With the sunny days of summer approaching, it’s time to refresh our looks from head to toes – and that includes our nails!
This season is all about trying fun, bright colors and designs that evoke a carefree vacation vibe even if you can’t get away. From vibrant neons to calm pastels and seaside-inspired looks, summer nail aesthetics are a playful way to get into the spirit of the warmer months.
In this article, we’ve rounded up 7 nail ideas spanning colors, patterns, accessories and more to give your fingers a fresh and fun update.
Getting a bright manicure or pedicure is an easy way to feel a boost of happiness when glancing down at your hands or feet. And experimenting with new summery nail looks is the perfect seasonal activity when you just feel like trying something new.
So get ready to take notes on these 7 aesthetic nails ideal for summertime! Whether you hit the salon or DIY at home, these ideas – from bold fruit motifs to abstract waves – will have your hands summer-ready in no time. Let’s jump into the endless possibilities of playful, punchy summer nail inspiration!
The Most Uplifting Summer Nails Ideas for This Year
Here’s the list of the 7 inspiring summer nails aesthetic styles:
1. So Bright!
Credit: nailsbysmf
A classic french manicure featuring transparent base lacquer on nails with bright free edges in different pastel colors to create a vibrant, summer-like look.
This fresh take on the classic french manicure is perfect for welcoming in the bright, cheerful vibe of spring. Start with a transparent base lacquer on the nails to allow the natural nail to shine through. Keeping the bases sheer creates a clean, minimalist look. Then, paint the tips of the nails in a rainbow of different pastel shades like minty greens, soft corals, buttery yellows, sky blues and bubbly purples.
2. Pink Gradient with Hearts, Crystals & Gold Strings
Credit: alinahoyonailartist
This romantic nail idea is perfect for a summer wedding or event.
The gold strings add a touch of midsummer night’s magic. Not only is this nail idea aesthetically beautiful for summer, but it also carries endearing symbolism with the cascade of hearts and crystals – making it an ethereal look for weddings or romantic summer nights out. The pink gradient base keeps the look soft, while the gold, crystals and red hearts provide dreamy, eye-catching details.
3. So Soft Rainbows
Credit: cdanails
With just a few sweeping brush strokes and some strategically-placed shapes, your nails become a canvas for summer magic inspired by the dreamy vision of rainbows and soft pastel skies.
When you gaze down at this any-season wonderland atop your fingertips, it’s guaranteed to stir up childlike awe and optimism.
4. Wild Flowers on Matte Natural Nails
Credit: nailphases
This summer nail idea takes inspiration from carefree days frolicking in meadows filled with wildflowers. Start off with a matte nude or light beige lacquer as the base color to emulate the look of natural nails.
Keeping the base muted and matte allows the true stars of the show – the flowers – to pop even more.
5. Pink Caramel Summer Nails
Credit: studioilirjana
This feminine nail idea pairs a soft pink base color with warm caramel French tips for a delicate and flattering look. After painting all the nails with a light pink lacquer, create the French tips by using an angular brush dipped in a shimmery caramel hue for definition.
The caramel tips provide lovely contrast against the pink base while feeling rich and glossy like browned butter or sugar.
The overall look – pink innocence meeting caramel sophistication with a hidden sparkle surprise – is feminine, sweet and summer-like.
6. Green Lace Tips
Credit: nailsbysmf
This unique nail idea pairs a matte nude base with eye-catching emerald green lace details on the tips. Start by applying two coats of a soft beige or pale pink matte lacquer color as the base. The matte texture provides a modern, silky finish that allows the lace details to stand out even more.
7. A Little Bit of Color
Credit: thenailbabeuk
Start this fun and festive nail look by growing your natural nails out long or applying a set of long pink press-on nails. Keep the pink base color clean and elegant to allow the fruit-inspired accents to take the spotlight.