Sandal season is fully upon us, and with your fingers and toes on full display until further notice (see you never, boots and gloves), why not show them off with some fun summer 2024 nail trends?
Seasonal nail trends are generally predictable: soft watercolors for spring, happy candy hues for summer, and muted reds, browns, and tans for fall and winter. That is, until recently; nail art has become really trendy and this year’s chicest manicures have an entirely different vibe altogether. With a fresh crop of summer nail trends from the spring-summer collections, social media, and the pros on Instagram, there is plenty of inspo to choose from. Conclusion: this year the sun is up, and the nails are extra.
Scroll through 15 of my favorite summer 2024 nail trends to copy — all of which will be sure to make your summer 2024 nail selfies (“nailfies”?) absolutely pop on your feed. From gorgeous 3d seashell nail art to fruity (or floral) works of art, here are some nail art looks that will suit every sense of style this summer. Get ready to screenshot!
This post is the latest from the Style Edit where I curate some of my favorite outfits and nail inspo. There’s truly something for everyone. If you’re new here, The Style Edit is where I talk about the next biggest fashion trends seen around the web. Make sure to subscribe for more style tips!
1. Milky Minimal Nails
Milky nails are the celeb-approved twist on a classic nude mani and the best part about this trend is that it’s super easy to do at home. This clean-girl aesthetic manicure is all about the polish color rather than nail art. This minimal look is achieved using one of two shades: translucent pink or opaque white nail polish.
To recreate this look at home, I recommend following my milky nails tutorial explaining which nail polishes you need to achieve this look. Or try any of the nail polishes linked below.
MEMEDA Milky White Gel Nail Polish
Essie Sheer Pale Pink, Ballet Slippers Nail Polish
Beetles Neutral Gel Nail Polish
2. Fine China
The perfect mani for your elevated travel outfits! This manicure will pair perfectly with your all-white assembles while jetsetting across the Mediterranean.
3. Cherry
Want a fruity mani situation to boost your mood and bring the summer vibes? You’re in luck. The cherry manicure feels equal parts nostalgic and cutesy, with a hit of whimsy. Try a cherry nail mani not just because they are cute, cheeky, cheery, and – but because by the looks of things – about to be everywhere.
4. Sea Shells
Did this mani just wash ashore?
Mermaid hair and makeup are already a thing — why not add nails to the list of under-the-sea beauty trends? Iridescence and pearls transport you to the beach which let’s face it – is where we all want to be right now
5. Minimalist Blue Flowers
While nail trends come and go, we can always count on minimalist floral manicures to remain front and center. There are so many ways you can put a spin on floral nails—you can opt for traditional daisy or sunflower designs or go for more playful and abstract floral nail art. Especially now with the boho beauty aesthetic resurging, this playful manicure pairs harmoniously with an oversized maxi skirt and matching navy blue earrings.
6. Fruity
As much as we’re tempted by a fruity cocktail as soon as the sun appears, there’s one place where fruits also belong, and that’s on our nails.
7. 3D Florals
Made from gel, acrylic, and even rhinestone glue, 3d flowers take the most classic salon design and unfurl their petals into something more hyper-realistic. One fun twist on the trend is this orchid and pearl-inspired look which is so feminine and chic.
8. Coquette Nails
The coquette nail trend isn’t going anywhere. It is, however, getting a little more interesting. Soft and whimsical colors. Pastel shades combined with pearls. Bows in different textures. We stan.
9. Tie Dye
I don’t know why, but something about tie-dye nails makes me nostalgic for summer camp. I love this 3d pastel neon manicure, it’s super original and gives all the vibes.
10. Bloom Baby Bloom
Blooming in summer? It’s only natural. Lately, major nail artists have been using bloom polish to achieve summer’s biggest nail trends: reptile skin, floral designs, and even tie dye!
11. Evil Eye
We spy evil eye nails taking over Instagram! Unlock the energy of positivity and protection from the Turkish eye nail design
12. Yellow Chrome Nails
Chrome nails are summer’s coolest trend, and this summer 2024 we’ve been seeing a lot of pastel yellow chrome manicures out and about in the big cities. Add a little sunshine to your life with a bright yellow chrome mani like this one.
13. Hibiscus Flowers
What’s the perfect manicure to go along with your Starbucks hibiscus tea? A minimal hibiscus manicure of course! Most associated with Hawaii and Polynesia, the vibrant hibiscus flower has stolen our hearts (and our summer nail real estate). This nail trend plays into the Y2K revival theme seen all over social media lately.
14. Boomer French
Boomer nails, also known as the “French fade” or “French ombré”, are a twist on the classic French manicure. Where with the classic French you have a defined white line between the natural base shade and the white tip, the baby boomer blends the two colors together, creating a gradient or ombré effect.
15. Little Lemons
Yes, we also have noticed that fruits have played a major part in today’s post but we can’t help it! Lemons, cherries, and even oranges are being seen all over manicures on socials! We love this fun and minimal lemon French nail idea for summer 2024 🙂
