21 Must-Try Summer Nail Trends for 2024: From Simple Elegance to Bold Acrylics

Are you ready to dive into the world of pretty summer nails 2024? Whether you’re lounging by the pool or dressing up for a summer night out, the perfect manicure can elevate your style. But what designs are trending? How can you achieve these looks at home? This article unveils the top trends for pretty summer nails, complete with expert tips, DIY instructions, and essential consumables to create these fabulous looks yourself.

Summer Sparkle and Shine

This manicure is a dazzling representation of pretty summer nail colors for dark skin, featuring a blend of dark hues and sparkling accents that make a bold statement. The glittery finish on the geometric patterns adds depth and intrigue, perfect for summer evenings.

Consumables:

• Base Coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
• Black Polish: Essie Licorice
• Glitter Polish: Sally Hansen Big Glitter Top Coat in Gold
• Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
• Detailing Brush

DIY Instructions:

1. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
2. Paint your nails with two coats of black polish.
3. Once dry, use a detailing brush to add geometric designs with gold glitter polish.
4. Seal the design with a top coat for a glossy finish and durability.

Elegant Summer Contrasts

This nail design screams summer with its striking contrast between the deep black tips and the soft peachy nude base. The gold flakes perfectly encapsulate the pretty summer nails simple yet elegant aesthetic, ideal for a sophisticated beach day or a casual brunch.

Consumables:

• Peach Polish: CND Vinylux in Uncovered
• Black Polish: Essie Licorice
• Gold Leaf Flakes: Luxe Nail Gold Leaf
• Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

DIY Instructions:

1. Start with a clean, prepped nail with a base coat.
2. Apply two coats of peach polish.
3. Once dry, apply black polish to the tips, creating a sharp contrast.
4. Add gold leaf flakes to the boundary for a luxe touch.
5. Finish with a high-gloss top coat to seal and shine.

Modern French Twist

This updated take on the classic French manicure uses sharp, angular lines to give a modern twist to pretty summer nails short. The black and white color scheme makes it versatile and chic, perfect for both daytime activities and evening events.

Consumables:

• White Polish: Essie Blanc
• Black Striping Tape
• Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

DIY Instructions:

1. Apply a base coat to protect your natural nails.
2. Paint your nails with two coats of white polish.
3. Once dry, apply black striping tape to create defined, angular lines.
4. Finish with a top coat to ensure your design lasts throughout all your summer adventures.

Tropical Vibes

This vibrant manicure is all about embracing the summer spirit with its lively palette of yellows, oranges, and greens. The playful smiley face and abstract patterns make it a pretty summer nail idea for those who love a touch of whimsy in their style.

Consumables:

• Yellow Polish: Zoya Pippa
• Orange Polish: Essie Meet Me At Sunset
• Green Polish: OPI Green-wich Village
• Detailing Brushes
• Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

DIY Instructions:

1. Begin with a base coat to protect your nails.
2. Apply the yellow, orange, and green polishes in blocks or stripes.
3. Use a fine brush to add playful designs like the smiley face.
4. Seal everything with a top coat to enhance the vibrancy and longevity of the polish.

Elegant Floral and Gold

This manicure combines deep black and nude tones, adorned with gold flakes and subtle floral designs, perfectly embodying the essence of pretty summer nails simple and elegant. It’s suitable for both day-to-day elegance and special summer nights out.

Consumables:

• Nude Polish: OPI Samoan Sand
• Black Polish: China Glaze Liquid Leather
• Gold Flake Top Coat: Ciate London Gilded
• Detailing Brushes
• Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

DIY Instructions:

1. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
2. Paint your nails with a nude polish as the base.
3. Use black polish to create asymmetrical designs and add floral motifs.
4. Apply gold flakes carefully where desired.
5. Finish with a top coat for a seamless and shiny finish.

Dreamy Oceanic Blue

This manicure captures the beauty of the ocean with its dreamy blue swirls and glittering accents, making it a stunning choice for pretty summer nails. It’s perfect for anyone wanting to carry the tranquility of the sea wherever they go.

Consumables:

• Pink Polish: Essie Muchi, Muchi
• Blue Polish: Sally Hansen Pacific Blue
• Glitter Polish: OPI Alpine Snow
• Detailing Brushes
• Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

DIY Instructions:

1. Start with a base coat.
2. Apply a soft pink polish as the base.
3. Use blue polish to create watercolor effects.
4. Add small dots of glitter polish for a sparkling touch.
5. Finish with a top coat to ensure durability and gloss.

Serene Blue and White

Featuring a serene combination of blue and white, this manicure is ideal for those who prefer pretty summer nails almond shape with a calming, minimalist aesthetic. The delicate white floral designs add a subtle touch of sophistication.

Consumables:

• White Polish: Essie Blanc
• Blue Polish: OPI No Room For The Blues
• Detailing Brushes
• Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

DIY Instructions:

1. Apply a base coat to prevent staining.
2. Paint alternate nails in blue and white.
3. Use a fine brush to draw delicate floral patterns on the white base.
4. Seal the design with a top coat for a smooth, lasting finish.

Whimsical Gray Clouds

This unique manicure draws inspiration from cloudy skies, showcasing a soft gray base with white speckled details that evoke the appearance of clouds. This design is perfect for those who prefer a pretty summer nails simple yet captivating look, ideal for serene summer days.

Consumables:

• Gray Polish: Essie Petal Pushers
• White Polish: OPI Alpine Snow
• Dotting Tool
• Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

DIY Instructions:

1. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
2. Paint your nails with two coats of gray polish.
3. Use a dotting tool with white polish to create cloud-like speckles.
4. Finish with a top coat to protect and add shine to your cloudy design.

Elegant Marble Art

These nails feature an elegant marble effect, combining shades of white and gray to mimic natural marble. Accented with delicate metallic lines, this manicure is a stunning choice for pretty summer nails designs, perfect for upscale events or an everyday sophisticated look.

Consumables:

• White Polish: Essie Blanc
• Gray Polish: China Glaze Recycle
• Silver Striping Tape
• Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

DIY Instructions:

1. Start with a base coat.
2. Apply a white base coat.
3. Drop gray polish onto the wet base and swirl with a detail brush to create a marble effect.
4. Apply silver striping tape for a chic metallic accent.
5. Seal with a top coat for durability and shine.

Floral Whisper

This nail design celebrates the beauty of nature with its delicate floral patterns over a clear base. The subtle pink and green hues make it a quintessential choice for pretty summer nails, perfect for garden parties or picnics in the park.

Consumables:

• Clear Polish: OPI Clear
• Pink and Green Acrylic Paint
• Detailing Brushes
• Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

DIY Instructions:

1. Apply a clear polish as a base.
2. Use pink and green acrylic paints to add floral designs.
3. Detail the flowers with fine brushes to ensure precision.
4. Finish with a top coat to preserve the art and add a glossy look.

Playful Pastel Panda

These nails are a playful take on pretty summer nails designs, featuring a soft pastel background with a charming panda face design. This look is particularly suitable for those who enjoy whimsical and fun nail art.

Consumables:

• Pastel Pink Polish: Essie Fiji
• Black and White Acrylic Paint
• Detailing Brushes
• Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

DIY Instructions:

1. Apply a base coat.
2. Paint the nails with a pastel pink polish.
3. Use black and white acrylic paints to create the panda face on one or two accent nails.
4. Seal the design with a top coat for protection and shine.

Vibrant Geometric Splendor

This bold design features a striking combination of vibrant yellow and contrasting white and black geometric patterns, making it an eye-catching choice for pretty summer nails designs. The inclusion of small gems adds a touch of luxury and sophistication.

Consumables:

• Yellow Polish: OPI Exotic Birds Do Not Tweet
• White Polish: Essie Blanc
• Black Polish: China Glaze Liquid Leather
• Small Rhinestones
• Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

DIY Instructions:

1. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
2. Paint the base with vibrant yellow polish.
3. Use tape to help create sharp geometric designs with white and black polish.
4. Adorn with rhinestones at the intersection points for a dazzling effect.
5. Seal with a top coat for durability and a high-gloss finish.

Abstract Smoke Art

This manicure features a unique smoke effect in muted tones, creating an abstract art look that is both mysterious and elegant. This design is perfect for those who appreciate pretty summer nails acrylic with a touch of artistic flair.

Consumables:

• Nude Polish: OPI Bubble Bath
• Black Watercolor Paint
• Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
• Detailing Brushes

DIY Instructions:

1. Start with a base coat.
2. Apply a nude polish as the base.
3. Use black watercolor paint to add smoke effects, using a detailing brush to softly blend the edges.
4. Finish with a top coat to set the design and add shine.

Deep Sea Exploration

Inspired by the ocean depths, this manicure uses shades of blue and clear encapsulations to create a sense of underwater mystery. The addition of small flakes represents the shimmering surface of water, ideal for pretty summer nails that tell a story.

• Clear Gel Polish
• Blue Acrylic Paint
• Silver Leaf Flakes
• Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

DIY Instructions:

1. Apply a clear gel polish as the base.
2. Swirl in blue acrylic paint for a water-like effect.
3. Embed small silver leaf flakes to mimic the reflection of light in water.
4. Cure under a UV lamp and seal with a top coat for a glossy, durable finish.

Elegant Floral White

This chic and simple design features a crisp white base with delicate red floral accents, making it a perfect choice for pretty summer nails simple yet elegant. It’s a versatile look that’s suitable for both casual outings and more formal events.

Consumables:

• White Polish: Essie Marshmallow
• Red Acrylic Paint
• Detailing Brushes
• Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

DIY Instructions:

1. Apply a base coat.
2. Paint nails with two coats of white polish.
3. Use a fine brush to paint small red flowers.
4. Seal the design with a top coat to enhance durability and shine.

Starlit Simplicity

This charming design features a pastel yellow and white base with delicate golden star accents, capturing the essence of a starry summer night. It’s a perfect blend of simplicity and whimsy for pretty summer nails short.

Consumables:

• Pastel Yellow Polish: Essie Aim to Misbehave
• White Polish: OPI Alpine Snow
• Gold Star Decals
• Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

DIY Instructions:

1. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
2. Alternate nails with pastel yellow and white polish as the base.
3. While the base is still tacky, carefully place gold star decals.
4. Seal the design with a top coat for a smooth, lasting finish.

Glittering Coffee Delight

This sophisticated nail art uses a translucent coffee-colored base sprinkled with gold and copper glitter, creating a sparkling effect reminiscent of pretty summer nail colors. It’s ideal for those who prefer a subtle yet glamorous look.

Consumables:

• Translucent Coffee Polish: OPI Be There in a Prosecco
• Gold and Copper Glitter
• Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

DIY Instructions:

1. Start with a base coat to protect your nails.
2. Apply two coats of translucent coffee polish.
3. Sprinkle gold and copper glitter while the polish is still wet.
4. Finish with a top coat to seal in the glitter and enhance the shine.

Ethereal White Waves

Elevating the classic French manicure, this design introduces textured white waves accented with gold touches and tiny beads, making it a luxurious choice for pretty summer nails almond.

Consumables:

• White Textured Polish: Sally Hansen Sugar Coat
• Gold Paint
• Micro Beads
• Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

DIY Instructions:

1. Apply a clear base coat.
2. Use white textured polish to create wavy designs on the tips.
3. Add details with gold paint and place micro beads for an embellished look.
4. Seal with a top coat to ensure durability and a flawless finish.

Sophisticated Swirls

This nail design features sophisticated white and black swirls with rhinestone embellishments, providing an elegant and dramatic flair suitable for pretty summer nails designs.

Consumables:

• White Polish: Essie Blanc
• Black Polish: China Glaze Liquid Leather
• Rhinestones
• Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

DIY Instructions:

1. Apply a base coat.
2. Paint the nails white.
3. Use a fine brush to add black swirls.
4. Embellish with rhinestones for a touch of luxury.
5. Finish with a top coat for a professional, glossy look.

Zebra Couture

This nail design offers a bold and artistic take on the classic zebra print, incorporating shimmering gold stripes over a black and pink marbled base. It’s a glamorous choice for pretty summer nails designs, perfect for making a statement at any summer soiree.

Consumables:

• Pink Polish: Essie Muchi, Muchi
• Black Polish: China Glaze Liquid Leather
• Gold Striping Tape
• Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

DIY Instructions:

1. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
2. Paint the base with alternating pink and black polish, blending slightly for a marbled effect.
3. Once dry, apply gold striping tape to create zebra stripes.
4. Seal the design with a top coat for a smooth and glossy finish.

Heartfelt Simplicity

Embracing minimalism, this design uses a sheer white base with delicate heart accents and subtle gold flecks, embodying pretty summer nails simple and elegant. It’s perfect for those who love a touch of romance in their manicure.

Consumables:

• Sheer White Polish: OPI Don’t Touch My Tutu!
• Black Heart Decals
• Gold Leaf
• Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

DIY Instructions:

1. Start with a base coat to protect your nails.
2. Apply two coats of sheer white polish for a clean look.
3. Place black heart decals on the nail, adding small pieces of gold leaf for a bit of sparkle.
4. Finish with a top coat to seal in the design and add shine.