Summer is the perfect time to refresh your style and have fun with bright, bold nail colors. The right polish shade can elevate your look and match your sunny mood. With so many vibrant options to choose from, it can be hard to narrow it down. That’s why we’ve rounded up the top 10 summer nail colors you need to try this season, from classic favorites to trending hues. Get ready to soak up color inspiration for your next manicure!
1. Classic Red
Why Red is a Timeless Summer Shade?
Red nail polish is a timeless choice year-round, but there’s something about sporting a vivid red in the summer that just feels right. It’s a powerful, feminine color that commands attention. Red has a retro vibe that pairs perfectly with everything from vintage-inspired sundresses to classic bikinis. Plus, a red manicure always looks polished and put-together, even if the rest of your look is laid-back.
How to Wear Red Nails?
For a classic summer look, opt for a bright, true red polish. If you want something a little more sultry for evenings, try a deeper burgundy. Red also looks great on toes, so consider a matching pedicure. To really make your red nails pop, keep the rest of your look simple with neutral tones. A crisp white dress or top is a foolproof pairing. If you’re feeling daring, clash your red nails with another vibrant color – it’s a fashion-forward look for color enthusiasts.
2. Coral Crush
The Appeal of Coral for Summer
If you love the vibrancy of red but want something a little more playful, coral is the perfect summer shade. This pink-orange hue captures the color of summer sunsets. It has a warm, inviting undertone that flatters sun-kissed skin. Coral is youthful and fun, but still feels sophisticated. It’s an especially great pedicure color for showing off in your favorite strappy sandals.
Coral Shade Recommendations
Not all corals are created equal – you’ll find shades that lean more pink, more orange or more peach. A true coral is a balanced blend, but you can choose your favorite undertone. For fair skin, a pink coral is lovely. Medium and tan skin tones glow in tangerine corals. Deep corals with reddish undertones are beautiful on dark skin. You really can’t go wrong, so pick the coral that speaks to you!
3. Pretty in Pink
Different Pink Tones for Summer
Pink is a classic girly shade, but it gets a chic update for summer. Vivid magenta and electric pink feel especially of-the-moment for manicures. Bubblegum pinks are a sweet choice that can skew retro or modern depending on the design. If you prefer a subtler take, a sheer pink-tinted gloss gives understated polish. With so many pink tones to play with, you’re sure to find one that suits you.
Pairing Pink With Other Colors
Pink looks crisp and preppy against white, navy and other deep blues. For a monochromatic look, wear it with other shades of pink, from blush to fuchsia. Faded denim is a laid-back foil for pink polish. Toughen up a pink manicure with edgy black or gray accents. Pair hot pink with shades of lemon and lime for a citrus color-block look. With it’s versatility, pink has endless potential.
4. Lemon Drop Yellow
Yellow as a Trending Summer Color
Vibrant yellows are having a major moment in summer fashion and beauty. When it comes to nails, a zesty lemon yellow feels fresh and on-trend. This shade instantly brightens your look and adds a pop of sunshine to your hands. Yellow looks great against tanned skin but flatters all complexions. It’s an unexpected, mood-boosting alternative to typical summer shades.
Tips for Pulling Off Yellow Nails
Not used to wearing yellow nail polish? Start with a softer pastel version or a sheer, jelly-like finish. You can also try yellow as an accent shade in nail art rather than wearing it on all your nails. A simple yellow French tip is chic and wearable. Pair yellow with neutrals like crisp white, beige or dove gray to let it shine. For a bolder look, contrast yellow with emerald green or periwinkle blue.
5. Minty Fresh
The Refreshing Look of Mint
Minty green is a refreshing summer shade that looks crisp and clean. This cool color has an icy, almost frosted appearance on nails. Mint is a bit more subdued than other greens, giving it a calming vibe. It’s a great choice if you want a playful pop of color that still feels professional and polished. Mint also flatters all skin tones, making it universally wearable.
Mint Green Nail Inspirations
A glossy, opaque mint is a chic choice for fingers or toes. For a more whimsical take, choose a polish with subtle shimmer. Mint looks especially cute in retro-inspired designs like polka dots and gingham print. Create an easy ombré effect by blending mint with white or pale yellow. Mix mint with other pastel hues for a charming multi-color mani. With it’s fresh versatility, mint is a no-fail summer shade.
6. Lavender Fields
Lavender as an Unexpected Summer Choice
When you think summer, you might not immediately reach for lavender nail polish. But this soft purple is a lovely option for the season. Lavender has a delicate, feminine feel that’s understated yet eye-catching. It looks especially beautiful on deeper skin tones. This soothing shade provides a nice break from brighter colors when you want a more toned-down mani.
Lavender Nail Art Ideas
Lavender looks dreamy in dainty floral nail art designs. Paint on whimsical sprigs of lavender blooms or abstract petals. For an elegant look, pair lavender with dove gray or pale olive green. Lavender ombré fading into white is ethereal and wedding-worthy. A matte topcoat creates an of-the-moment take on this classic pastel. Get creative with negative space and glitter accents for extra visual interest.
7. Peachy Keen
Peach as a Softer Alternative to Orange
Love the look of orange but prefer a softer approach? Peachy nail colors are perfect for summer. This sweet, mellow shade has an inviting warmth that isn’t as bold as a true orange. Peach flatters fair and medium skin tones especially well. Wear it when you want a fresh, youthful manicure that doesn’t overwhelm. Peach also plays well with many other summer colors.
Complementary Colors for Peach Nails
Peach is a versatile shade that works in many color combinations. Pair it with sea foam green or turquoise for a beachy color-blocked look. Creamy peach and lavender create a soothing pastel palette. For a tropical vibe, match peach with pops of bright pink or coral, either as an accent nail or a fun pattern. Add a hint of shimmery gold to amp up the glam factor.
8. Ocean Blue
Capturing Beach Vibes With Blue Nails
Bring the beauty of the ocean to your fingertips with deep blue nail polish. Shades like navy, cobalt and sapphire are an unexpected but stunning choice for summer. These inky hues have a sophistication that still captures carefree beach vibes. Dark blues look incredibly chic in a glossy finish or with a hint of sparkle. Plus, blue is a universal color that suits all skin tones and nail lengths.
Ombre and Gradient Blue Designs
To truly evoke the ocean, try an ombré design fading from light blue to dark. Start with a sky blue or aqua base, then blend into deeper azure and midnight tones. For a trendy take, reverse the ombré for a half-moon design. Gradients of different blue shades also create a striking oceanic effect. Mix in a shimmery pearl or turquoise polish for added dimension. From all-blue looks to blue-based nail art, this aquatic palette brings the summer mood.
9. Bright White
White Nails For a Clean Summer Look
Bright, opaque white is the ultimate summer nail color. It’s a crisp, clean shade that instantly makes you look more tan. White has a minimalist aesthetic that looks effortlessly chic on any nail length or shape. It’s also a great base for nail art and pops against all skin tones. When the weather heats up, white nail polish is a foolproof go-to.
Mixing White With Other Summer Shades
White is a great support shade for your favorite summer colors. Use it as a fresh backdrop for bright flower decals or fruity stickers. Paint white squiggles on a neon base for an abstract look. Create a dotted French manicure with white tips. Mix white with an equally opaque pastel for a cute color-blocked design. You can also layer sheer, jelly-like colors over white for a unique translucent effect.
10. Glittery Golds
Adding Sparkle With Gold Polish
Want to add instant glamour to your summer look? Reach for the gold – glittery gold nail polish, that is. Gold glitter looks luxe and eye-catching, especially in the sun. Choose a fine, glitter-packed formula for an opaque metallic finish. Or opt for a sheer, buildable polish with sparse gold flecks for just a hint of sparkle. Gold complements all skin tones and lends a ritzy finish to any manicure.
Glitter Accent Nail Ideas
Not ready for all-out glitter? Test the waters with a glitzy accent nail. Paint solid gold glitter on your ring fingers against a nude base. Add a thin gold glitter stripe down the center of each nail for a glowing detail. For a trendy approach, apply chunky gold glitter just on the tips for a sparkling French manicure. Mix gold glitter with other metallic tones like rose gold and silver for a blinged-out look.
Conclusion
With these top 10 summer nail colors, you’ll be set to step out in style all season. From classic brights like red and coral to unexpected options like lavender and navy, there’s a perfect polish shade for every summer occasion and mood. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors and finishes to find your signature summer mani. Whether you opt for all-over color, artistic designs or glittery accents, the key is to have fun and show off your sunny spirit. So grab your favorite polish shades and get ready to flaunt some serious summer nail style.