Summer Square Acrylic Nails 26 Ideas

Have you found your perfect summer look yet? Or are you still scrolling through endless inspo, hoping to nail the perfect blend of trendy and timeless? Whether you’re beach-bound or just bringing the sunny vibes to the city streets, square acrylic nails are the canvas for this season’s 2024 color trends. From the demure allure of simple short designs to the bold statement of bright and long extensions, this article will explore the hottest summer square acrylic nails 2024 looks. Ready to dip into the inspo beach of nail art? Let’s unleash that summer inspiration!

The Timeless French Tip with a Twist

Professional Opinion and Description: When we talk about French tip designs, they’re an undying symbol of elegance. This season, though, they get a playful uplift. The twist? A splash of summer with delicate gel enhancements, offering a balance of classic charm and trendy flair.

• Consumables List:
  • Base Coat – Nailstrong Superhold
  • White Polish – Alpine Snow by OPI
  • Gel Top Coat – Glossy Finish by Gellyfit
  • Accent Gel – Canary Yellow by Sunshine Gels

Each of these products is chosen for its lasting quality and vibrant payoff, perfect for a sun-soaked day or a balmy night out.

DIY Tips: To create this look, begin with a clean, square nail base. Apply the white tip free-handed or with guides for precision. Add a streak of yellow gel polish before the top coat for a subtle nod to 2024 color trends.

Barely-there Beauty

Professional Opinion and Description: This simple long nail design whispers rather than shouts. The key is to let the natural beauty of your nails take center stage, adorning them with just a touch of shimmery polish to create a simple yet sophisticated look.

• Consumables List:
  • Sheer Pink Polish – Barely Blush by Essie
  • Micro-glitter Top Coat – Fairy Dust by China Glaze

Chosen for their quality and subtlety, these products enhance the nails without overwhelming them.

DIY Tips: After your base coat, apply two coats of Barely Blush. Once dry, a single sweep of Fairy Dust adds a sprinkle of inspiration without overpowering the nail’s natural beauty.

Pastel Pink Perfection

Embracing the essence of soft femininity, these short square nails are lacquered in a dreamy pastel pink that speaks to the gentleness of summer’s breeze. This color whispers 2024 trends, embodying a simple yet trendy elegance that’s perfectly suited for a sunlit summer picnic or a breezy beach walk.

• Consumables List:
  • Pastel Pink Polish – Baby Love by Deborah Lippmann
  • Base Coat – Strong Adhesion by China Glaze
  • Top Coat – High Gloss by OPI

The combination of a strong base coat and a high gloss finish ensures that these simple short nails stay resilient through all your summer activities.

DIY Tips: Apply the base coat to protect your natural nails, layer on the pastel polish until you reach the desired opacity, and seal it with the high gloss top coat for a long-lasting shine.

Floral Fiesta

Summer calls for a celebration of colors, and these nails are a festival on your fingertips. The vibrant green polish serves as a backdrop for a fiesta of floral patterns, making each nail a canvas of summertime joy. This look is a fun way to add a pop of color to your summer square acrylic nails collection and is perfect for those who love a bit of inspo from nature’s palette.

• Consumables List:
  • Vibrant Green Polish – Lime After Lime by Essie
  • Floral Nail Decals – Petal Party by Nailed It Decals
  • Top Coat – Gel Setter by Essie

Chosen for their bold colors and ease of application, these products will let you create a lively and trendy nail art design that lasts all summer long.

DIY Tips: Begin with the green polish as your base. Once dry, apply the floral decals, pressing down gently to adhere them flat against the nail. Finish with a layer of Gel Setter top coat for a smooth, shining finish.

The Subtle Charm of Nude Tones

Professional Opinion and Description: The allure of simple short nails is beautifully exemplified in this understated nude design. The choice of a subtle, flesh-toned polish complements every skin tone and embodies 2024’s trend towards natural beauty. It’s a testament to the fact that sometimes less is indeed more.

• Consumables List:
  • Nude Polish – Whisper by Elegant Touch
  • Top Coat – Seche Vite Dry Fast

I recommend these for their flawless finish and long-lasting wear, perfect for those lazy summer days and nights.

DIY Tips: Start with a well-prepped nail, apply two coats of Whisper, and finish with the Seche Vite top coat for a glossy and durable finish that can take you from day to night.

Gold Leaf Elegance

Professional Opinion and Description: These medium length nails are the perfect canvas for something extraordinary. The touch of gold leafing adds a luxe feel, transforming a simple manicure into an expression of sophistication, ideal for those who seek a subtle yet luxurious inspiration.

• Consumables List:
  • Base Pink Polish – Ballet Slippers by Essie
  • Gold Leaf Sheets – 24K Gold Transfer by Artisan Accents

Selected for their high quality, these products allow for a professional-level manicure at home.

DIY Tips: After applying your base color and letting it dry, delicately apply the gold leaf sheets. Use a clean brush to remove excess gold leaf and seal it all with a durable top coat.

Summer Gradient

Professional Opinion and Description: Gradient nails are all the rage this season, and this style is a show-stopper. From a soft baby pink to a vivid fuchsia, the nails transition beautifully, creating a visual spectacle reminiscent of summer sunsets, perfect for inspo beach days or nights out.

• Consumables List:
  • Pink Polishes – Assorted Shades by OPI
  • Sponge – Makeup Sponge for Gradient Effect

These products are a staple for anyone looking to create a gradient effect that’s both eye-catching and on-trend.

DIY Tips: Apply the lightest shade as your base. Then, use a sponge to dab on the darker shades, working your way up the nail to create that seamless gradient effect. Finish with a glossy top coat for shine.

 Minty Freshness

Professional Opinion and Description: Embrace the coolness of mint with these short and trendy square acrylics. The freshness of the color embodies the 2024 color trends, making it an excellent choice for those hot and balmy days.

• Consumables List:
  • Mint Green Polish – Refresh-Mint by China Glaze
  • Top Coat – Quick Dry by Butter London

These selections promise vibrant color and a quick drying time, ideal for a spontaneous summer outing.

DIY Tips: Two coats of Refresh-Mint followed by the quick-drying top coat will have your nails ready for any impromptu summer adventure in no time.

Celestial Blue Tips

Professional Opinion and Description: Inspired by the clear summer skies, these short nails with celestial blue tips are a nod to the playful side of summer. They offer a fresh take on the classic French tip, incorporating a sprinkle of glitter that mimics the sparkle of ocean waves under the sun.

• Consumables List:
  • Base Coat – Crystal Clear by Sally Hansen
  • Blue Glitter Polish – Starry Night by Essie
  • Detailing Brush – Precision Brush by Nail Artisan

The quality of these products ensures a smooth application and a long-lasting design.

DIY Tips: Apply a clear base, then use the precision brush to create a crisp blue tip. Before the tip dries, lightly dab some glitter onto it and finish with a high-gloss top coat.

Vibrant Edges

Professional Opinion and Description: These long acrylics are an absolute summer hit with their playful use of bright colors outlining the tips. It’s a fresh take on the French tip, blending the 2024 trends with a dash of fun. Each nail features a different color, making it a versatile look for both inspo beach days and lively summer nights.

• Consumables List:
  • Nude Polish – Naked Naïveté by CND
  • Colored Acrylic Powders – Rainbow Set by Mia Secret
  • Fine Detail Brush – Precision Liner by Twinkled T

These products are renowned for their exceptional quality and color vibrancy, perfect for creating precise and eye-catching nail art.

DIY Tips: Begin with a nude base, then use the fine detail brush to carefully apply the colored acrylic powder around the tip. Finish with a glossy top coat to seal your artwork.

Cherry Delights

Professional Opinion and Description: Cherries are not just a sweet summer treat; they are also a fabulous inspo short nail art idea. This charming design features a playful cherry pattern over a pink base, giving off retro vibes that are both trendy and timeless. The alternating patterns on the short and simple square nails make it a dynamic and cheerful choice.

• Consumables List:
  • Pink Polish – Mod About You by OPI
  • Red and Green Acrylic Paint – Artistic Palette by Liquitex
  • Striping Tape – Ultra-Thin Adhesive Lines

The high pigmentation of the acrylic paints makes the cherries pop, while the striping tape helps create neat, clean lines for a professional-looking finish.

DIY Tips: Paint your nails with the pink polish. Once dry, use the striping tape to create the checkered pattern and fill in alternating squares. Use a fine brush to paint on the cherries and add a top coat for shine.

Enchanted Shimmer

Professional Opinion and Description: Capturing the essence of fairy tales, these long nails feature delicate shimmer and intricate designs. The use of negative space paired with the soft pink creates an ethereal look, while the glitter adds a touch of inspo short for those seeking a hint of magic in their manicure.

• Consumables List:
  • Pink Gel Polish – Blush Essence by Gelish
  • White Glitter Powder – Diamond Dust by The Glitter Fairy
  • Nail Art Stickers – Angelic Touch Collection

The chosen gel polish offers long-lasting wear, and the glitter powder provides a radiant sparkle, perfect for a dreamy summer night.

DIY Tips: Apply the pink gel polish as a base, sprinkle some glitter powder for the enchanted shimmer effect, and accent with the nail art stickers. Cure under a UV lamp to set.

Classic Contrast

Professional Opinion and Description: A twist on the timeless French manicure, these short nails feature a jet black tip, giving the classic style a modern and edgy look. It’s a simple yet trendy way to make a statement without going overboard, aligning perfectly with 2024’s trend of bold simplicity.

• Consumables List:
  • Sheer Pink Polish – Ballet Slippers by Essie
  • Black Polish – Licorice by Essie
  • Top Coat – Good To Go by Essie

The combination of these products results in a chic and durable manicure that can take you through the entire season with style.

DIY Tips: After your sheer pink base, use a steady hand or tape to create the sharp black tips. Apply a fast-drying top coat to protect your design.

Ruby Radiance

Professional Opinion and Description: Embrace the rich hues of summer with these medium-length nails in a dazzling ruby red. The shimmering finish captures the essence of bright summer evenings and will surely be a hit for those looking for 2024 color trends that make a statement.

• Consumables List:
  • Red Shimmer Polish – Ruby Pumps by China Glaze
  • Base Coat – Sticky Base by Orly
  • Quick-Dry Top Coat – Speed Setter by Essie

These selections are known for their long-lasting formulas and brilliant shine, ensuring your nails stay as vibrant as a summer party.

DIY Tips: Apply a base coat followed by two coats of Ruby Pumps. Finish with a quick-dry top coat to lock in the color and add extra gloss.

Modern Geometric Elegance

Professional Opinion and Description: The juxtaposition of the deep green polish with the sharp metallic lines gives a new definition to trendy. This design marries minimalist art with the 2024 trends in nail fashion, making a bold yet elegant statement. It’s a versatile look that could serve as inspo for a sophisticated event or a casual gathering.

• Consumables List:
  • Deep Green Polish – Envy by OPI
  • Metallic Striping Tape – Silver Lines by Stripe Rite
  • No-Smudge Top Coat – Smudge-Proof by Seche

I’ve chosen these for their top-notch quality and the ability to withstand the summer heat without losing their luster.

DIY Tips: Apply two coats of Envy, then use tweezers to place the striping tape in your desired geometric pattern. Seal everything with the no-smudge top coat for a lasting finish.

Ocean Waves and Golden Sands

Professional Opinion and Description: Reminiscent of a serene beach, the blue swirls and gold flakes on these nails are as mesmerizing as the ocean itself. This design is a perfect blend of 2024 color trends and creative artistry, providing inspiration for a tranquil yet luxurious nail look.

• Consumables List:
  • White Gel Polish – Arctic Freeze by Gelish
  • Blue Swirl Tints – Ocean Tides Set by Color Club
  • Gold Leaf Flakes – 24K Beauty by Nail Supply

For those enamored with the beauty of the sea, these products will give you an oceanic masterpiece on your nails.

DIY Tips: Start with a white gel base. Mix the blue tints to create a marbled effect, and add gold leaf flakes for an opulent touch. Cure under UV light to set the scene.

Deep Chocolate Delicacy

Professional Opinion and Description: Who doesn’t love a rich chocolate tone for their nails? This simple yet sophisticated look takes the simple short nails to a new level of refinement. It’s a nod to the classic beauty of understated elegance and is perfect for those who appreciate timeless designs.

• Consumables List:
  • Deep Brown Polish – Bitter Biscotti by Essie
  • Protective Base Coat – Foundation by CND
  • Gel-like Top Coat – Miracle Gel by Sally Hansen

These products were selected for their long-lasting wear and deep, glossy finish, which emulate the indulgence of chocolate.

DIY Tips: Apply the base coat, followed by two coats of Bitter Biscotti. Finish with the gel-like top coat for a candy shell-like shine.

Lavender Dreams

Professional Opinion and Description: Lavender fields and summer skies come together in this dreamy design. The pastel purple paired with subtle yellow highlights is a trendy take on 2024 gel short nails, offering a refreshing burst of color that’s both bright and soothing.

• Consumables List:
  • Lavender Gel Polish – Lilac Longing by Gelish
  • Yellow Accent Gel – Sunburst by CND
  • Matte Top Coat – Velvet Matte by OPI

These selections will give you the soft yet vibrant look of a summer’s daydream.

DIY Tips: Sweep on the lavender gel, add a touch of yellow for the accents, and opt for a matte finish to let the colors stand out in an understated fashion.

Classic Red with a Heartfelt Twist

Professional Opinion and Description: A quintessential red manicure with a playful twist. These medium length nails are adorned with tiny hearts, giving a short trendy and romantic flair to the 2024 color trends short nail style. It’s a sweet, flirtatious design that’s perfect for any summer date.

• Consumables List:
  • Red Polish – Really Red by Essie
  • White Polish for Heart Accents – Blanc by Essie
  • Detailing Tool – Dotting Pen by Born Pretty

I recommend these for their classic colors and precise application tools, ideal for adding small detailed designs like hearts.

DIY Tips: Coat your nails in the iconic red, then use the dotting pen to create adorable white hearts. This is a look that’s bound to capture hearts everywhere.

Coral Whispers with Butterfly Charms

Professional Opinion and Description: These nails are a whisper of elegance with their soft coral hue and delicate butterfly charms. The design whispers simplicity, while the added bling echoes 2024’s trend of understated luxury. It’s a medium length look that marries grace and playful charm, ideal for a summer’s twilight gathering.

• Consumables List:
  • Coral Gel Polish – Peachy by DND
  • Butterfly Nail Charms – Crystal Flutter by Charmed & Sparkle
  • Gel Top Coat – No Wipe Shine by Gel II

The coral gel polish provides a subtle yet captivating base, and the butterfly charms are the pinnacle of chic, perfect for those looking for something uniquely inspo.

DIY Tips: After the gel base, strategically place the butterfly charms and encase them with a no-wipe gel top coat for enduring wear.

Playful Doodles and Pastel Notes

Professional Opinion and Description: This short nail design takes a playful approach to summer styling with its doodle art and pastel palette. The artistry involved speaks to those seeking inspiration in the small joys of life, making it a trendy and bright choice for creative spirits.

• Consumables List:
  • Pastel Pink Polish – Let’s Be Friends by OPI
  • Black Art Liner – Precision Pen by Sally Hansen
  • Matte Top Coat – Satin Finish by OPI

I recommend these products for their ease of use and the contrast they create between the pastel base and the black doodle designs.

DIY Tips: Use the pastel polish as a canvas, then get creative with the liner pen, drawing anything that brings you joy. A matte top coat will give the design a contemporary edge.

Pink Cow

Professional Opinion & Description: Get into the wild vibe of summer with these long nails in cow spots on a pink background, which is now on trend for 2024. A bold design for those who dare to stand out and make a statement with medium length nails.

• Consumables List:
  • Pink Polish – Bubblegum by Essie
  • Black Striping Polish – Noir Stripe by Stripe Rite
  • Gel Top Coat – Shine Eternal by CND

These picks are formulated for their intense pigmentation and precision, allowing for those crisp, wild lines.

DIY Tips: Apply the pink base, then use the striping polish to unleash your inner zebra with bold, black stripes. A swipe of gel top coat adds a glossy finish.

Lavender Glitterati

Professional Opinion and Description: Emanating luxury, these long nails coated in lavender glitter are nothing short of a summer night’s dream. They’re perfect for those who want to shimmer with every gesture and fit the 2024 gel short profile with their splendid sparkle.

• Consumables List:
  • Lavender Glitter Polish – Sparkle On by ILNP
  • Base Coat – Strong Adhesion by China Glaze
  • Quick-Dry Top Coat – Speed Setter by Essie

Opting for these products means choosing high-quality sparkle without the worry of chipping.

DIY Tips: Start with a protective base, layer on the glitter polish, and seal it with a quick-dry top coat to ensure your nails are as durable as they are dazzling.

Sunny Delight

Professional Opinion and Description: These short and simple nails are like a ray of sunshine, reflecting the vibrant energy of summer. The bright yellow hue is on-point for 2024 color trends short nails and provides a trendy burst of cheerfulness to any outfit.

• Consumables List:
  • Yellow Polish – Sun Kissed by Sally Hansen
  • Protective Base Coat – All About That Base by Deborah Lippmann
  • Top Coat – High Gloss by OPI

For a sun-drenched look that’s both playful and poised, these selections will not disappoint.

DIY Tips: Apply the base coat, two layers of Sun Kissed, and a glossy top coat for a radiant finish that’s sure to stand out.

Petite Blue Florals

Professional Opinion and Description: Delicate and demure, these short nails painted in a pristine white serve as the perfect backdrop for petite blue floral accents. They embody the 2024 trends of gentle femininity and simple charm. It’s a design that exudes a whisper of spring, suitable for any occasion that calls for a touch of understated elegance.

• Consumables List:
  • White Gel Polish – Snow Bunny by LeChat
  • Blue Nail Art Paint – Sky High by Art Club
  • Top Coat – Clearly Matte by Essie

These products are chosen for their premium quality, ensuring a crisp white base and vibrant blue for the floral details, all sealed with a matte finish.

DIY Tips: Lay down your white base, add floral designs using a fine brush, and complete the look with a matte top coat to accentuate the delicate artistry.

Wild Instincts

Professional Opinion and Description: Unleash your inner wilderness with these long acrylic nails featuring a fierce leopard print. This bold design is a testament to the enduring appeal of animal prints in the fashion world, making a trendy statement that’s both inspo and 2024 color trends compliant with its classic black and nude color combination.

• Consumables List:
  • Nude Polish – Bare With Me by Essie
  • Black Polish – Black Onyx by OPI
  • Clear Top Coat – Glass Top by Orly

This selection guarantees a sultry look, perfect for anyone ready to walk on the wild side of style.

DIY Tips: Apply the nude polish as a base, then create the leopard spots with black polish, and finish with a clear top coat for a dazzling shine.