Your Summer Plans Aren't Complete Without These 17 Cute Nail Ideas (2024)

Blue and orange don’t come together often, but these nails are proof that needs to change. I mean, can we just take a moment to admire the gradient transition on that middle nail? Truly just so impressive.

✨ Recreate it with: Essie in Yes, I Canyon

If you generally opt for more neutral shades on your summer mani, please allow me to introduce you to this lowkey nail art trend. The light and dark shades of brown contrast so nicely and create a super-unique design.

✨ Recreate it with: OPI Infinite Shine Long-Wear Nail Polish in Staying Neutral

If you’re tired of the classic French tip manicure, might I suggest bringing a little ombré into the mix? With a small sponge brush (pro tip: use those little eyeshadow sponge-y applicators you have lying around and never use) to bring the neutral base coat into the white tip. Or, if you don’t have patience, just take this pic to the salon.

✨ Recreate it with: Pear Nova in Reflect

There’s something about lilac that’s just such an uplifting, summery color. It’s so simple, and honestly, you can easily DIY this summer nail trend. But don’t forget to moisturize your cuticles first and finish with a shiny topcoat.

✨ Recreate it with: Ella+Mila BonBon Collection Nail Polish in Midnight in Paris

If you want a little more oomph for your nail art, these tips are just the right amount of bold and artsy. Start with a classic French tip on just a few nails, then take a superfine nail polish brush to draw the zig-zag lines towards the tip. The less perfect and uniform the lines, the better.

✨ Recreate it with: Winstonia 5 Pcs Nail Art Brushes Set

DIYing a color block design like this for your next manicure is surprisingly easy. Just paint your first four nails in lavender polish and your pinky in hot pink polish. Then go in and paint half of your thumb, pointer, and ring fingers in the same hot pink shade.

✨ Recreate it with: Sundays Nail Polish in No 12 and JinSoon Nail Polish in Birdie

These multi-color tips combine two of my favorite nails trends—the French manicure and the gradient manicure. They'll add the perfect amount of flare to your look without clashing with your summer outfits.

✨ Recreate it with: Pretty in Pink Skittle Mani Kit

Gold and blue are two versatile nail polish colors that don't get paired together enough—and summer 2021 is here to change that. Like, look how chic/cool this combo is?!

✨ Recreate it with: Zoya Nail Polish in Soleil

Summer is the perfect time to simplify your beauty routine, but you can (and should!) still make a statement with a bright, bold manicure. A few quick coats of this spicy red shade will do just that.

✨ Recreate it with: Olive and June in Lava

An abstract mani honestly looks trendy in any season, but the bright yellow blocks of color in this graphic design are practically made for wearing on your nails in the warmer months.

✨ Recreate it with: OPI in Exotic Birds Do Not Tweet

Move over sunset eyes, the sunset manicure (complete with gradient nail polish colors and detailed palm trees) is having it's moment for summer 2021.

✨ Recreate it with: Orly in Here Comes the Sun

Show up to brunch with coolest mani at the table by using two top coats with different finishes—one that's matte and one that's glossy. You can use them on alternate nails or on the same nail to create detailing.

✨ Recreate it with: Rooted Woman Non-Toxic Nail Polish in Rest

You don't need a fancy nail kit to DIY this cute red and white summer nail idea. Apply two coats of white polish to your nails, wait until it's fully dry, and then play around with the red brush strokes.

✨ Recreate it with: Nails Inc. Gel Nail Polish in Pillarbox Red

Using a few different warm-toned polishes gives this neutral mani a fun, summery feel. It's the perfect way to keep your nails low-key without being too basic or boring.

✨ Recreate it with: Essie in Island Hopping

When rose quartz nails first became popular, I didn't immediately jump on the bandwagon, and I deeply regret that. Good thing the look is still trending for summer 2021, bc I'm now fully obsessed and will be wearing it on my nails through Labor Day.

✨ Recreate it with: Triple O Nail Polish in Aneke

If you're looking for a multi-colored mani without going full rainbow, these bright French tips are it. Just be sure to seal it all in with a gel topcoat for an extra-shiny and chip-resistant finish.

✨ Recreate it with: Sally Hansen Hard As Nails Xtreme Wear in Jazzy Jade or Nails Inc Plant Power Nail Polish in Time For A Reset

The best part about this summer nail trend is that it hits on two levels: retro summer and Funfetti dessert. It's also my favorite new nail idea to wear on a summer date.

✨ Recreate it with: Pear Nova in Frida Be Free