21 Elegant Summer Nails Ideas for 2024: Classy, Simple, Almond, and French Designs

As the summer of 2024 approaches, it’s time to elevate your nail game with sophisticated and stylish designs that are sure to turn heads. Whether you’re looking for a simple, classy look or something more intricate, our curated collection of elegant summer nails has got you covered. Let’s dive into the trends that will define this season’s most elegant nail designs.

Elegant Dot Gradient

Elegance in nail art is often found in simplicity, and this dot gradient design is a perfect example. The subtle transition from a nude base to a delicate arrangement of white dots creates a look that’s both sophisticated and understated. This design is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a formal event or a casual day out. The almond shape adds a touch of femininity and elongates the fingers beautifully.

Materials Needed:

• • Nude base coat (e.g., OPI’s “Be There in a Prosecco”)
  • White dotting tool or nail art pen
  • Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)

Creating This Look:

1. 1. Start with a clean, dry nail.
   2. Apply a base coat and let it dry completely.
   3. Using a dotting tool, create a gradient of white dots starting from the tip of the nail, gradually decreasing in density towards the base.
   4. Seal the design with a top coat to add shine and protect your art.

Fiery Summer Swirls

Next up, we have a vibrant swirl design that screams summer. The combination of hot pink and fiery orange in a marble pattern creates an eye-catching, dynamic look. This design is perfect for those who want to make a bold statement while keeping their nails classy and chic. The square shape complements the bold colors, giving it a modern edge.

Materials Needed:

• • Hot pink nail polish (e.g., Essie’s “Mod Square”)
  • Fiery orange nail polish (e.g., Sally Hansen’s “Crayola Melon”)
  • Nail art brush or toothpick
  • Top coat
• Creating This Look:
  1. Apply a base coat to all nails.
  2. Alternate drops of hot pink and orange polish on the nail.
  3. Use a nail art brush or toothpick to swirl the colors together while wet.
  4. Allow the polish to dry and finish with a top coat.

Timeless French Twist

A timeless look that never goes out of style, the French manicure gets a summer update with a twist. This elegant summer nails classy french design features a soft nude base with a subtle, crisp white tip. Perfect for any occasion, this look exudes sophistication and elegance.

Materials Needed:

• • Nude base coat (e.g., Essie’s “Ballet Slippers”)
  • White nail polish for tips (e.g., OPI’s “Alpine Snow”)
  • French tip guides
  • Top coat

Creating This Look:

1. 1. Start with clean, dry nails and apply a nude base coat.
   2. Once dry, use French tip guides to create a crisp, white tip.
   3. Apply white polish to the tips and remove the guides carefully.
   4. Finish with a top coat for a glossy finish.

Tropical Vibes with a Twist

The tropical vibes in this nail art are unmistakable. The matte blue base adorned with intricate black palm leaf patterns instantly transports you to a serene beach setting. This design is not just a feast for the eyes but also a testament to meticulous craftsmanship. The square shape adds a modern twist, making these nails a perfect blend of elegance and style.

Materials Needed:

• • Matte blue nail polish (e.g., Zoya’s “Blu”)
  • Black nail art pen or fine brush
  • Top coat (matte finish, e.g., OPI Matte Top Coat)

Creating This Look:

1. 1. Begin with a clean, dry nail.
   2. Apply a matte blue base coat and allow it to dry thoroughly.
   3. Using a fine brush or nail art pen, draw the palm leaf patterns starting from the base towards the tips.
   4. Finish with a matte top coat to protect your design.

Classy Leopard Print

Leopard print nails are timeless and exude a sense of bold sophistication. This design uses a nude base with black and gold accents to create a chic and elegant look that’s perfect for any occasion. The short, square shape keeps the look classy and practical, making it ideal for daily wear.

Materials Needed:

• • Nude base coat (e.g., Essie’s “Topless & Barefoot”)
  • Black and gold nail polish (e.g., Sally Hansen’s “Black Out” and “Golden-I”)
  • Dotting tool or fine brush
  • Top coat

Creating This Look:

1. 1. Apply a nude base coat and let it dry.
   2. Use a dotting tool to create irregular black spots on the nails.
   3. Add small gold accents within the black spots for a touch of glamour.
   4. Seal the design with a top coat for shine and longevity.

Artistic Blue and Black

This artistic nail design features a bold combination of blue, black, and nude with a touch of gold glitter. The intricate design elements and the square shape make this look perfect for those who want to stand out while keeping it classy. The contrast between the colors adds a modern and edgy vibe.

Materials Needed:

• • Blue nail polish (e.g., Essie’s “Butler Please”)
  • Black nail polish (e.g., OPI’s “Black Onyx”)
  • Nude base coat
  • Gold glitter polish (e.g., China Glaze’s “Golden Enchantment”)
  • Fine brush
  • Top coat
• Creating This Look:
  1. Start with a nude base coat.
  2. Apply blue and black polish in geometric shapes using a fine brush.
  3. Add gold glitter accents strategically to enhance the design.
  4. Finish with a top coat for a glossy effect.

Wild Leopard

For those who love to make a statement, this wild leopard print design on an almond shape is perfect. The combination of the pink base with bold black spots and a touch of nude creates a stunning, fierce look. This design is both elegant and adventurous, making it a standout choice for summer 2024.

Materials Needed:

• • Pink base coat (e.g., OPI’s “Pink-ing of You”)
  • Black nail polish (e.g., Essie’s “Licorice”)
  • Nude nail polish for accents
  • Fine brush or dotting tool
  • Top coat
• Creating This Look:
  1. Apply a pink base coat and let it dry.
  2. Use a fine brush to create black leopard spots.
  3. Add nude accents within the black spots to create depth.
  4. Seal with a top coat for durability and shine.

Mint Green Elegance

This stunning design features a mint green base with intricate gold and white marble patterns, creating an elegant and sophisticated look perfect for the summer. The almond shape complements the design, adding a touch of femininity and lengthening the appearance of the fingers.

Materials Needed:

• • Mint green nail polish (e.g., Essie’s “Mint Candy Apple”)
  • White nail polish
  • Gold nail art pen or foil
  • Fine brush
  • Top coat
• Creating This Look:
  1. Start with a clean, dry nail and apply a base coat.
  2. Apply mint green nail polish and let it dry.
  3. Using a fine brush, create marble patterns with white polish.
  4. Add gold accents with a nail art pen or foil.
  5. Seal the design with a top coat for a glossy finish.

Artistic Swirls

This design showcases a playful yet elegant combination of blue and yellow swirls on a nude base. The almond shape adds a sophisticated touch, making these nails perfect for any summer occasion. The fluid lines and vibrant colors give this design a dynamic and artistic feel.

Materials Needed:

• • Nude base coat (e.g., OPI’s “Put It In Neutral”)
  • Blue and yellow nail polish (e.g., Essie’s “Butler Please” and “Yellow Mellow”)
  • Fine brush
  • Top coat
• Creating This Look:
  1. Apply a nude base coat and let it dry.
  2. Using a fine brush, create swirling patterns with blue and yellow polish.
  3. Allow the design to dry completely.
  4. Finish with a top coat to protect and add shine to the design.

Floral Fantasy

This delicate design features soft pink flowers encapsulated in a clear, glossy finish. The short, square shape keeps the look classy and practical while allowing the intricate floral details to shine. This design is perfect for those who want a touch of nature on their nails.

Materials Needed:

• • Clear base coat
  • Pink and green nail polish (e.g., Essie’s “Fiji” and “Mint Candy Apple”)
  • Fine brush
  • Top coat

Creating This Look:

1. 1. Apply a clear base coat to clean, dry nails.
   2. Use a fine brush to paint small pink flowers and green leaves.
   3. Allow the design to dry completely.
   4. Seal with a top coat to add shine and protect the floral artwork.

Soft Pink Petals

This design features a soft pink base with delicate floral accents on an almond-shaped nail. The subtle yet elegant design is perfect for those who prefer a more understated look while still embracing the beauty of summer. The combination of soft pink and floral details creates a feminine and elegant appearance.

Materials Needed:

• • Soft pink nail polish (e.g., OPI’s “Bubble Bath”)
  • Clear polish for floral accents
  • Fine brush
  • Top coat
• Creating This Look:
  1. Apply a soft pink base coat to clean, dry nails.
  2. Using a fine brush, add clear floral accents for a subtle touch.
  3. Let the design dry completely.
  4. Finish with a top coat to enhance shine and protect the design.

Modern Minimalism

Embrace the elegance of minimalism with these sleek black matte nails featuring a geometric white design. The contrast between the matte black base and the crisp white lines creates a modern and sophisticated look. This design is perfect for those who love clean lines and a contemporary vibe.

Materials Needed:

• • Black matte nail polish (e.g., OPI’s “Black Onyx” with a matte top coat)
  • White nail art pen or thin brush
  • Top coat (matte finish)
• Creating This Look:
  1. Apply a base coat to clean, dry nails.
  2. Apply two coats of black polish and let them dry.
  3. Using a white nail art pen, draw geometric shapes on one or two accent nails.
  4. Seal with a matte top coat to protect the design.

Fresh and Simple

This design combines a refreshing mint green with a simple yet elegant white accent nail featuring a delicate leaf pattern. The square shape keeps the look classy and practical, while the mint green adds a pop of color perfect for summer.

Materials Needed:

• • Mint green nail polish (e.g., Essie’s “Mint Candy Apple”)
  • White nail polish
  • Fine brush or nail art pen
  • Top coat
• Creating This Look:
  1. Apply a mint green base coat to most nails.
  2. Paint one accent nail white and let it dry.
  3. Use a fine brush to paint a simple leaf design on the white accent nail.
  4. Finish with a top coat to seal and protect your design.

Elegant Moon Design

For a sophisticated and mysterious look, try these black matte nails with a negative space moon design. The matte finish and the subtle moon shape create a chic and modern aesthetic. This design is perfect for those who want a bold yet refined look.

Materials Needed:

• • Black matte nail polish (e.g., Zoya’s “Willa” with a matte top coat)
  • Clear base coat for negative space
  • Fine brush
  • Top coat (matte finish)
• Creating This Look:
  1. Apply a base coat to clean, dry nails.
  2. Use a fine brush to outline and fill in the moon shape with black polish, leaving a clear negative space.
  3. Apply a matte top coat to finish the look.

Bold and Artistic

This striking design features a combination of black, white, and gold swirls on a matte base, creating an artistic and bold look. The square shape adds structure to the design, making it perfect for those who love to make a statement with their nails.

Materials Needed:

• • Matte white nail polish (e.g., OPI’s “Alpine Snow” with a matte top coat)
  • Black and gold nail polish (e.g., Sally Hansen’s “Black Out” and “Golden-I”)
  • Fine brush
  • Top coat (matte finish)
• Creating This Look:
  1. Apply a base coat to clean, dry nails.
  2. Paint all nails matte white and let them dry.
  3. Use a fine brush to create black and gold swirls on each nail.
  4. Seal with a matte top coat to protect your design.

Abstract Art Nails

This nail design takes inspiration from abstract art, featuring a combination of muted tones and geometric shapes. Each nail presents a unique piece of art with dots, lines, and color blocks in hues of green, red, and black. The short, square shape makes this look both practical and stylish for daily wear, showcasing creativity and elegance.

Materials Needed:

• • Nude base coat (e.g., Essie’s “Topless & Barefoot”)
  • Black, green, and red nail polish
  • Fine brush or nail art pen
  • Top coat
• Creating This Look:
  1. Apply a nude base coat to clean, dry nails and let it dry completely.
  2. Using a fine brush or nail art pen, draw abstract shapes and lines on each nail.
  3. Vary the designs on each nail for a unique look.
  4. Seal the design with a top coat to protect and add shine.

Glittering French Tips

This design combines the classic French manicure with a dazzling twist. The almond-shaped nails feature clear tips adorned with glittering gold and pink foil. The blend of clear, gold, and pink creates a luxurious and festive look, perfect for summer parties or special occasions.

Materials Needed:

• • Clear base coat
  • Pink and gold glitter foil
  • Nail adhesive
  • Top coat
• Creating This Look:
  1. Apply a clear base coat and let it dry.
  2. Apply nail adhesive to the tips and carefully place the pink and gold foil.
  3. Press down gently to secure the foil and let it set.
  4. Finish with a top coat to add shine and durability.

Golden Elegance

Golden lines gracefully curve across these almond-shaped nails, creating an elegant and sophisticated look. The nude base allows the gold to stand out, making this design perfect for those who love understated luxury. This style is ideal for both everyday wear and special events, adding a touch of glamour to any outfit.

Materials Needed:

• • Nude base coat (e.g., OPI’s “Bubble Bath”)
  • Gold nail polish or nail art pen
  • Fine brush
  • Top coat
• Creating This Look:
  1. Apply a nude base coat and let it dry completely.
  2. Using a fine brush, draw curved lines with gold polish across each nail.
  3. Allow the design to dry before applying a top coat to seal and protect.

Bold and Chic

This bold nail design features a striking combination of matte white, black, and gold accents. The long, square shape adds drama, while the wavy black lines and gold foil create a chic and artistic look. This design is perfect for those who want to make a statement with their nails while keeping it classy and elegant.

Materials Needed:

• • Matte white nail polish (e.g., OPI’s “Alpine Snow” with a matte top coat)
  • Black nail polish
  • Gold foil
  • Fine brush
  • Top coat (matte finish)
• Creating This Look:
  1. Apply a matte white base coat to clean, dry nails.
  2. Use a fine brush to draw wavy black lines on each nail.
  3. Apply nail adhesive and place gold foil accents strategically.
  4. Seal with a matte top coat to protect the design and add a smooth finish.

Oceanic Marble

This beautiful design captures the essence of the ocean with its swirling blue and white marble effect. The square shape adds a modern touch, making these nails perfect for beach days or summer vacations. The marble effect creates a soothing and elegant appearance, perfect for those who love a serene, classy look.

Materials Needed:

• • Light blue nail polish (e.g., Essie’s “Bikini So Teeny”)
  • White nail polish
  • Nail art brush or toothpick
  • Top coat
• Creating This Look:
  1. Apply a light blue base coat to clean, dry nails.
  2. While the base is still wet, add drops of white polish.
  3. Use a nail art brush or toothpick to swirl the colors together to create a marble effect.
  4. Finish with a top coat to seal and protect your design.

Nude and Gold Elegance

This elegant design features a soft nude base with subtle gold accents, including a gold strip and glitter on the accent nails. The short, square shape is both practical and chic, making this design perfect for everyday wear while still being sophisticated enough for special occasions.

Materials Needed:

• • Nude nail polish (e.g., OPI’s “Bubble Bath”)
  • Gold striping tape or gold nail polish
  • Gold glitter polish
  • Top coat
• Creating This Look:
  1. Apply a nude base coat to clean, dry nails.
  2. Add gold striping tape or paint a thin gold stripe on the accent nails.
  3. Apply gold glitter polish to the tips or accent nails for added sparkle.
  4. Seal with a top coat to protect and add shine.