I don’t know about you, but I’m absolutely fiending for the warm weather 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 mani not only complements my summer capsule wardrobe, but 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.
Summer 2024 is all about color when it comes to nail trends. We’ve got the blue and yellow shades that have absolutely dominated the runways (and literally everyone’s FYPs), but there’s also a huge wave of enthusiasm for pastels and metallics, too. The only problem? You’ll find yourself having a hard time choosing. For some inspiration for your summer manis, we’ve rounded up 30 ideas we can’t stop thinking about.
1. Light blue
Unless you have truly been living under a rock, chances are you’re aware that light blue is big this season. Pick out that perfect shade of periwinkle and choose this for your first mani of the summer—you can spice it up with French tips or just stick with the solid blue.
2. Lemon yellow
If light blue is the hot color of the summer, then yellow is its natural complement. This lemon-yellow manicure is just as cute as it is eye-catching.
3. Metallic blue
Metallics are back in a big way this summer when it comes to nail trends, but we’re not just doing plain chrome nails anymore. Instead, switch it up with some metallic blue shades. We especially love this washed-denim tone that has a shimmery look.
4. Little flowers
‘Tis the season to adorn your manicure with teeny-tiny florals! The combo of these little flowers with a few French tips is positively dreamy. This is the perfect summer manicure for photographing with your iced latte.
5. Solid white
Is it even really summer without a solid white manicure thrown in there once in a while? Whether you choose this color to align with any ~patriotic holidays~ or just to make your pastel outfits pop, a white mani is always super versatile.
6. Mint green
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.
7. Lavender
If green nails aren’t your thing, consider going for a lavender pastel shade instead. Light purple definitely pops, but it also matches with more when it’s this stunning lilac shade.
8. Bubble effect
Looking to switch things up and go a little more out there with your manicure this summer? Mermaid-core is never truly out of style, so consider adding some bubbles to your nails, like in this builder gel manicure.
9. Bright green
Channel that bright watermelon green with this stunning emerald color on your nails this summer. This color will draw attention to your hands and stand out with your summery looks—it basically looks like it was made to hold a mimosa on a patio.
10. Dark brown
It’s a cowgirl summer, y’all! Thanks to Cowboy Carter, and the general country music resurgence of the past year, we’re all for leaning into a Western aesthetic this season, including with our manicures. This dark brown shade will look amazing with a great pair of boots.
11. Purple glow
I mean, how amazing does this glowing purple manicure look in the sunlight?! This color was meant for the summertime—a shimmery purple will turn heads and make you excited for all of your social summer activities.
12. Red cherries
Cherry designs are slated to be hugely popular this summer, so get ready to see nails like these everywhere. We love pairing a cherry design with a simple French manicure for a look that’s easy to DIY at home.
13. Little gems
Put some sparkle on your fingers with little gems like these this summer! No matter what color you opt for, this is bound to become one of your favorite designs of the entire year.
14. Tiny polka dots
Polka dots are sooooo back in 2024! We’re obsessed with the multicolored design on this manicure—it’s kind of like a candy jar on your own nails. For the indecisive when it comes to color, this is the perfect look.
15. Metallic pink
These nails combine two of the top trends of the season—pastel and metallic—in one. Once again, it’s that elevated chrome look that’s going to take the cake this summer, the perfect standout warm weather look.
16. Melted French tips
If you want a slightly elevated version of a French manicure this summer, look no further than these melted French tips. It’s fun yet fairly subtle, and you can mix and match the color you choose as the dip effect on each nail.
17. 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.
18. 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.
19. Black French tips
If you love black nail polish but don’t want to do a full black manicure in the middle of summer, stick with black French tips as a way to switch it up. These nails are neutral and versatile but also have a little twist with silver gems on top.
20. 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.
21. 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.
22. 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.
23. 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.
24. Tortoiseshell
IMO, nothing gives “old money nails” more than a tortoiseshell nail look. Much like the chocolate brown color, these will look perfect with any Western-inspired look that you might be putting together this summer.
25. Peach
It ain’t the Pantone color of the year for nothing! 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!
26. Cobalt blue
Yet another super trendy 2024 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.
27. 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.
28. 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.
29. 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.
30. Stars
Last but certainly not least, there’s really only one time of year to do a star mani, and that’s the summertime. We love these black stars against a beige background for a neutral manicure that still draws attention.
