With everyone’s current obsession with color analysis, it can be easy to write down summer nail polishes in the shades that are most flattering to your skin tone. But if you’re not the biggest fan of the season you’re assigned, or if you simply prefer to wear the color you want, then you’re in luck. When it comes to our manicures and pedicures, you can ignore the rules: anything goes.
After all, summer is meant for adventures. This season’s summer colors are all about experimenting and having fun with new colors and nail designs. We’re talking bright and vibrant shades like bubblegum pink, bright red, neon orange or baby blue. For minimalists and creatures of habit, there are rich creamy neutrals and classic colors that will still make your nails pop. And as an added bonus, there are some winter favorites you can stick with if you’re particularly attached to those dark shades. There really is a nail polish color for everyone.
Below are ten summer nail polish options that the pros predict will be huge as temperatures start to rise. Read on for more information.
Jelly coded
With their bright shades and sheer finish, jelly colors are some of the cutest options you can have for your manis this summer. Betina R. Goldsteincelebrity and Chanel nail artist, says you’ll want to mix some sheer shades to get that milky feel (her pick is the Chanel Le Vernis Longwear nail polish in Skieuse, DivaAnd Sundrop if you want to recreate one of her favorite sheer pink nail looks Margot Robbie at this year’s SAG Awards) and top it off with a top coat to give it an extra glossy shine.
Vintage green
Goldstein says if you’re feeling inspired by Apple TV+’s hit show Palm Royalechoose a deep olive green from the 60s. She loves the CND Vinylux nail polish in fresh green to add a pop of color to contrast a pink or orange fit. We are nice too Gucci’s 712 Melinda green or the Color Dept Kiwi Juice Nail Polish to get that vintage-inspired green nail polish.
Tomato Red
Are we preparing for a new tomato girl summer? According to the famous nail artist and founder of her eponymous nail polish brand Jin Soon ChoiThat could just be possible. “I love the warm orange-red shade with a translucent finish,” says Choi. “It’s vibrant and vibrant and captures the essence of summer like anything else.” She created exactly this look Brandon Maxwell’s Spring/Summer 2024 Collection during New York Fashion Week, using the JINSoon in Crush. We also like the Hermès Les Mains nail polish in Orange Poppy or the Blinded dry in Red Hot Chili for a very bright red with orange tint or the Addiction Tokyo The nail polish in Tokyo Vibe for a deeper shade.
Latte beige
For mani minimalists, neutral nails are your north star. Goldstein likes the Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Color Légende, which she describes as ‘latte beige’, with its rich creamy brown color that suits any look. If you want something deeper with warm undertones, we think the Olive & June Long Lasting Polish in Caramel Budino. For something cooler or more neutral, try the Dior Vernis Gel Shine Long Wear Nail Polish in 402 Cashmere or the Côte No. 122 Caramel Clay Brown nail polish.
Off-white
Another great neutral color to go for is classic white. “[It’s] perfect to rock from winter to summer as they go with everything and yet feel so minimalist yet fresh,” says the celebrity nail artist Queenie Nguyen. She recommends going to an off-white shade for something unexpected. We like this Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro in tenderness which has deep mauve undertones or the Sunday No. 48 which is warm and creamy with a pink tint.
Yellow Taxi
Fellow New Yorkers know how magical the city can be in the summer and what better way to evoke the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple than with the iconic yellow cab. Choi created this look for the Helmut Lang spring/summer 2024 collection at NYFW. “This refreshing shade adds a playful yet chic element to the catwalk and perfectly reflects today’s style,” she says. “[It] shows a keen understanding of the pulse of New York fashion and injects a burst of energy into the fashion landscape. I think it’s a bold statement.” You can get exactly this shade using the JINSoon’s Tweety or choose something similar Londontown Lakur in Mango and the Hermès Les Mains nail polish in Jaune Impérial. We also like the Habit Cosmetics nail polish in yellow that is a deep mustard shade that is super beautiful.
Fiery Orange
Bold and bright are simply the norm when it comes to warm weather. And nothing screams summer like a neon orange. Goldstein likes a fiery shade, like the Chanel Le Vernis Longwear nail polish in Incendiaire, giving you a bright red with orange undertones. You can also try it ILNP’s Orange with turbocharger to get that neon color or Essie’s for DIY something a bit more muted, but still just as daring.
Capri blue
Nguyen loves to get inspiration Pantone’s Fashion Color Trend Report Palette for all summer nail looks. There is a fresh mix of soft pastel colors and earth tones, but we especially love Capri. Aptly named, it is described as a “bright blue hue reminiscent of the azure waters of the Blue Cave.” We like it Nails Inc.’s Seabright Street Neon Light Nail Polish And Zoya is in Breezi for a very bright blue or Essie’s unusual chic And Aprés Nail in Posei Donna for that ocean-like feeling.
Silver Chrome
Who says silver shimmer is only a winter shade? Choi claims it makes for a great summer mani. “Silver chrome and silver [shimmer] give your nails a chic and modern look, especially when combined with pasted colors and vibrant shades for nail art,” she says. “[It] creates a great summer ensemble.” She recommends using something like this JINsoon Halo, which is pure silver with a glitter finish. You can also use Nail Inc.’s Wherever I May Chrome And OPI’s Go Big or Go Chome for a more shiny metallic look or Sally Hansen’s color foil to get that chrome effect.
Deep Bordeaux
While we love a classic red nail, we say go dark and romantic with a deep burgundy. Goldstein especially likes to bring this popular winter shade into the summer season and recommends pairing it when wearing neutral linens or clothes with a pop of color such as red or lilac for an unexpected contrast. She likes classical Chanel Le Vernis Longwear nail polish in Rouge Noir. But you can also try PLA’s wineiest time of year or Essie Couture has style for a dark wine-colored shade.
