Looking for the best summer nail colors? Check this post for the summer nail trends explained according to nail experts, and the best nail shades to copy directly.
Summer is finally here, and it’s time to break out the brightest and boldest nail colors.
Whether you’re headed to the beach, a backyard barbecue, or just soaking up some sun, a pop of color on your nails can instantly elevate any summer look.
With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming trying to decide which shades are worth investing in this season.
That’s why we’ve rounded up the 80 best summer nail colors to try.
From neon pinks and oranges to muted pastels and classic nudes, there’s something for everyone on this list.
Not only will we showcase the latest trends in nail polish colors for this year but also give you some creative ideas on how to wear them.
This post is all about summer nail colors.
What are the best summer nail colors?
Popular summer nail colors
Classic nail colors like red, pink, coral, and nude are always in style, and they never fail to elevate any summer look.
Essie’s “Ballet Slippers” is a timeless go-to that looks great on any skin tone.
OPI’s “Bubble Bath” and “Mod About You” are also very popular, pastel shades that are perfect for a classic summer look.
Try OPI’s “Cajun Shrimp”, Essie’s “Check In To Check Out” and “Beach Side Babe” for beautiful coral shades.
Hottest summer nail colors
When it comes to the hottest summer nail colors, neon and bright hues are at the top of the list.
Essie’s “Bachelorette Bash” and OPI’s “Spring Break The Internet” are hot pink shades that will add a pop of color to any summer outfit.
For a more adventurous look, try China Glaze’s “Plur-ple Nail Lacquer” for a vibrant purple hue.
Creative Summer nail polish colors to try
Some nail polish colors that are trending this summer season are earthy tones like terracotta and olive greens.
Olive & June’s “KMC” is one of the best options out there.
For something more daring, try Orly’s “Green With Envy” or OPI’s “Stay Off the Lawn!” for green shades that will make your nails stand out.
What are the latest nail color trends for summer?
Pastel nail colors for summer
Pastel nail colors are always a popular choice for summer, and that trend is set to continue this year.
Soft shades such as baby blue, lavender, peach, and mint green will be particularly sought after.
These gentle hues perfectly complement the lightness of summer clothing and accessories while adding a touch of elegance and sophistication.
One pastel shade that’s sure to make a big impact this season is pale yellow.
This sunny color brings warmth and cheer to any outfit, making it ideal for fun summertime events like picnics or pool parties.
Whether you prefer a matte or glossy finish, there are plenty of ways to incorporate this stunning shade into your nail art.
Another standout pastel color for summer is dusty rose pink. This muted hue has been gaining popularity in recent years thanks to its versatility and effortless chicness.
It pairs beautifully with other soft colors like lilac or beige but can also add an unexpected pop of femininity when combined with bolder shades like navy or forest green.
Sally Hansen’s “Peach of Cake” and Essie’s “All Fun & Games” are a couple of beautiful pastel shades that add a delicate touch to your nails.
Bright and bold summer nail colors
Bright and bold summer nail colors are a popular trend right now.
These vibrant shades can instantly add some fun and excitement to any summer look.
Some of the standout colors this year include neon yellow, neon orange, hot pink, and electric blue.
If you’re looking for something more edgy, try electric blue.
This bold shade makes a statement on its own but also pairs well with metallic accents or glitter to create an even bolder look.
Try OPI’s “Chopstix and Stones” for an electric blue shade or Orly’s “Melt Your Popsicle” for a fiery orange hue.
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Colorful nail designs for summer
Summer is the perfect time to play around with nail art and designs!
Graphic nail art designs using bright summer colors are all the rage right now.
Nail artists are experimenting with everything from geometric patterns to floral designs.
If you’re looking for some inspiration, check out CIATÉ’s “Iris Apfel” nail wraps.
We also fall in love with the cute nail stickers from Amazon.
Which nail colors are best for fair skin?
Light pink and nude shades
Light pink and nude shades are perfect for fair skin tones.
They create a subtle and elegant look that complements any summer outfit.
Try OPI’s “Let’s Be Friends!” for a delicate pink shade or Essie’s “Bare With Me” for a nude hue.
Pastel shades like peach and lavender
Pastel shades like peach and lavender also look lovely on fair skin tones.
Sally Hansen’s “Peach of Cake” is a lovely peachy shade that is just right for a summer vibe.
Alternatively, try Essie’s “To Buy Or Not To Buy” for a soft lavender hue.
Soft shades of blue and green
For fair skin tones, opt for soft shades of blue and green.
These hues provide a cool and refreshing look for the summer season.
Try China Glaze’s “For Audrey” for a Tiffany blue shade or Essie’s “Mint Candy Apple” for a refreshing mint green hue.
Best Summer Nail Colors for Dark Skin
Summer is all about bright, bold colors, and this applies to your nail polish choices as well.
However, when it comes to selecting the best summer nail colors for dark skin tones, it’s important to choose shades that complement and enhance your complexion.
One of the best options is a vibrant shade of yellow or orange, such as neon tangerine or lemon drop.
These hues look stunning against darker skin tones and are perfect for adding a pop of color to any summer outfit.
Another great option is a rich shade of purple, such as lavender or violet.
These colors have cool undertones that complement warm skin tones beautifully, creating an eye-catching contrast that’s sure to turn heads.
For those who prefer something more understated, you can’t go wrong with classic summertime shades like coral and hot pink.
These colors are universally flattering and work well on all skin tones.
Best Summer Nail Color That Goes With Everything
When it comes to choosing the perfect nail color for summer, many factors come into play.
From bright and bold neons to soft pastels, there are endless options to choose from.
However, if you’re looking for a shade that goes with everything, then look no further than a classic nude or beige.
Not only does a neutral shade like this complement any outfit, but it also adds an element of sophistication and elegance to your overall look.
Whether you’re going for a casual daytime outing or dressing up for a formal event, a nude nail color will always be on-trend.
Another great option for those who want something versatile is a light pink shade. Soft pinks add just the right amount of femininity without being too overpowering.
Plus, they pair well with both warm and cool-toned clothing colors, making them the ultimate go-to summer nail color that can take you from day to night effortlessly. With these shades in your collection, you can never go wrong in terms of style and versatility!
Chic Nail Colors You Should Try This Summer
Bright orange and hot pink shades
Bright orange and hot pink shades are making a comeback this summer.
These bold, vibrant colors are perfect for adding a pop of color to your nails and complementing your summer wardrobe.
Whether you prefer a glossy or matte finish, there’s a shade out there that will suit your personal style.
One popular trend for bright orange nails is to add intricate nail art designs.
From geometric shapes to floral prints, the possibilities are endless when it comes to creating unique patterns on your nails that will make them stand out from the crowd.
If you’re feeling daring, try pairing hot pink and bright orange together for an eye-catching ombre effect.
If you’re not quite ready to commit to such bold hues on all ten fingers, consider incorporating these shades into an accent nail or as part of a French manicure.
This way, you can still embrace the trend without going all in.
Overall, bright orange and hot pink shades are sure to bring some fun and excitement to your summer look!
Try Butter London’s “Pop Orange” for a bright orange shade or OPI’s “Hotter Than You Pink” for a vibrant hot pink hue.
White and neutral shades for a classic summer look
White and neutral shades are perfect for a classic summer look. They are fresh, clean, and timeless.
These colors are versatile and can easily complement any outfit or style.
Whether you’re going for a casual day out or a formal event, white and neutral nails will always make you look chic.
For a beachy vibe, go for an off-white shade like cream or ivory.
These colors will give your nails a subtle pop of color without being too bold.
If you prefer something more classic, opt for a pure white shade. It’s simple yet elegant and goes well with any outfit.
Another great option is to try nude shades that match your skin tone.
This creates the illusion of elongated fingers while still maintaining the elegance of the manicure.
Neutral shades like beige, taupe, and light gray also work well in achieving this effect.
Try OPI’s “Alpine Snow” for a crisp white shade or Essie’s “Topless and Barefoot” for a neutral nude hue.
Green shades for an unexpected twist on summer nails
Green shades are often overlooked when it comes to summer nail colors, but they can add an unexpected twist to your manicure.
From the palest mint green to deep forest green, there’s a shade of green for every skin tone and style preference.
For a subtle touch of green, try a pastel shade like Essie’s Mint Candy Apple or OPI’s That’s Hula-rious!
These shades are perfect for those who want to dip their toes into the world of green nails without going too bold.
If you’re feeling more daring, go for a bright and bold shade like China Glaze’s Four Leaf Clover or Zoya’s Josie.
These shades will definitely turn heads and make a statement.
For those who prefer darker hues, try Essie’s Stylenomics or Butter London’s British Racing Green – both stunning shades that will add depth and sophistication to any summer look.
Don’t forget to try Essie’s “Off Tropic” for a dark green shade or Orly’s “Hip and Outlandish” for a summary neon green hue.
Cool Black Summer Nail Designs
Black may not be the first color that comes to mind when you think of summer nail designs, but it can actually be a chic and edgy option for those who want to stand out.
One cool black summer nail design is the minimalist look, where black polish is used as a base and simple geometric shapes or lines in white are added for contrast.
Another trendy black summer design is the negative space manicure, where parts of the nail are left bare to create a modern and stylish look.
When it comes to the best summer black nail polishes, there are some standout options worth trying.
Essie’s Licorice is a classic choice that provides opaque coverage with just one coat.
For those who prefer a more sheer finish, OPI’s Black Onyx has just enough translucency to let your nails breathe while still giving off an intense black hue.
Another great option is Essie’s “Now and Never”, which has a glossy finish and dries quickly without any streaking or bubbling.
What nail designs are popular for summer?
Pop of color designs
Pop of color designs are a popular trend in summer nail colors.
These designs involve adding a bright and bold color to an otherwise simple manicure.
For example, you might choose to paint your nails with a pale pink or nude base coat and then add a pop of neon green or orange on the tips, creating a fun and playful look.
Another way to incorporate pops of color into your nail designs is by using contrasting shades.
You might try painting each nail a different shade of the same color family, such as various shades of blue or pink, or you could mix and match different colors altogether for an eclectic look.
Whether you prefer bold statement nails or something more subtle, there are plenty of ways to incorporate pops of color into your summer nail designs.
From neon brights to pastel hues, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to experimenting with this fun and playful trend.
Natural nail looks with subtle nail art accents
If you’re someone who prefers a minimalistic approach to nail art, natural nail looks with subtle accents may be perfect for you.
These styles can add just enough personality to your nails without being too overwhelming.
One popular trend is the French manicure with a twist: instead of the classic white tip, opt for a soft pastel color or glitter accent.
Another option is adding small designs, such as dots or stripes, in complementary colors to your nails.
This can be done on one or two nails for a more understated look.
You can also try incorporating negative space into your design by leaving some parts of your natural nail exposed while adding small accents in other areas.
Using earth-toned shades like beige and brown are great options for those looking for something more subtle while still adding some character to their nails.
Graphic nail art designs using bright summer colors
Graphic nail art designs using bright summer colors are another hot trend.
These designs feature bold patterns and play with negative space to create a unique nail look.
This post was all about summer nail colors.
About The Author
Tracy is an experienced personal stylist, shopping expert, and fashion & lifestyle blogger. She has been featured on Time Magazine, Bustle, Best Life, Glam, The Zoe Report, Mic, and GOBankingRates, for her insights on fashion, beauty, home decor, and lifestyle. Read More
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