Want to give your nails a fun summer update with a classic look? Whether you’re heading to a beach brunch or just want to feel polished on a casual day out, classy summer nails are the perfect way to elevate your whole vibe without trying too hard. How can you merge the latest trends with an elegant feeling? What shapes, shades and designs will be the key to achieving the trendy summer style next year?
I am sharing handpicked nail styles in this guide that look great and are designed for everyday use. From minimalist lines and simple french tips to classy summer nails almond with bold color choices, each look I’ve curated is built for the modern woman who loves both aesthetics and versatility. In the book, you’ll discover ideas from real people, everything I noticed and suggestions to help you try these styles out.
We can look at this season’s perfect summer nails—since 2025 is about highlighting our style, but not drawing too much attention.
Soft Neutrals with Golden Accents
Taupe and mauve combine in these nails for a stylish effect and thin gold striping tape takes them to the next level. This style mixes smooth angles and understated design which is why it is one of my favorite summer nails in 2025. With gold added just to certain details, the entire set gains just enough character for brunch on a rooftop or a midsummer event.
To recreate this look, I lean on Essie’s “Eternal Optimist” and OPI’s “Be There in a Prosecco” for the base tones. If you’re using gold striping tape from Born Pretty, your edges will be precise and a gold dotting charm or metallic stud is perfect to finish off the accent nail. A glossy finish allows the gold to look its best.
Shaping your nails as a soft squoval helps them look more refined and ladylike. Once the neutral base colors are cured, use tweezers when sticking down striping tape for fine lines. Seal everything with a gel topcoat. You should apply tape when the surface of the vehicle is tacky, not when it’s dry.
I grab them when I want to look pulled together in a subtle way. This sensible look is also flexible and great for summer, adding just a hint of gold-effect jewelry that a minimalist would like.
Red Veins on Porcelain White
If you’re craving something bold yet editorial, this striking white set with red organic lines is your answer. There’s an artistic edge here—think fine porcelain or marbled glaze but elevated for classy summer nails. It’s clean, controlled, and undeniably powerful, sitting comfortably between simple and high fashion.
The red polish must be vivid—CND’s “Wildfire” is a reliable option—and the white base should be ultra-opaque, like “Alpine Snow” from OPI. Run a fine liner brush across the area to give your creature small vein-like streaks. Practice on foil first to get your flicks right.
Start with a crisp almond or tapered square nail. Paint the line patterns in red, by hand, once you have cured your white background. The key to getting that vein effect is to change the pressure as you work. If you add a matte layer on top, your lips will look luxurious and if you use gloss, the color contrasts will stand out.
The look of this design shouts 2025 inspiration for those who enjoy minimalism with a twist. It stands out, yet it’s easy to wear, especially for days when you want to feel like you’re at fashion week or the city.
Delicate Buds on Soft Pink
I find it refreshing when floral designs look like flowers taken straight from a garden. On the striking pink background, these little buddleia buds with green leaves make stylish summer nails simple pink with a tint of 3D texture from the flower layers.
You’ll want a soft neutral pink base—Zoya’s “Dot” works wonders here—and a lime-green art gel for the leaves. Dotting tools or a micro detailing brush can both be used to make the florals. Take a round makeup brush and load it with white gel polish. Build the shade up in many layers while making petal strokes.
The secret to this style is moving slowly and mastering your brush work. Paint your base pink and cure. After that, use green gel to outline the leaves and the thin-tipped brush to color in the buds. The top layer of glossy glaze will keep your art from smudging.
Even cafe patrons in line comment on how nice this jewellery is when I put it on. The music is both heartfelt, sensible and not overly interesting. Think garden parties, Sunday strolls, or lazy lavender-scented afternoons.
Geometric Noir Meets Blush Harmony
I picked this one for anyone who loves the trendy minimalist look and still loves a neutral pink base. If you add simple summer nails in casual pink to bold black-and-white check patterns and gold foil, it creates a design that’s lively and very modern. While every nail stands out, all of them can interact and talk to each other.
Polishes like Essie’s “Ballet Slippers” and gel blacks from Beetles provide the color backbone. Or you can paint your nails in printed styles with floral decals or stamping tools and accent them with gold strips. It’s a perfect blend of delicate and graphic.
Alternate your base colors as needed. Stamp the flowers and use a scraper, but brush on the lines by hand with striping brushes. Chip away from the foil’s edge, apply the glue, add a cap layer to close gaps and seal everything with two coats of topcoat.
This coat often makes me think about Chanel’s runway looks mixed with Tokyo fashion. If you’re craving something simple chic elegant yet unmistakably bold, this mashup delivers every single time.
Colorblocked Chevron Play
This clever and zig-zag pattern combines pastel nudes with bold fruit tones to make it both vibrant and cute. Something about the chevron style suggests the past, yet it fits in perfectly with summer dip powder trends expected in 2025. This is the nail style I’d say sets the tone for a stylish vacation.
To get this look, I’d go with a simple blue beige like OPI’s “Samoan Sand,” a bold plum from Gelish, and a hot pink like “Strawberry Margarita.” To get the chevrons, let nail vinyls do the work or, if you prefer, use a brush and white gel polish to make them.
It’s important to be balanced, so alternate colors and don’t give each nail too many designs. Once the base colors have dried, lay vinyl templates and paint the thin lines between the chevrons. Once you’ve removed them, add another coat of paint on top to make them shine and last.
Whether I’m hanging at the pool or not, this Floral Nexus Organic Mini Bag is my top pick due to its exuberance, shape and mischievous feel without being too much. What’s more, the bright details play with the sunlight wonderfully.
Emerald Envy with Golden Accents
The style appeals to anyone who cares for unusual elegance yet not too extravagant. The glossy emerald green is beautifully paired with the soft nude, so that every look has a striking contrast. But it’s mostly the gold jewelry dots placed alongside subtle leaf outlines — a perfect mixture that keeps this manicure looking natural and summery. There’s something luxurious about how the shimmer in the detailing catches the light.
To recreate this, I’d use a rich green gel polish like OPI’s “Stay Off the Lawn!” and a creamy nude base such as “Samoan Sand.” It’s likely that the leafy parts of the figure were painted by hand with detail and then glued with golden micro studs using a wax pencil.
I recommend starting with two coats of nude and green on all the fingers. Painting the sculpture by hand should only be done after you’ve finished the green vines and, while the gold studs are still drying. You finish by spreading a clear top coat which holds the tinsel in place and brings out the salon-shine effect.
I think that the lovely color of this design adds a touch of luxury to any outfit, regardless of whether you’re wearing a dress or a romper. It’s surprisingly elegant and people regularly tell me how much they like this color combo.
Strawberry Sunrise Ombré
Sometimes simplicity delivers the loudest message. This beautiful gradient starts with blush and ends with red — a way to celebrate the summer, eating berries and having fun. I find that the faded look is soft and airy, but still strong enough to suit classy summer nail designs for the coming year.
The materials here are minimalist: a soft pink builder gel for structure and a red ombré gel polish (I like using Born Pretty’s gradient-friendly shades). A sponge or airbrush can achieve that seamless blend.
Applying nude-pink like a base before anything else worked fine for me. After that, daub the sponge tip with the red polish and dab it on from the tip down, curing after each layer. Apply a sheer jelly pink on your fingernails, then seal everything nicely with a high-gloss coat.
It makes me think I’m walking straight out of a magazine photo session. A perfectly round almond shape on summer nails gives a look that’s elegant, chic and accentuates femininity.
Champagne Sparkle for Sunset Glam
The long and taper style is perfect for those evenings in summer, when you’d rather shimmer than leave the house. Coated in a champagne-pink glitter that shifts in sunlight, this is one of those classy summer nails chrome looks that doesn’t need loud patterns to feel magical. There’s something effortless about their style, thanks to the light glow.
Tapping Pink Sand from Valentino or the shade Dolly from The GelBottle with loose iridescent glitter powders makes the nails extra special. You should apply a chrome top coat or layer jelly glitter on top to get this final level of shine.
After shaping your nails into stilettos, paint your base coat, brush some glitter on top of the tacky base and then paint on a top coat. I apply the paint with a silicone brush so I can place it wherever I like.
Sometimes when I want to feel like I’m wearing expensive clothes, I go for this style. It’s delicate and dreamy, but still bold. Perfect for summer weddings, parties on the beach or any time you dream of having a glow.
Deep Sea French Tips with Gold Dust
There’s something deeply hypnotic about this set. Aquatic-colored teal fades smoothly into a clear base, leaving golden flecks that add a shimmer of galaxy throughout your manicure. French tips get a fun spin thanks to color and sparkle, turning what’s traditionally simple into trendy.
Top your nails with a shiny teal-to-transparent gradation called Modelones “Peacock Green” and finish with a thin glitter called “Golden Hour” by DND. Creating soft transitions in your work requires a sponge or gradient brush.
When your base is set, begin brushing the color from the tip towards the center and have the darkest color at the root. Right before the final coat, dust the glitter and it will only flash in the sun with subtlety.
This design is simple but looks great from different angles — I’d wear it on beach trips or when meeting clients in business casual settings. Just the right amount of drama.
Midnight Edge in Black & Silver
Finally, something that feels sleek, mysterious, and very editorial. Covering the squared structure with silver and crisp white gives this feel an elegant summer-red-carpet touch. I’d call this your elevated neutral for 2025.
The magic lies in the detail. You’ll be using a black gel like “Black Shadow” from Gelish, silver glitter gel and a straight brush to finish that smooth white strip. Using a jelly builder base guides you to form a strong square.
Doing the glitter fade by the cuticle first and then adding the black tip and white part with precision, gives you a clean look. Give your nails a glassy look by adding a top coat of gel polish.
What is appealing to me about this design is how it unites rebellious elements with sophistication. This simple summer mani says ‘confident’ for the bold-hearted and I always feel like I’ve entered a trendy fashion photoshoot.
Black Baroque Swirls on Glossy Almonds
It’s hard to ignore how stylish and sophisticated deep black nails with silver swirls look. These give off a nice summer nails almond vibe with a hint of baroque style. The base is black and polished and the silver designs on the top make all nails look artistic. For someone who wants to look dramatic but doesn’t go all the way into goth, this one gives you the right feel—it’s mysterious and yet always elegant.
To do this, you will need a thick, strong deep-black polish like OPI’s “Black Onyx” and a polish with chrome in it. A good way to make the process easy is to use a fine-tip applicator or a stamping plate. Never leave out the high-gloss top coat because it helps keep your paint mirror-like and stop contrast from spreading.
Using this design last season helped transform my most basic outfits. It tells the world you are classy, but in a quiet way. In classy summer nails, I look for style that stands out yet is pleasant and understated.
Sky Blue with White Petal Accents
Simple in design and elegant to look at, these summer nails beautifully display the link between less-is-more and detailed design. Light blue reminds me of ideal June days and embossed white florals add texture and joyfulness to the design. The blue color isn’t harsh—it soothes the viewer, looks good for short videos and immediately makes the video feel arranged and organized. The textured daisy petals? A charming bonus.
I chose to use Essie’s “Saltwater Happy” for the base and white 3D gel paint for the white flowers. The accent nails were topped with a touch of silver glitter polish (Zoya’s “Cosmo” PixieDust works well) to add a twinkle without overpowering the softness. If velvety nails are your thing, go for a matte top coat.
When I go for a simple and cool summer outfit that still gets noticed, I grab this. I found it perfect for during the day, amusing for Sundays and a charming addition to all my nail looks this summer.
Optical Illusion: Black and White Geometry
Here you see what is possible when modern and edgy styles meet—sleek black-and-white geometric nails that look as good as runway shoes. Because of its almond shape, the logo has a sleek outline and its contrast and exact lines are likely to attract attention. There is a strong effect, despite it being a soft color. Anyone looking for a grand nail style should give this a try.
A striping brush is essential here. Using The GelBottle or Born Pretty black and white gel liners is what I like best. You’ll need patience—and a very steady hand. Clean lines are key to pulling this off. Finish off your nails by adding a clear top coat that doesn’t need to be wiped off.
Using this nail set always makes me think of summer exhibitions, simple monochrome clothes and stepping out with bold fashion statements. I wouldn’t say it’s easy, but it does look chic—and shows that we can still be surprised by summer nails.
Lavender Butterflies & Daisies
What results when soft lavender meets the minimalist style of florals? A selection of summer nails short, all about being sweet, quiet and whimsical. The hand-painted daisies and butterflies add the right amount of contrast to the soft color, so this feels like the perfect match for fans of gentle designs. The squoval shape keeps things casual, but still refined. It’s nearly impossible not to feel happy wearing this design.
You could try a lilac base by getting “Lilacism” from Essie or “Iris You Would” from Sally Hansen’s Miracle Gel line. Try to make butterflies by yourself or choose stickers; put on white nail polish for delicate, rubber-stamp florals. Keep the finish glossy for that youthful pop.
Always, this reminds me of pressed flower pictures and cute summer dresses from the past. Just because something’s classy, doesn’t mean it has to sparkle—a nice butterfly design can complete the look.
Peach & Black Outline Art
It’s perfect for a modern minimalist who likes to add a little bit of nonchalance. The base shows peach and includes cool black lines for extra depth and style. This type of line lies somewhere between what you’d call a French tip and a negative space. The rectangular design gives the look a solid structure and makes it look contemporary for 2025.
Getting these sharp shapes on the canvas takes a detail brush and attention. I applied Peach Tease by Orly and Jet Black gel from Gelish for these nails. I recommend making an outline after the base has cured to avoid bleeding. Finish the project by putting a thick layer of a transparent sealant over the sculpture.
If you prefer classy and casual summer nails, this style is definitely for you. It’s wearable but unexpected—just like the best summer outfits.
Blue Ombre Square Tips with a Confetti Accent
The blue ombre nails let you try something playful but cool-looking and they are sure to impress. The square shape gives these glasses a contemporary look and the soft change from navy blue to transparent nude looks like a fashionable reference to the sky at dusk. The highlight of this set is the nail base which is pastel blue and is topped with miniature blue confetti for a fun touch that doesn’t take away from its grace. This design easily brings a feeling of motion and lightness—ideal for poolside or rooftop drinks.
I added Ballet Slippers from Essie all over and smoothed in a blue gel ombre from Modelones with a makeup sponge. I put the confetti dots in place with a fine instrument and then topped them with Seche Vite Top Coat to get a neat, shiny finish.
This one’s a fun balance between structured and playful. I put this on for a Friday night dinner and everyone had trouble keeping their distance from the confetti pattern. It’s a lovely twist for those looking for simple chic elegant nails without being too minimal.
Retro Fire-Inspired Swirls with Matte and Gloss Contrast
Bold does not have to be wild and this manicure really proves that. Matching the matte ivory with dramatic swirls of red, orange and yellow gives these summer nails a classy and trendy look. The abstract waves almost resemble a lava lamp or flames—it’s totally nostalgic but reinvented for 2025. The combination of neutral and warm tones looks appealing in summer.
First, I painted OPI Alpine Snow since I wanted a pure, white foundation. I brushed on a little more using thin brushes and Orly “Glowstick”, China Glaze “Orange Knockout” and Essie “Forever Yummy” for the actual waves. Manicures made more interesting are created by putting a soft matte top coat over the manicure which gives them an up-to-date look but not too much contrast with the pattern beneath.
I’ve always believed art on nails should feel wearable. The design makes me picture vinyl covers and beautiful sunsets over the desert—something I think of on warm summer days at festivals.
Pop Art Lips with White Almond Tips
Anyone who wants a bit of sunshine on their nails will love the fun pop-art twist in this classy summer almond style. Bright pink lips set off against a clean white almond manicure make the centerpiece really pop. It’s bold, creative and white makes the whole outfit very classy.
I painted the teeth white using Bio Seaweed Gel and the lips using Strawberry Margarita nail polish and a tiny brush. I outlined my design with CND “Silver VIP Status” by partly dipping a dotting tool, so everything was precise.
This design always puts me in a good mood. It helps to start a chat, but in a stylish way that doesn’t look childish.
Tangerine Glow Gradient with Gold Leaf
Talk about citrusy glam! Pairing tangerine with creamy white gives you a pretty light gradient that feels like it comes from a sunny day. Gold leaf on top of a long dark nail makes a nod to summer nails, adding a touch of luxury with easy-to-wear color. The inspiration here is to have soft light and prominent features.
I applied the gradient color by sponging on peach and soft pink polishes, getting a smooth effect between the two shades. The gold foil required me to use transfer sheets that were sealed with Gelish “No Cleanse Top Coat” for a smooth and shiny finish that won’t crack.
Doing this manicure is a bit like beach days on the Amalfi Coast at sunset. Whether you’re tanning in Santorini or lounging at home, it’s a fiery yet elegant look that just works.
Blush & Gold Leaf Sparkle for Everyday Chic
Here, the summer nail collection soft pink is featured, with shiny gold star-like foil. It’s not flashy and perfectly appropriate for work, but it can still be fun for evenings outside. Its practical short, squared tips don’t stop it from bringing glamour to daily life.
I painted on Zoya “Dot” as the pink base and, when the polish was still slightly sticky, pressed the foil flakes in carefully with a silicone tool. I sealed my work with builder gel which gave the sculpture more strength and detailing.
When I don’t want something flashy, this set is one of the first I think about. It’s a reminder that sometimes, a little shimmer and a short, simple base go further than expected.
Lavender Marble Elegance in Long Coffin Form
Drama meets sophistication with this long lavender marble manicure. Mauve, milky pink and a small amount of shimmer are combined in slightly pointed coffin tips. These summer nail colors dress up a soft-glam nail look with abstract designs. Can go with a wedding, as well as for dates on a warm summer night.
I managed to get the marble look by dragging on lines of Beetles “Mauve Dust” and Born Pretty “Soft Orchid” through a translucent gel layer with a striping brush. I made the design stand out by adding a layer of Holo Taco’s Linear Holo Taco.
This one always makes me feel elevated. It seems special, royal and romantic when looking at purple in the summer of 2025. If you’re holding an event, this is sure to impress and is worth trying yourself.
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