The 7 Best Summer Nail Trends to Inspire Your Next Manicure

When the sun rises earlier and the temperatures go up, that’s our collective cue to transition from the from dark and moody shades of winter and go all-out with bright, fun colors. And this summer is all about going for the bold — when it comes to our nails, at least.

Sure, color for summer isn’t exactly groundbreaking. But the switch to the more vibrant shades of the color spectrum is a classic for a reason: They can feel more joyful and effortless than the usual deep tones, effectively matching the feel of summer.

This summer in particular, we’re seeing the usual color suspects, including sunset shades like orange and pink. Also on deck are more surprising hits, such as deep blue and soft lavender. But don’t just take our word for it. To get a comprehensive guide on what colors to be on the lookout for as the weather gets warmer, we turned to the experts. Here, what to add to your nail-polish stash.

Hot Pink

“Hot pink is always such a good summer staple,” says Nailing Hollywood artist Rachel Joseph. “It’s a happy color that compliments everyone so nicely.” This glossy iteration works well on a stiletto-shaped nail for a bold statement. Joseph likes to use shades like The Gel Bottle in Pink Lady or Orly in Beach Cruiser to create the rich, vibrant hue.

All the Orange

It’s hard to go wrong with orange, according to Joseph. It’s “a great tropical, summer-vacation color that brings out a sun-kissed glow in everyone,” she says. Pastel and coral oranges are two shades that she’s seeing at the moment, and recommends trying a color like the bright-orange Peacci nail polish in Mamsita.

White Staple

While white is always a staple, going for a classic white mani will make the skin look a bit more bronzed and get you that “vacay under the sun” vibe, says celebrity manicurist and educator Mimi D. She recommends a polish like Pear Nova’s Reflect, which creates a creamy white base.

Cobalt Blue

“Blue never misses,” says Joseph. “Whether it’s light pastel, a navy blue, or both together in a design, it’ll all look great by the water.” We especially love the depth of a deep cobalt blue for summer. Try Ella + Mila’s Bags Are Packed or Gucci 717 Marcia Cobalt for an ocean-inspired nail.

Lavender Haze

“Lightm pastel purples are a great choice when you want a playful but neutral color,” Joseph says. Try Essie’s in Go Ginza or Nails Inc. in Alter Eco for a pretty, feminine touch.

Lime Green

Hang Nguyen, artist at Nailing Hollywood and author of Nail Art Deck, is a huge fan of neons for summer, noting that green is a popular shade to try this summer. She counts on one of her favorite brands, CND, for the deep, lime-green hue of Shellac Lush Tropics.

Viva Magenta

You can always turn to the Pantone color of the year for some major inspo. This pink-purple shade shows no sign of slowing down. “Viva Magenta is a beautiful shade to make a statement in any setting,” says Nailing Hollywood artist San Sung Kim, who’s a fan of OPI Pompeii Purple; it’s a rich magenta shade that features an iridescent pearl finish for extra shine.