End of Summer Nails: Trendy Ideas to Close Out the Season

As the warm days of summer slowly fade away, it’s time to give your nails one last hurrah before we transition into fall. The end of summer is the perfect opportunity to experiment with vibrant colors, playful designs, and chic nail art. Let’s explore some fabulous end of summer nails ideas that will keep your manicure looking fresh and trendy.

Classic White and Gold Stripe

A timeless design that’s perfect for any occasion, this white and gold stripe manicure is both elegant and simple. The white base is clean and sophisticated, while the gold stripe adds a touch of glamour.

Consumables:

• • White nail polish (e.g., OPI Alpine Snow)
  • Gold striping tape (e.g., Striping Tape from Born Pretty)
  • Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)

DIY Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
   2. Paint your nails with two coats of white nail polish.
   3. Once dry, carefully apply the gold striping tape horizontally across each nail.
   4. Seal the design with a top coat to ensure longevity.

Subtle Ombre Elegance

This delicate ombre manicure transitions from a soft pink to a creamy white, creating a dreamy and elegant look. It’s perfect for those who prefer a more subtle yet chic style.

Consumables:

• • Pink nail polish (e.g., Essie Ballet Slippers)
  • White nail polish (e.g., OPI Funny Bunny)
  • Sponge for ombre effect (e.g., Winstonia Nail Art Sponge)
  • Top coat (e.g., Essie Gel Couture Top Coat)

DIY Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
   2. Paint a thin layer of pink polish as the base.
   3. On a makeup sponge, apply both pink and white polish next to each other and dab onto the nails to create the ombre effect.
   4. Repeat until you achieve the desired gradient.
   5. Finish with a top coat to smooth out the gradient and add shine.

Vibrant Summer Swirls

This design is all about fun and color. With a mix of vibrant hues and playful swirls, these nails are sure to catch everyone’s attention. Ideal for those looking to make a statement with their end of summer nails.

Consumables:

• • Nude base polish (e.g., Essie Mademoiselle)
  • Various colored polishes (e.g., Essie in shades: Tart Deco, Play Date, and Mod Square)
  • Nail art brushes (e.g., Beetles Nail Art Brushes)
  • Top coat (e.g., Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Top Coat)

DIY Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
   2. Paint your nails with the nude base polish.
   3. Using nail art brushes, create swirls with the various colored polishes.
   4. Let it dry and finish with a top coat to seal the design.

Elegant Daisy Accent

This charming design features a soft lavender base with an intricate daisy accent on the thumb. The matte finish adds a sophisticated touch, making it perfect for those who love a subtle yet detailed look.

Consumables:

• • Lavender matte nail polish (e.g., Zoya in the shade “Violet”)
  • White and yellow nail polish for the daisy (e.g., OPI Alpine Snow and Sun, Sea, and Sand in My Pants)
  • Nail art brush (e.g., Beetles Nail Art Brushes)
  • Matte top coat (e.g., OPI Matte Top Coat)

DIY Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
   2. Paint all your nails with two coats of lavender matte polish.
   3. Using a nail art brush, create the daisy on the thumb by drawing white petals and a yellow center.
   4. Seal the design with a matte top coat to ensure it lasts.

Luxurious Mint and Gold

A stunning combination of mint green and gold accents makes this manicure truly eye-catching. The marble effect and gold leaf details give it a luxurious feel, perfect for making a statement as summer ends.

Consumables:

• • Mint green nail polish (e.g., Essie Mint Candy Apple)
  • Gold leaf foil (e.g., G Foil Nail Art Flakes)
  • Clear base and top coat (e.g., Sally Hansen Hard as Nails)
  • Nail art striping tape (e.g., Born Pretty Striping Tape)

DIY Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a clear base coat to protect your nails.
   2. Paint your nails with two coats of mint green polish.
   3. Use gold leaf foil to add accents to each nail.
   4. Apply striping tape and additional gold details as desired.
   5. Finish with a top coat to secure the design.

Modern Geometric Matte

This design features a sleek matte finish with a modern geometric pattern. The combination of black and orange with white dot accents creates a bold and stylish look that is perfect for the end of summer.

Consumables:

• • Black matte nail polish (e.g., Essie Matte About You)
  • Orange nail polish (e.g., OPI A Good Man-Darin is Hard to Find)
  • White nail polish for dots (e.g., Essie Blanc)
  • Nail art brush (e.g., Beetles Nail Art Brushes)

DIY Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
   2. Paint your nails with black matte polish, leaving one accent nail for orange polish.
   3. Using a nail art brush, create the geometric pattern with white dots and lines.
   4. Finish with a matte top coat to keep the design sleek.

Delicate Floral Art

A soft pink base with delicate orange floral accents makes this design perfect for those who prefer a more understated look. The subtle flowers add a touch of elegance and are perfect for a chic end-of-summer manicure.

Consumables:

• • Soft pink nail polish (e.g., Essie Ballet Slippers)
  • Orange nail polish for flowers (e.g., OPI Hot & Spicy)
  • Black nail polish for detailing (e.g., OPI Black Onyx)
  • Nail art brush (e.g., Beetles Nail Art Brushes)

DIY Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
   2. Paint your nails with two coats of soft pink polish.
   3. Using a nail art brush, create delicate orange flowers on a few nails and add black detailing.
   4. Seal the design with a top coat to ensure it lasts.

Futuristic Geometric Design

This cutting-edge design features a bold geometric pattern with a modern matte finish. The contrast between the black and the nude base, outlined with silver, creates a striking and unique look.

Consumables:

• • Nude base nail polish (e.g., Essie Topless & Barefoot)
  • Black matte nail polish (e.g., Zoya Willa Matte)
  • Silver striping tape (e.g., Born Pretty Silver Striping Tape)
  • Top coat (e.g., Essie Matte About You Top Coat)

DIY Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
   2. Paint your nails with the nude base polish.
   3. Create the geometric pattern with black matte polish, leaving spaces for the nude base to show through.
   4. Outline the black shapes with silver striping tape.
   5. Finish with a matte top coat to keep the design sleek and modern.

Whimsical Floral Art

This charming design combines a soft yellow base with delicate black floral art. The minimalist style is perfect for a cute and simple end-of-summer look.

Consumables:

• • Yellow nail polish (e.g., Sally Hansen Mellow Yellow)
  • Black nail polish for floral art (e.g., OPI Black Onyx)
  • Nail art brush or stamping kit (e.g., Pueen Nail Art Stamping Kit)
  • Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)

DIY Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
   2. Paint your nails with two coats of yellow polish.
   3. Use a nail art brush or stamping kit to create the delicate black floral designs.
   4. Seal the design with a top coat to ensure it lasts.

Vibrant Blue and Marble Mix

A striking combination of vibrant blue and marbled accents, this design is perfect for making a bold statement. The mix of matte and glossy finishes adds depth and interest to the manicure.

Consumables:

• • Vibrant blue nail polish (e.g., Essie Butler Please)
  • White and blue marble nail polish (e.g., Sally Hansen Marbleized Nail Polish)
  • Clear base and top coat (e.g., Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Top Coat)

DIY Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
   2. Paint some nails with the vibrant blue polish and others with the white and blue marble polish.
   3. Use a thin brush to add any additional marble effects as desired.
   4. Finish with a top coat to add shine and protection.

Elegant Purple Marble

This design features a sophisticated purple marble effect, perfect for those who want a touch of elegance in their end-of-summer nails. The glossy finish enhances the marble effect, making it truly stand out.

Consumables:

• • Purple nail polish (e.g., OPI Do You Lilac It?)
  • White and darker purple polish for marble effect (e.g., Essie Blanc and Zoya Monica)
  • Nail art brush (e.g., Beetles Nail Art Brushes)
  • Top coat (e.g., Essie Gel Couture Top Coat)

DIY Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
   2. Paint your nails with two coats of purple polish.
   3. Use a nail art brush to create the marble effect with white and darker purple polish.
   4. Finish with a top coat to enhance the marble design and add shine.

Bold Green Graphic

This striking design features a bold green base with a unique graphic accent. The use of vivid green paired with black and white graphic details creates a modern, eye-catching look that stands out.

Consumables:

• • Green nail polish (e.g., OPI Greenwich Village)
  • Black and white nail polish for graphics (e.g., Essie Blanc and Licorice)
  • Nail art brushes (e.g., Beetles Nail Art Brushes)
  • Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)

DIY Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
   2. Paint your nails with two coats of green polish.
   3. Use nail art brushes to create the graphic design with black and white polish.
   4. Seal the design with a top coat for a glossy finish.

Soft Yellow and Black Floral

This design combines a soft yellow base with delicate black floral accents. The matte finish adds a touch of sophistication, making it perfect for a subtle yet stylish end-of-summer look.

Consumables:

• • Soft yellow nail polish (e.g., Essie Chillato)
  • Black nail polish for floral art (e.g., OPI Black Onyx)
  • Nail art brush or stamping kit (e.g., Pueen Nail Art Stamping Kit)
  • Matte top coat (e.g., OPI Matte Top Coat)

DIY Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
   2. Paint your nails with two coats of soft yellow polish.
   3. Use a nail art brush or stamping kit to create delicate black floral designs.
   4. Finish with a matte top coat to enhance the look.

Golden Hearts on Nude

A chic and minimalist design, this manicure features a nude base with gold accents and tiny black hearts. The combination of gold and nude creates a sophisticated look that is both elegant and trendy.

Consumables:

• • Nude nail polish (e.g., Essie Topless & Barefoot)
  • Gold nail polish (e.g., Sally Hansen Color Foil in Liquid Gold)
  • Black nail polish for hearts (e.g., OPI Black Onyx)
  • Nail art brush (e.g., Beetles Nail Art Brushes)
  • Top coat (e.g., Essie Gel Couture Top Coat)

DIY Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
   2. Paint your nails with two coats of nude polish.
   3. Apply gold polish to the tips and create small black hearts using a nail art brush.
   4. Seal the design with a top coat for a glossy finish.

Pink Leopard Accent

This design features a soft pink base with a bold white leopard print accent. The combination of pastel pink and the daring leopard pattern creates a playful and stylish end-of-summer look.

Consumables:

• • Soft pink nail polish (e.g., Essie Fiji)
  • White nail polish for leopard print (e.g., OPI Alpine Snow)
  • Nail art brush (e.g., Beetles Nail Art Brushes)
  • Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)

DIY Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
   2. Paint your nails with two coats of soft pink polish.
   3. Use a nail art brush to create the leopard print pattern on the accent nail with white polish.
   4. Finish with a top coat to seal the design and add shine.

Speckled Art with Face Accent

This unique design features a speckled white base with a bold face accent nail. The monochrome palette and abstract art make it a chic choice for those looking to make a statement with their end of summer nails.

Consumables:

• • White nail polish (e.g., OPI Alpine Snow)
  • Black speckled top coat (e.g., China Glaze Whirled Away)
  • Nail art brush (e.g., Beetles Nail Art Brushes)
  • Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)

DIY Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
   2. Paint your nails with two coats of white polish.
   3. Apply the black speckled top coat.
   4. Use a nail art brush to create the abstract face on the accent nail.
   5. Seal the design with a top coat for a glossy finish.

Nude with Leopard Frame

A sophisticated nude base paired with a leopard print frame, this design is perfect for adding a touch of wildness to your manicure. The combination of elegance and boldness makes it ideal for end of summer nails.

Consumables:

• • Nude nail polish (e.g., Essie Topless & Barefoot)
  • Black and gold nail polish for leopard print (e.g., OPI Black Onyx and Essie Good as Gold)
  • Nail art brush (e.g., Beetles Nail Art Brushes)
  • Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)

DIY Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
   2. Paint your nails with two coats of nude polish.
   3. Use a nail art brush to create the leopard print frame around the edges of your nails.
   4. Finish with a top coat to seal the design.

Matte Blue with Holo Accents

This design features a matte blue base with stunning holographic accents. The mix of matte and holographic elements creates a trendy and modern look, perfect for the end of summer nails.

Consumables:

• • Matte blue nail polish (e.g., Zoya Yves Matte)
  • Holographic nail foil (e.g., Born Pretty Holo Nail Foil)
  • Nail art striping tape (e.g., Born Pretty Striping Tape)
  • Top coat (e.g., Essie Matte About You Top Coat)

DIY Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
   2. Paint your nails with two coats of matte blue polish.
   3. Use holographic nail foil to create accents on one or two nails.
   4. Apply striping tape to add extra detail.
   5. Seal the design with a matte top coat.

Black and Nude Abstract

A striking combination of black and nude, this abstract design features lines and dots for a modern, minimalist look. Perfect for those who love a sophisticated yet simple end of summer nails design.

Consumables:

• • Nude nail polish (e.g., Essie Ballet Slippers)
  • Black nail polish (e.g., OPI Black Onyx)
  • Nail art brush (e.g., Beetles Nail Art Brushes)
  • Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)

DIY Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
   2. Paint your nails with two coats of nude polish.
   3. Use a nail art brush to create black abstract lines and dots on each nail.
   4. Finish with a top coat to seal the design.

Abstract Black and Silver Design

This abstract design features a soft pink base with black and silver accents. The combination of bold black shapes, delicate silver foil, and dotted patterns creates a modern and artistic look, perfect for those who love end of summer nails that stand out.

Consumables:

• • Soft pink nail polish (e.g., Essie Ballet Slippers)
  • Black nail polish (e.g., OPI Black Onyx)
  • Silver foil (e.g., Born Pretty Silver Nail Foil)
  • Nail art brush (e.g., Beetles Nail Art Brushes)
  • Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)

DIY Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
   2. Paint your nails with two coats of soft pink polish.
   3. Use black polish and a nail art brush to create abstract shapes on each nail.
   4. Apply silver foil to add a metallic touch.
   5. Create small dots with black polish for extra detail.
   6. Seal the design with a top coat for a glossy finish.

Elegant Leaf Art

This elegant design features a nude base with intricate leaf art in black, white, and gold. The delicate leaves create a sophisticated and natural look, ideal for end of summer nails that are both stylish and refined.

Consumables:

• • Nude nail polish (e.g., Essie Topless & Barefoot)
  • Black, white, and gold nail polish for leaves (e.g., OPI Black Onyx, Essie Blanc, and Sally Hansen Golden-I)
  • Nail art brush (e.g., Beetles Nail Art Brushes)
  • Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)

DIY Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
   2. Paint your nails with two coats of nude polish.
   3. Use a nail art brush to create delicate leaf designs with black, white, and gold polish.
   4. Finish with a top coat to seal the design and add shine.