40 Ultra-Cool Summer Nail Designs to Try in 2023

ummer may just be one of the best seasons for nail trends. Not only are the nail colors bright and bold, but we’re also deep into sandal season, meaning our toes can get in on the fun too. If you want to add a nail design to your summer manicure, you’ve come to the right place. We rounded up 40 of the best summer nail designs to consider for your next mani, courtesy of celebs, pro nail artists, and more.

1

Pucci Prints

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A take on Barbiecore, inspired by Margot Robbie and nail pro Tom Bachik.

2

Bright Angles

summer nails@PAINTBOXNAILS//INSTAGRAM

Baby blue (a.k.a. “blueberry milk”) nails get a jolt of summery energy with a H๏τ pink stripe.

3

Gradient French

summer nails@ESSIE//INSTAGRAM

Blending soft shades is the take on the colorful French manicure we didn’t know we were missing.

4

Sherbet Ombré

summer nails@STEPHSTONENAILS//INSTAGRAM

For those days you can’t decide between two shades.

5

Barbiecore Glitter

summer nails@TOMBACHIK//INSTAGRAM
6

Neon + Metallic

summer nails@NAILSBYZOLA//INSTAGRAM

Not even Hailey Bieber, Queen of the Glazed Donut Nail, can resist a neon green set for summer. Her nail artist Zola Ganzorigt even added veins of gold for an unexpected twist.

7

All of the Flowers

summer nails@KIMKIMNAILS//INSTAGRAM

Retro dotted flowers are super easy to create with a dotting tool, and they’re even more fun when every nail looks a little different.

8

Neon Aura

summer nails@JULIEKNAILSNYC//INSTAGRAM

As if the aura design isn’t enough, tiny gems give this trend even more eye-catching interest.

9

3-D Squiggles

summer nails@JULIEKNAILSNYC//INSTAGRAM

Neon against a negative-space backdrop always looks fresh; add 3-D design details and it’s even more fun for the season.

10

Rainbow Swirl

summer nails@HANNAHROXIT//INSTAGRAM

This is the nail polish version of that ice cream flavor you loved so much as a kid.

11

Mermaid Sparkles

summer nailsINSTAGRAM / @NAILSBYMH//INSTAGRAM

Metallic blue gives instant Ariel vibes, while added rhinestones bring out your inner kid.

12

Pink Aura

summer nails@THEESTALLION//INSTAGRAM

If you love a longer set, take inspiration from Megan Thee Stallion and try a H๏τ pink aura design on lipstick-shaped tips.

13

Grecian Goddess

summer nails@CHAUNLEGEND//INSTAGRAM

Gold and turquoise instantly call to mind the Greek isles. A matte finish lets the gold polish shine (literally).

14

Dip Dye

summer nails@NATALIEMINERVANAILS//INSTAGRAM

Addison Rae’s fuchsia nails call to mind a melting popsicle, in the best way.

15

Berry Nice

summer nails@NAILSBYDIEM//INSTAGRAM

It’s a food-mani summer, so strawberries, tomatoes, or any other juicy fruits are fair game.

16

Jade Marble

summer nails@NAILARTBYQUEENIE//INSTAGRAM

Marble is oddly easy to DIY, but gel will give it that extra shiny finish.

17

A Milky French

summer@NAILSBYMEI//INSTAGRAM

Classic French tips like Dua Lipa’s are gorgeous 365 days a year, and feels extra fresh in summer.

18

Dark Florals

summer nails@VANITYPROJECTS//INSTAGRAM

Summer may be largely ᴀssociated with lighter shades, but why not be subversive? A black base with glittery florals feels summery, without being overtly sunny.

19

Accent Petals

summer nails@TENOVERTEN//INSTAGRAM

If you don’t want to go overboard with the florals, just doing a nail or two gets the seasonal energy across.

20

Cherry on Top

summer nails@HAILEYBIEBER//INSTAGRAM

Another Bieber mani to try: A classic French with teeny-tiny cherries hidden on one nail.

21

Mermaid Scales

summer nails@TOMBACHIK//INSTAGRAM

If you need more mermaid inspo, try this shimmery look seen on Hailee Steinfeld.

22

Vintage Print

2023 summer nail trendsINSTAGRAM/ COURTESY OF @NAILSBYMEI

Nail artist to the stars Mei Kawajiri created this gorgeous vintage-inspired toile print for Parker Kit Hill.

23

Check, Mate

summer nails@MINILUXE//INSTAGRAM

Any color combo works, but a berries-and-cream pairing is fresh and seasonal.

24

Pink Glazed

summer nails@LECHATNAILS//INSTAGRAM

Glazed donut nails get the summer treatment in petal pink.

25

Coral Reef

summer nails@NAILTOPIABEAUTY//INSTAGRAM

Next time you’re having trouble choosing a color, remember this: Cheery coral and bold fuchsia are a match made in mani heaven.

26

Color Swap

summer nails@LEMINIMACARON//INSTAGRAM

On one hand, pair cream with pink wavy lines on top; on the other, swap the shades.

27

In Your Teals

summer nails@VANITYPROJECTS//INSTAGRAM

Another moodier option, a deep teal and shimmery turquoise offers an under-the-sea feel.

28

Pink Tips

summer nails@PEARNOVA//INSTAGRAM

When in doubt, a punchy colorful French is always a good option.

29

Airbrush Details

summer nails@NAILS_BY_YOKO//INSTAGRAM

No polish, no problem. Marsai Martin’s airbrush hearts and sparkles are whimsical heaven.

30

Night Sky

summer nails@OHMYNAILSNYC//INSTAGRAM

Channel the glow-in-the-dark star stickers you had as a kid with pastel stars on a neutral base.

31

Gallery Girls

summer nail iseasINSTAGRAM/ COURTESY OF @MADNAILS

Nails are your canvas, right? Different details on each nail show off your personality and are total conversation starters.

32

Float On

summer nails@AKIKONAILS_NYC//INSTAGRAM

When better to showcase the pretty insects than the season when they’re fluttering around?

33

Clear Tips

summer nails@NAOMINAILSNYC//INSTAGRAM

At first glance, this may look like a regular French. But upon further review, these nails have transparent tips that are oh-so-summery.

34

Pride 365

summer nails@BYJUANALVEAR//INSTAGRAM

The time for Pride nails doesn’t end in June. These metallic rainbow nails are worth wearing throughout the summer and beyond.

35

Colorblock Half Moons

summer nails@SAMROSENAILS//INSTAGRAM

You can create this look with two contrasting colors, or mix and match three shades like the look seen here.

36

Lemon Squeeze

summer nails@VIVIANMARIEWONG//INSTAGRAM

Canary yellow makes a nice warm-weather alternative to white for simple nail art.

37

Coquette Dreams

summer nails@VIVIANMARIEWONG//INSTAGRAM

Translucent pink gets even girlier with the addition of bows, hearts, and glitter. Lean into it!

38

Easy Swirl

summer nails@JINSOON//INSTAGRAM

For something simple yet eye-catching, use white nail polish and a skinny nail brush to paint on an abstract design.

39

’80s Shades

summer nails@JOELYOCEANNAILS//INSTAGRAM

Saturated highlighter hues that call to mind South Beach and the 1980s are especially applicable to summer. Wear them accordingly.

40

Milk Bath Nails

summer nails@NAILARTBYQUEENIE//INSTAGRAM

This soothing nail trend has been worn by the likes of Kim Kardashian, and it feels right at home alongside summery light blue polish.

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