23 Elegant Summer Nail Ideas: Classy, Simple, and Artistic Designs

Ekaterina Zavalko 2 weeks agoLast Updated: 17 June 2024

0 8 12 minutes read

Photo credit by: @cristea.andreea_nailtech

Are you ready to elevate your summer nail game? Whether you prefer long or short, classy or simple designs, we have got you covered with elegant summer nails ideas that will make your nails the talk of the town. In this article, we will explore a variety of stunning nail designs, each offering a unique blend of colors, accents, and artistic touches. Get ready to find out how to achieve these looks at home, complete with detailed instructions and product recommendations.

Classic Blue Ombre

For an effortlessly chic look, this blue ombre design is perfect for summer. The gradient effect from white to blue creates a serene and refreshing vibe, ideal for beach outings and summer parties.This design features a smooth transition from a soft white at the base to a vibrant blue at the tips. The subtle shimmer adds a touch of elegance, making these nails perfect for both casual and formal occasions. The long square shape enhances the gradient effect, creating a classy and refined look.

Photo credit by: @andreea.popescu.trainer

Consumables:

White nail polish (OPI Alpine Snow)
Light blue nail polish (Essie Bikini So Teeny)
Dark blue nail polish (Zoya Mallory)

Shimmer top coat (Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Shimmer)
Ombre sponge

Instructions:

Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
Paint your nails with a layer of white polish and let it dry.
Use an ombre sponge to apply the blue shades, starting with the light blue in the middle and the dark blue at the tips.

Blend the colors with the sponge for a smooth transition.
Finish with a shimmer top coat to add a subtle sparkle and seal the design.

Pastel Marble Art

This pastel marble design combines elegance with a touch of creativity, perfect for those who love art and intricate details. The mix of pastel purple and yellow with a hint of silver creates a dreamy marble effect. The colors blend seamlessly, giving the nails a delicate and sophisticated appearance. The classy yet cute design is ideal for summer weddings or garden parties.

Consumables:

Pastel purple nail polish (OPI Do You Lilac It?)
Pastel yellow nail polish (China Glaze Lemon Fizz)

Silver glitter polish (Essie Set in Stones)
Marble nail art brush
Clear top coat (Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)

Instructions:

Start with a base coat to protect your nails.
Apply a layer of pastel purple polish and let it dry.

Use a marble brush to create swirls with the pastel yellow and silver glitter polishes.
Blend the colors gently for a marbled effect.
Seal the design with a clear top coat for a glossy finish.

Bold Pink Elegance

For those who prefer a pop of color, this bold pink manicure is both simple and eye-catching. The solid pink color exudes confidence and style. The short oval shape keeps the look classy and practical for everyday wear. This vibrant shade is perfect for making a statement without going overboard.

Photo credit by: @loredanavasi.nailarhitect

Consumables:

Bold pink nail polish (OPI Strawberry Margarita)

Base coat (CND Stickey Base Coat)
Clear top coat (Essie Good To Go)

Instructions:

Apply a base coat to prevent staining and extend wear.
Paint your nails with two coats of bold pink polish, allowing each layer to dry thoroughly.
Finish with a clear top coat to enhance shine and durability.

Emerald Green Glam

This emerald green design with rhinestone accents is perfect for a classy and glamorous look. The deep green color is both rich and sophisticated, while the rhinestone accents add a touch of luxury. This design is perfect for special occasions or nights out, offering a striking yet elegant appearance.

Consumables:

Emerald green nail polish (Zoya Honor)

Rhinestones (Born Pretty Nail Art Rhinestones)
Nail glue
Clear top coat (Sally Hansen Insta-Dri)

Instructions:

Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
Paint your nails with two coats of emerald green polish and let them dry.

Use nail glue to apply rhinestones to the desired areas.
Finish with a clear top coat to secure the rhinestones and add shine.

Purple and White French Tips

This modern twist on the classic French manicure combines purple and white for a classy and unique look. The combination of matte purple and glossy white tips creates a beautiful contrast. The almond shape adds a touch of elegance, making this design perfect for both everyday wear and special occasions.

Consumables:

Matte purple nail polish (China Glaze Grape Pop)
White nail polish (OPI Alpine Snow)

French manicure guides
Clear top coat (OPI Matte Top Coat)

Instructions:

Start with a base coat to protect your nails.
Apply a layer of matte purple polish and let it dry.
Use French manicure guides to paint white tips on each nail.

Finish with a matte top coat to maintain the contrast.

Turquoise and Gold Zebra Stripes

This bold design features turquoise nails with gold zebra stripes, creating a striking and playful look. The combination of vibrant turquoise with metallic gold accents gives the nails a modern, artistic vibe, perfect for summer outings and parties. The short, rounded shape adds a touch of simplicity to this otherwise intricate design, making it both cute and elegant.

Consumables:

Turquoise nail polish (China Glaze Too Yacht to Handle)
Gold nail polish (Essie Good as Gold)
Nail art brush

Clear top coat (Sally Hansen Hard as Nails)

Instructions:

Start with a base coat to protect your nails.

Apply two coats of turquoise polish and let it dry completely.
Use a nail art brush to paint gold zebra stripes across each nail.
Finish with a clear top coat to seal the design and add shine.

Red and White Matte Leopard Print

This design blends matte red and white nails with a unique leopard print accent. The red and white combination is timeless, while the leopard print adds a trendy twist. The long, almond shape makes the nails look classy and sophisticated, perfect for making a statement at any summer event.

Photo credit by: @ioanastefan_nailtrainer

Consumables:

Red matte nail polish (OPI Big Apple Red Matte)

White matte nail polish (Essie Blanc Matte)
Leopard print nail stickers (Sally Hansen Salon Effects)
Clear top coat (Matte finish)

Instructions:

Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
Paint alternating nails with red and white matte polishes.

Apply leopard print stickers to the accent nails.
Seal with a matte top coat to maintain the finish.

Dark Maroon Gloss

For a touch of elegance, these dark maroon nails are perfect. The glossy finish gives them a sophisticated and luxurious look, suitable for both daytime and evening wear. The square shape enhances the overall appearance, making them look neat and classy.

Consumables:

Dark maroon nail polish (OPI Lincoln Park After Dark)
Base coat (Essie Here to Stay)

Clear top coat (Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)

Instructions:

Apply a base coat to prevent staining.

Paint your nails with two coats of dark maroon polish.
Finish with a clear top coat for a high-gloss shine.

Soft Pink with Floral Accent

This delicate design features soft pink nails with a floral accent, perfect for a classy and feminine look. The simple and subtle pink base is enhanced by the tiny floral details, making these nails ideal for summer weddings or garden parties.

Consumables:

Soft pink nail polish (Essie Ballet Slippers)
Floral nail decals (Kiss Gel Fantasy)

Clear top coat (OPI Top Coat)

Instructions:

Start with a base coat to protect your nails.

Apply two coats of soft pink polish.
Place the floral decals on the accent nails.
Finish with a clear top coat to secure the decals and add shine.

Minimalist Blue Line French Tips

This minimalist design features nude nails with thin blue lines, offering a modern twist on the classic French manicure. The simple lines add a touch of elegance without overwhelming the natural beauty of the nails, making them perfect for a classy and understated look.

Consumables:

Nude nail polish (OPI Bubble Bath)

Blue nail polish (Essie Butler Please)
Nail art brush
Clear top coat (Sally Hansen Insta-Dri)

Instructions:

Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
Paint your nails with a nude polish and let it dry.

Use a nail art brush to draw thin blue lines along the tips of each nail.
Finish with a clear top coat to add shine and protect the design.

Textured Elegance with Gold Accents

This design showcases a beautiful blend of textures and gold accents on a neutral base, creating a sophisticated and classy look. The use of different materials and finishes, such as the 3D texture and gold foil, adds depth and interest to the nails. The square shape keeps the design neat and elegant, perfect for formal occasions.

Consumables:

Nude base polish (OPI Samoan Sand)
Gold foil (Kiss Gold Nail Foil)

Textured polish (China Glaze Concrete Catwalk)
Clear top coat (Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)
3D nail art gel (Orly Gel FX Builder in a Bottle)

Instructions:

Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
Paint your nails with the nude base polish and let it dry.

Use the 3D gel to create textured patterns on selected nails.
Apply gold foil accents to enhance the design.
Finish with a clear top coat to seal and protect the nail art.

Hot Pink with Gold Leaf

For those who love bold colors, this hot pink manicure with gold leaf accents is a perfect choice. The matte finish of the pink polish contrasts beautifully with the shiny gold leaf, creating a striking and cute look. The short length makes it practical while still making a statement.

Consumables:

Hot pink matte polish (China Glaze Neon & On & On)

Gold leaf flakes (Sally Hansen Luxe Lace)
Clear top coat (Matte finish)

Instructions:

Start with a base coat to protect your nails.
Apply two coats of the hot pink polish and let it dry.
Carefully place the gold leaf flakes on the nails while the polish is still tacky.

Finish with a matte top coat to seal the design.

Simple Pink Gloss

This simple yet elegant pink gloss manicure is perfect for any occasion. The high-shine finish and classy pink color create a timeless look that never goes out of style. The long square shape adds a touch of sophistication, making these nails versatile and chic.

Consumables:

Light pink polish (Essie Fiji)
Base coat (CND Stickey Base Coat)
Clear top coat (Essie Good To Go)

Instructions:

Apply a base coat to prevent staining.
Paint your nails with two coats of the light pink polish.

Finish with a clear top coat for a glossy shine.

Nude and White Waves

This design features nude nails with white wavy lines, offering a modern and artistic twist on classic nail art. The long length and classy color combination make this design perfect for summer. The white waves add a playful yet elegant touch, making these nails suitable for both casual and formal events.

Consumables:

Nude base polish (OPI Tiramisu for Two)
White nail polish (China Glaze White on White)
Nail art brush

Clear top coat (Sally Hansen Hard as Nails)

Instructions:

Apply a base coat to protect your nails.

Paint your nails with the nude base polish and let it dry.
Use a nail art brush to create wavy lines with the white polish.
Finish with a clear top coat to seal and protect the design.

Glittery French Tips

This glamorous design combines white nails with glittery French tips, creating a dazzling and classy look. The almond shape enhances the elegance of the design, making it perfect for special occasions or a night out. The glitter adds a touch of sparkle, making these nails stand out beautifully.

Consumables:

White nail polish (Essie Marshmallow)

Silver glitter polish (OPI In My Santa Suit)
French manicure guides
Clear top coat (Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)

Instructions:

Start with a base coat to protect your nails.
Paint your nails with the white polish and let it dry.
Use French manicure guides to paint the tips with silver glitter polish.
Finish with a clear top coat to seal and add shine.

Modern Geometric Design

This modern design features a combination of matte and glossy finishes, marble effect, and metallic accents. The use of muted colors like grey and white, along with gold detailing, creates a sophisticated and elegant look. The almond shape enhances the overall aesthetic, making these nails perfect for both professional and casual settings.

Consumables:

Grey matte polish (Zoya Dove)
White matte polish (Essie Matte About You)
Marble effect polish (OPI Less is Norse)
Gold nail tape (Born Pretty Store)
Clear top coat (Matte finish)

Instructions:

Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
Paint your nails with the grey and white polishes, alternating as desired.
Use a marble effect polish for the accent nails.
Apply gold nail tape to create geometric patterns.
Finish with a matte top coat to seal the design.

Pink Confetti and Hearts

This fun and playful design features a pale pink base with silver confetti and black heart accents. The glossy finish adds a touch of elegance, making it both cute and sophisticated. The square shape is ideal for this design, providing a neat and tidy look.

Consumables:

Pale pink polish (OPI Bubble Bath)
Silver confetti polish (China Glaze Techno)
Black heart decals (Kiss Nail Art Decals)
Clear top coat (Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)

Instructions:

Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
Paint your nails with two coats of pale pink polish.
Apply the silver confetti polish for a sparkling effect.
Place the black heart decals on the desired nails.
Finish with a clear top coat to seal the design and add shine.

Lemon Zest

This refreshing design features white nails with lemon-themed accents, creating a vibrant and summery look. The long square shape provides a perfect canvas for the detailed lemon art, making these nails stand out beautifully.

Consumables:

White polish (Essie Blanc)
Lemon nail art stickers (Sally Hansen Salon Effects)
Clear top coat (OPI Top Coat)

Instructions:

Start with a base coat to protect your nails.
Paint your nails with two coats of white polish.
Apply the lemon nail art stickers to the accent nails.
Finish with a clear top coat to seal the design and add shine.

Tropical Sunset Gradient

This gradient design captures the essence of a tropical sunset with its blend of pink, blue, and purple hues. The palm leaf detailing adds a touch of tropical flair, making these nails perfect for summer vacations. The almond shape adds elegance to the playful design.

Consumables:

Gradient polishes (OPI Do You Lilac It?, Essie Bikini So Teeny, China Glaze Flip Flop Fantasy)
Palm leaf nail decals (Born Pretty Store)
Clear top coat (Sally Hansen Hard as Nails)

Instructions:

Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
Use a sponge to apply the gradient polishes, blending pink, blue, and purple.
Apply the palm leaf nail decals to the accent nails.
Finish with a clear top coat to seal the design.

Neon Watercolor

This design features a neon watercolor effect with vibrant shades of pink and orange, creating a striking and artistic look. The glossy finish enhances the bright colors, making these nails perfect for summer festivals and events. The short oval shape adds a touch of practicality to this bold design.

Consumables:

Neon pink polish (China Glaze Shocking Pink)
Neon orange polish (Essie Tart Deco)
Clear top coat (Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)

Instructions:

Start with a base coat to protect your nails.
Apply a white base polish to make the neon colors pop.
Use a nail art brush to create the watercolor effect with neon pink and orange polishes.
Finish with a clear top coat to add shine and protect the design.

Silver Snake Embellishment

This intricate design features a silver snake embellishment that wraps around a nude and white gradient base. The detailed texture of the snake creates a striking contrast against the smooth, glossy background, adding a unique and classy touch to the nails. The short almond shape makes this design both elegant and practical.

Consumables:

Nude base polish (Essie Ballet Slippers)
White polish (OPI Alpine Snow)
Silver snake embellishment (Born Pretty Store)
Clear top coat (Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)

Instructions:

Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
Paint a gradient base using the nude and white polishes.
Carefully place the silver snake embellishment on the accent nails.
Finish with a clear top coat to seal the design and add shine.

Iridescent Pink Chrome

This mesmerizing design features iridescent pink chrome nails that catch the light beautifully. The shifting colors and glossy finish make these nails perfect for a sophisticated and elegant look. The square shape enhances the futuristic feel of the chrome effect, making them ideal for special occasions.

Consumables:

Iridescent pink chrome powder (Born Pretty Store)
Black base polish (OPI Black Onyx)
Clear top coat (Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Top Coat)

Instructions:

Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
Paint your nails with a black base polish and let it dry.
Rub the iridescent pink chrome powder onto the nails using a sponge applicator.
Finish with a clear top coat to seal the chrome effect and add shine.

Mint Green Metallic

This sleek design features mint green metallic nails with a smooth, glossy finish. The subtle shimmer and long almond shape give these nails a refined and classy look, perfect for adding a pop of color to your summer outfits. The simplicity of the design makes it versatile and elegant.