Summer Nails

Vacation Nails to Pack for Summer 2025 – Trendy Summer Designs You’ll Love

The countdown is on. You’re packing your beach bag, your swimsuit is out of storage and your camera roll will soon be full of vacation pictures. But let’s take a moment—have you decided on your Vacation Nails to Pack for Summer 2025? Those that will shine in your sunset photos, stand out against the ocean and match your favorite sarong and glass of cocktail?

If you’re going to a resort in Mexico, cruising in the Caribbean or just relaxing at home with some music and a sprinkler, these nail ideas are perfect for vacation. So what’s trending? What’s cute, classy, or straight-up bold for 2025?

Check out these trendy, tropical and easy-to-wear summer manicures that should be in your suitcase.

Stargazer Magic On Matte Blue

Just looking at midnight blue makes me feel like I’m on a rooftop bar in Mexico, watching the stars twinkle above. The matte set combines spiraling galaxies, bright yellow stars and colorful neon contrasts in an amazing way. Because they are short and softly square, they are easy to wear and the constellation designs make them trendy for the year ahead.

Vacation Nails to Pack for Summer 2025 Stargazer Magic On Matte Blue
I’d start with OPI’s Infinite Shine in Russian Navy and then use UberChic’s Celestial Nail Plate to add the stencils. If you want a soft, airbrushed effect, a mini sponge and a white-to-yellow ombré powder set from Born Pretty will give your eyes a lot of depth.

Whenever I’m looking for something cute, spacey and still soft enough for my denim shorts and white tops, I go for this one. It’s pure stargazing magic.

Glitter Kitty Cocktail

If your favorite bottle of rosé went to a Hello Kitty-themed garden party, it would look something like this mani. The mix of pink shimmer and glossy cat-face accents is very cute, but the sparkle makes it classy enough for a resort dinner.

Vacation Nails to Pack for Summer 2025 Glitter Kitty Cocktail
I recommend using Essie’s A Cut Above for the blush-glitter base and then use a detailing brush and black Gelish paint to add the cat decals. If you like, you can add 3D embellishments such as pearls or hearts for a romantic effect.

It’s enjoying a tea party on the Amalfi Coast—or, more honestly, relaxing in a silk robe on your hotel balcony. Not all travelers will choose cute nails, but I think it’s part of the fun to have fun with your nails while you’re away.

Golden Hour Stripes And Sunshine

If sunshine were a manicure, this would be it. The combination of yellow-and-white stripes, tropical colors and sky-blue minimalism makes this nail design the perfect summer look. It’s the kind of set you wear when you’re planning to jump between beach towels and mimosa brunches without a care.

Vacation Nails to Pack for Summer 2025 Golden Hour Stripes And Sunshine
To get the same look, use Olive & June’s Fierce & Loving for the yellow and Deborah Lippmann’s Baby Blue for the blue. The stripes are defined by using a striping brush with crisp white gel.

I’d put this on for a bike ride in the morning or to match a ruffled yellow swimsuit. This palette gives me such a happy feeling, as if I’m holding a sunbeam. Wouldn’t this make a cloudy day at the beach feel better?

Subtle Swirls In Sandy Neutrals

This design is soft and neutral which makes me think of driftwood, wet pebbles and the breeze at the beach. Light strokes of taupe, grey and pearly white help create a wavy look that is both soothing and gives the painting depth. And the fine flecks of glitter? Like crushed seashell dust catching golden hour light.

Vacation Nails to Pack for Summer 2025 Subtle Swirls In Sandy Neutrals
This set doesn’t scream for attention—it whispers sophistication. For products, I’d go with Zoya’s Dove as the base and layer OPI’s Suzi Chases Portu-geese with a fan brush for that marbled swoosh effect.

I wore a similar outfit on a cruise and everyone from the spa to the bartender kept complimenting me. If you’re looking for a nail style that goes with everything in your suitcase, this is the one.

Pop Heart Candy Tips

The bold black lines around these hearts make them look like they’re from a cartoon, but in a stylish way. The use of bright and shiny pastels on a soft nude base makes this a fun and trendy look that’s still mature. Think Lisa Frank meets influencer brunch.

Vacation Nails to Pack for Summer 2025 Pop Heart Candy Tips
First, use Beetles Gel in Milk Nude as your base and then use a dotting tool and thin brush to paint each heart by hand. The main thing that makes these hearts look like stickers is the clean black outline.

I find this perfect for island trips when you’re in a bikini during the day and glittery flip-flops at night. It’s similar to sending out playful messages using your fingers. Who doesn’t love that?

Woven Patch Stitch

This stitched color block set has a touch of art and a hint of edge to it. A combination of rust, navy and goldenrod, along with sharp black lines, gives the watch a modern touch with a handmade feel. This is the mani you’d wear for a stay at a boutique resort or a unique city trip.

Vacation Nails to Pack for Summer 2025 Woven Patch Stitch
If you’re feeling adventurous, use OPI’s Bubble Bath as your base and then use colors from Cirque Colors’ Metropolis collection to block out shapes. The stitched look is made with a thin liner brush and gel paint.

I wore this style to a gallery opening in Miami last summer and it made me feel more confident, cooler and like I had a mini art show on my nails. If you’re looking for something different than floral or fruity, this is your 2025 mood board.

Delicate Petal Tips

This design represents the gentle and barely noticeable elegance of soft movement. The combination of pink, lavender and citrusy orange on a clear, light base creates a simple look that still looks impressive. The swoosh-shaped outline on each nail makes it look like a flower touched by the wind, but it’s not a full floral design. It’s ideal for relaxing at the beach or in a tropical spa.

Vacation Nails to Pack for Summer 2025 Delicate Petal Tips
If I want to get this look again, I use OPI’s Bubble Bath or Essie’s Mademoiselle as a sheer base and then add gel liners in pastel coral, lemon and lilac. I enjoy using Beetles and Aimeili because they give me a lot and are easy to use with a brush.

This style is ideal for almond-shaped or short nails and helps your hands look lifted and feminine without using sparkles or stickers. It’s also great for tanned skin and goes with almost every bikini you have.

Art Studio Drip

This one’s for my fellow art girls. The use of squiggles, blobs and color drops in bright trendy colors like cobalt, cherry red and mustard makes this manicure look like modern art on your nails. The square makes it stand out, so it’s ideal for a lively moment on your next cruise or at a rooftop restaurant abroad.

Vacation Nails to Pack for Summer 2025 Art Studio Drip
I usually go for a full coverage nude color such as OPI’s Samoan Sand or Zoya’s Taylor and then paint colorful dots and drips using gel paints from Born Pretty or Modelones. You’ll find that a dotting tool and striping brush are very useful for this design.

This one’s unexpectedly wearable, especially with a minimalist outfit. I had a similar outfit on when I was exploring street art in Lisbon and it led to some interesting talks with people I didn’t know. Nails as ice-breakers? We love that.

Shadow Cats In Motion

This design is all about mystery and movement. Cute cat outlines in matte black are placed on a nude background, making it look like the cats are sliding off your nails. It’s bold, it’s quirky, and honestly? Enough mischief to make your summer vacation in Mexico or at an island villa unforgettable.

Vacation Nails to Pack for Summer 2025 Shadow Cats In Motion
I’ve also used Beetles Gel Polish in Nude Pink as the base and black gel for the shapes. If you’re just starting out, try using nail art stickers or stamping plates instead of drawing on your nails yourself.

The best part? It doesn’t scream for attention, but people definitely notice. I once wore these on a solo trip and a barista in Tulum gave me a free coffee so I could look at them.

Pastel Smiley Squad

Getting a manicure that smiles at you is the best way to boost your mood. The design features soft blue, pink, mint and lilac colors, all with the sweetest cartoon faces on them. The vibe? Cute, bold, and unapologetically fun.

Vacation Nails to Pack for Summer 2025 Pastel Smiley Squad
A strong gel base is important and DND’s Baby Pink, Lavender Cream, Mint Green and Pastel Blue will give you a soft but bold look. Use a very small brush to paint the smileys using black and white gel polish.

You’ll feel like you’re in the middle of a Caribbean cruise or a pool party when you wear this set which is like having a summer playlist on. I don’t know why, but it makes you want to dance with your friends without shoes on.

Minimal Rainbow Tips

If you’re looking for a fun and elegant manicure, rainbow French tips are the way to go. The bold arcs of color on a bare nail seem planned and make the nails look like the main character’s. They work well with everything, whether you’re in Hawaii for a sundress or in Capri for a sunset dinner.

Vacation Nails to Pack for Summer 2025 Minimal Rainbow Tips
You can do this without a rainbow kit. I’ve used Modelones’ Gel Rainbow Set, a striping brush, and a super glossy top coat like Seche Vite to lock it all in. Keep the rest of the nail buffed and bare for a polished finish.

For me, this is the new basic—it looks good with accessories and can be worn from the beach to a party. When in doubt, rainbow it out.

Soft Lavender Blossoms

All the details of this nail set make me imagine a peaceful evening at a resort. The lavender-to-white ombré with dotted daisy petals is bright, fresh and just the right amount of delicate for your linen two-piece on your girls’ trip.

Vacation Nails to Pack for Summer 2025 Soft Lavender Blossoms
I’d use OPI’s Lucky Lucky Lavender and Essie’s Marshmallow and blend them together on my nails with a sponge. A dotting tool works best for the florals—five white dots around a lilac center, then a milky topcoat to finish.

This one is for those who want to say, “I’m by the infinity pool, but make it look trendy.” It’s soft, wearable, and totally 2025-approved.

Color Flow French Tips

This mani feels like a color-swirled sunset caught mid-motion. Thin, curved lines of hot pink, electric blue, neon yellow and citrus orange are drawn around the tips in loose loops, much like the wind trails you see on a Hawaiian beach. The sheer base holds the look together, so the pigment can shine without being too strong. This is a trendy choice that still reads elevated.

Vacation Nails to Pack for Summer 2025 Color Flow French Tips
I would start with OPI’s Funny Bunny and finish with swirling tips made from Aimeili’s neon liner gels. Try to keep your strokes smooth and not too heavy—you don’t need to worry too much about the shape. A matte topcoat will help your nails look more modern.

Just looking at this set makes me think of enjoying icy drinks by the pool with music playing. It’s playful and casual, but still screams 2025 vacation-ready.

Neon Plaid Energy

Plaid for summer? Yes, when it’s reimagined like this. Neon orange, hot pink, lime green and electric blue are scattered across a clear background to form a strong yet balanced grid. It’s a surprise, it’s violent and it’s meant for people who enjoy a good laugh. The glossy square shape locks in the design’s punch.

Vacation Nails to Pack for Summer 2025 Neon Plaid Energy
I recommend putting Essie’s Gel Couture in Sheer Fantasy over your nails and striping them with nail tape or a thin brush using Beetles Gel Neon Set. Finish the look by adding a clear builder gel to make the design stand out even better.

I’ve found that these patterns are great for beach holidays because they always start conversations. They remind me of Lisa Frank, except now she’s an adult and traveling in style to the Caribbean.

Pearl Pops Of Color

Here, simplicity and style go hand in hand—milky white pearl nails are highlighted with micro French tips in summery colors: coral, electric blue, lime and pink. It’s a clean, elegant set that goes well with anything you have in your suitcase. Especially ideal for resort weddings or spa weekends.

Vacation Nails to Pack for Summer 2025 Pearl Pops Of Color
To get the iridescent base, use OPI’s Kyoto Pearl and finish with a line of Gellen’s Neon Liner Gels at the tips. Use a French tip guide if you want total symmetry—though I actually love when they’re just a little off. Makes it more personal.

It’s a playful take on minimalism and I’d wear it whether I was on a cruise or stopping by a café on my own. There’s power in restraint sometimes.

Matte Minimal Abstract

This design is pure modern mood board. With neutral matte colors in burnt orange, navy and crisp white, this set uses contrast in a surprising way. Just one nail with a painterly design can make your look more stylish. And the short, rounded shape? Totally wearable for real-life travel.

Vacation Nails to Pack for Summer 2025 Matte Minimal Abstract
I’d use Cirque Colors’ Haze, Desert Bloom and White Noise in a matte finish. For the smudge look, press the brush down onto the pigment instead of brushing it.

This collection has a summer break feel for a city girl, with a mix of creativity and order. I chose something like this when I visited museums in Barcelona and it made each outfit look more thought out.

Cartoon Sunbeams And Rainbows

The set is like a miniature sun on your nails—you get pink and yellow sunbursts, rounded rainbows and pastel clouds over a clear base. It brings back the fun of summer camp crafts, but is made more sophisticated for grown-ups. If you’re going to an island, this is the perfect mani for you.

Vacation Nails to Pack for Summer 2025 Cartoon Sunbeams And Rainbows
I often reach for Madam Glam’s Pastel Paradise palette to get these bright colors. It’s okay to be imperfect—you can use gel pens or stamping plates to outline the shapes if you’re in a hurry.

Whenever I notice this kind of jewelry on someone, I can’t help but smile. It’s not only adorable—it also lifts your mood, feels cozy and is perfect for the beach.

Bubble Beads On Blush

The soft pink blush and pastel dots down one side are perfect for anyone who loves minimalism. It’s a style that’s light, feminine and classy, but still has a playful and trendy look. Perfect if you want your nails to be subtle, but still want them to catch some attention.

Vacation Nails to Pack for Summer 2025 Bubble Beads On Blush
I’d paint the nails with Essie’s Ballet Slippers and add dots using the pastels from the Modelones Baby Macaron Set. Finish your nails with Seche Vite to keep the gloss in place.

It can be worn for garden lunches or yoga at a resort. I wore this set to a friend’s birthday brunch and it helped me feel just right, without having to try too hard.

Rainbow Micro-Lines on Nude Base

Vertical lines in neon colors are very attractive, especially when they shine against a transparent nude background. This manicure is anything but basic. The way pink, lavender, aqua, yellow and chrome are used gives the outfit a lively summer feel. Because of its almond shape, the sandal is both feminine and versatile, perfect for wearing at the beach or in a coastal market.

Vacation Nails to Pack for Summer 2025 Rainbow Micro-Lines on Nude Base
I’d start by applying OPI’s “Bubble Bath” as a base coat and use very fine striping brushes to create the look. Beetles Gel Polish offers gel paints with the most vibrant colors, especially in their rainbow collection. Finish your nails with a top coat that has a bit of opal for a beautiful shimmer.

The first step should be to clean and buff the nail before applying anything else. After two coats of nude polish, cured under LED, I painted vertical stripes by hand in different shades. You don’t have to make everything look the same—the uneven spacing adds character. A top coat with a glossy finish covers the design and highlights its colors.

What I enjoy most is that it makes any outfit a great way to start a conversation. It’s not loud, but it’s impossible to ignore. I wore these while in Santa Barbara for a long weekend and three people asked me where I got them done. Now that’s a vacation mani worth packing.

Sky Blue Grid Meets Coastal White

If you prefer a simple, elegant look, you should definitely bring along this soft blue and white combination. This mani goes great with white linen pants, some shell jewelry and the gentle breeze of the sea. A single nail has crossing lines that add a hint of resort uniform, but in a fashionable way.

Vacation Nails to Pack for Summer 2025 Sky Blue Grid Meets Coastal White
The best way to bring this look to life? You can begin with a pretty pastel blue such as Essie’s “Borrowed & Blue.” A crisp matte white is the best choice for accent nails and Zoya’s “Purity” is a great option. You can use striping tape or a liner brush to draw the cross patterns yourself. It’s more approachable than it looks.

Anyone who wants a simple, short and stylish look will love this one. I did a similar style for a friend going to the Greek islands and she said it fit her entire wardrobe. Low-effort, high-style—that’s the energy we need this summer.

Vintage Pink + Mauve Dots

There’s something about this design that reminds me of vintage romance mixed with a trendy Pinterest board. The half-pink, half-mauve combo is playful without being childish. And those soft dotted borders? Retro elegance with a wink. It’s giving cute, it’s giving island brunch, it’s giving “I packed a book and bronzer.”

Vacation Nails to Pack for Summer 2025 Vintage Pink + Mauve Dots
You should use Olive & June’s “Gummy Bear” for a bubblegum pink and Essie’s “Viva Antigua” for a muted mauve. A dotting tool will help you a lot—make small dots around the cuticle line with light pressure to get that scalloped effect. Keep it symmetrical but not too strict.

Despite its appearance, this style is quite durable, especially when you use gel. I tried this style on a visit to Charleston and it survived saltwater, sunscreen and a lot of mimosas. That subtle detail work earns compliments every. single. time.

Postcard from Paradise

Now this one? This is pure Caribbean cruise-core. Every nail is a little reminder of a tropical place, showing palm trees, sailboats and the setting sun. The colors are soft pastels, with a touch of golden shine. It’s giving us Hawaii, it’s giving us time off, it’s giving us a break from interruptions.

Vacation Nails to Pack for Summer 2025 Postcard from Paradise
You need to be a little creative to make this at home. Apply the gradient sponge blend for the sunset nails and then use small brushes to paint the palm shapes and the little boat. Le Mini Macaron’s “Sunset Soiree” and Deborah Lippmann’s “Mint Convertible” will help you get that soft pastel beach look.

If you don’t feel comfortable drawing freehand, you can buy nail decals or stickers with the same designs. Even if you do your nails in your hotel room, a top coat will make them appear as if they were done by a professional.

I’ve always wanted something like this for a real-deal resort trip, and the last time I rocked these, I wasn’t even on vacation—it just felt like I was. That’s the magic of a perfectly painted nail moment.

Watermelon Stripes with a Twist

I love this combination for summer nails because it’s bright, sweet and has a fun graphic look. This combination of pink and mint-green with shimmer green stripes makes the nails look great at a pool party or with a margarita in Mexico. The evenness of the design is nice, but the unusual colors add excitement.

Vacation Nails to Pack for Summer 2025 Watermelon Stripes with a Twist
To get this look, go for a creamy coral-pink (I love Sally Hansen’s “Back to the Fuchsia”) and a pistachio mint like Orly’s “Mint Condition.” You can use “I’m Not Really a Waitress” by OPI in a green shimmer or a chrome nail tape for the glitter stripe. Striping brushes or tape will help you keep the lines neat and clear.

The base is made by applying two layers of your lighter shade, then placing the tape guides before you paint the alternating colors. The glitter stripe should be thin and precise—it’s what brings all the other elements together. Apply a quick-drying top coat like Seche Vite to make your nails look like they have gel polish.

Whenever I have watermelon-themed nails, people I don’t know often compliment me, especially when I’m wearing just denim and a white tee. It’s a simple way to look like you’re on holiday without much effort.

Minimal Swirls in Sunset Shades

There’s something so satisfying about this neutral swirl design. It’s gentle, dreamy and appears like a sky touched by the sun at golden hour. The sheer base is covered with swirls of blue and peachy coral and two nails are fully painted to add contrast. It’s as if I’m on an island, enjoying the cool breeze, my warm body and the happiness of a great vacation.

Vacation Nails to Pack for Summer 2025 Minimal Swirls in Sunset Shades
A sheer nude base is perfect, so use “Bare My Soul” by OPI and add pastel coral and sky blue gel polishes. A thin liner brush is key here. Try to make your curves look smooth and keep your arm relaxed as you move. Symmetry is best when it flows naturally, so don’t worry too much about it.

I usually paint the two solid nails first to secure the design. After that, use a little polish to draw the wave patterns on the rest of the surface. You may also want to add a little bit of each color on top of the other to make it more interesting. Keep it sealed with a shiny top coat or even a soft matte if you’re feeling modern.

I think of this as the “whispers of vacation” style. It’s for anyone who wants a stylish manicure that looks great with any outfit, whether you’re flying, dining or relaxing on the beach. It’s not loud, but it’s hard to look away from it twice.

Teal Tips for the Coastal Minimalist

Sometimes less is absolutely more, especially when you’re craving a manicure that can flex between beach, dinner, and spontaneous sunrise yoga. The neat, short French tips in teal on a nude base give a polished look that isn’t overdone. The difference between the seafoam edge and the natural nail bed adds a touch of elegance and a little bit of fun.

Vacation Nails to Pack for Summer 2025 Teal Tips for the Coastal Minimalist
You could get the same effect by using Zoya’s “Bella” or Orly’s “Nude Beach” as your base coat. If you want to try the tips, LeChat’s “Tropical Escape” gel polish will give you a bright teal color that looks like it’s from the Caribbean. A fine liner brush will give you clean, sharp lines that aren’t too harsh.

I’ve worn this outfit on a cruise and it stayed perfect despite the salty air and lots of sunscreen. Because it’s so simple, you can wear it all the time, but it still stands out, especially when you’re holding a coconut.

Seashell Blush for Beach Babes

This nail design is all about being cute—pink nails with pearly starfish, seashells and just a hint of sparkle. It’s a cooler version of the shell necklaces we all still have a soft spot for. There’s something sweet and trendy about how this design embraces vacation themes without tipping into kitsch. Think “island Barbie,” but make it classy.

Vacation Nails to Pack for Summer 2025 Seashell Blush for Beach Babes
I’d go for a soft pink like “Ballet Slippers” from Essie or “Strawberry Milk” by Aprés. You can either use 3D nail charms for the seashell and starfish or make the shapes with white gel sculpting paint and a dotting tool. A few rhinestones give the nails a bit of sparkle and the velvet matte top coat keeps the look soft, not too flashy.

I’d go for this manicure when I’m at a resort spa or an all-inclusive in Mexico, wanting to feel like a woman on holiday. It’s like having beachwear on my nails and I love how it attracts attention without me having to do much.

Scalloped Rainbow Layers

What happens when you combine clouds, color theory and imagination? This scalloped mani in matte finish gives you that vacation look without being too much. The mix of greens, blue, lavender and purples is both fun and carefully planned, so it’s great for relaxing by the pool or capturing a casual photo from your Hawaii hammock.

Vacation Nails to Pack for Summer 2025 Scalloped Rainbow Layers
Creating this design means tapping into your inner artist. I’d apply a matte base in a light or neutral color and then use a dotting tool or round brush to add circles of color, making sure they slightly overlap to make the rainbow shell look. It’s surprisingly simple to do and the texture makes it all worthwhile.

I actually wore something like this on a road trip along the California coast and it made every coffee-holding photo a little more special. If you’re looking for something colorful, original and tied to your vacation, this is the one.

Pastel Picnic Grid

It’s giving gelato at a Caribbean café. These soft pastel-colored square nails—mint, lilac, sky blue and pink—make your fingers look like they’re ready for summer. The white grid makes the pattern look neat, much like a picnic table or beach towel. This design is both fun and easy to wear when you’re on holiday.

Vacation Nails to Pack for Summer 2025 Pastel Picnic Grid
Try using Olive & June’s “Yes Please,” “Angelfish,” and “Lavender Fields” for a creamy look. After that, use a striping brush filled with opaque white to draw the grid. If you like the fabric look, choose a matte finish or if you want a shiny, chic effect, go for a glossy finish.

It feels like I’m planning what to wear for a vacation capsule wardrobe—everything matches and it’s all about keeping things balanced. If you’re packing soft colors, linen and a carefree style, these are the Vacation Nails to bring for Summer 2025.

Polka Dots and Seafoam Blue

Sometimes, the best way to stand out is by adding a single fun detail to a simple design. The nails are short and round and they are all a calm blue except for one which has black dots and white lines. It feels like modern art for your fingertips. The vibe? Laid-back, neutral, and cool.

Vacation Nails to Pack for Summer 2025 Polka Dots and Seafoam Blue
If you’re looking for a way to finish this look, try Essie’s “Mind-Full Meditation” or “Find Me an Oasis.” Apply OPI’s “Alpine Snow” as the base for the accent nail and then dot it with a small tool or bobby pin. You can draw the lines with a thin brush without using a ruler.

If you want a classy and easy look that’s a little different, this is the answer. I prefer to wear outfits like this when I’m combining time at the beach with sightseeing—it doesn’t clash and still feels new.

Mermaid Foam Swirl

Let’s end this set with something truly magical. The ocean design in these deep teal and seafoam green colors is truly captivating. The silver highlights in the design resemble the sun on the water and the almond shape helps the silhouette stay long and delicate. It’s relaxing, it’s by the sea, it’s warm and it makes it clear you’re not at work.

Vacation Nails to Pack for Summer 2025 Mermaid Foam Swirl
You should use the marble base technique here—drop some “Tealing Festive” and “Sage Advice” polish onto a silicone mat, mix them and press the mixture onto your nail for a natural look. Add a bit of glitter or silver foil and finish it off by sealing the top with a glassy layer.

Whenever I go for this look, whether on vacation or just imagining it, I always receive a lot of compliments. It feels luxurious without being loud. Like you just stepped out of the ocean… glowing.

Retro Stripes on Sea Blue

The collection is inspired by beach towels and umbrellas, with its colors being dusty blue, creamy white and sandy yellow stripes. The other nails are painted a muted teal which makes the design feel relaxed and put together. The almond shape adds elegance, but the pattern keeps it easy—great for any time spent at the beach or by the pool.

Vacation Nails to Pack for Summer 2025 Retro Stripes on Sea Blue
I’d pick “Greenwich” from Cirque Colors and “French Porcelain” from OPI. To get the striping nails look, use tape or very thin nail art brushes, as you need to be very precise. Finish your nails with a matte top coat to make them look like they’ve been in the sun for years.

I love that this style looks put together even if you haven’t tried hard. I wore the same set on a weekend in Mexico and it looked wonderful with both my bikinis and my linen midi dresses. The best part about a retro color story is that it’s both fashionable and classic.

Blue Statement with Minimalist Accent

This bright cobalt blue is not shy—it’s bold, shiny and great for highlighting your summer tan. But the real highlight is the white accent nail with a simple peacock feather design. The simplicity of this detail feels luxurious, as if it’s a hint of tropical style in the middle of all the brightness.

Vacation Nails to Pack for Summer 2025 Blue Statement with Minimalist Accent
For this, use “Butler Please” by Essie for the blue and “Snow Me White” by SinfulColors for the contrast nail. If you’re short on time, you can use nail stamping plates instead of painting the feather design by hand. The glossy look is very important—this style loves to catch the sunlight.

This mani is great for a cruise, when you go from the pool to cocktails without having to change your nails. It’s a sophisticated look, but it’s not too formal when you add white sandals and a straw hat. Definitely one for your 2025 Pinterest board.

Lavender Bloom Elegance

This design is a mini postcard from Provence, placed right on your fingertips. Soft lavender and dusty mauve are paired with floral drawings and a hint of sparkle. The whole place feels elegant, feminine and is just right for a walk through the vineyards or a relaxing picnic with a baguette and blush wine.

Vacation Nails to Pack for Summer 2025 Lavender Bloom Elegance
You can paint the florals with gel polish and a fine brush and use “Lilacism” by Essie for the background and “Wisteria Whisper” from Lights Lacquer for the flowers. Adding a few rhinestones can add some sparkle, but don’t let them take away from the soft, romantic look.

I turn to this when I want to look nice without trying too hard. I wore something similar on a trip to the Hudson Valley and it matched every outfit, especially when I wore soft floral prints and big sunglasses. If you’re looking for neutral vacation nails, this set is ideal.

That brings us to the end of our full-color tour of Vacation Nails to Pack for Summer 2025! If you’re going to Hawaii, Mexico, a Caribbean spot or just a weekend by the lake, these outfits fit every mood—tropical, classy, fun and totally 2025.

Which one is your favorite—teal French, beachy seashells or retro stripes? Perhaps all three, as summer is really more of a nail state than a season.

Conclusion

Your nails should get a break just like you do. Whether you’re going full-on tropical, keeping things classy and neutral, or trying something bold and trendy, these Vacation Nails to Pack for Summer 2025 will have you looking polished from check-in to beach bar. Feel free to pick a nail color that fits your mood and let your nails speak for you all summer.