Top 25 summer short square nail ideas 2024: Trends, inspiration cute designs

Ekaterina Zavalko 26 May 2024Last Updated: 26 May 2024

0 24 12 minutes read

Are you ready to make a bold statement with your nails this summer? Short square nails are not only trendy but also practical for the season. In this article, we’ll explore some of the hottest summer short square nails 2024 designs, providing you with detailed descriptions, design ideas, and professional tips. Let’s dive into the nail art world and discover some super cute and bright nail design ideas for summer 2024.

Adorable Heart Accents

Short square nails with adorable black heart accents on a nude base are perfect for adding a touch of whimsy to your look. The small hearts are scattered across the nails, giving a playful yet sophisticated vibe. This design is ideal for those who prefer understated elegance with a cute twist.

Base Color: Nude

Accents: Small black hearts
Finish: Glossy

Consumables:

Nude nail polish (e.g., OPI Bubble Bath)
Black nail polish (e.g., Essie Licorice)
Small heart nail stickers or a fine nail art brush

How to Create:

Start with a base coat to protect your nails.
Apply two coats of nude polish and let it dry completely.

Use a fine nail art brush or heart stickers to add black hearts.
Seal with a glossy top coat to ensure longevity.

Chic Pink Tips

The classic French manicure gets a modern twist with chic pink tips on a natural nude base. This design balances simplicity with a pop of color, making it a versatile choice for any occasion. It’s perfect for those looking for simple yet stylish design ideas for summer.

Base Color: Nude
Tip Color: Bright pink
Finish: Glossy

Consumables:

Nude nail polish (e.g., Essie Ballet Slippers)
Bright pink nail polish (e.g., OPI Strawberry Margarita)

French manicure guides or tape

How to Create:

Apply a base coat to your nails.

Paint two coats of nude polish and let it dry.
Use French manicure guides to paint the tips with bright pink polish.
Finish with a top coat for a shiny effect.

Elegant Marbled Design

For a touch of elegance, this marbled design features a blend of white and gold accents over a nude base. The abstract pattern adds sophistication and uniqueness to your nails, making it perfect for special occasions or whenever you want to feel luxurious.

Base Color: Nude
Accents: White and gold marbled design

Finish: Glossy

Consumables:

Nude nail polish (e.g., Zoya Avery)

White nail polish (e.g., Sally Hansen White On)
Gold nail polish (e.g., China Glaze Gold Digger)
Thin nail art brush

How to Create:

Apply a base coat.
Paint your nails with two coats of nude polish and let it dry.

Use a thin brush to create marbled patterns with white and gold polishes.
Top it off with a glossy top coat.

Sleek Silver Tips

Sleek silver tips on a nude base offer a futuristic and chic vibe. This metallic design is subtle yet striking, making it a standout choice for any event. It’s a super easy and simple design that still packs a punch.

Base Color: Nude
Tip Color: Silver
Finish: Glossy

Consumables:

Nude nail polish (e.g., Deborah Lippmann Naked)
Silver nail polish (e.g., OPI Turn On the Haute Light)

French manicure guides or tape

How to Create:

Start with a base coat.

Apply two coats of nude polish and allow it to dry.
Use French manicure guides to paint the tips with silver polish.
Seal with a top coat for added shine and protection.

Fun Polka Dot Pattern

Embrace a playful vibe with a fun polka dot pattern. The mix of blue and orange dots over a clear base creates a lively and cheerful look, perfect for summer days. This design is great for those who love to experiment with bold and vibrant color patterns.

Base Color: Clear
Pattern Colors: Blue and orange polka dots

Finish: Glossy

Consumables:

Clear base coat

Blue nail polish (e.g., Essie Aruba Blue)
Orange nail polish (e.g., China Glaze Orange Knockout)
Dotting tool or toothpick

How to Create:

Apply a clear base coat.
Use a dotting tool or toothpick to create polka dots with blue and orange polishes.

Allow the dots to dry before applying a top coat.

Vibrant Pink Marble Effect

This nail design features a vibrant pink marble effect on a nude base. The marbling creates a unique and eye-catching look, perfect for those wanting to make a statement with their summer short square nails 2024. The mix of soft pink and bold neon shades adds depth and dimension, making it a standout design for summer 2024.

Base Color: Nude

Accent Color: Pink marble
Finish: Glossy

Consumables:

Nude nail polish (e.g., Essie Ballet Slippers)
Pink nail polish (e.g., OPI Hotter than You Pink)
Nail art brush or marble effect tool

How to Create:

Start with a base coat.
Apply two coats of nude polish and let it dry.

Use a nail art brush to create the pink marble effect by swirling the polish.
Seal with a glossy top coat for added shine.

Tropical Vibes

Get into the summer spirit with this tropical-inspired design. Featuring bright red nails with an accent nail showcasing a tropical scene, this design is both bold and fun. It’s perfect for those looking for summer 2024 design ideas that capture the essence of a beach vacation.

Base Color: Bright red
Accent: Tropical scene
Finish: Glossy

Consumables:

Red nail polish (e.g., OPI Big Apple Red)
Nail art stickers or stamping plates for the tropical scene

Fine nail art brush

How to Create:

Apply a base coat to protect your nails.

Paint most of your nails with two coats of red polish.
Use nail art stickers or a stamping plate to create the tropical scene on one accent nail.
Finish with a top coat to ensure the design lasts.

Bold Animal Print

For a bold and edgy look, this animal print design is perfect. Featuring a mix of orange, black, and animal print accents, it brings a wild flair to your summer short square nails 2024. This design is great for those who want to experiment with bright and bold nail art.

Base Colors: Orange, black
Accent: Animal print

Finish: Glossy

Consumables:

Orange nail polish (e.g., Essie Meet Me at Sunset)

Black nail polish (e.g., Sally Hansen Black Out)
Nail art brush or stamping plates for the animal print

How to Create:

Start with a base coat.
Paint some nails with orange polish and others with black polish.
Use a nail art brush to create animal print accents.

Seal the design with a glossy top coat.

Pastel Rainbow Delight

This pastel rainbow design is both whimsical and elegant. Featuring a variety of soft pastel shades and a cute rainbow accent nail, it’s perfect for those looking for cute and simple design ideas for summer 2024.

Photo credit by: @adriannas_artistry_nails

Base Colors: Pastel pink, purple, blue

Accent: Rainbow and clouds
Finish: Glossy

Consumables:

Pastel nail polishes (e.g., OPI Do You Lilac It?, Essie Mint Candy Apple)
White nail polish for the clouds (e.g., OPI Alpine Snow)
Nail art brush

How to Create:

Apply a base coat to your nails.
Paint each nail with different pastel shades.

Use a nail art brush to create the rainbow and clouds on an accent nail.
Finish with a top coat for a glossy effect.

Bold Blue and Rhinestones

For a striking and glamorous look, this design features bold blue nails with rhinestone accents. It’s perfect for those who want to add some sparkle to their summer short square nails 2024. The combination of bright blue and shimmering rhinestones is sure to turn heads.

Base Color: Bright blue
Accent: Rhinestones
Finish: Glossy

Consumables:

Blue nail polish (e.g., Essie Butler Please)
Rhinestones and nail glue

Fine nail art brush

How to Create:

Start with a base coat.

Apply two coats of blue polish and let it dry.
Use nail glue to attach rhinestones in desired patterns.
Seal with a glossy top coat to ensure the rhinestones stay in place.

Playful Pink French Tips

This playful take on the classic French tip features bright pink tips with a bubble-like texture on a nude base. The unique 3D effect adds an extra layer of fun and creativity, making it perfect for anyone looking for cute and simple design ideas 2024.

Base Color: Nude
Tip Color: Bright pink

Finish: Glossy with 3D effect

Consumables:

Nude nail polish (e.g., OPI Bubble Bath)

Bright pink nail polish (e.g., Essie Madison Ave-Hue)
3D nail art gel or polish
Dotting tool

How to Create:

Start with a base coat.
Apply two coats of nude polish and let it dry.

Use the dotting tool to apply the pink 3D gel or polish at the tips.
Seal with a top coat for a glossy finish.

Delicate Floral Accents

This design combines delicate floral accents with a soft pink base, creating a beautiful and feminine look. The small flowers in shades of pink and white add a touch of elegance and charm, perfect for summer 2024 designs.

Base Color: Soft pink
Accents: Pink and white flowers
Finish: Glossy

Consumables:

Soft pink nail polish (e.g., Essie Muchi Muchi)
White nail polish (e.g., OPI Alpine Snow)

Pink nail polish (e.g., Zoya Barbie)
Fine nail art brush

How to Create:

Apply a base coat to your nails.
Paint two coats of soft pink polish and let it dry.
Use a fine nail art brush to draw the flowers in pink and white.
Finish with a top coat for added shine.

Lavender and Floral Combo

This beautiful design features a combination of solid lavender nails and floral accents on a nude base. The mix of colors and patterns is both trendy and elegant, making it a perfect choice for summer 2024 nail art.

Base Color: Nude and lavender
Accents: Blue and white flowers
Finish: Glossy

Consumables:

Nude nail polish (e.g., OPI Samoan Sand)
Lavender nail polish (e.g., Essie Lilacism)
Blue nail polish (e.g., China Glaze Secret Periwinkle)
White nail polish (e.g., Essie Blanc)
Fine nail art brush

How to Create:

Start with a base coat.
Paint some nails with nude polish and others with lavender polish.
Use a fine brush to paint flowers in blue and white on the nude nails.
Seal the design with a glossy top coat.

Classic Nude Elegance

For those who prefer a more understated look, this classic nude design is perfect. The simple yet elegant nude polish is both versatile and chic, making it a timeless choice for summer short square nails 2024.

Base Color: Nude
Finish: Glossy

Consumables:

Nude nail polish (e.g., Essie Topless & Barefoot)

How to Create:

Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
Paint two to three coats of nude polish for full coverage.
Finish with a glossy top coat to enhance the shine.

Cool Mint Green

This cool mint green design is refreshing and perfect for summer. The solid color is both trendy and calming, making it an ideal choice for a simple yet stylish look.

Base Color: Mint green
Finish: Matte or glossy

Consumables:

Mint green nail polish (e.g., Essie Mint Candy Apple)

How to Create:

Start with a base coat.
Apply two coats of mint green polish and let it dry.
Finish with a top coat for a glossy or matte effect, depending on your preference.

Floral Encapsulation

This design features delicate dried flowers encapsulated in clear gel on a nude base, creating a romantic and elegant look. The pink flowers add a touch of femininity and charm, perfect for those looking for cute and unique designs for summer 2024.

Base Color: Nude
Accents: Encapsulated pink flowers
Finish: Glossy

Consumables:

Nude nail polish (e.g., OPI Bubble Bath)
Clear gel or acrylic
Dried flowers
Fine nail art brush

How to Create:

Apply a base coat to your nails.
Paint two coats of nude polish and let it dry.
Place dried flowers on the nails and encapsulate them with clear gel or acrylic.
Finish with a top coat for a glossy effect.

Cosmic Glitter

For a more dramatic and mystical look, this design features black glittery tips with cosmic-themed accents on a nude base. The combination of glitter and celestial elements like stars and moons makes this design both trendy and magical.

Base Color: Nude
Accents: Black glitter, stars, and moons
Finish: Glossy

Consumables:

Nude nail polish (e.g., Essie Topless & Barefoot)
Black glitter nail polish (e.g., China Glaze Smoke and Mirrors)
Star and moon nail stickers or stamping plates

How to Create:

Start with a base coat.
Apply two coats of nude polish and let it dry.
Use black glitter polish to create the tips and add celestial stickers or stamps.
Seal with a top coat for a glossy finish.

Pink Abstract Lines

This design features abstract pink lines on a nude matte base, creating a modern and artistic look. The simplicity of the design combined with the boldness of the pink lines makes it a perfect choice for those looking for bright and simple design ideas.

Base Color: Nude
Accents: Abstract pink lines
Finish: Matte

Consumables:

Nude matte nail polish (e.g., Essie Matte About You)
Pink nail polish (e.g., OPI Pink Flamenco)
Fine nail art brush

How to Create:

Apply a base coat to your nails.
Paint two coats of nude polish and let it dry.
Use a fine nail art brush to draw abstract pink lines.
Finish with a matte top coat for a modern look.

Green Swirl Elegance

This elegant design features soft green swirls on a nude base, creating a sophisticated and stylish look. The green accents add a fresh and natural touch, making it ideal for summer 2024 nail art.

Base Color: Nude
Accents: Green swirls
Finish: Glossy

Consumables:

Nude nail polish (e.g., Essie Topless & Barefoot)
Green nail polish (e.g., Essie Mojito Madness)
Fine nail art brush

How to Create:

Start with a base coat.
Apply two coats of nude polish and let it dry.
Use a fine brush to paint green swirls on the nails.
Seal with a glossy top coat.

Neon Yellow Swirls

This bold design features neon yellow swirls on a clear base, creating a striking and eye-catching look. The neon accents are perfect for those who want to stand out and make a statement with their summer short square nails 2024.

Base Color: Clear
Accents: Neon yellow swirls
Finish: Glossy

Consumables:

Clear base coat
Neon yellow nail polish (e.g., China Glaze Celtic Sun)
Fine nail art brush

How to Create:

Apply a clear base coat.
Use a fine brush to paint neon yellow swirls on the nails.
Seal with a glossy top coat for a bright and shiny finish.

Neon Animal Print

This bold and playful design features neon yellow nails with accent nails showcasing an animal print pattern. The mix of bright neon and black-and-white animal print creates a fun and eye-catching look, perfect for those wanting to stand out with their summer short square nails 2024.

Base Colors: Neon yellow, white
Accents: Black and neon yellow animal print
Finish: Glossy

Consumables:

Neon yellow nail polish (e.g., China Glaze Celtic Sun)
White nail polish (e.g., OPI Alpine Snow)
Black nail polish (e.g., Sally Hansen Black Out)
Fine nail art brush or stamping plates for the animal print

How to Create:

Start with a base coat.
Apply neon yellow polish to most nails and white polish to the accent nails.
Use a fine brush to create the animal print with black and neon yellow polish.
Seal with a glossy top coat.

Pastel Marble Effect

This design features a beautiful pastel marble effect in shades of pink, blue, and silver on a nude base. The soft, swirling colors create a dreamy and elegant look, making it ideal for those looking for cute and trendy design ideas 2024.

Base Color: Nude
Accents: Pastel pink, blue, and silver marble effect
Finish: Glossy

Consumables:

Nude nail polish (e.g., Essie Ballet Slippers)
Pastel pink nail polish (e.g., OPI Mod About You)
Pastel blue nail polish (e.g., Essie Mint Candy Apple)
Silver nail polish (e.g., China Glaze I’d Melt For You)
Fine nail art brush

How to Create:

Apply a base coat to your nails.
Paint two coats of nude polish and let it dry.
Use a fine brush to create the marble effect with pastel and silver polishes.
Finish with a top coat for added shine.

Bold Blue French Tips

This modern twist on the classic French manicure features bold blue tips on a nude base. The vibrant blue adds a pop of color, making it a stylish and trendy choice for summer short square nails 2024.

Base Color: Nude
Tip Color: Bright blue
Finish: Glossy

Consumables:

Nude nail polish (e.g., Essie Topless & Barefoot)
Blue nail polish (e.g., OPI Blue My Mind)
French manicure guides or tape

How to Create:

Start with a base coat.
Apply two coats of nude polish and let it dry.
Use French manicure guides to paint the tips with blue polish.
Seal with a glossy top coat.

Minimalist Cow Print

This minimalist design features a light green matte base with a striking cow print accent nail. The combination of soft green and black-and-white cow print creates a fresh and unique look, perfect for summer 2024 nail art.

Base Color: Light green
Accent: Black and white cow print
Finish: Matte

Consumables:

Light green nail polish (e.g., Essie Mint Candy Apple)
White nail polish (e.g., OPI Alpine Snow)
Black nail polish (e.g., Sally Hansen Black Out)
Fine nail art brush

How to Create:

Apply a base coat to your nails.
Paint most nails with two coats of light green polish.
Paint the accent nail white and use a fine brush to create the cow print with black polish.
Finish with a matte top coat.

Lavender and Floral Accents

This elegant design combines solid lavender nails with a floral accent on a nude base. The mix of colors and patterns creates a beautiful and feminine look, perfect for those looking for cute and simple design ideas 2024.