out great. It’s cheerful, artsy, and a little bit glam. Think summer flower crown energy—just on your fingertips.

Rainbow Color Block with a Twist

This one is bold, brilliant, and completely unapologetic. It’s as if your nails were painted by a pop art artist. The two-tone colors on each short almond nail such as green and mint, pink and orange or red and violet, make them look like wearable pieces of abstract art. It’s a design that always makes you smile when your hands catch the light. Definitely a standout for Short Acrylics for Summer 2025 Fun if you’re in the mood to turn heads.

When I want to copy this style, I pick out “Cajun Shrimp” by OPI, “Electric Daisy” by ORLY and “Mod About You” for the intense color. I make sure to use striping tape or nail vinyls to get crisp edges on my nails.

After the base coat, apply a color to the bottom half of the nail, let it dry and then cover and paint the other half. Precision is everything. If you’re using gels, this becomes way easier to control between cures. Add a high-gloss topcoat to make the color contrast more noticeable.

I get this manicure when I want a quick mood boost. If you’re feeling bored with nudes or soft pastels, try this—it’ll bring that “main character” summer feeling instantly. According to nail artist Betina Goldstein, color blocking on nails can be eye-catching but still very stylish. Couldn’t agree more.

Peachy Florals for Soft Summer Days

This peachy floral set has a gentle and stylish look that is both easygoing and neat. Choose soft coral colors and hand-painted petals in plum and white which will give your bouquet a summer picnic feel, not a loud one. It’s easy to make, but it looks polished and artsy, especially because of the little dots. The fact that it’s short means it’s easy to maintain, so it’s perfect for women who want to look good without much effort. A gentler way to style nails that still matches the season.

If you’re looking for a brighter shade, go for “Tart Deco” by Essie or “Peach Side Babe.” I find that using acrylic paint gives you better control when painting flowers by hand. You should have a detailing brush and a dotting tool to paint the small centers of the flowers.

To get the look, apply two smooth layers of your peach base first. When the painting is dry, outline each petal with a fine brush using deep plum or violet. Add white accents and tiny dots for definition. Let the paint dry and then add a smoothing top coat such as “Out The Door.”

I was wearing this dress in Napa last summer and it looked great with a glass of rosé. It’s perfect for anyone who wants their nails to be soft, delicate and carefully designed.

Star-Spangled Tips with Glitter Flair

This design is bringing Fourth-of-July glam to the next level. With sparkly navy French tips and a full glittery red accent nail decorated with silver stars, it’s perfect for the holidays but can be worn all season. The square shape is short, strong and crisp, so the sparkle doesn’t make it look messy. Here, you can enjoy nails that are both colorful and patriotic, great for barbecues, parades or just to show your love for the stars and stripes. Easily, this is one of the most lively styles in the Short Acrylics for Summer 2025 Fun collection.

To get this style, apply a sheer pink gel base, like “Bubble Bath” from OPI and finish with “Big Apple Red” for the full red nail. I suggest using Color Club’s navy glitter “After Party” on the tips, since it is both dense and bold. You’ll have to get silver star decals or a stamping plate to achieve the uniform star pattern.

I begin by using sculpted short acrylics to get the ideal square shape. First, paint the base coat, then use either your hand or tape to add the navy glitter to the tips. You can use tweezers to place the stars and then seal the whole design with a topcoat. It’s a bit of a process—but totally worth it.

I always look forward to wearing this outfit in July since it makes me happy and flatters me a lot. I wore this set to a lake party one year and someone asked me in the middle of nowhere where I got my nails done like that. It’s fun, flashy, and still totally chic. A firework show for your fingers.

Classic Red with a Hint of Gold

Red nail polish is always in fashion and this manicure shows just why. The majority of the nails are bright cherry red, but one gets a small touch of gold foil near the cuticle. This set is so easy to wear, whether you’re in linen pants and a white tank or a black slip dress on a rooftop. Go for a simple and stylish look with a hint of luxury—that’s the trend for Short Acrylics this summer.

I usually reach for “A-List” by Essie or “Coca-Cola Red” by OPI for a high-gloss red like this one. You can use gold foil from Daily Charme which is loose or you can use pre-cut foils for a more polished effect. Always use a little gel adhesive on the foil to make it stick properly.

Begin by filing the nails into a gently square shape. A good gel makes it easy to apply two coats of red without any problems. Once the gold is cured, apply it to the accent nail using a fine art brush or foil applicator and finish with a thick, shiny topcoat. It’s surprisingly easy and adds major payoff.

I prefer this one when I want to look polished but don’t want to put in too much effort. It’s “put-together woman energy” in manicure form. Red nails are timeless, and according to celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann, red is “the power color of all nail colors.” The gold touch? Just a little luxury for everyday life.

Conclusion

Right now, short acrylics are very popular and Summer 2025 is the ideal time to experiment with color, shape and a bit of sparkle. Whether you’re into nails designs neon, coastal pastels, or classy red with a twist, there’s something here to match every vibe and vacation plan. So feel free to save your favorite styles, present them at your next salon appointment or try them out yourself at home. Your nails should look just as beautiful as you do.

Ready to try something bold, soft, or totally unexpected? Let your fingertips do the talking this summer.