Must-Try Nail Designs for Summer 2025: Bright, Bold, and Totally Beachy

Summer 2025 is beckoning, and your nails should be able to respond in style. This year, it’s all about bright colors, fun textures, and new twists on classics – from bright French almond shapes to juicy red cherries and fanciful floral patterns. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, heading to a holiday brunch, or just looking to refresh your everyday mani, these Must-Try Nail Designs for Summer 2025 are here to inspire. Ready to change your look with something simple, beachy or something completely unique? Let’s get into the most scroll-stopping nail trends of the season.

Pastel Pop with a Graphic Edge

If you’re craving something clean, modern, but still so fun for summer, this pastel split-color design is like a sorbet dream with attitude. The balance of light blue almond and soft pink with crisp white and lilac accents is an unexpected twist on the classic French layout—except here, it’s playful geometry meeting subtle elegance. The short almond shape makes it feel delicate and wearable while the graphic lines keep it feeling sharp and distinctly 2025. These nails would fit perfectly in a rooftop brunch or with linen for a new Holiday mood.

For this look, I’d go with OPI’s “It’s a Boy!” for the blue and “Let Me Bayou a Drink” for the pink base. Use a nail striping brush and white gel liner (like Beetles Gel Polish Nail Art Liner) for the crisp edges. If you want that touch of purple at the tip? Try Le Mini Macaron’s lilac mini gel. I’d suggest going slowly, allowing each stripe to cure before moving to the next, there’s a flow to constructing this design.

I’ve done something like this to a friend for a Fourth of July cookout last year and it was such a conversation starter. Everyone thought it was salon work – and to be quite honest, it wasn’t that far off. A steady hand and a good matte top coat (if you want to tone it down a bit) make all the difference. You only need precision and good lighting to achieve this, you don’t need ten polishes.

Cherry Red Meets Floral Playfulness

A classic never dies—but sometimes, it blooms. This nail designs summer red is a combination of bold, cherry-glossy nails and playful, pink daisy art, which is at once retro and refreshingly modern. The alternating fingers give it that trendy mix-and-match look, but the medium length oval shape keeps it feminine and universally flattering. It’s a look that screams Holiday picnic but can easily glide into a workday with the right outfit.

Use Essie’s “Forever Yummy” as the base red and combine it with a nude-toned base such as Zoya’s “Dot” for the floral nails. You can freehand the flowers with a dotting tool – CND’s “Cream Puff” for the petals and a swipe of green gel for the stems. Seal everything with a top coat that shines for that glazed look.

I’ve been into nostalgic designs recently, and there is something about tiny flowers that reminds me of all the fun of Y2K gloss and jelly sandals, without being kitschy. In addition, red is one of those shades that are suitable for all skin tones. This may be one of my favorite nail design summer pink and red combos so far.

Fruit Salad Tips with a Twist

Could summer nails be any more joyful? This fruity French tip design is a mini-vacation on your fingertips. Watermelon slices, lemons, strawberries—you name it, it’s probably here. The base is a clean blush nude, which makes those bright mini illustrations pop. The square nail shape lends it a fresh-off-the-beach energy for those who are looking for something out of the box but wearable.

DIY with Sally Hansen: “Pink Pong.” Prep each nail with a clear base. Then, it’s all about detail brushes and dotting tools. I would recommend using a palette of gel liners from Modelones for those bright colors – yellow, lime green, cherry red, and turquoise. A little practice of drawing fruit shapes takes one a long way. Try sketching on a nail wheel first!

This one is a love letter to summer smoothies, poolside snacks, and that carefree 3 p.m. sunshine. I had on a similar design when I went to Key West last July, and I swear, every barista I met complimented my nails. It’s like putting your mood on your hands – cheerful, colorful, and totally on-brand for nail designs summer easy.

Sun-Kissed Sunflowers and Citrus Tips

What’s more summery than yellow? Answer: yellow and sunflowers. This sunshine-like nail look is the floral-forward mani version of sunshine. The half-moon French almond pattern goes perfectly with bold sunflower art, combining graphic lines with natural hand-painted detail. If you are looking to add some floral flair to your rotation of almond shaped nails, this is your sign.

To re-create this, use a nude gel such as Madame Glam’s “Perfect Beige” and match it with “Lemon Fizz” from China Glaze. The sunflowers require a steady hand, but a thin art brush and brown/black gel polish will get you there. Dot white gel in the center for highlights. You’ll need a good top coat to lock in the art without smudging – seek out a thicker gel like Seche Vite for more gloss.

Sunflowers are my mum’s favorite flower, so this one has a personal charm. I believe that’s the magic of such nail designs summer almond as this one – they are not only trendy, but they are packed with little stories. A sunflower mani on a Tuesday morning? That’s joy in a swipe.

Blackberry Sprinkle Drama

For those who want to serve mood with their mani, this long stiletto-inspired design in juicy red with dark speckles is summer’s baddest drop. It’s giving watermelon seeds, berry-stained lips, and candlelit beach dinners. A clean almond point gives the edge and the speckled finish gives texture and movement. This is one of those nail designs summer acrylic that leaves a mark.

To achieve the look, I would begin with “Big Apple Red” by OPI and add speckles with a nail art sponge and black stamping polish. Apply gently so you don’t overload the surface. Or, use a pre-mixed glitter-speckle gel such as the ones from Born Pretty to avoid the mess. Shape with a glass file to maintain the almond silhouette clean and fierce.

I’m just going to say this, this is one of those sets I dream about wearing with gold rings and a sunset tan. It’s sexy without trying, editorial without effort. Just enough drama to be able to say, “Yes, I thought this through”. Pair with a matching red lip and you’re set.

Botanical Chic in Earthy Hues

For the “nature lover at golden hour” folks who lean further away from poolside neon, this square-tipped duo of muted terracotta and matte violet with delicate white botanical accents is pure elegance. It’s quiet luxury, but for your nails. The combination of warm peach and cool purple provides this long design with a subtle tension and the fine white leaf lines. They whisper rather than shout. It’s a great summer simple nail designs option that does not feel basic.

The polishes I’d suggest in this case would be Essie’s “Toned Down” for the terracotta and Cirque Colors “XOXO” for that deep purple. Use a fine art brush or white stamping polish to sketch in the leaf detail. Seal in the mood with a velvet matte top coat.

Not all summer designs need to be about flamingos and palm trees. Some of us want to put on linen and drink iced oat milk lattes while journaling in the sun—and this manicure? Totally that girl.

Emerald Sparkle French Tips

This look is where glamour meets garden party. The rich green gel base shouts confident color lover, while the dazzling silver glitter tips add in a festive French almond twist with a high-gloss finish. This design teeters on the edge of edgy and classic, and the almond shaped silhouette keeps it sleek. It’s a mani for summer nights with fairy lights and tinkling prosecco glasses.

For the color, think “Smaragd” by Bio Seaweed Gel and OPI’s “Ce-less-tial is More” for the silver glitter. You will need French guides or a steady hand to make that crescent moon dip. I enjoy using a sponge to pat glitter at the tips for that fade effect- it adds dimension without bulk.

I had tested this design once for a wedding and let me tell you it was the only thing more sparklier than the bride’s earrings. This is one of those nail designs summer french tip ideas that doesn’t take the safe route – and thank goodness for that.

Citrus Sorbet Slices

Pink has never been so zesty. These glossy segments of citrus fruits take the concept of fruit nail art to new chic heights. Bold slashes in bubblegum and rose pink shout out from a bright shiny almond canvas and the contrast between solids and design nails makes everything feel contemporary. It’s playful but intentional, and such a unique spin on nail designs summer almond.

You can build this look using Orly’s “Oh Pink!” and “Kiss Me, I’m Kind” for the pink shades. The fruit segments? Go 3D with nail art slices or make them using gel decals covered in thin top coats to keep everything smooth. Nail glue is your best friend here.

One summer, I took this very design to Santa Barbara. I did not expect my nails to get more compliments than my dress- but they did. Nail designs summer easy can also be the most memorable.

Bold Blue Daisies

These blue daisy-adorned nails strike the right note between retro whimsy and contemporary color impact. I am in love with how the deep cobalt base interacts with the white-and-yellow floral design on certain nails, adding interest without being too much for the eye. This is the definition of nail designs summer cute with just the right amount of bold, with a new oval shape.

Try “Butler Please” by Essie and combine it with white base gel on the accent nails. Use dotting tools to build up the florals—OPI’s “Sun, Sea, and Sand in My Pants” for the centers is ideal. Top off with a high-shine top coat to protect those flower details.

This was one of the first patterns that I attempted to master when I first got into nail art. There’s something about daisies that makes everyone smile. And with this color palette? It’s like a field of daisies at golden hour; on your fingertips.

Classic Red with a Neutral Twist

Some colors just are summer. And red, particularly in this succulent, glazed form, is one of them. What I love about this set is the soft beige accent that breaks the intensity and feels like it’s totally intentional and not “a red mani.” The almond acrylic shape is elegant and classic and is suitable for long or medium nails.

The combo of Essie’s “Really Red” and Zoya’s “Avril” provides that classic-meets-modern contrast. If you want it to last during your vacation, go for a gel base. Shaping is important here – get a perfect almond with 180 grit file and buffer.

This is my foolproof, “I don’t know what to wear, but I want to feel expensive” manicure. It always works. And the trend of nail designs summer red is still going strong in 2025, I’m seeing this one everywhere in Pinterest.

Speckled Forest French

This vibrant French design adds a speckled touch that adds dimension and fun. The glossy almond shaped silhouette is bright and clean, but the actual magic is in those creamy nude accent nails, creatively splattered with black and trimmed with a forest-green curve. It’s like minimalist and maximalist got together and went on a vacation. One of the cooler nail designs summer french tip twists I’ve seen this year so far.

Beetles Gel Polish in “Greenery” would be my choice for that deep cool tone, and a sheer neutral like “Baby Take a Vow” from OPI for the base. The black specks can be applied with a toothbrush-style flecking technique with speckled top coat or black polish splattered carefully with a stiff bristle brush.

This is the look for when you want to add a little edge but not lose the elegance. I wore a variation of this on a weekend beach trip and it looked fantastic with a margarita in hand and my beach read clutched in the other. It’s unique, low effort, high reward.

Tutti Frutti Tropics

The mini almond design here adds a fun tropical punch with a wild mix of barbie pink, mango yellow, and a daisy accent that is straight up vacation bottled in a nail set. The alternating color layout and a full floral nail make this a nail designs summer pink look that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Think pool parties, retro swimsuits, and a playlist that is all sunshine.

Use a hot pink and yellow pop with Lights Lacquer “Cherry Jelly” and Zoya “Darcy”. For the daisy art, hand-paint with acrylic nail paint or use layered stickers with a thick top coat. Sculpt into a clean almond with a buffer and file with care – it counts when the color combo is this bold.

These nails are like the candy aisle and the sunset combined. I once paired these with my swimsuit, and I got compliments throughout the day. They are loud, they are bold and they are for your Holiday mood board.

Glow Citrus Garden

This long lemon-lime set is like the fresh squeeze of the season. The bright and crisp radiant yellow base is offset with the real character of the oversized pink daisy accents. This design manages to embody that sun-kissed, just back from Miami sheen but is surprisingly versatile with the essential white or denim ensembles.

You’ll want to begin with a neon yellow such as Essie “Hay There” or Orly “Glowstick”. The flowers can be done with dotting tools in OPI’s “La Paz-itively Hot” and a fine black detail brush. Don’t forget to finish off with Seche Vite for a glass finish.

I instantly become more awake when I wear yellow nails. This one in particular? It’s energy in a bottle. And the daisy detail is one of the more nail designs summer easy options that still has a wow factor.

Lavender Disco Dream

There is something hypnotic about lavender – especially when it gets a glittery sidekick. This gel design combines a smooth lilac polish with full sparkle on one accent nail to give contrast without clashing. The stiletto shape makes it edgy, but the softness of the lilac is balancing everything. I’d put this under nail designs summer acrylic, because that glitter needs structure to shine.

Use ILNP’s “Lilac Bridges” and their holographic topper “Mega (X)” layered on the ring finger. This combo shines like a disco ball, and a high-gloss gel top coat is used to lock it all in with dimension.

I wore this to a rooftop dance party in August and when the light hit my nails, someone literally asked where I got them done. They give “effortless sparkle” in the best way.

Teal + Speckle Contrast

Clean, elegant, but a little cheeky, that’s what this teal and speckled blush design gives. The contrast between the solid teal gel and the playful black-on-blush nails makes this set one of my recommendations for nail designs summer acrylic that can work for work and the weekend.

For this one, you can use “Teal the Cows Come Home” by OPI and a pink-nude such as Butter London’s “Piece of Cake”. Layer with speckled top coat (try Cirque Colors “Speckled”) or dot manually using a stiff brush.

I am a fan of this type of two-tone design because it is low-commitment drama. It does not require rhinestones and heavy art to catch the eye. It’s simple, clean, and perfectly 2025.

Rainbow Streak Graffiti

This streaked square set has a kinetic and expressive quality about it – it looks like rainbow flames melting into white tips and black roots. This bright, colorful design shouts nail designs summer acrylic and honestly? It is what a heatwave and street art would look like if they ever met. The color gradations are smooth and wild, and the matte finish enhances the visual effect. It’s high-energy, statement-worthy, and just on-point for the 2025 summer art-core trend.

This one’s all about layering. Begin with a matte black gel base and a white French-style tip. Then use striping brushes dipped in brights like yellow (OPI “Sun, Sea, and Sand in My Pants”), green (Zoya “Josie”), and blue (Beetles Gel “Blue Bliss”) to streak vertically into each other. Cure each layer slowly to prevent smudging.

One summer I did something similar after seeing something like this at a gallery opening. It’s bold, artistic, and not for the faint of heart – but if you want nails that seem to have their own soundtrack? These are it.

Soft Sage Blooms

If you need to take a break from full-on color, this soft sage almond set with mini daisy clusters is like sipping matcha on a sun-dappled patio. The matte green provides a natural backdrop and the daisy florals scattered about are the kind of detail that is quietly intentional. This one goes into the nail designs summer simple hall of fame.

To achieve the look, apply “Sage It Ain’t So” from Orly and create daisies with dotting tools-white for petals and a touch of peach or rust for the centers. Finish with a matte top coat for that velvet-soft effect.

This was my favorite set last May. I paired it with flowy white dresses and soft knits and it somehow went with everything. If your vibe this season is “cottagecore meets curated Instagram feed,” then this look will take you through.

Neon Love Punch

This juicy orange gel design has nothing subtle about it, and that’s why it is perfect. The rest of the nails keep it sleek and clean with a single black heart detail as the focal point. The vibrant tangerine tone lends this stiletto-style almond set a jolt of electric energy that is just made for sun-drenched weekends, poolside parties, and impulsive selfies.

For the perfect orange, try “Hot & Spicy” by OPI and use a nail stamping tool or ultra-fine liner brush for the heart. Shape is everything here – file to a long almond shape and buff the edges for that perfect sharp-but-smooth sensation.

This is one of those nail designs summer orange that always receive compliments. I’ve had people in coffee shops ask for the color. It’s daring but so wearable – a true testament to the fact that sometimes all you need is one little heart and a killer color.

Red Wave Abstracts

Now here’s a power play. This group combines several styles into one short square constellation. a strong shiny red, zebra-like swirls in monochrome, and abstract ribbon curves on white. As a pair, they are an artsy, slightly retro nail designs summer red set that drips personality. It’s the kind of design that not only follows a trend, but creates its own vibe.

Use OPI’s “Big Apple Red”, a classic black, and a stark white such as Essie’s “Blanc”. Stripe brushes and detail tools – your best friends here – swipe clean curves with gentle wrist flicks and top it off with a glossy top coat.

I love this style if I need a set that goes with my wardrobe but still has that edge. It goes great with leather jackets, strong prints, or even a crisp button-down. Trust me—people will stare, in a good way.

Lavender Ombre with Line Art

We’re ending with this dreamy lavender ombre that gradually changes from natural to violet at the tip. But the best part is in the details – a little kitten line drawing, a cursive “Cutie,” and soft squared tips that would feel right at home in a Pinterest summer board. This is one of those summer easy looks that marry effortlessness with charm.

Mix a sheer pink base with a sponge technique, applying lavender polish like Zoya “Abby” to the tips. The art details can be applied using decals or ultra-thin nail art pens. Finish with a jelly top coat for gloss and softness.

This type of design is like a love letter to your inner teenager – cute, light and a little bit nostalgic. I wore this after a stressful week, and to be honest, it brought a smile to my face every time I looked at it.

Ladybug & Dragonfly Garden Yellow

There is something undeniably happy about this warm yellow set – it is like summer in a bottle of polish. With smooth long square nails in a sunny pastel base and two adorable insect details (a ladybug and a dragonfly), this design leans fully into the whimsy of the season. It’s a bit of a fairytale and a bit of modern minimalism, and a lovely twist on nail designs summer easy that puts you in a good mood right away.

To achieve this, get “Mellow Yellow” by Sally Hansen or “Sunshine State of Mind” by Essie. The insect details can be added with decals or hand painted with ultra fine art brushes and gel paint in black, red and silver. Top off with a jelly top coat for dimension and that crisp, professional gloss.

The soft storytelling of this set is what I love about it. I wore something similar for a friend’s baby shower picnic, and people couldn’t stop asking where I had it done. There’s something about ladybugs and soft yellow that feels nostalgic but never outdated.

Cherry Gloss Vibe

There’s no way to go wrong with cherries in summer – especially when they’re this cute. This short square design is a combination of a glossy red polish with minimalistic cherry art on a creamy white base. It’s classic but with a twist, it’s sweet but with a little sass, and it’s such a standout in the nail designs summer red and nail designs summer simple category. Not to mention, it is equally good for a day at the farmers market as it is for a rooftop cocktail night.

Begin with a gel foundation in OPI “We’re in the Red” and a neutral such as “Alpine Snow” for the accent nails. The cherries can be made with a dotting tool with red gel and striping brush for the stems in green. Add a little shine dot to each cherry to make it look like it has that 3D juice-gloss.

I have always had a thing for fruit nail art, and this one could be my favorite. It’s fun, but not too designed, and it definitely says summer without being too hard. It’s flirty, fresh, and—let’s be honest—kind of irresistible.