As the summer season approaches, it’s the perfect time to plan your beach day and barbecue looks, including your nails with the trendy elegant nails manicure for summer. Not only do they add an extra touch of style to your outfit, but bright summer nails (paired with some matching summer makeup looks) can help you get into the right mood for the warm weather season, especially with Memorial Day just around the corner.
Whether you prefer to visit a salon or have become a DIY nail art expert over the past year, you’re sure to find something to love among the latest nail trends.
From subtle gradient looks (such as rainbow nails that remain popular this season) to checkered designs and seasonally appropriate neon hues, there’s a little something for every taste and level of skill. Keep scrolling to check out some of the best summer nail designs worth trying out.
The Coolest Trendy Elegant Nails Art For Summer To Try in 2023
If you’re looking for nail ideas and elegant nail designs for summer 2023, consider incorporating bright and bold colors, floral patterns, and geometric shapes into your manicure.
Cartoon Clouds
If you’re looking for a fun and playful summer nail design, consider trying out cartoon clouds. While cloud nails were a popular trend during the winter, these cute and cartoonish clouds give off summery vibes.
Unlike the more intricate and stylized cloud designs, cartoon clouds are simple and easy to create on your own.
All you need is a good quality art brush and a high-quality opaque white nail polish (such as Orly French Tips) to bring your cartoon clouds to life. Give it a try and add a touch of whimsy to your summer look.
If you’re looking for a playful and creative nail design for summer, consider incorporating cartoon clouds into your elegant manicure, using pastel shades of blue and white for a soft and dreamy look.
American Manicure
If you’re a fan of the classic French manicure but looking for a subtle twist, consider trying out the American manicure trend.
This style, which has been recently popularized by celebrity manicurist Tom Bachik, was seen on Nicola Peltz’s nails during her wedding to Brooklyn Beckham. The American manicure has a ’90s-inspired look with less defined tips compared to a traditional French manicure.
With a softer and more natural appearance, the American manicure is expected to be a popular trend this summer.
This understated and elegant look is perfect for any occasion and can be customized to suit your preferences by playing around with different nail polish shades and variations in the tip design. Give it a try and enjoy a timeless and sophisticated look for your summer nails.
Monotone Matte
If you’re a fan of mismatched nails but looking for a more refined and elegant approach, consider trying out the monotone matte trend this summer. Instead of using different colors, use varying shades of the same color and apply a matte topcoat for a luxurious velvet-like texture.
This trend is perfect for those who prefer a more understated look but still want to add a touch of creativity and interest to their nails. It’s also a great way to experiment with different shades of a color and create a cohesive and sophisticated nail look.
Whether you opt for different shades of pink, blue, or even neutral tones, the monotone matte trend is versatile and can be customized to suit your personal style. So, grab your favorite shades and try out this chic and minimalist trend for your summer nails.
Blue Tips
If you’re looking for a fresh take on the classic French manicure, consider trying out the blue tips trend this summer. This trend involves painting the tips of your nails in a bright blue shade, while keeping the rest of the nail a neutral, off-white color.
To achieve this look, start by painting your nails with an off-white base coat. Once the base coat is dry, use a striping brush or a piece of tape to create a straight line across the tip of each nail. Fill in the tips with a bright blue polish, making sure to stay within the lines.
For a more modern twist, try shortening your nails to give them a sleek and sophisticated look. This will also help make the blue tips stand out even more.
Finish off your manicure with a clear topcoat to seal in the color and add some shine. And voila – you now have a chic and trendy manicure that’s perfect for summer.
Bright Blooms
If you’re a fan of floral nail designs and want to add a pop of color to your summer look, consider trying out the bright blooms trend.
This trend features bright and bold colors, with sunny yellow being a popular choice, to add a summery twist to classic floral patterns.
Not only do bright blooms add a cheerful and playful touch to your nails, but they also work well with a variety of different nail shapes and lengths.
Whether you prefer short and simple nails or long and intricate designs, the bright blooms trend can be adapted to suit your style.
You can experiment with different color combinations, such as pairing sunny yellow with pink, orange, or even pastel hues, to create a unique and eye-catching look.
So, grab your favorite bright shades and give this trend a try to add a burst of summer energy to your nails.
Cute Stickers
A fun and easy way to add some personality to your nails this summer, consider trying out the cute stickers trend. Stickers are a great way to spice up your go-to mani and add some playfulness to your look.
There are a variety of cute sticker options available, from simple designs like hearts and stars to more intricate patterns like fruit, animals, and florals. Lemonade stickers, for example, can add a refreshing touch to your nails and give off a summery vibe.
To achieve this trend, you can use nail stickers from popular brands like Olive & June and Deco Miami, or you can create your own using nail art pens and stickers from a craft store. You can also mix and match different stickers for a more eclectic look.
Summer Flowers
This trend features colorful and playful floral designs with a bright color palette, making your nails look like a beautiful summer garden.
To create this look, start by painting your nails with a light-colored base coat such as white, light pink or light blue.
Once the base coat is dry, use a small brush to paint on colorful flowers with shades of pink, orange, yellow, and red. You can also add green leaves and stems for a more realistic look.
To take this trend to the next level, consider adding some glitter or rhinestones to your flower designs for a touch of sparkle and glam. Another fun option is to create a gradient effect using different shades of the same color family for each flower.
Neon Splashes
For a bold and playful look this summer, consider trying out the neon splashes trend. This trend involves applying a drizzle of neon polish across bare nails, creating a fun and colorful look that’s perfect for warm weather.
Neon shades are a great choice for this trend, as they add a vibrant pop of color that really stands out. You can choose a single neon color, or mix and match different shades to create a more eclectic look. The key is to apply the polish in a random, splatter-like pattern, creating a fun and playful effect.
Orange Dream
Addison Rae’s bright orange shade is perfect for summer nails. You can achieve this look with Essie Expressie in Bearer of Rad News, and the vibrant shade means you don’t need to add any art for a complete summer look.
Iis perfect for those who love bright, playful, and feminine nail art. Whether you’re going to a wedding or just want to add some flair to your everyday look, this trend is sure to make you feel like a blooming flower all summer long.
Hint of Neon
Simply paint a small stripe on each nail for a hint of neon. This is a great way to add a pop of color to your summer nails without going overboard. Plus, it pairs well with other nail art, such as polka dots or abstract designs. A perfect look and elegant nails design for summer 2023.
If you’re not sure about going full-on neon, try a subtle neon stripe for a trendy yet understated look.
Floating Hearts
For a playful and chic summer look, try floating hearts on a negative space background. To achieve this look, start by painting your nails with a clear base coat. Once dry, use a small brush to paint tiny hearts in black or white polish.
For a more uniform look, use a stamping plate or sticker for the hearts. Leave some space between each heart for a trendy negative space effect. Finish with a topcoat to protect the design and add shine.
Confetti Nails
To add a playful touch to your summer nails, try incorporating confetti accents on a few fingers. Choose a vibrant base color like Olive & June’s “Grateful & Kind” and apply Jin Soon’s “Daisy” on top for an easy confetti effect. It’s a great way to add some fun to your look without going too over-the-top.
Double French
If you’re looking for a fresh and sophisticated nail look this summer, you might want to try the “Double French” style.
This chic nail art trend involves layering two nail polish colors to create a stacked French tip effect. By applying a base coat of Orly Morning Mantra and adding a thin stripe of Orly Love My Nails on top, you can achieve a similar look that’s perfect for warm weather and any elegant occasion.
Mismatched Moons
This look involves applying different nail polish colors to the base of each nail, creating a gradient effect that resembles a rainbow.
By stacking colors at the base of your nails, you can achieve a fun and playful look that’s perfect for summer or any occasion where you want to add a pop of color to your style.
Drop of Gold
This nail art style involves adding a small gold stud or embellishment to your nails to create an eye-catching and sophisticated look. By adding this simple yet elegant detail, you can take your usual bright nails to the next level and create a stylish statement.
Daisy French
Looking for a playful yet elegant way to update your nails this summer? The “Daisy French” trend might be just what you need.
This nail art style involves adding small, cartoony daisies to black French tips to create a fun and chic look. With the help of a dotting tool or the end of a bobby pin, this design is easy enough to DIY and can add a touch of whimsy to any outfit or occasion.
Emoji Hearts
If you love adding some personality to your texts with emoji, why not take it to the next level with the “Emoji Hearts” trend for your nails this summer?
This nail art style involves using small sequins in the shape of hearts to create a fun and playful design inspired by your favorite heart emoji.
These specialty shaped sequins can be found on Amazon and can be easily applied to your nails for a stylish and unique look that’s perfect for adding a pop of color and personality to any outfit or occasion.
Iridescent Ombré
The “Iridescent Ombré” style might be just what you need. This nail art trend involves using an opalescent polish and graduating the intensity to create a beautiful and subtle gradient effect on your nails.
Betina Goldstein, a popular nail artist, used the now-discontinued Essie polish in Tiers of Joy to achieve this look, but you can try using Essie You Do Blue for a similar effect.
If you’re looking for a pink nail with an elegant nail design for summer 2023, consider trying a minimalist look with a pale pink shade and a simple geometric design, or opt for a bolder look with bright pink nails featuring ombre or abstract designs.
Dainty Florals
The “Dainty Florals” trend is a delicate and feminine nail art style that’s perfect for summer. This look involves creating small daisies on your nails using perfectly symmetrical dots.
You can achieve this design by using a toothpick or the end of a bobby pin to create the dots, which will result in a delicate and perfectly shaped floral design.
This is an easy and accessible trend that anyone can try, whether you have a green thumb or not, and it’s a great way to add a touch of sweetness and charm to your nails.
Sticker-Book Nails
The “Sticker-Book Nails” trend is a playful and nostalgic nail art style that’s perfect for those who love a fun and carefree look.
This trend involves creating a manicure that looks like a page out of your favorite sticker book from elementary school.
While you can DIY this look with a smattering of stickers, you can also buy a set of sparkly press-on nails from Color Camp to achieve the same effect.
Checkerboard Tips
The “Checkerboard Tips” trend is a retro-inspired nail art style that’s perfect for those who love a bold and playful look. This trend involves creating a checkerboard pattern on the tips of your nails, reminiscent of the popular Lisa Says Gah clothing brand.
This groovy and geometric design is easy to achieve with some tape and contrasting nail polish colors, and it’s a great way to add a touch of retro style to your nails.
Whether you’re a fan of vintage fashion or simply looking for a fun and eye-catching nail trend, the Checkerboard Tips are definitely worth a try.
Mixed Mani
This is a fun and easy trend to try, as you can choose any combination of designs and colors that you like, and it’s a great way to express your creativity and individuality. Whether you’re feeling indecisive or simply want to try something new and exciting with your nails, the Mixed Mani trend is definitely worth a try.
The “Mixed Mani” trend is a playful and creative nail art style that’s perfect for those who can’t decide on just one design.
This trend involves mixing and matching different summer nail designs on each nail, such as flowers and bright checks, for an unforgettable and eclectic look.
The New French
The New French is definitely worth trying out.
“The New French” trend is a modern take on the classic French manicure that was popular in the early 2000s. While there are now tons of cool variations on French manis, such as rainbow, glitter, and negative space designs, this trend brings it back to its original form.
This is a timeless and elegant trend that’s perfect for those who love a classic and understated look, and it’s a great way to elevate your nails to a whole new level of chic. Whether you’re a fan of minimalist fashion or simply looking for a sophisticated nail trend,
Negative-Space Hearts
“Negative-Space Hearts” is a fun and creative summer nail trend that’s perfect for those who want to add a pop of color to their nails.
To achieve this look, nail artist Kim Truong used OPI’s nail color in I Just Can’t Cope-acabana, which is a sunny yellow shade that’s perfect for summer.
This is a playful and unique trend that’s sure to turn heads and add some fun to your summer look. Whether you’re going to a party or just hanging out with friends, Negative-Space Hearts are a great way to show off your creativity and add some sunshine to your day.
Strawberry Nails
“Strawberry Nails” is a cute and playful summer nail trend that’s perfect for those who want to add a touch of whimsy to their look.
This is a fun and creative trend that’s perfect for summer picnics, festivals, and other outdoor activities. Whether you’re a fan of fruity fashion or just looking for a fun way to express yourself, Strawberry Nails are definitely worth trying out. They’re a great way to show off your playful side and add some fun to your summer look.
This trend involves creating tiny strawberry designs on your nails using bright red and green shades. For the strawberries, you can try using Essie’s Rock the Runway and Watermelon shades, while Essie’s Off Tropic is perfect for creating the green leaves.
Star Burst Mani
The design is reminiscent of the ’70s and ’80s and is a great way to express your love for all things vintage.
The “Star Burst Mani” is a fun and playful summer nail trend that’s perfect for those who want to add a bit of retro charm to their look. This trend involves creating a starburst design on your nails using bright colors and glitter accents.
You can achieve this look by using a variety of nail polish shades, such as pink, orange, yellow, and blue, and layering them in a starburst pattern on your nails. Add some glitter accents for extra sparkle and shine. This is a fun and creative trend that’s perfect for summer parties, concerts, and other festive events.
Rainbow French
The Rainbow French manicure is a playful and colorful twist on the classic French manicure. It features a rainbow of bright colors layered over the tips of your nails, creating a vibrant and eye-catching look. The best part? You don’t need to be a nail pro to achieve this look.
All That Glitters
This high-impact, low-effort look features a full coating of glitter polish on your nails, creating a stunning and eye-catching effect.
With so many different shades and finishes of glitter available, you can easily customize this manicure to suit your personal style.
Whether you’re dressing up for a special occasion or just want to add a little sparkle to your everyday look, the All That Glitters manicure is a simple and stylish option.
To add some sparkle to your elegant nail designs for summer, consider incorporating glitter accent nails with bold and vibrant colors, or try a more subtle look with neutral tones and a touch of shimmer on a single accent nail.
Tiny Butterflies
This adorable look features delicate butterfly accents in pastel shades, with a bold pop of bright pink to add some visual interest. Perfect for transitioning from spring to summer, this manicure is both playful and elegant.
For accent nails and elegant nail designs for summer 2023, consider using metallic accents, negative space designs, and intricate nail art featuring tropical motifs or beachy elements.
Tiny Butterflies manicure is a fun and fashionable way to show off your summer style.
Sweet Cherries
Looking for a cute and easy summer nail design? Check out these sweet cherry nails! Nail artist Natalie Pavloski shows you how to achieve the look with just a few simple steps. Perfect for adding a pop of fun to your summer style.
Color Melt
Bring some heat to your nails this summer with the color melt trend. This fun and playful style features melting and swirling tips for a unique and eye-catching look.
Rainbow Mani
This summer, add a pop of color to your nails with a gradient manicure. From pastels to brights, a range of shades can create a stunning and elegant look. Get creative and have fun with your color choices!
Mismatched Hands
Mismatched hands are a great way to show off your playful side this summer. You can experiment with different color combinations and finishes like glossy and matte to create a unique and eye-catching look.
Plus, it’s a great option if you’re in a rush or don’t have time for a full-on nail art session. So go ahead and mix it up with mismatched hands for a fun and easy summer nail design.
Shimmering Swirls
If you’re looking for a mesmerizing and elegant summer nail design, shimmering swirls with holographic polish are the way to go. The negative space adds a modern twist to this classic pattern, creating a truly magical effect on your nails.
Try out shimmering swirls with holographic polish and negative space for a truly magical combination.
Slime Green
Summer just got a whole lot cooler with these slime green nails! Betina Goldstein’s nail design using Essie Nail Polish in Blanc and Stencil Me In is an easy DIY option to get the look. For a longer-lasting effect, try getting gel nails at your local salon.
Sunny Swiggles
Sunny Swiggles are an effortless way to add some fun to your summer nail game. Simply pick your favorite nail polish colors and artfully swirl them over a white base. Doing a different shade on each hand only ups the coolness factor. Give it a try!
For press on nails with elegant nail designs for summer, consider using colorful patterns, floral accents, and fun shapes like stars or hearts, or keep it classic with a French manicure featuring a modern twist like a neon or glitter tip.
Smiley Nails
While smiley nails may not be the most elegant of nail designs, they are certainly a fun and playful option for summer. The addition of a rainbow of colors adds a touch of vibrancy and youthfulness, perfect for a carefree summer day.
Rainbow French
Looking for a cute and playful nail design for summer? Try out the Rainbow French manicure, which puts a colorful spin on the classic French tip. The addition of tiny rainbow stripes and cloud details add an extra touch of whimsy to the look. Perfect for brightening up your day and adding some fun to any outfit.
70s Swirls
Looking for a trendy and easy nail art design for the summer season? Consider trying out 70s-inspired swirls in earthy, mustard-toned neutrals for a retro vibe.
This graphic yet simple nail art is perfect for those who want to make a statement with their nails without going over the top. Paintbox’s Power Couple in Like Lush + Like Flora is a great choice for achieving this look.
So, whether you’re headed to the beach or a music festival, these 70s swirls are sure to add a touch of bohemian chic to your overall style.
Butterflies
Looking for delicate and charming summer nail art? Look no further than these dainty butterfly designs that evoke a feeling of sunshine and carefree days.
If you’re not confident in your nail art skills, you can also try using stickers to achieve a similar effect. These elegant and whimsical designs are perfect for adding a touch of femininity to your summer look.
Mixed Checkerboards
With a nod to the classic checkerboard pattern, mixed checkerboard nails are a fresh take on summer nail designs. This fun and versatile design can be customized with a range of colors, making it perfect for any occasion.
Whether you want to create a bold statement or a more subtle look, this design is sure to turn heads. So why not mix and match your checkerboard nails this summer with elegant nails ideas?
Bright Stars
Looking for a fun and easy summer nail design? Try out bright stars! These neon-colored stars are perfect for any beach day, and can be achieved through free-handing or using star sequins. Either way, this design is sure to make your nails stand out in a crowd.
Heart Nails
Heart nails are a popular and playful design that is perfect for summer. With inspiration from The Powerpuff Girls and Gen Z’s favorite phone cases, these heart beam nails feature bold red and pink hues that are sure to make a statement.
Whether you prefer a minimalist design with just a few hearts or a more intricate pattern, there are many ways to incorporate this fun and romantic design into your summer nail game.
In Short – Elegant Nails Art Designs for Summer
You can also experiment with pretty nails featuring white flowers or an oval nail shape, and try out nail gels or Sally Hansen products to achieve a long-lasting and flawless finish. For an elegant wedding, consider pink and white or almond nails, and add a touch of glamour with matte nails or glitter accents.
For elegant nail designs for summer, consider incorporating classic French tip nails or bold neon nails, and pair them with outfit ideas that match the colors and patterns of your nails for a cohesive look.
Lastly, for a beachy vibe, try pink and orange nails or beach-inspired designs featuring seashells or palm trees.
