Square Summer Nail Inspo 27 Ideas: Colors & Designs That Spell Sunshine

Wondering what nail magic this summer has in store for you? Whether you’re lounging by the beachy shores or strutting down city streets, the right square summer nail inspo colors & designs can elevate your look from simple to stunning. Can short nails deliver the same drama as long acrylics? Does the timeless French tip hold its own against the avant-garde almond shapes? Let’s dive into the vibrant world of summer nails and discover your next manicure muse.

Electric Cobalt: A Bold Summer Statement

This electrifying gel blue manicure is an absolute game-changer. The square cut nails painted in a bold cobalt blue are not just nails; they’re your own personal piece of the sky. Perfect for those with a penchant for unique and trendy 2024 styles, they’re a confident choice for anyone looking to make a statement.

• Products used: High-quality gel blue polish, UV lamp, glossy top coat.
• Expert opinion: Opt for a no-wipe top coat to maintain that enviable shine and keep your blue as deep as the ocean for weeks.

DIY Tips: Start with clean, buffed nails. Apply a thin base coat and cure under a UV lamp. Follow with two coats of your chosen gel blue, curing after each. Finish with a glossy top coat and cure one last time for durability and shine.

Sunshine Ombré: Sparkling Summer Gradient

The picture brings to life a deliciously preppy and funky take on the French tip with an ombré twist. The sunny yellow melts into a cloud of sparkle, evoking the feel of a summer holiday.

• Products used: Sunny yellow polish, fine glitter, clear top coat.
• Expert opinion: For a seamless gradient, use a sponge to dab the glitter onto the tip while the yellow is still tacky.

DIY Tips: Paint your nails with the yellow polish. While it’s still wet, use a sponge to press glitter onto the tips. Blend by dabbing gently. Seal with a clear top coat.

Classic Redefined: The Bold and Beautiful Red

Celebrates the simple elegance of square nails in a classic red that’s as timeless as it is aesthetic. It’s the quintessential vacation color, bold enough for an adventure yet suitable for a classy dinner by the sea.

• Products used: Fast-drying red polish, base and top coat.
• Expert opinion: A fast-drying formula is key to preventing smudges, keeping your manicure as pristine as a Greek sunset.

DIY Tips: Apply a base coat to protect your natural nail. Add two coats of red polish, allowing each to dry thoroughly. Finish with a quick-dry top coat for a smudge-free sheen.

Neon Green: Vibrant and Unapologetic

The long nails are a testament to the power of neon green. It’s funky, it’s baddie, and it’s all about standing out. This color turns your nails into a trendy accessory for any spring/summer wardrobe.

• Products used: Neon green polish, strengthening base coat, high-shine top coat.
• Expert opinion: The green shade is a brave choice but pair it with a muted outfit to let your nails do the talking.

DIY Tips: After a base coat, apply two layers of neon polish. Use a top coat for that glass-like finish. Remember, neon demands confidence!

Marbled Artistry: Chic Meets Funky

Brings an artistic twist with a marbled yellow and black design, adorned with a charming nail jewelry piece. It’s a marriage of preppy and funky, ideal for someone who embraces both almond simple pink and unique expressions of style.

• Products used: Yellow and black polishes, marbling tool, adhesive for nail jewelry.
• Expert opinion: Nail jewelry can transform a simple manicure into a piece of wearable art. It’s the ultimate funky statement.

DIY Tips: Apply your base color. While still wet, dot on the second color and use a toothpick to create marbled effects. Attach nail jewelry with nail-safe adhesive.

Serene Blue French: A Twist on the Classic

In the image, we see an enchanting take on the French tip with a serene blue that mimics the tranquil seas of Greece. This manicure combines the simple sophistication of the French manicure with a unique square shape and a touch of spring/summer sparkle.

• Products used: Sky blue polish, silver glitter, white polish, top coat.
• Expert opinion: This design is a nod to the classic with a trendy 2024 twist that brings freshness to the French tip.

DIY Tips: After your base coat, apply white polish for the tip, and then carefully line the edge with sky blue polish. Add a touch of glitter for a spring/summer sparkle and seal with a top coat for a durable finish.

Blue Waves: Reflecting Summer Vibes

Showcases a gorgeous array of blue shades, swirled together to create a design that is reminiscent of the ocean’s waves. This look is perfect for those seeking a unique yet sophisticated nail art that reflects the carefree essence of summer.

• Products used: Multiple shades of blue polish, gold leaf accents, nail art brushes, top coat.
• Expert opinion: The interplay of different blue hues with gold accents gives a nod to the luxurious summer resorts of Greece.

DIY Tips: Paint a light blue base. With a fine brush, swirl darker blue shades and blend while wet. Apply gold leaf in desired areas before sealing with a top coat.

Green with Envy: Bold and Lush

The vibrancy of cannot be understated, with its lush green hues that make for a bold statement. The square shape keeps it preppy and polished, while the intricate glitter design adds that unique touch.

• Products used: Vibrant green polish, white polish for base, glitter, top coat.
• Expert opinion: Green is a bold choice for summer, and the square shape is perfectly trendy for 2024.

DIY Tips: Apply a white base coat, then paint over with your vibrant green. Use a thin brush to add glitter patterns and finish with a glossy top coat.

Cosmic Contrast: A Universe on Your Nails

Takes us on a cosmic journey with a mix of deep purples and bright glitters that look like a galaxy. It’s a long acrylic masterpiece that’s funky, baddie, and undeniably unique.

• Products used: Purple and black polish, holographic glitter, clear acrylic powder, top coat.
• Expert opinion: This long acrylic design is a showstopper, sure to turn heads with its unique deep space inspiration.

DIY Tips: Sculpt your square nails with clear acrylic powder. Sponge on your purple and black polish for a cosmic effect, and sprinkle holographic glitter. Finish with a high-gloss top coat.

Peachy Keen Jelly Bean: Sweet Summer Days

We see a playful take on the almond short style with a peach base and unique jellybean-like dots. It’s a sweet, simple, and preppy choice for a fun holiday look.

• Products used: Peach polish, various pastel polishes for the dots, gold flakes, top coat.
• Expert opinion: The soft peach and playful dots offer a unique take on the almond short trend, making it perfect for a simple yet chic summer look.

DIY Tips: Start with a peach base, then use a dotting tool to add colorful spots. Apply gold flakes and finish with a clear top coat for a glossy finish.

Geometric Elegance: Striking Patterns in Monochrome

Shows that black and white can be anything but basic. Here we find a square nail design that plays with bold, geometric patterns, creating a unique visual impact that’s both artistic and modern.

• Products used: White gel polish, black striping tape, matte top coat.
• Expert opinion: This design proves that simple can still be striking. The use of matte top coat gives it a contemporary edge.

DIY Tips: Apply a white gel polish as a base. Once cured, use striping tape to create the designs, paint over with black, and then remove the tape quickly before curing again. A matte top coat seals the deal for this unique look.

Sapphire Waves: Oceanic Inspirations

Captures the essence of a summer vacation with blue and black playing off each other, reminiscent of waves crashing in the ocean. The standout nail is an artful twist on the French manicure, making it a unique pick for those summer nights out.

• Products used: Sapphire blue gel polish, black gel polish, nail art brush, glossy top coat.
• Expert opinion: A playful yet elegant take on color blocking, the design is perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to a simple blue ensemble.

DIY Tips: Paint your nails sapphire blue, leaving one finger for a French design. Use a nail art brush to create the French tip with black polish, then add intricate lines for that unique flair. Gloss it up with a top coat for that oceanic shine.

Speckled Minimalism: Simply Chic

Demonstrates the beauty of minimalism with a speckled design. It’s a simple yet unique approach, with tiny black flecks scattered over a beige base, offering a modern take on the square nail trend.

• Products used: Beige polish, black acrylic paint, dotting tool, top coat.
• Expert opinion: This look is perfect for those who prefer understated elegance with a twist, making it a versatile choice for both work and play.

DIY Tips: Apply a beige polish as the base. Dip a dotting tool into black acrylic paint and gently dot the nails. Finish with a top coat to protect the speckled design.

Neon Lime: Vibrant and Vivid

We see a long acrylic set that commands attention with a neon green color so vibrant, it’s almost electric. These nails are for the bold and the fearless, a statement piece in their own right.

• Products used: Neon green acrylic powder, high-gloss top coat.
• Expert opinion: Perfect for the fashion-forward individual, these nails are a bright extension of one’s personality, reflecting a unique and funky summer vibe.

DIY Tips: Sculpt the nails with neon green acrylic powder. Once the acrylic has set, file into the desired square shape and apply a high-gloss top coat for that envious shine.

Goldenrod Gloss: Mellow Yellow

Softens the summer palette with a warm yellow shade that’s both comforting and chic. The nails are long, finished with a gloss that captures the light just right, making them a simple yet unique option for a sunny day out.

• Products used: Yellow gel polish, high-gloss top coat.
• Expert opinion: The goldenrod hue is surprisingly versatile, complementing a wide range of summer outfits, from casual to formal.

DIY Tips: Start with a clean, buffed nail. Apply the yellow gel polish in two coats, curing between each. Finish with a high-gloss top coat for a durable and shiny manicure.

Blooming Charm: Floral Fantasy on Your Fingertips

A summer dream realized on nails. Bright fruits dance on a white background, interspersed with gold accents reflecting a blooming field of wildflowers.

• Products used: White gel polish, assorted floral decals, gold foil, non-wipe glossy top coat.
• Expert opinion: The florals give a nod to the vintage yet are perfectly in line with trendy 2024 nail art, bringing a touch of spring/summer to any look.

DIY Tips: Apply a white gel polish as your canvas. Once cured, place floral decals on the nail, accent with gold foil, and seal with a glossy top coat for long-lasting wear.

Pastel French: A Modern Twist on a Classic

The image reimagines the French manicure through a pastel lens. Each tip is dipped in a different hue, softening the traditional design with a playful, spring/summer vibe.

• Products used: Light pink gel polish, pastel gel polishes for tips, fine-tip brush, non-wipe glossy top coat.
• Expert opinion: This manicure is perfect for those who adore the classic French but crave a sprinkle of unique whimsy.

DIY Tips: Begin with a light pink base. Paint each tip with a different pastel shade using a fine-tip brush for precision. A glossy top coat ensures a smooth, shining finish.

Sheer Elegance: Subtly Speckled

Presents a sheer pink base elegantly speckled with black. This design is for the minimalist who desires a whisper of creativity on their simple yet stylish nails.

• Products used: Sheer pink polish, black micro glitter, dotting tool, matte top coat.
• Expert opinion: The contrast of the sheer base with the black specks offers a modern twist to simple nail designs, encapsulating minimalist aesthetic with a dash of playfulness.

DIY Tips: Coat your nails in sheer pink polish. While still tacky, use a dotting tool to apply black micro glitter spots. A matte top coat gives an ultra-modern finish.

Serene Sky: Clear Horizons

The nails are like a clear sky on a perfect day. The design utilizes soft tones and a singular sky blue dot for a serene and simple look.

• Products used: Sheer nude polish, sky blue polish, dotting tool, high-gloss top coat.
• Expert opinion: It’s a refreshingly simple design with a pop of color that adds a unique touch without overwhelming the natural beauty of the nail.

DIY Tips: After your sheer nude base, take a dotting tool and add just a dab of sky blue polish. Finish with a high-gloss top coat for a seamless shine.

Classic Revisited: Timeless French with a Twist

Showcases the quintessential French manicure, but with a contemporary update. The nails are kept simple and short, with a creamy base and an almond-inspired tip for a modern, yet timeless appeal.

• Products used: Creamy beige polish, natural white polish for the tips, top coat.
• Expert opinion: This look is a testament to the lasting charm of the French manicure, remaining both simple and unique.

DIY Tips: Apply a creamy beige polish as the base. Carefully paint the tips with a natural white polish for that French flair, and then apply a top coat to protect and add shine.

Whisper of Spring: Delicate Floral Touch

Portrays a soft, almost ethereal aesthetic with a translucent pink base, adorned with delicate floral art. It’s a breath of spring air on your nails, perfect for any summer tea party or a gentle walk in the garden.

• Products used: Translucent pink polish, flower nail stickers, tiny gold studs, clear top coat.
• Expert opinion: The use of flower stickers and gold studs adds a romantic uniqueness without being overpowering, maintaining the simple elegance of the design.

DIY Tips: Apply a translucent pink base coat, place flower stickers as desired, and add gold studs for a hint of sparkle. A clear top coat ensures your floral whispers endure the summer breeze.

Lavender Dreams: Marble Elegance

The nails evoke a dreamy landscape with swirls of lavender and wisps of white. Flecks of gold leaf are scattered throughout, giving a nod to the luxury of marble statues found in ancient Greece.

• Products used: Lavender and white gel polish, gold leaf, swirling tool, glossy top coat.
• Expert opinion: This marbled effect paired with the elegance of gold leaf creates a unique look that’s both sophisticated and artistic, a true celebration of summer’s trendy 2024 aesthetic.

DIY Tips: Swirl together lavender and white gel polish on the nail, adding pieces of gold leaf before the polish sets. Finish with a glossy top coat for a smooth, glass-like surface.

Oceanic Swirls: Aquatic Artistry

Brings the ocean to your fingertips with deep blues and minty greens, creating an aquatic dance accented by gold lines that shimmer like sunlight on water.

• Products used: Deep blue and mint green gel polish, gold striping tape, top coat.
• Expert opinion: This design is perfect for those who want to carry the serenity of the ocean with them. The addition of gold striping adds a touch of unique luxury.

DIY Tips: Paint a base of deep blue, then add mint green polish and use a fine brush to swirl the colors together. Place gold striping tape to define the swirls and apply a top coat for shine.

Geometric Chic: Sharp Lines and Bold Colors

We see the unique interplay of crisp geometric patterns with a trio of colors: sky blue, soft white, and a bold black accent. It’s a statement design for those who love a mix of art and modernity in their nail aesthetic.

• Products used: Sky blue, white, and black gel polish, fine-tip brushes, matte top coat.
• Expert opinion: The combination of matte and geometric patterns is ultra-modern, making it a unique standout choice for the fashion-forward.

DIY Tips: After your base color, use fine-tip brushes to hand-paint the geometric patterns. A matte top coat will give your artwork a contemporary edge.

Sunset Matte: Warm Tones and Abstract Lines

Captures the warm tones of a sunset with a smooth matte finish. The orange hue paired with abstract black line art is unique, funky, and perfectly in line with baddie nail trends.

• Products used: Matte orange polish, black nail art pen, matte top coat.
• Expert opinion: The choice of matte polish emphasizes the unique design, while the abstract lines add a playful edge to the simple color base.

DIY Tips: Coat your nails with the matte orange polish. Once dry, use a black nail art pen to create your designs. Seal with a matte top coat to enhance the texture and finish.

Frosted Tips: The Cool Edge of Summer

Demonstrates a sleek twist on square nails, juxtaposing a soft matte base with a shimmering frosted tip. This style speaks to those summer evenings where the light catches every surface, creating a dance of light and shadow.

• Products used: Nude matte polish, silver glitter polish, masking tape for precise lines, matte top coat.
• Expert opinion: The contrast between the matte nude and the sparkling silver offers a balance between understated grace and playful glamour.

DIY Tips: Apply a matte nude polish as your base. Once dry, use masking tape to create a clean line, then apply the silver glitter polish for the tips. A matte top coat over the nude section maintains the subtle sophistication.

Vivid Strokes: A Symphony in Pink and Purple

The vivid pinks and purples of are a bold declaration of summer’s vibrancy. A singular nail features a dynamic clash of blue with a sprinkle of glitter, creating an art piece that’s wearable.

• Products used: Hot pink and lavender gel polishes, royal blue polish for the accent, fine glitter, glossy top coat.
• Expert opinion: This color palette is daring yet harmonious, capturing the essence of summer’s dynamic nature.

DIY Tips: Paint alternating nails with hot pink and lavender. On the accent nail, apply royal blue polish and while still tacky, gently sprinkle fine glitter. Seal all nails with a glossy top coat for a protective shine.