We're always looking for new beauty ideas and these summer nails — from nail polish colors, to press-ons, to design inspo — are sure to set you in the right direction. These nail ideas (which work great for both manicures and pedicures) are all about the childlike wonder of bold primaries, nostalgic prints, and dreamy pastels. Stick to one color palette, or mix everything together for a color explosion that's as fun to create as it is to look at!
Summer Nail Colors
Dear Sundays No.40 ($18)
Give your mani a mood boost with one of summer's hottest colors. Equal parts edgy and sophisticated, it's just as complex as the person who's wearing it.
essie Clambake Glossy Shine Finish ($10)
Take your regular bold red to the next level by picking a shade that has some orange mixed in. It'll pop like a neon!
Lottie London Plant Based Nail Color What's the T ($5)
Something about this polish makes us feel powerful and carefree, which makes it a perfect summer shade.
Fanchromatic Nails Eleven Polish With Color-Changing Flakes ($11)
If you love to give a subtle nod to your favorite characters, you'll love this brand – this polish recalls the vibes of Stranger Things 4 with some nail polish inspired by our favorite '80s teen.
Pleasing The Shroom Bloom Set ($65)
The best thing about this set from Harry Styles (aside from the gorgeous colors) is that they're incredibly customizable. Apply the shades overtop one another, or add the included floral decals.
Static Nails Sorrento ($16)
This mustard-like shade still adds a pop of color that can be the ultimate complement to blue or purple polishes.
Gucci Vernis À Ongles Nail Polish ($30)
Since you can't spend every waking hour until September in the water, carry that poolside mindset with an aqua nail polish. Plus, the bottle is so artsy, you can use it as decor.
ORLY Turn It Up ($10)
We love this confetti nail polish, and not just because we thought it was full of sprinkles the first time we saw it. But either way, sprinkles and confetti both mean one thing: it's party time.
Nails.Inc London Are We Having Wine? Nail Polish ($15)
The name of this nail polish alone is reason to rock it. Don a peachy, coral-y shade that'll match any of your summer looks.
Olive & June Jelly Baby ($9)
This jelly-like, sparkle-infused polish goes great with any look, thanks to its neutral hue.
Press-Ons For Summer
Mani Muse Pretty Little Lilacs ($16)
Spice up your summer mani with a non-toxic and non-damaging design. It's colorful, feminine, and is a fun take on the squiggle pattern.
Color Camp Happy Place Press Ons ($64)
We don't need much of an excuse to smile, but these nails serve as a great reminder. Plus, when you're having a bad day, what's better than having a cute little face smiling up at you?
GELAPRESSED 3D Cloud Nail Art Stickers ($5)
Paint your nails with your favorite polish, then add these little decals. It'll still give you the look of a salon manicure without the hassle and discomfort that can come with press-ons!
SHRINE UO Exclusive Coffin Press-On False Nails ($10)
Butterflies are back and better than ever, baby. This set is the perfect way to add this Y2K trend to your look.
Static Nails Doe Round Set ($24)
One minute, this mani looks like cotton candy, the next, it looks like chrome-reflecting light. Love! Each nail can last up to 18 days on your first wear *and* can be reworn up to six other times.
Summer Nail Art Inspo
Neons might be a summer classic, but we're suckers for toned-down pinks and greens. Play with different shapes, lines, and even some stick-on jewels for a completely unique look. Make it a game and see if you can make all your nails different!
Image via Bellacures
Paint some dots in place of your classic French mani for a subtle way to show some color.
Make some waves with a nail art brush and two different shades of the same color. Practicing this design will help it come more naturally, so just move slowly and carefully while you get the hang of it.
When it comes to nail art, we overlook our toes... a lot. If you're sick of your go-to neutral, try a funky pattern instead! Create your design on your big toe, then paint the rest of your toes with all the different colors.
Sometimes all you need to make a statement is a simple but fun design, like this squiggle. Bonus points if your mani matches your jewelry.
Orange you glad we included this mani?! Sorry, we had to. Extra bright orange makes this look pop, but swap the polish for yellow and suddenly you have a lemony look.
Who says you have to stick to one design?! Go crazy with different shapes and silhouettes (even within the same nail) for a pattern explosion.
Image via Bellacures
This light orange hue provides a pop of color with 70's era flowers on the ring finger, a perfect match to your floral bikini!
Don't be afraid to combine different shapes and vibes within your mani. Funky checkerboard and tie die never looked so good together.
You can never go wrong with flowers!
A French manicure is super classy, and changing up the colors gives it a '90s redo. If you can't get the hand of free-handing the half moons, try using tape.
Rainbow dots work with blank space to create a look that is uber sophisticated but minimalist enough that it won't clash with anything in your closet. If you like the watercolor look, just use a toothpick after you paint on the dots!
Pairing a warm color like orange with a cool blue, especially when the pair reminds us of sherbet, never disappoints. The fun designs are just the cherry on top!
If you don't have a nail kit, don't worry! Just grab a toothpick or a bobby pin to create these dots. To get that eyeball look, layer smaller dots on top of the bigger dots.
There's no rule that says florals *have* to be for spring. Stand out in a salon full of bold and punchy neons with a garden-inspired look. If you want it to feel more summery, just swap the colors for something brighter.
Image via Bellacures
When in doubt, go the geometric route. Pink and yellow painted on in this geometric design add a fun twist for the summer season!
Loving these summer nails? Follow us on Pinterest and subscribe to our email newsletter for more summer beauty ideas!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
This post has been updated.
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Chloe Williams
Chloe Williams serves as B+C’s Assistant Editor, entertainment lead, and resident Taylor Swift expert. Whether she’s writing a movie review or interviewing the stars of the latest hit show, Chloe loves exploring why stories inspire us. You can see her work published in BuzzFeed, Coastal Review, and North Beach Sun. When she’s not writing, Chloe’s probably watching a Marvel movie with a cherry co*ke or texting her sister about the latest celebrity news. Say hi at @thechloewilliams on Insta and @popculturechlo on Twitter!
