Summer 2025 Nail Designs to Try: Pretty & Trendy Ideas for Every Mood

Chipped polish? Out. Basic nudes? Boring. What are the Summer 2025 nail designs you should try if you want nails that feel new, a bit playful, and look amazing in pictures? Nail art this summer is all about keeping things simple while adding a touch of surprise, from pastels and flowers to shiny chrome and bold color blocking. Whether you’re hitting the beach, wedding season, or just want your nails to match your iced coffee energy—I’ve got you covered with the most trendy, wearable, and fun ideas to explore right now. Ready to find your new obsession?

Sunset Swirl Tips With A Golden Edge

These nails instantly reminded me of the way sunlight hits the water just before it disappears—soft, golden, and just a little dramatic. The pattern moves across the nail in waves of orange, peach, and yellow, then ends with a touch of delicate gold foil. The base is kept simple and shiny, so the tips are the main focus. This is one of those Summer 2025 Nail Designs to Try if you’re craving something that feels like a cocktail in Santorini but works perfectly at brunch in Miami.

To get this look, use a neutral gel base such as OPI Bubble Bath or Essie Ballet Slippers, then add mango, citrus, and gold chrome gel polishes. A fine liner brush is what you need for that melted marble effect. Let me tell you, this isn’t the kind of look you can get with a chunky glitter pen.

Start with a smooth almond base using hard gel or acrylic (whichever your nail tech prefers). After your neutral tone has cured, apply your colors in organic waves with a striping brush. I always cure each wave quickly before adding the next, so the design stays neat. Gold foil goes on last, just before top coat.

Honestly? I wore this design last July and people I didn’t know asked me for my nail tech’s number while I was holding iced coffee. That’s the power of a sunset swirl.

Baby Blue Butterflies And Minimalist Chic

There’s something unapologetically sweet about this look—like soft serve and summer air. The white swoops, blue corners, and butterfly accents make it look artistic, but it’s still simple and cute. If you’ve been thinking about trying a little detail work but don’t want to commit to a full mural, this one hits the mark.

A soft pink nude, such as Gelish Light Elegant, works great as your base. You’ll also need sky blue, white, and black gel polishes, plus a super fine art brush. While stamping plates are used by some artists for the butterflies, hand-painting really makes it stand out. You can go with a matte or gloss top coat, whichever you prefer.

You’ll find it easier if you paint the butterfly before making the white-blue corners. And don’t forget the dots! They balance the wings and keep it feeling youthful.

This look is perfect if you’re going to a backyard wedding or a baby shower, and it says “Summer 2025.”

Double White Curve French For The Minimal Queens

I live for a clean French—but this version with its dual curved white stripes is next-level refined. It’s giving simple square, but elevated. And the way the light pink base meets those strong white lines? Obsessed. This one’s for the girls who like their nails clean but not boring.

The only real secret here is precision. The base should be Builder Gel in a milky pink, and use a bright white gel, like CND Shellac Cream Puff, for the top. Either grab some French smile-line stickers or get ready to use a liner brush if you’re steady enough. I prefer two skinny white curves over one big one because it’s more modern.

I’ve had this look for interviews, dates, and beach trips, and it looked great everywhere. It’s a classic look with just enough of a 2025 twist to make it quietly stylish.

Mint Green With Golden Sparkle Tips

This design is basically lemonade in nail form—sweet, tangy, and totally mood-lifting. The mint green and glittery golden French tips go together well, making this a trendy and easy look to wear. There’s always that friend who looks so put together at brunch. This is her nail set.

You can get this look by using DND Green Tea or Beetles Pastel Mint, paired with a fine gold glitter polish such as Orly’s Halo. A flat brush is what you’ll use for the diagonal glitter fades.

Here’s the trick: Start with the mint base, cure it, and then use glitter at a diagonal, starting from the edge and moving in. I use a sponge to blend the glitter, which makes it look more professional.

I wore these nails on a Palm Springs weekend and kept finding myself looking at them every time I got sunscreen out. It’s pretty, but not precious. Totally in my summer mood board.

Pink Dandelion Dots On White And Fuchsia

If you’re tired of florals but still want something playful, these dotted art dandelions are so fresh. With a white base and hot pink polish on every other nail, they look playful and still feel a bit fancy. This would be adorable for a picnic date or a road trip through the South.

You’ll need OPI Alpine Snow, Color Club Warhol, and a dotting tool to do this at home. You’ll also want multicolored polishes like yellow, blue, and pink for the firework-like burst petals.

Paint your base and alternate colors. As soon as they’re cured, use your dotting tool to add the flower shapes from the center outward. It’s the little imperfections that make these flowers so appealing.

My little niece said they looked like ‘firework flowers’ after she saw mine. I took that as the highest compliment.

Micro Floral Meadow With Pink And Orange Mix

This is summer in nail form—hot pink, juicy orange, and dainty micro florals that look like a garden in full bloom. The use of short, rounded nails gives it a fun retro twist, and it somehow looks even better when your hands are wrapped around a lemonade glass.

I used Essie Peach Side Babe, OPI Strawberry Margarita, and a nail art brush to make the floral details. If you want a softer look, put on a matte topcoat at the end.

Honestly, this design just makes me happy. I tried this look on a whim before a lakeside cabin weekend, and now I’ve added it to my 2025 Ideas folder for more tries. Trust me, this one gets compliments from strangers.

Barbiecore Ombré In Lilac And Hot Pink

The gel ombré transition from lilac to bright pink is basically Barbie’s dream summer comeback. The long, squared-off tips and shiny finish look like acrylic, but you can do this with soft gel extensions as well. It’s bold, feminine, and totally part of the 2025 trend cycle that’s all about color confidence.

Take Madam Glam’s Barbie Pink and Le Mini Macaron Lilas, then use a sponge to blend them at the join before curing. Or use an ombré brush for a pro-level blend.

The last time I wore this, I went with a pink mesh tank and shiny lips, and it totally made me feel like that girl. It’s perfect when you want your nails to take center stage.

Almond Nude Nails With Amber Rhinestones

There’s something irresistible about the way soft nude tones meet a precise line of shimmer. This look is effortless elegance, thanks to a neutral pinky-beige base you can wear to work, plus amber rhinestones at the cuticle that shine for summer. It’s like jewelry for your nails, but subtle. And that  almond shape? It elongates the fingers and screams intention.

You’ll want a sheer nude gel base, so consider CND Bare Chemise or Bio Seaweed Gel in Blush. I used gold-foiled amber rhinestones from Daily Charme. Builder gel in clear keeps the gems where you put them, so they don’t move.

My tip: Put the rhinestones on just before your last coat so they become part of the nail finish. Cure twice for extra hold—it’s worth the time.

It’s like sitting on a terrace at 8 p.m. and watching the sunset. Soft, warm, and unexpectedly bold. If you want a design that’s pretty, polished, and just a bit different, this is one of my favorite Summer 2025 Nail Designs to Try.

Neon Green Meets Tropical Leaf Art

If you’re in the mood for something fearless, this mix of hot pink and neon green checks every box. It’s bold and brief, but not overwhelming because the solid polish and leafy detail work so well together. Honestly, it’s giving short, clean canvas with bold art flourishes—perfect for girls who want their mani to do the talking.

If you want green, try Gelish “Amazon Flirt”, and for the pink, pick Madam Glam’s “Cosmopolitan”. The leafy branches are easiest to create with a fine liner brush and some patience—or use a stamping plate if you’re in a hurry.

When you’re doing this at home, your first step is to put on full-coverage pink and green base coats. Cure. After that, carefully paint thin, bright green leaf shapes and seal with a high-gloss top coat. The shorter your nails, the cuter this combo looks.

This is the kind of look I’d pick for a pool party or music festival, where bold colors and confidence are everything. One of my wild card 2025 favorites, for sure.

Chocolate Smoke Ombré French

Let’s talk neutral, but make it rich. This smoky French fade using dark chocolate and soft taupe is definitely one of the most versatile Summer 2025 nail designs you can try. It has a polished, adult vibe but is totally fine with sandals and a cold matcha in hand. It’s moody without being dark and polished without trying too hard.

I blended Valentino Beauty Pure “Perfect Nude” and “Deep Brown” using an ombré brush to get this look. Hard gel extensions make it easy to get a neat square shape, especially when your natural nails aren’t perfectly even.

The secret here is patience. Put the chocolate color at the tip and use a fan brush to blend it down, then cure. Repeat in sheer coats for depth. You need a gloss top coat to get that milky finish.

People always tell me this design looks just like coffee foam or chocolate mousse when I wear it. And they’re not wrong. It’s elegant, edible-looking, and incredibly trendy for this season.

Yellow With Glitter Fade For Sunshine Lovers

This manicure practically radiates vitamin D. Bright sunflower yellow with a high-impact silver glitter fade? Say less. It has a bold festival look and really complements a sun-kissed complexion. Plus, it feels like one of the more bold but totally wearable Summer 2025 Nail Designs to Try—the kind you commit to right before a long weekend.

I used Orly “Road Trippin’” for the yellow color and a loose glitter pot from Kiara Sky’s Sparkle Collection. It’s easier to get the fine silver and gold flakes to stack up using a sponge tip instead of a brush.

If you’re doing this yourself, paint the base first, cure, then press the glitter starting at the tip and lightly tap it downward. Top coat seals it in. It’s that easy.

I wore this set in June and didn’t want to take it off. It helped my hands look sunnier, more tanned, and really cheerful. I put this on my list of 2025 nail ideas to revisit.

Matte Red And Hearts That Pop

Soft matte red polish with creamy white accents and tiny hearts—it’s romantic but punchy. I love how the hearts are scattered, not symmetrical. It looks like it was made by hand and feels a little flirty, almost like a summer crush. The short, rounded shape keeps it grounded and easy to wear, too.

I painted the red part with Zoya “Sookie” and finished it off with a velvet matte top coat. The white base is Gelish “Arctic Freeze”. I dotted the hearts with a red-tipped toothpick, making it really easy to do.

If you’re doing this at home, use a dotting tool or a fine brush to make your hearts while the polish is still wet. After the hearts are dry, put on a matte top coat to keep the velvety effect.

This set gives me the vibe of being in a Hamptons teen movie. It’s a fun and stylish design that looks good with sandals and sneakers.

Pastel Yellow French With Crystal Cuticles

This design is sunshine refined. The soft and sweet pastel yellow French tips are balanced by the subtle sparkle from the tiny crystals at the cuticle line. I think it’s great because it mixes the classic French look with a bit of fun. And that almond shape? Still the queen of summer silhouettes.

Pick Essie “Sunny Business” for your French tips and use a crystal picker pen to set micro rhinestones from Swarovski or Daily Charme at the base. A builder base gel is the best way to keep the stones from moving.

I like to mark spots for the rhinestones before setting them, so they turn out even. Use a flash cure on the gems before you apply the top coat to stop them from moving.

Honestly, it’s giving “summer wedding guest with great taste.” I’d rock this look at a bridal shower, a picnic, or any place I want to feel a bit more special without saying a word.

Hot Orange Flame Tips With Gold Accent

These fiery stiletto nails turn up the heat in all the right ways. A light gold swirl outlines the bold orange and raspberry pink tips, giving the effect of flames or faded waves. It’s bold, editorial, and unapologetically powerful. One of the most daring Summer 2025 Nail Designs to Try if you’re craving something electric.

I used Neonails “Flaming Orange” and “Pink Poppy” and blended them softly to get this look. I used a Daily Charme gold foil liner to add that shimmering snake line. A good art brush and builder gel will help you get those clean flame lines.

To get the best outcome, use hard gel extensions for extra length. After you’ve put on the ombré base, use your gold liner to draw the flame lines and finish by adding a high-gloss top coat.

I wore them to a bachelorette weekend and got lots of compliments. They reminded me of a tropical drink in nail form—bold and totally 2025.

Pink Border Glow On Clear Gel Base

There’s something so futuristic about this glowing pink border design. It feels like digital nails—precise, bold, and graphic. The clear base lets just enough light in so the pink really shows up. One of my favorite minimalist-but-not-really Summer 2025 Nail Designs to Try.

You’ll want a semi-sheer builder gel base (I like Apres’ Gel-X Neutral Collection) and a hot pink shade like DND “Bright Bubblegum”. Trace the nail’s edge with a detail liner, making sure the line is thin and even.

I usually start by outlining the nail, then fill in the border’s inside with a detail brush. This keeps the shape consistent. Clean your edges with acetone if needed before curing.

It was like I had tiny neon lights on my fingers. It’s tidy, a little different, and you’ll be surprised how easy it is to wear, even if you’re not usually bold.

Glossy Violet French Over Pastel Lavender

This one’s for the girls who secretly love purple. The glossy violet tips are paired with soft lilac bases in a chic, squared-off look that’s both playful and elegant. I love how it brings back the classic French look, but with a 2025 twist that feels totally trendy.

Put on OPI “Do You Lilac It?” as your base coat, then add Bio Seaweed Gel “Royal” for the purple tips. A curved French brush makes it easy to shape the crescent.

If I’m missing my stencil guides, I’ll just trace the curve by hand and use a flat brush with acetone to clean up the bottom line before curing. I always put two layers of gel top coat on for that really glassy finish.

I wore them to a birthday dinner and they matched well with my silver hoops and lavender mini bag. It’s a classic one-color look that really works.

Muted Mocha And Neon Orange Combo

This combo shouldn’t work, but it totally does. The muted mocha brown sets the tone, and neon orange streaks make it feel current. It’s giving summer sunset on a desert road trip. Definitely one of the more unexpected Summer 2025 Nail Designs to Try that’s still wearable.

I used OPI “Chocolate Moose” and Neonails “Sunrise Flash”. Sculpting the long coffin tips with acrylic made it much easier to control and lay out the swirls with polish.

Put on the mocha polish first, then use a detail brush to add bright orange streaks. Keep the spacing loose—it’s better when it feels fluid. Gloss it over and go.

This set reminded me of orange creamsicles and long drives with the windows open. Summer, but not basic.

Highlighter Neon French On White Base

When it comes to catching light (or a glance), nothing beats this highlighter yellow French. It literally glows—even in low lighting. A creamy white base makes this look look fresh and adds a bold touch. One of my top Summer 2025 Nail Designs to Try if you’re going dancing or heading to a rooftop at sunset.

I chose Gelish “Arctic Freeze” as the base color and used Color Club’s “Yellin’ Neon” for the tips. A square brush helps you get an even French line without messing it up.

Always put on two layers of neon so it won’t fade under UV light. I’ve noticed it keeps its brightness if you dust on neon pigment powder before putting on the top coat.

I instantly felt happier when I saw them cured. If you’re feeling a little dull, these will lift your whole week.

Yellow Fade And Abstract Lined Art

This look is the definition of energetic. The neon yellow gets lighter as it goes up, and the sides are filled with artistic lines in a free-spirited way. It’s like summer lightning bottled up on your nails. And the longer shape? Absolute power move.

Go for The Gel Bottle’s “Daisy” for the neon color, and use a striping brush with white and yellow for the lines. To get the length and control for this look, use sculpted hard gel or acrylic.

Start blending the ombré fade in the middle of the nail and work it upwards to make the tip look light. After that, put the curved lines along the outer edge to keep the middle looking clean and bright. Always cure before adding more layers.

Every time I looked at this design, it felt like I was doing a small art project. If you’re into bold designs and art on your nails, this makes a great way to finish a summer set.

Classic Red With a Playful Twist

Glossy red nails are always powerful, but this design adds a playful twist you won’t expect. The deep cherry red hearts on a soft nude base give your nails the look of summer romance in a bottle. The simple square shape adds a clean edge that works whether you’re in heels at brunch or barefoot by the pool. It’s a classic look that’s bold and brings a little flirtiness we all want in 2025.

I usually grab OPI’s “Big Apple Red” for the deep red and Essie’s “Ballet Slippers” for the base to get this look. The heart shapes? Either I use a fine brush and steady hand, or I go for a stencil if I’m feeling relaxed. A glossy top coat will keep your design looking great for up to two weeks.

Celebrity nail artist Betina Goldstein once said in an interview with Allure that nail art doesn’t always need to be loud—it just needs to be intentional. This design feels exactly like that—intentional, but fun. I wore this design to a friend’s engagement dinner last month and got lots of compliments. It was as if my nails were sending out sweet notes of love.

Golden Feathers & Glitz

If you had to pick a nail look for summer, this nails it—glowing, radiant, and full of trendy details. The almond shape makes the design look elegant, and the raised golden feathers add a touch of luxury, almost like a goddess’s nails. And can we talk about that ombré glitter? It changes from champagne to shimmer, just like the last light of golden hour. It’s a full-glam fantasy that still feels wearable, especially for special occasions.

This one definitely leans into hard gel territory. A strong builder gel, like IBD’s LED/UV Clear Gel, is needed for the base, and you’ll also use gold chrome powder for the mirror-shine leaf detail. The feathers? Many times, they’re either press-ons or made with acrylic and a mold. It’s not a one-and-done manicure, but worth every minute.

When I wore a similar style to a rooftop birthday in L.A., someone legit asked me where I got my “mini sculptures” done. It’s that kind of manicure. If you don’t want your whole hand to shine, try this on just two accent nails to get comfortable.

Pink Waves and Gold Ribbons

This manicure is all about gentle shapes and a feminine vibe. The base is baby pink, the tips are electric pink, and it’s already pretty, but the golden ribbon that winds through the middle takes it to masterpiece status. It’s the perfect balance between a basic and a bold look. The rounded acrylic tips remind me of Y2K, but they’re updated for today.

I really like this style because it’s so simple. Get a creamy pale pink base polish (think Orly’s “Kiss the Bride”), a hot pink like “Mod About You” by OPI, and a fine striping brush dipped in metallic gold gel. If you’re patient, you can use regular polish for this too. Perfection isn’t necessary for the ribbon; it’s really about the movement.

I was told by a nail artist that wavy nail art can actually make your fingers seem longer. I didn’t believe it until I wore this style and saw my hands looked more delicate and graceful. It’s amazing what a curved line can do!

Merlot with a Hint of Gold

This is how the moody girl does summer nails, and I’m totally obsessed. Deep merlot red and soft blush are combined, with a single gold swirl that looks like liquid sunlight in between. It’s bold but not loud. Dramatic but controlled. Honestly, this could be one of the biggest nail trends in 2025 for those who like a touch of romance with minimalism.

For the base, go with a wine-red polish such as Essie’s “Berry Naughty” and a soft shade like “Mademoiselle.” Take your glitter gel striping polish and a fine brush, then trace the S-curve where the two colors come together. If you’re worried about shaky hands, nail tape can help you get the curve right.

I wore this look last autumn, and I’m already looking forward to wearing it again for summer patio nights. It’s as grown-up and interesting as a glass of pinot noir after the sun goes down.

Citrus Splash French Tips

This one’s for my sunshine-loving babes who want their nails to scream “pool party!” without saying a word. This French tip style has a zesty lemon-lime color that gently fades into turquoise, making it a real mood lifter. The basic square shape grounds the look, but lets those bright colors really stand out. It’s like having the best parts of summer right on your fingertips.

This color combination looks best with gel polish because it keeps the fade smooth. I take a sponge or ombré brush and use Bio Seaweed’s neon yellow and seafoam green gels. Be sure to cure the layers apart and blend them softly. A white base will make sure the colors really show up. It’s all about patience and clean strokes.

My friend wore this look to her Miami beach bachelorette, and I was totally obsessed with it all weekend. It photographed so well. You could wear it with flip-flops and a margarita, or with a crisp white blazer and gold hoops. It’s that versatile.

Mint Blossoms and Baby Pink Bliss

Pastel designs have a peaceful feel, and this one is like a gentle floral wind on a summer day. Mint green and baby pink are a great match, but with the addition of blooming flowers and gold swirls, your nails look like a bouquet. A simple square shape makes the look stay clean and easy to wear, sweet without being too much. It’s a style that works well whether you’re heading out to brunch or heading to the office.

I’d use Gelish “Mint of Steel” and “Light Elegant” for the pink in this gel design. You’ll need a dotting tool and a fine liner brush to make those small blossoms and swirls. The most important part is making sure the mint base is soft and even, so don’t go too fast with the coats.

People sometimes say my nails look like candy when I wear pastels, and I actually like that as a compliment. They feel playful but polished. Pastel florals are all the rage this 2025, especially at East Coast nail bars where soft glam is really popular.

Hearts and Gold on Nude

Red hearts dotting a creamy nude background make this design the perfect mix of romance and summer style. What takes it to the next level is the gold ribbon that curves between the hearts. It’s not just cute, it’s cleverly layered art. And that glossy cherry red on the other nails? It’s just like wearing a red lipstick, but on your nails: bold, confident, and totally in style.

I go with DND “Cherry Bomb” and “Peach Buff” for this combination. You can dot the hearts using the rounded end of a bobby pin and shape them with a thin brush. I always use Modelones’ metallic gel liner for the gold swirl. It’s smooth and dries perfectly under LED light without clumping.

I imagine this look at summer weddings and sipping cocktails on a rooftop. It’s the sort of look you bookmark on Pinterest and then fall in love with even more once you try it yourself. It’s cute, but not at all childish, and you’ll probably find yourself looking at your hands more than your phone.

Chrome Aura in Blue & Pink

I couldn’t take my eyes off it from the start. It’s like a mix of space and light, but you can actually wear it every day. The chrome-like finish, combined with soft pink and electric blue, really makes it feel like ‘cosmic cotton candy.’ And that oval almond shape? It’s universally flattering. What’s more, it catches the sunlight so well in the summer, you’ll feel like you’re wearing a statement piece.

I usually kick things off with a gel base coat, then add Born Pretty’s Aurora Powder on top of sheer gel polish. A nail sponge is great for applying the blue and pink to get that hazy look before you seal it with the powder. A water-based topcoat will keep your chrome nails looking shiny.

I wore this manicure on a weekend road trip along the coast, and it sparkled every time the sun touched the steering wheel. It’s not a simple style, but it’s a Summer 2025 Nail Design to Try if you want nails that feel special and brighten your mood.

Chocolate Plaid Elegance

Here, the cozy and autumnal vibe is given a summer update with a glossy, polished look. Chocolate browns, warm taupes, and gold plaid details mix to make a set that’s totally unique and easy to wear. It looks artistic but is still a neutral choice for daily use. The coffin-shaped acrylic base gives your nails a sense of structure and elegance, just like a tailored blazer.

The combination I chose for this set is Madam Glam’s “Cinnamon” and “Bare With Me.” The plaid lines demand patience—thin gold striping tape is a good choice for DIYers, or you can use a metallic gel and liner brush if you want more freedom.

I’ve always loved this look for its versatility. It’s got the style of both runway trends and café fashion. Even though it’s warm and cozy, I believe that’s what makes it such an unexpected trend for summer 2025. If you’re the kind of person who wears knits year-round, this one’s calling your name.

Conclusion

Nails can be your quietest flex—or your loudest accessory. And this summer, it’s all about letting them speak for you. Whether you’re going for pretty petals, minimalist gold accents, or full-on acrylic drama, these Summer 2025 Nail Designs to Try are more than trends—they’re little moments of joy at your fingertips. Try one, try five, remix and repeat. Because honestly? Good nails just hit different when the sun’s out.