Summer Nail Inspiration 2024: 23 Stylish Ideas for Short, Simple, and Natural Designs

Are you ready to elevate your nail game this summer? Whether you prefer a natural look or something bold and vibrant, summer nail inspiration 2024 is all about embracing a variety of styles and colors. From classic designs to trendy new ideas, this guide will provide you with the ultimate inspiration for your next manicure. Let’s dive into some stunning nail designs that will keep your nails looking fabulous all summer long.

Gorgeous Purple Nail Design

The deep purple shade in this nail design is both sophisticated and eye-catching. The glossy finish enhances the rich color, making it perfect for those who want a simple yet elegant look. This manicure is ideal for anyone looking to add a touch of luxury to their summer style.

Consumables:

• • Purple nail polish (e.g., OPI Infinite Shine in “Grape Affair”)
  • Base coat (e.g., Essie First Base)
  • Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)

Creating This Look at Home:

1. 1. Start by applying a base coat to protect your nails.
   2. Apply two coats of the purple polish, allowing each layer to dry thoroughly.
   3. Finish with a top coat to seal and add shine.

Blue and White Abstract Design

This design combines a vibrant blue with artistic white swirls, creating a stunning almond blue look. It’s a perfect example of summer nail inspiration simple yet creative. The contrast between the colors makes it a standout choice for any occasion.

Consumables:

• • Blue nail polish (e.g., Essie Nail Polish in “Butler Please”)
  • White nail polish (e.g., Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear in “White On”)
  • Nail art brush

Creating This Look at Home:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
   2. Paint your nails with the blue polish and let it dry.
   3. Use a nail art brush to create white swirls on each nail.
   4. Seal with a top coat.

Sunset Gradient Nails

Embrace the colors of a summer sunset with this beautiful gradient nail design. The blend of pink, orange, and yellow hues creates a vibrant and natural look that’s perfect for the warm season.

Consumables:

• • Pink nail polish (e.g., OPI Nail Lacquer in “Suzi Nails New Orleans”)
  • Orange nail polish (e.g., China Glaze in “Orange Knockout”)
  • Yellow nail polish (e.g., Zoya in “Pippa”)
  • Makeup sponge

Creating This Look at Home:

1. 1. Apply a base coat.
   2. On a makeup sponge, apply stripes of pink, orange, and yellow polishes.
   3. Dab the sponge onto your nails to create the gradient effect.
   4. Finish with a top coat.

Pink Ombre with Rhinestones

For those who love a touch of glamour, this pink ombre design with rhinestones is a must-try. The soft gradient from pink to nude, combined with the sparkle of rhinestones, makes it an ideal choice for a Y2K inspired look.

Consumables:

• • Pink nail polish (e.g., Essie Nail Polish in “Ballet Slippers”)
  • Nude nail polish (e.g., OPI Nail Lacquer in “Samoan Sand”)
  • Rhinestones
  • Nail glue

Creating This Look at Home:

1. 1. Start with a base coat.
   2. Apply the pink polish at the tips and blend with the nude polish towards the cuticle.
   3. Attach rhinestones using nail glue for added sparkle.
   4. Seal with a top coat.

Neon Gradient French Tips

This eye-catching nail design features a neon gradient base with a bold black French tip, creating a modern twist on the classic French manicure. The gradient effect of yellow, green, and pink adds a vibrant and playful touch, perfect for a summer nail inspiration acrylic simple look.

Consumables:

• • Neon yellow, green, and pink nail polish (e.g., Holo Taco Pastel Neons Collection)
  • Black nail polish for tips (e.g., Essie Nail Polish in “Licorice”)
  • Base coat (e.g., OPI Natural Nail Base Coat)
  • Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)
  • Makeup sponge for gradient effect

Creating This Look at Home:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
   2. Use a makeup sponge to apply the neon gradient colors on each nail.
   3. Paint the tips of your nails with black polish for a striking contrast.
   4. Seal the design with a top coat.

Edgy Neon and Matte Black Design

This bold nail design features a striking combination of neon yellow patterns and matte black nails, creating a high-contrast, modern look. The neon patterns add a playful, vibrant touch, while the matte black nails provide a sophisticated backdrop, making this design perfect for those who love to make a statement.

Consumables:

• • Neon yellow nail polish (e.g., China Glaze in “Yellow Polka Dot Bikini”)
  • Black matte nail polish (e.g., OPI Matte Top Coat)
  • Nail vinyls for the pattern
  • Base coat (e.g., Orly Bonder)
  • Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)

Creating This Look at Home:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
   2. Paint two nails with neon yellow polish and the remaining nails with black matte polish.
   3. Use nail vinyls to create the pattern on the neon yellow nails and apply black polish over the vinyls. Remove the vinyls carefully.
   4. Finish with a top coat on the patterned nails to seal the design.

Elegant Baby Blue Manicure

This stunning baby blue manicure exudes elegance and simplicity. The soft blue color is perfect for a fresh, natural look that is both short simple and chic. This style is versatile and suitable for any occasion, adding a subtle pop of color to your summer outfits.

Consumables:

• • Baby blue nail polish (e.g., Essie Nail Polish in “Bikini So Teeny”)
  • Base coat (e.g., OPI Nail Envy)
  • Top coat (e.g., Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Anti-Chip Top Coat)

Creating This Look at Home:

1. 1. Start by applying a base coat to your nails.
   2. Apply two coats of baby blue polish, allowing each layer to dry completely.
   3. Finish with a top coat to add shine and protect the color.

Teal Matte with Gold Foil Accents

This design features a gorgeous teal matte base with striking gold foil accents, creating a luxurious and unique look. The combination of matte and metallic textures adds depth and sophistication, making it perfect for those who love a summer nail inspiration acrylic almond design.

Consumables:

• • Teal matte nail polish (e.g., Zoya Nail Polish in “Dovey”)
  • Gold foil pieces
  • Base coat (e.g., Butter London Horse Power Nail Rescue Base Coat)
  • Matte top coat (e.g., Essie Matte About You Top Coat)

Creating This Look at Home:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to your nails.
   2. Paint your nails with teal matte polish and let it dry.
   3. Carefully place gold foil accents on the desired areas while the polish is still tacky.
   4. Seal the design with a matte top coat.

Delicate Daisy Nail Art

This delicate daisy nail art design is perfect for a fresh and feminine look. The white daisies against a nude background create a soft and natural aesthetic, ideal for those who appreciate summer nail inspiration simple almond designs. This look is versatile and can complement any summer outfit.

Consumables:

• • Nude nail polish (e.g., OPI Nail Lacquer in “Dulce de Leche”)
  • White nail polish (e.g., China Glaze in “White on White”)
  • Yellow nail polish for the daisy centers (e.g., Sally Hansen Hard as Nails in “Mellow Yellow”)
  • Nail art brush
  • Dotting tool
  • Base coat (e.g., Deborah Lippmann Hard Rock Base and Top Coat)

Creating This Look at Home:

1. 1. Start with a base coat to protect your nails.
   2. Apply the nude polish as a base color and let it dry.
   3. Use a nail art brush and white polish to paint the daisy petals.
   4. Use a dotting tool to add yellow centers to the daisies.
   5. Finish with a top coat to protect your design.

Refreshing Mint and White Gradient

This refreshing mint and white gradient design is perfect for a cool, serene look. The soft gradient effect gives a dreamy and ethereal vibe, making it a beautiful choice for summer nail inspiration acrylic designs. This style is both elegant and trendy, suitable for any summer event.

Consumables:

• • Mint green nail polish (e.g., Essie Nail Polish in “Mint Candy Apple”)
  • White nail polish (e.g., Zoya Nail Polish in “Purity”)
  • Makeup sponge
  • Base coat (e.g., Revlon Quick Dry Base Coat)
  • Top coat (e.g., Essie Good to Go Top Coat)

Creating This Look at Home:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
   2. On a makeup sponge, apply stripes of mint green and white polishes.
   3. Dab the sponge onto your nails to create the gradient effect.
   4. Apply a top coat to seal and protect the design.

Fierce Leopard Print and French Tips

This fierce nail design combines classic French tips with bold leopard print accents. The contrast between the clean white tips and the wild animal print creates a striking, sophisticated look that’s perfect for anyone wanting to add some edge to their summer nails.

Consumables:

• • Nude base polish (e.g., Essie Nail Polish in “Sand Tropez”)
  • White nail polish (e.g., OPI Nail Lacquer in “Alpine Snow”)
  • Black and brown nail polish for leopard print (e.g., Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in “Black to Black” and “Pumpkin Spice”)
  • Nail art brush
  • Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)

Creating This Look at Home:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
   2. Paint your nails with the nude base polish.
   3. Create French tips with the white polish.
   4. Use a nail art brush to paint leopard spots with black and brown polish.
   5. Seal the design with a top coat.

Rainbow Leopard and Orange Nails

This playful and vibrant nail design features a rainbow leopard print paired with solid orange nails. The colorful leopard spots add a fun, trendy touch, while the bright orange nails keep the look bold and eye-catching.

Consumables:

• • Orange nail polish (e.g., Essie Nail Polish in “Tangerine Tease”)
  • Various colors for leopard print (e.g., Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in “Pink Blink,” “Race Red,” “Peppy Purple,” “Blue Away”)
  • Black nail polish for outlining (e.g., OPI Nail Lacquer in “Black Onyx”)
  • Nail art brush
  • Top coat (e.g., Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Top Coat)

Creating This Look at Home:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to your nails.
   2. Paint two nails with the solid orange polish.
   3. Paint the other nails with a light base color.
   4. Use different colored polishes to create leopard spots and outline them with black polish using a nail art brush.
   5. Seal with a top coat.

Pastel Blue and Polka Dot Accent

This charming pastel blue design with a polka dot accent nail is perfect for a sweet and playful summer look. The combination of soft blue and fun polka dots makes it a delightful choice for anyone looking to add some whimsy to their nails.

Consumables:

• • Pastel blue nail polish (e.g., OPI Nail Lacquer in “It’s a Boy!”)
  • White nail polish for polka dots (e.g., Essie Nail Polish in “Blanc”)
  • Black nail polish for accents (e.g., Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear in “Black Out”)
  • Nail art brush and dotting tool
  • Top coat (e.g., Revlon Extra Life No Chip Top Coat)

Creating This Look at Home:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
   2. Paint your nails with the pastel blue polish.
   3. On one accent nail, create a polka dot pattern using white polish and a dotting tool.
   4. Add black accents as desired using a nail art brush.
   5. Finish with a top coat to protect your design.

Matte Lavender with Pink Hearts

This adorable matte lavender nail design with pink heart accents is perfect for a romantic and soft look. The matte finish and delicate hearts make this design ideal for those who love a subtle yet charming manicure.

Consumables:

• • Lavender nail polish (e.g., Zoya Nail Polish in “Abby”)
  • Pink nail polish for hearts (e.g., Essie Nail Polish in “Romper Room”)
  • Matte top coat (e.g., OPI Matte Top Coat)
  • Nail art brush

Creating This Look at Home:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
   2. Paint your nails with the lavender polish and let it dry.
   3. Use a nail art brush to paint small pink hearts on each nail.
   4. Finish with a matte top coat.

Electric Blue Animal Print

This vibrant electric blue nail design with an animal print is perfect for a bold, fashion-forward look. The shimmering blue base combined with black animal print creates a dynamic and eye-catching manicure.

Consumables:

• • Electric blue nail polish (e.g., China Glaze Nail Lacquer in “Blue Year’s Eve”)
  • Black nail polish for print (e.g., Sally Hansen Hard as Nails in “Black Heart”)
  • Nail art brush
  • Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)

Creating This Look at Home:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
   2. Paint your nails with the electric blue polish.
   3. Use a nail art brush to create animal print patterns with black polish.
   4. Seal the design with a top coat.

Gradient Multicolor Nails with Gold Tips

This mesmerizing nail design features a gradient of vibrant colors with elegant gold tips. The smooth transition between pink, green, blue, and yellow adds a refreshing and eye-catching touch, while the gold tips provide a sophisticated finish, perfect for a summer nail inspiration acrylic long look.

Consumables:

• • Gradient nail polish set (e.g., Holographic Gel Polish Set by Modelones)
  • Gold nail polish for tips (e.g., Essie Nail Polish in “Good as Gold”)
  • Base coat (e.g., OPI Natural Nail Base Coat)
  • Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)
  • Makeup sponge for gradient effect

Creating This Look at Home:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
   2. Use a makeup sponge to apply the gradient colors on each nail, blending seamlessly.
   3. Paint the tips of your nails with gold polish for a luxurious finish.
   4. Seal the design with a top coat.

Bold Red with Black and White Accent

This striking design combines a bold red base with a chic black and white accent. The solid red nails exude confidence and elegance, while the accent nail adds a touch of artistic flair, making it perfect for a summer nail inspiration acrylic simple style.

Consumables:

• • Red nail polish (e.g., OPI Nail Lacquer in “Big Apple Red”)
  • Black and white nail polish for the accent (e.g., Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in “Black to Black” and “White on Time”)
  • Nail art brush
  • Base coat (e.g., Butter London Horse Power Nail Rescue Base Coat)
  • Top coat (e.g., Essie Good to Go Top Coat)

Creating This Look at Home:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to your nails.
   2. Paint all nails with the red polish.
   3. Use a nail art brush to create the black and white pattern on one accent nail.
   4. Finish with a top coat to protect your design.

Neon Pink French Tips

This modern take on the classic French manicure uses neon pink tips for a fun, trendy look. The vibrant pink against the nude base creates a fresh, youthful appearance, ideal for a summer nail inspiration simple short look.

Consumables:

• • Neon pink nail polish (e.g., China Glaze in “Pink Voltage”)
  • Nude base polish (e.g., OPI Nail Lacquer in “Bubble Bath”)
  • Base coat (e.g., Revlon Quick Dry Base Coat)
  • Top coat (e.g., Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Top Coat)

Creating This Look at Home:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to your nails.
   2. Paint your nails with the nude base polish.
   3. Use the neon pink polish to create French tips.
   4. Seal with a top coat to protect your design.

Sleek White with Black Accent

This sleek white manicure with a black accent nail is perfect for a minimalist yet striking look. The glossy white nails are timeless and elegant, while the black accent adds a modern twist, making it suitable for a summer nail inspiration simple gel style.

Consumables:

• • White gel polish (e.g., Gelish Gel Polish in “Arctic Freeze”)
  • Black gel polish for accent (e.g., Gelish Gel Polish in “Black Shadow”)
  • UV/LED lamp
  • Base coat (e.g., Gelish Foundation Base Gel)
  • Top coat (e.g., Gelish Top It Off)

Creating This Look at Home:

1. 1. Apply a base coat and cure under a UV/LED lamp.
   2. Paint your nails with the white gel polish and cure.
   3. Add the black accent design and cure.
   4. Finish with a top coat and cure to seal the design.

Bright Orange and Yellow Ombre

This vibrant ombre design transitions from bright orange to yellow, creating a lively and cheerful look. The gradient effect is perfect for summer, adding a burst of color that complements any sunny day outfit.

Consumables:

• • Orange nail polish (e.g., Essie Nail Polish in “Tangerine Tease”)
  • Yellow nail polish (e.g., China Glaze Nail Lacquer in “Sun Worshipper”)
  • Base coat (e.g., Deborah Lippmann Hard Rock Base and Top Coat)
  • Top coat (e.g., Essie Gel Setter Top Coat)
  • Makeup sponge for gradient effect

Creating This Look at Home:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
   2. Use a makeup sponge to apply the orange and yellow polishes, blending them to create an ombre effect.
   3. Seal with a top coat to protect your design.

Bright Neon Tips

This bold and vibrant design features neon orange and pink tips, making a striking statement against a natural base. The intense colors are perfect for a fun and lively summer look, ideal for anyone looking for summer nail inspiration acrylic square designs.

Consumables:

• • Neon orange and pink nail polish (e.g., China Glaze Nail Lacquer in “Neon & On & On” and “Flip Flop Fantasy”)
  • Nude base polish (e.g., OPI Nail Lacquer in “Samoan Sand”)
  • Base coat (e.g., Revlon Quick Dry Base Coat)
  • Top coat (e.g., Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Top Coat)

Creating This Look at Home:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to your nails.
   2. Paint your nails with the nude base polish.
   3. Use the neon orange and pink polish to create bold tips.
   4. Seal with a top coat to protect your design.

Soft Pink Gradient

This elegant soft pink gradient nail design offers a subtle yet stunning look. The smooth transition from light to dark pink creates a delicate and feminine appearance, making it perfect for a summer nail inspiration simple gel style.

Consumables:

• • Light pink and dark pink nail polish (e.g., Essie Nail Polish in “Fiji” and “Mademoiselle”)
  • Base coat (e.g., Deborah Lippmann Hard Rock Base and Top Coat)
  • Top coat (e.g., Essie Gel Setter Top Coat)
  • Makeup sponge for gradient effect

Creating This Look at Home:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
   2. Use a makeup sponge to apply the gradient from light to dark pink.
   3. Seal the design with a top coat.

Romantic Rose Design

This romantic rose nail design is perfect for those who love floral patterns. The intricate rose artwork on a soft base adds a touch of elegance and romance, making it ideal for special occasions or a chic summer look.

Consumables:

• • Soft nude nail polish (e.g., OPI Nail Lacquer in “Be There in a Prosecco”)
  • Red and green nail polish for roses (e.g., Essie Nail Polish in “Really Red” and “Mojito Madness”)
  • Nail art brush
  • Base coat (e.g., Orly Bonder)
  • Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)

Creating This Look at Home:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to your nails.
   2. Paint your nails with the soft nude polish.
   3. Use a nail art brush to paint the rose designs with red and green polish.
   4. Finish with a top coat to protect your artwork.