"I don’t know about you, but I’m absolutely fiending for the perks of summer. Summertime is true thriving season—tank tops, patio dinners, and a chance to wear this season’s nail colors? Sign me up. The simple luxury of a new manicure not only complements my summer capsule wardrobe, but it brightens my mood, too. And if you ask me, there’s no better season to pick out a new nail polish than the colorful, dreamy months of summer.
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Summer 2025’s nail trends are all about color. Hefty doses of the the blue and yellow shades that dominated spring/summer ’25 runways (and literally everyone’s FYPs) are in play, but there’ll also a huge wave of enthusiasm for pastels and metallics, too. The only problem? With summer nail trends this good, picking a color at the nail salon will be harder than ever.
Searching for your next summer manicure? Read on for all the nail inspiration you’ll need this season.
1. Butter Yellow Nails
Butter yellow is the shade of summer, and I know I’ll be matching my nails with my butter yellow wardrobe this season. It’s simple and chic, but still has lots of personality.
2. Pastel Chrome Nails
If you’re someone who can never choose just one nail polish color, this is the manicure for you. Instead of painting your nails in just one pastel color, try assigning each finger a different hue.
3. Hot Pink Jelly Nails
These jelly-effect nails make it look like water is dripping off your pink manicure. It’s an easy way to take your nails to the next level, and it’s especially apt if your summer plans include lounging by the pool or beach.
4. Pink Chrome Nails
If nail minimalist, fear not: There are plenty of summer nail trends for you to choose from. This pink chrome keeps things light while incorporating just the right amount of sparkle.
5. Neon Orange Nails
If a neutral nail is your worst nightmare, you’ll love this neon orange color. It’s the perfect color to turn your nails into a statement.
6. White Zebra Nails
Nail art doesn’t always have to be an in-your-face moment (though it can be if you want it to). These white zebra nails are a great in-between if you want to step out of your comfort zone, but aren’t ready for anything too bright.
7. Neon Green Nails
Brat summer may be over, but that doesn’t mean the lime green obsession is. These nails are so bright I think the Blue Origin flight crew could spot them in their 11-minute journey to space.
8. Tiny Heart Nails
If you’re searching for subtle nail art, it’s time to give tiny hearts a try. The barely there design offers the smallest pop of color that’s cute enough to wear all year round—not just for Valentine’s Day.
9. Light Blue Nails
This dreamy shade of light blue is worthy of your first manicure of the summer. You can spice it up with French tips or just stick with the solid blue.
10. Lemon Yellow Nails
Lemons scream Euro summer, but you can rock this manicure whether you have an international trip planned or not. Who needs Positano when you have nails this good?
11. Metallic Blue Nails
Spice up your neutral chrome nails and opt for metallic blue instead. We especially love this washed-denim tone that has a shimmery look.
12. Flower Nails
‘Tis the season to adorn your manicure with teeny-tiny florals! The combination of these little flowers with a few French tips is positively dreamy.
13. White Nails
Is it even really summer without a solid white manicure thrown in the mix once in a while? Whether you choose this color to align with summer holidays or just to make your pastel outfits pop, you can’t go wrong with white nails.
14. Mint Green Nails
Pastel nails are all the rage this year, and a mint green shade will definitely be the envy of all of your friends. This manicure will have you feeling cool as a cucumber all summer long.
15. Lavender Nails
If you want to branch out from your go-to shade of pink, consider going for a lavender pastel manicure instead.
16. Mermaid Nails
Make your manicure extra seasonal by opting for shell nail art. It’ll take the fisherman aesthetic to a whole new level.
17. Bright Green Nails
This bright green shade will draw attention to your hands and stand out with your summery looks—it basically looks like it was made to hold a glass of wine on a patio.
18. Western Nails
It’s a cowgirl summer, y’all! Thanks to the Cowboy Carter Tour, we’re all for leaning into a Western aesthetic this season, including on our nails.
19. Cherry Nails
Cherry designs are slated to be hugely popular this summer, so get ready to see nails like these everywhere. This art is easy to add on to your next French manicure.
20. Strawberry Matcha Nails
Strawberry matcha lattes are the drink of the summer, so it’s only natural to rock them on your nails, too.
21. Polka Dot Nails
Polka dots are so back, and we’re obsessed with the multicolored dots on this manicure. If you’re indecisive when it comes to picking a color, this is the perfect look.
22. Metallic Pink Nails
Combine pastel and chrome nails with this stunning metallic pink manicure.
23. Pink Aura Nails
If you’re searching for an updated version of a hot pink manicure, look no further than these aura nails.
24. Aqua blue
Headed on a beach trip this summer? You definitely need some aqua nails to match the ocean water. This teal color is the kind of tone that you really only want to wear during warm weather, so now’s the perfect time to take advantage of that feeling.
25. Light grey
Cloudy grey nails have been trending this spring, and it’s unlikely that the summer will be much different. Neutral girlies, this one’s for you—these nails give off calm, cool, and collected.
26. Clear
Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean that you have to go all out there with your manicure. Sometimes, the best mani option of all is a clear polish with super well-cared-for cuticles and nail beds.
27. Metallic French tips
There’s that elevated chrome again! If a full metallic mani isn’t your jam, stick with the French manicure to keep it simple instead. It’s the perfect twist on a classic look to make your nails pop.
28. Little suns
The heat wave that will inevitably hit this summer is no match for these adorable tiny suns on your nails. With a yellow background and a bright orange accent, these nails are perfectly on trend this year.
29. Frosted effect
If you want a neutral nail look with a little extra something, look no further than these frosted nails. It’s a little more than a clear look, but a little less than full-on glazed donut nails—perfect for layering over your favorite color or on its own.
30. Sunset French tips
IMO, nothing gives “summer vibes” more than a classic pink and orange combo. This will pair incredibly well with whatever is on your summer bucket list, from beach vacays to Aperol spritzes with the girls.
31. Peach
Peach is about to have a massive moment, so you might as well get ahead of the game with some bright peach nails this summer. Plus, it’s peach season anyway!
32. Cobalt blue
Yet another super trendy 2025 color, this bright cobalt blue is everywhere right now, so it’s perfect for a fun manicure look this summer. This color is much more versatile than it initially looks—don’t be intimidated because blue basically goes with everything.
33. Solid red
Hear me out—everyone treats bright red like it’s a winter nail color, but I actually think it’s best in the summer. Nothing quite says “ready to have a popsicle on the beach” like this cherry red tone.
34. Bright orange
If August by Taylor Swift was a color, it would be this true orange. This nail color is perfect for those waning days of summer when you want to soak it all in (and match the sunset). It’s a shade that will pop against any outfit.
35. Bubblegum pink
Not ready to let go of Barbie colors this summer? We don’t blame you. This bright pink color is the perfect bubblegum shade that will make your nails stand out this season.
Emma Ginsberg, Former Associate Editor & Podcast Assistant
Emma is a writer, editor, and podcast producer who has been creating at The Everygirl since 2021. She writes for all sections on the site, assists with editing on narrative essay and opinion projects, and helps produce The Everygirl Podcast. You can listen to her with podcast host Josie Santi on the intros of The Everygirl Podcast and read her articles across the site.
Lauren Blue, Assistant Editor
As an Assistant Editor for The Everygirl, Lauren ideates and writes content for every facet of our readers’ lives. Her articles span the topics of must-read books, movies, home tours, travel itineraries—and everything in between. When she isn’t testing the latest TikTok trend, she can be found scouring Goodreads for new releases to feature on the site.