Classy Summer Nails 26 Ideas: Shades & Designs That Will Make You Stand Out

Are your nails summer-ready? When the sun’s out and the flip-flops are on, do your nails showcase the chic and classy summer nails shades & designs that are turning heads this season? From the soft whisper of pink on a short nail to the bold statement of dark hues on an almond shape, the right nail design can be as refreshing as a cold lemonade on a hot day. But what are the secrets behind these enviable manicures? What colors, designs, and shapes make for a flawless summer look? Keep reading as we dive into a palette of summer nail inspirations that combine simplicity, elegance, and a splash of fun!

Sunshine and Lemonade

Bathed in the zest of yellow, these nails are like bottled sunshine. The glossy finish reflects the bright, carefree days of summer, while the playful ombre effect, transitioning from a vibrant lemon to a mellow buttercup, adds depth and character. This manicure is not just a color choice; it’s a sunny disposition captured on your fingertips.

Materials Needed:

• Base Coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
• Yellow Polishes: Essie’s “Aim to Misbehave” and “Sunshine State of Mind”
• Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Nail Coat
• Ombre Tool: Makeup sponge

DIY Instructions: To recreate this solar flare, start with a protective base coat. Apply two coats of the lighter yellow, letting each layer dry. For the ombre, dab alternating stripes of the two yellows on a makeup sponge and gently press onto the nail, blending until satisfied. Seal with a glossy top coat for a durable, summer-ready finish.

Sky Reflections

These nails whisper of cloudless skies and cool summer breezes. The blue base, as tranquil as a lagoon, is a canvas for a burst of white flecked with blue – an abstract homage to summer skies strewn with cottony clouds. Perfect for a simple casual outing or a chic evening event, these nails beckon one to embrace the endless possibilities of blue horizons.

Materials Needed:

• Base Coat: Sally Hansen Double Duty
• Blue Polish: CND Vinylux in “Creekside”
• White Polish: OPI “Alpine Snow”
• Detail Brush: Winstonia Fine Liner

DIY Instructions: After priming your nails with base coat, lay down two even coats of Creekside. Then, take Alpine Snow on your detail brush and create random, cloud-like dabs. Blend out with the brush or a sponge for that soft, sky-like feel. A matte top coat will give the clouds their velvety finish.

Midnight Luster

Dive into the depths of the ocean with these lustrous dark blue nails. The high-gloss finish reflects light like gentle waves under a moonlit sky. It’s a classic look that speaks of mystery and elegance, perfect for those balmy summer nights. This design’s beauty lies in its simplicity – a single dark yet trendy hue that commands attention without effort.

Materials Needed:

• Base Coat: Deborah Lippmann Hard Rock
• Dark Blue Polish: Zoya “Neve”
• Top Coat: INM Out The Door

DIY Instructions: Begin with a fortifying base coat to protect your nails. Sweep on two coats of Neve for that deep sea charm. Finish with a layer of Out The Door top coat for a gleaming surface that lasts from dusk till dawn.

Whispers of Spring

A testament to understated elegance, these nails blend soft pastel hues with a delicate line art, evoking the essence of spring gardens into the summer. Each nail is a petal in a gentle breeze, with colors of lavender, mint, and rose seamlessly flowing into each other, all tied together with a whisper-thin white line.

Materials Needed:

• Base Coat: CND Stickey Anchoring Base Coat
• Pastel Polishes: Essie “Blossom Dandy”, “French Affair”, and “Go Ginza”
• Detailing Tool: Thin nail art brush
• Top Coat: Glisten & Glow Top Coat

DIY Instructions: After applying the base coat, select a nail for each pastel shade and apply two coats for full opacity. Using your detailing tool, gently draw a fine white curve across each nail, mimicking the natural arc of a petal. Seal your artistry with a fast-drying top coat to preserve the simple french tips and delicate detail.

Aquatic Dreams

This set embodies the reflective sheen of a mermaid’s tail gliding through the summer sea. The chrome finish on an almond shape nail provides an alluring and futuristic contrast to the traditional summer palette. It’s a bold choice for the trendsetter who draws inspiration from the depths of the ocean.

Materials Needed:

• Base Coat: Butter London Nail Foundation
• Chrome Powder: Daily Charme Mirror Powder in “Silver”
• Gel Top Coat: Gelish Top It Off Sealer
• UV Lamp: for curing the gel top coat

DIY Instructions: Once your base coat is set, apply a layer of black or dark gel polish and cure. Gently rub the chrome powder onto the nail until you achieve the desired mirror effect. Seal with a gel top coat and cure under a UV lamp to lock in that chic metallic shimmer.

Electric Flair

Radiating a fierce energy, these nails are a bold symphony of pink and neutral tones, creating a visual pop that’s both trendy and timeless. The sharp contrast between the vivid pink and the subtle nude, accented with a hint of marbling, embodies a modern twist on the classic French tip. It’s an audacious yet chic choice that screams summer fun.

Materials Needed:

• Base Coat: ORLY Bonder Rubberized Basecoat
• Pink Polish: China Glaze “Bottoms Up”
• Nude Polish: OPI “Samoan Sand”
• Marbling Tool: Dotting pen or toothpick
• Top Coat: Essie Gel Setter Top Coat

DIY Instructions: Begin with a base coat to protect your nails. Apply two coats of Samoan Sand. Once dry, paint the tips with Bottoms Up, allowing some negative space for artistic flair. Use a dotting tool dipped in both colors to marble the pink into the nude on one accent nail. Finish with a top coat for that enviable shine.

Glitter Glam

A show-stopper that glistens under the summer sun, these long nails pair the boldness of pink with the iridescence of glitter, resulting in a look that’s both playful and glamorous. This design plays with negative space and designs glitter to deliver a trendy statement, perfect for summer nights out.

Materials Needed:

• Base Coat: Zoya Anchor Base Coat
• Pink Polish: Essie “The Fuchsia is Bright”
• Glitter: Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear in “Strobe Light”
• Striping Tape
• Top Coat: ORLY Glosser Top Coat

DIY Instructions: Start with a solid base coat. Use striping tape to section off where you want the negative space. Apply the pink polish in the untaped areas and immediately remove the tape. While the pink is still tacky, sprinkle on the glitter for a mesmerizing effect. Lock it all in with a glossy top coat.

Pink Gold Rush

Elegant and poised, these short nails feature a luscious pink base with gold foil that provides a luxurious touch. It’s a sophisticated blend of color and metal, creating a simple casual yet refined look. The gold crackling over pink is not just a manicure; it’s wearable art for the discerning fashionista.

Materials Needed:

• Base Coat: Essie Strong Start Base Coat
• Pink Polish: OPI “Kiss Me on My Tulips”
• Gold Leaf: Gold foil sheets
• Top Coat: CND Vinylux Long Wear Top Coat

DIY Instructions: Lay down your base coat, followed by two coats of the vibrant pink polish. Once that’s dry, gently place pieces of gold leaf in a random crackled pattern for an opulent effect. A final top coat will keep your gilded treasure intact through all your summer escapades.

Crystal Edges

For those who prefer a whisper of drama, these neutral nails with sparkling silver edges are a nod to chic simplicity. The simple french tips are elevated with a line of glitter, turning a simple casual look into a trendy and cute celebration of summer sparkle.

Materials Needed:

• Base Coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
• Nude Polish: Essie “Ballet Slippers”
• Silver Glitter: OPI “This Silver’s Mine!”
• Top Coat: Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro

DIY Instructions: After your base coat, apply a sheer nude polish for that classic clean look. Once dry, carefully add a band of silver glitter to the tip of each nail, as if dipping them in a pool of crystals. Finish with a top coat for a glossy, long-lasting effect.

Safari Sunset

Capturing the wild spirit of summer, these nails are a striking blend of orange, pink, and white with animal print for an untamed edge. They embody designs art ideas that speak of adventure and freedom, making them perfect for the bold at heart who are ready to roam the summer in style.

Materials Needed:

• Base Coat: ORLY Bonder Rubber ized Basecoat
• Orange Polish: Morgan Taylor “Mango-Round With Me”
• Pink Polish: Essie “B’aha Moment!”
• White Polish: OPI “Alpine Snow”
• Detailing Brush: Fine nail art liner
• Top Coat: Seche Vive Instant Gel Effect Top Coat

DIY Instructions: Apply your base coat to protect the nail. Use the white polish to create the base for the accent nails. With the detailing brush, draw on the animal print using pink and orange polishes, letting your wild side guide the pattern. Apply the orange and pink polishes on the remaining nails. Once all the polish is dry, seal your safari-inspired design with a top coat for a glossy, durable finish.

Bold Sunshine

There’s nothing like a splash of yellow to embody the essence of summer, and these nails do it with unabashed boldness. Accented with a black and white design, they capture the playful yet trendy spirit of the season. It’s a design that says simple casual during the day and transitions to chic come evening.

Materials Needed:

• Base Coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
• Yellow Polish: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in “Lightning”
• Black Polish: Sinful Colors Professional in “Black on Black”
• White Polish: Essie “Blanc”
• Detailing Brush

DIY Instructions: Start with a base coat to protect your nails. Apply two coats of the bright yellow polish. Use the detailing brush to create the black and white designs on the accent nails, playing with geometric shapes for a modern look. Seal your design with a fast-drying top coat for lasting wear.

Blue Zebra Chic

Marrying the vibrancy of blue with the exotic appeal of zebra print, these nails are a testament to bold designs art ideas. The trendy matte finish is sophisticated, and the accent nail adorned with a pearl adds a unique touch of elegance, making these nails a stunning accessory in their own right.

Materials Needed:

• Base Coat: Essie Here to Stay Base Coat
• Blue Polish: Zoya “Ling”
• Pink Polish: Essie “Mod Square”
• Matte Top Coat: Essie Matte About You
• Zebra Print Stencil
• Pearl Adhesive Gem

DIY Instructions: Protect your nails with a base coat. For the zebra print, apply the pink polish as the base, then use the stencil and black polish to add the stripes. Apply the blue polish to the other nails. Once dry, apply a matte top coat to all nails. As a finishing touch, add a pearl gem to the accent nail for a dash of glamour.

Turquoise Waves

Embracing the tranquility of ocean waves, these ombre nails with a turquoise marble effect are a serene nod to designs color combos. The golden accents provide a luxurious contrast, perfect for those seeking a trendy, pretty, and chic summer vibe.

Materials Needed:

• Base Coat: Zoya Anchor Base Coat
• Turquoise Polish: China Glaze “Aquadelic”
• White Polish: OPI “Alpine Snow”
• Marbling Tool: Dotting tool or toothpick
• Gold Striping Tape
• Top Coat: INM Out The Door Fast Drying Top Coat

DIY Instructions: Apply your base coat. For the marble effect, start with a white base and add drops of turquoise polish. Use the dotting tool to swirl the colors gently. Apply the gold striping tape to the tips for an elegant detail. Finish with a quick-dry top coat to seal the design.

Floral Fantasy

Delicate floral patterns bloom across these nails, setting a canvas of purple and orange against a transparent background. It’s a celebration of summer’s natural beauty, combining art ideas with a cute and clean aesthetic.

Materials Needed:

• Base Coat: ORLY Bonder Rubberized Basecoat
• Purple Polish: OPI “Do You Have this Color in Stock-holm?”
• Orange Polish: Essie “Sunday Funday”
• Floral Nail Stickers or Decals
• Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

DIY Instructions: Start with a protective base coat. Apply the floral stickers to your natural nail, making sure to press down firmly. Use the purple and orange polishes on alternate fingers. Apply a top coat over the stickers and the colored nails to achieve a glass-like finish that lets the floral design shine through.

Minty Fresh

For those who favor a simple casual look with a touch of whimsy, these green pastel nails with gold flecks are a breath of fresh air. The matte finish on one and the shine on the other offer a playful contrast, embodying a simple chic summer style.

Materials Needed

• Base Coat: Essie All in One Base Coat
• Green Polish: Essie “Mint Candy Apple”
• Matte Top Coat: Matte Look by SuperChic Lacquer
• Gold Leaf Flakes
• Glossy Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

DIY Instructions: Apply a good base coat to protect your nails. Paint all nails with two coats of “Mint Candy Apple”. On the selected nails, apply a matte top coat for a velvety texture. Before the matte top coat dries on those nails, gently place gold leaf flakes for a scattered, elegant look. Use the glossy top coat on the remaining nails to give them a classic shine, enhancing the contrast between matte and glossy finishes.

Neutral Elegance with a Pop

The juxtaposition of understated neutral nails against a vibrant blue accent nail adorned with silver beads is a testament to the versatility of summer manicures. This look balances simplicity with a bold statement, perfect for those who appreciate a touch of drama.

Materials Needed:

• Base Coat: OPI Nail Envy
• Neutral Polish: Essie “Topless and Barefoot”
• Blue Polish: OPI “Can’t Find My Czechbook”
• Silver Beads
• Nail Glue
• Top Coat: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Top Coat

DIY Instructions: After applying a base coat, paint all but one nail with a neutral polish. For the accent nail, apply a bold blue shade. Once dry, use nail glue to attach silver beads in a descending pattern. Finish with a top coat to seal the design and add longevity.

Oceanic Marble

These nails are a work of art, reminiscent of the deep blue sea. The marble design in various shades of blue creates an effect that’s both fluid and trendy, while the glossy finish adds depth and movement.

Materials Needed:

• Base Coat: CND Stickey Base Coat
• Blue Polishes: A selection of blues from light to dark
• Marbling Tool: Needle or toothpick
• Top Coat: Essie Good To Go Top Coat

DIY Instructions: Coat your nails with base coat to protect them. Dab blobs of different blue polishes on the nail, then use a needle to swirl them into a marble effect. Work quickly before the polish dries to achieve the best result. Seal with a top coat for a shiny, smooth finish.

Coral Waves

A perfect harmony of orange and pink, these nails are a summer sunset captured on your fingertips. The wavy pattern adds a playful twist to the otherwise simple nail, making it a cute choice for any summer outing.

Materials Needed:

• Base Coat: ORLY Bonder
• Orange Polish: China Glaze “Papaya Punch”
• Pink Polish: ORLY “Beach Cruiser”
• Nail Tape
• Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

DIY Instructions: Protect your nails with a base coat. Paint the nails with your chosen orange polish. Once that’s dry, use nail tape to map out wavy lines and fill them in with pink polish. Peel off the tape carefully to reveal your design. Finish with a quick-dry top coat.

Fiery Floral

The vibrant red nails offer a classic summer look, but the real standout is the accent nail with hand-painted flowers. This nail art embodies a trendy and pretty summer garden party, with every stroke showing off the meticulous designs art ideas.

Materials Needed:

• Base Coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
• Red Polish: Essie “Geranium”
• White Polish: Sally Hansen “White On”
• Flower Nail Art Stickers or Freehand with a Detail Brush
• Top Coat: INM Out The Door Top Coat

DIY Instructions: Start with a base coat. Apply the red polish on all nails except for the accent nail, where you apply white as the base. If using stickers, apply them once the base is dry. For freehand flowers, use a fine brush to paint small floral designs. Seal with a fast-drying top coat for a glossy finish.

Modern Leopard Print

Combining classic leopard print with a modern matte finish, these nails strike the perfect balance between chic and trendy. The muted neutral base lets the black and gold spots stand out, adding an edge to a simple casual look.

Materials Needed:

• Base Coat: Butter London Nail Foundation
• Neutral Polish: Zoya “Taylor”
• Black Polish: OPI “Black Onyx”
• Gold Polish: Orly “Glitz”
• Matte Top Coat: Essie Matte About You

DIY Instructions: Apply your base coat for a smooth foundation. Paint all nails with the neutral polish as the base. For the leopard print, use a dotting tool to create irregular black spots, then add gold in the center of some spots for a pop of metallic. Allow your masterpiece to dry before applying a matte top coat to achieve that coveted soft-focus effect.

Botanical Bliss

Inspired by the lush foliage of summer, these nails with their crisp green leaf design over a white base are for those who carry a garden wherever they go. The look is fresh, vibrant, and full of life, perfect for the nature lover looking to bring a touch of the outdoors to their style.

Materials Needed:

• Base Coat: Essie “Grow Stronger”
• White Polish: OPI “Alpine Snow”
• Green Polish: OPI “Stay Off the Lawn!!”
• Stamping Plate with Leaf Design
• Stamping Tool
• Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

DIY Instructions: Apply your base coat to protect the nails. Then, put down a coat of “Alpine Snow” for a bright base. Use the stamping tool and green polish with the leaf design plate to transfer the pattern onto your nails. Finish with a top coat to seal in the design and add a glossy shine.

Abstract Mosaic

This nail design is a playful medley of shapes and shades, featuring blue, red, and soft pastels. It’s an art piece reminiscent of modern abstract paintings, perfect for the bold and artistic soul ready to make a statement.

Materials Needed:

• Base Coat: ORLY “Bonder”
• Blue Polish: Essie “Butler Please”
• Red Polish: China Glaze “Red-y To Rave”
• Pastel Polishes: Various shades for detailing
• Detailing Brush
• Dotting Tools
• Top Coat: Butter London “Hardwear Shine UV Topcoat”

DIY Instructions: After applying the base coat, paint the nails in solid blue and white for contrast. Using a fine detailing brush and dotting tools, create abstract shapes with red and pastel colors. The key is to keep it playful and spontaneous. Once you’re satisfied with your design, apply a top coat to enhance the shine and ensure durability.

Classic French with a Twist

A modern take on the classic French manicure, these nails pair a clean, crisp white tip with a nude base. The added silver line and crystals provide an elegant trendy update to the timeless style.

Materials Needed:

• Base Coat: Deborah Lippmann “Hard Rock”
• Nude Polish: OPI “Bubble Bath”
• White Polish for tips: Essie “Blanc”
• Silver Striping Tape
• Rhinestones
• Top Coat: INM “Out The Door”

DIY Instructions: Begin with a base coat to protect your nails. Apply a sheer nude polish as the base color. Once dry, create the white tips with “Blanc.” Add a strip of silver tape to define the smile line and carefully place rhinestones for an added touch of glamour. Seal everything with a fast-drying top coat.

Golden Hearts

The epitome of love and luxury, these French tips are sweetened with golden heart embellishments. It’s a delicate, romantic design that pairs beautifully with any summer wedding or special date night.

Materials Needed:

• Base Coat: Sally Hansen “Double Duty”
• White Polish for tips: OPI “Alpine Snow”
• Gold Heart Embellishments
• Nail Glue
• Top Coat: Essie “Gel Setter”

DIY Instructions: Prepare your nails with a base coat. Paint the tips with a crisp white polish. Once the tips are dry, use a dot of nail glue to affix a gold heart to each nail. Apply a generous layer of top coat to ensure the hearts stay secure and to give a lasting gel-like finish.

Midnight Purple

Dark and mysterious, these black nails with a single purple accent nail exude confidence and style. The glossy finish reflects the summer night sky, making a bold statement for those evening events.

Materials Needed:

• Base Coat: CND “Stickey”
• Black Polish: Essie “Licorice”
• Purple Polish: OPI “Do You Have this Color in Stock-holm?”
• Top Coat: OPI “Top Coat”

DIY Instructions: Start with a solid base coat. Apply two coats of “Licorice” on all but one nail, then use “Do You Have this Color in Stock-holm?” for a pop of purple on the accent nail.

Timeless Crimson

There’s something undeniably classic about a deep red manicure. It’s the kind of timeless elegance that never goes out of style, especially in the summer when bright colors take center stage. This glossy, rich crimson shade is both empowering and alluring, perfect for a confident stride into any summer soirée.

Materials Needed:

• Base Coat: Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Base Coat
• Red Polish: OPI “Big Apple Red”
• Top Coat: Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Top Coat

DIY Instructions: Begin with the base coat to ensure a smooth application. Then, apply two coats of “Big Apple Red,” which is the quintessential summer red. It’s a shade that’s bold enough to make a statement yet classic enough to wear for any occasion. Allow the polish to dry completely before finishing with a top coat for a glossy, durable shine.