Now that summer is finally here, it’s time to start making our warm-weather beauty plans, and of course, that includes summer nail designs. Top of the agenda? Designs and colors that lift your mood and put a smile on your face. According to Juanita Huber-Millet, founder and creative director of luxury nail salon brand Townhouse, it’s the ocean that inspires this season—think translucent bases, pearl details, shimmering chrome top coats, and subtle gold accents.

“High shine is giving way to iridescence, and softer, nature-inspired textures are replacing some of the more maximalist designs,” she says. “It’s a nod to our connection to the sea and the serenity and sense of calm it instills. This ‘blue mind theory’ is finding its way into beauty, fashion, interiors, and now nails.” So, don’t be surprised to see a blue renaissance this summer, with aquamarine, turquoise, cyan, cobalt, periwinkle, and cerulean all trending.

Beyond the ocean, there are some other summer nail design ideas we can’t get enough of—from the modern summer French to micro-citrus fruits, hazy auras, and even a rebooted cow-print effect. Here are Vogue’s picks of the best nail ideas to experiment with this summer.

Into the blue

As Huber-Millet predicted, the blue mood is here, and with it a myriad of summer nail designs to choose from. Try combining vibrant cobalt with silver and stars, or creating waves of color by pairing blue with lots of negative space. Or, go for Yves Klein-inspired design: a nude base with just a single, slightly hazy sapphire dot in the middle. Minimalist without feeling boring, it’s easy to achieve at home.

Daisy chain

Reminiscent of spending afternoons in a garden, these daisy nails are fun without feeling too young. Elongated petals, off-center placements, and a fun crosshatch base can add interest to a classic floral design.

Micro-fruit

Look no further than manicurist Alyx Lippiatt for your micro nail design inspiration. Her collection of strawberries, oranges, cherries, blueberries, and pancakes (yes, really) is ripe for a summer-themed brunch. Tiny and delicate, each one is like a piece of art that happens to be drawn on your nails instead of on a canvas somewhere. By keeping the scale small and the base ultra-neutral, the sweet little fruits can sing.

Aura nails

A trend that’s been quietly gaining traction, aura nails will have their moment in the sun again this summer. Hazy and blurred, there’s no clear demarcation between where one color stops and the next starts. Don’t assume you need to stick to the same color palette, though. Aura nails work just as well with contrasting shades as with complementary ones—the trick is to make the space where they meet as soft and diffused as possible, and to avoid harsh borders.

Pattern envy

Sure, we might be leaning more into natural elements this year, but there will always be a place for the maximalists come summer. From colorful cow-prints to organic shapes, the trick is to go big.

Champagne Chrome

We might still be invested in glazed doughnut nails, but there’s a summery twist on this Hailey Bieber classic. Champagne chrome nails are the latest way to wear this popular nail design, perfect for a clean aesthetic with an added reflective twist. Wear on short, square nails as a summer alternative to sheer, or on elegant almond-shaped nails to really show off the chrome finish.

Transparent French

A classic French manicure is a staple no matter the season, but this summer will introduce a semi-sheer spin on this timeless design. Instead of opting for a stark contrast between a soft pink base layer and bright white tips, manicurists have been creating softer, sheerer iterations with just a hint of a pale tip—often provided by the natural nail length itself. If your nails are on the shorter side, you can still achieve a similar effect by asking your tech for ultra-slim tips in a color that’s only a shade or two lighter than your base. This will give the illusion of a natural tip and look just as good.

Go green

Green is set to be big this summer. Think snaking leaves, marbled tips, or mismatched motifs. If you’re not into a vivid, verdant green, try paler mint or zesty lime hues. If you typically wear dark shades year-round, try a rich forest green. Green is also a great color if you like coordinating your fingers and toes, but don’t think they need to match; complementary shades are always a good idea.

Fombré

The fombré manicure combines the French manicure and ombré nails. “I’ve always loved an ombré manicure, but sometimes the more traditional style isn’t popular with my clients, so I created a more subtle, flattering version—the fombré,” manicurist Harriet Westmoreland previously told Vogue. It’s a design that also works on toes, again something Westmoreland has been creating for her clients. The nail artist points to milky whites, peaches, and pinks, but adds: “Remember to keep them sheer!”

Crystal couture

Crystal embellishments have been a popular choice this year, and it’s easy to see why, with each nail offering the perfect miniature canvas for adornment. It’s also one of the easiest trends to get right: just use pre-glued gems that can be stuck onto nude nails and seal them in with a top coat. Of course, in the salon, the sky’s the limit. Go wild with crystals in different shapes, sizes, and colors, and finish with an extra-glossy layer of clear polish for a final touch of dazzling shine.

Pink and Orange

Not necessarily an obvious color combination, but pink and orange together happen to be one of the most popular nail trends this summer. Try it with an ombré design, play with negative space, dots or swirls, or paint on the shades as alternating tips. Combine with a super glossy top coat to show off the colors and make them look as vibrant as possible.

Chrome 2.0

This is an unapologetically in-your-face way to do shine. Think classic chrome finishes in shimmering silvers, rainbow chromes, and soft pastel variations. For a subtler take, try adorning your tips with iridescent metal-effect edges for a look that combines several seasonal trends in one.

Rainbow tips

If a French manicure feels too basic, try a more colorful, chromatic take by adding colored tips to a pale pink base. If you prefer to keep things more uniform, then choose the same shade for your tips, and be inspired by juicy tangerines, creamy yellows, or sky blues. For a more playful take, choose two or three complementary shades (different shades of pink work well here) and alternate them across different fingers, or, for something more chaotic yet still considered, choose a rainbow spectrum. It’s not just colors that you can mix up either; fine micro tips are a subtle way to dip into the trend, or you can go big and bold with chunky French tips in an array of hues.

More fish in the sea

We often refer to our friends across the pond. This summer, we’re focused on those in the pond. Or the lake. Or the ocean. From tiny fish to scale-like patterns, uncannily realistic fish eyes, and cute starfish, take inspiration from marine life.

3D(-etails)

An easy way to add interest to otherwise simple designs is with small 3D details. For example, if you have a nail painted in a block color, transparent 3D swirls can add height and shadow. Or, with a cherry design, create the round fruit using small red crystals.

North star

If you’re looking for an attention-grabbing style but prefer non-neon colors, statement stars are a great choice. Either pair contrasting colors (like baby pink and cobalt blue), or add stars to a transparent base, leaving negative space around the design for a simple yet eye-catching effect. For extra points, go metallic with a silver or bronze star.

Blue and white

Nothing says summer more than a stint on a Greek island, scattered with white houses divided by winding cobbled streets. Actually getting to the Aegean Sea mid-week, though, is often more of a fantasy than a reality, which is where Greek-inspired blue and white nail designs come in. From the traditional evil eye to ceramic-inspired swirls, there’s a way to bring Greece to you, one nail at a time.

Lavender fields

Lavender is one of the few pastel nail colors that works all year round, but it does look especially good in summer. The bright, light color can be tailored to your style. Add a hint of iridescence for a light-catching effect, or, for a more subtle finish, choose a translucent lilac for sheer coverage. Prefer the classics? A mid-length square nail and slick of opaque lavender is always fun, too.

Polka dot French manicure

A sweet summer nail design, the polka dot French manicure has been spotted on several celebrities and tastemakers. An upgrade to the classic nail design, the polka dot French adds a touch of whimsy that just feels right for the warmer months. Color-wise, don’t feel confined to monochromatic black and white—instead, pick colors that clash or complement. Butter yellow and brown offer a vintage feel, while red spots on a creamy, milky background keep the vibe of a French manicure with a little added interest. Stick to the same color pattern across both hands, or reverse the base and spot color on each.

Chiffon nails

An unexpected celebrity favorite this summer, chiffon nails buck the maximalist trend. Ultra-minimal and gauze-like, chiffon nails emulate the delicate drape of the fabric, characterized by a slick of glossy, sheer, neutral polish. “Celebrities especially are constantly photographed in different outfits, campaigns, and at events, so a clean, sheer manicure works with everything,” A-list manicurist Michelle Class previously told Vogue. “It feels expensive, timeless, and camera-friendly.” Whichever color you pick, a chiffon manicure should be sheer enough to see the nail beneath. That could be an apricot, peach, soft pink, or cream tone.

Metallic manicures

Punchy enough to make an impact without detracting from your outfit or the jewelry you wear, metallic manicures can work with almost every nail design. Make like Ashley Graham at this year’s Met Gala and dip your entire finger in metallic polish, or, for something more understated, a skinny metallic French manicure is chic, too.

Mother-of-pearl nails

A bare nails upgrade for 2026, pearl nails have quietly taken over as the season’s prettiest design. Choose either a moonlight-inspired milky white or a rose-tinted pink. The trick is to find a shade with ultra-fine shimmer particles—this isn’t the glitter polish you remember from school.

Have a beauty or wellness trend you're curious about? We want to know! Send Vogue's senior beauty & wellness editor an email at beauty@vogue.com.