With everyone obsessed with color analysis, it’s tempting to stick to summer nail shades that flatter your skin tone. But if you don’t love your assigned seasonal palette or just want to wear whatever color you like, good news—when it comes to manicures and pedicures, there are no rules. Anything goes.
After all, summer is all about adventure. Whether you’re into jelly nails or Montecito-inspired hues, there’s a shade for everyone.
Here are nine summer nail colors pros predict will be everywhere as the weather heats up.
### Tomato Red
Is another “tomato girl summer” on the horizon? Celebrity nail artist Jin Soon Choi thinks so. “I love a hot orange-red with a translucent finish—it’s vibrant and full of life, perfectly capturing summer,” she says. Try Hermès Les Mains in Orange Poppy, Dazzle Dry’s Red Hot Chili for a fiery orange-red, or Addiction Tokyo’s Tokyo Vibe for a deeper take.
Shop:
– Chanel Longwear Nail Colour ($32)
– Addiction Tokyo Nail Polish ($19)
– Dazzle Dry Red Hot Chili ($22)
– JINsoon Crush ($18)
### Latte Beige
For minimalist manicures, neutral nails are a must (just check Pantone’s Color of the Year for extra inspo). Goldstein loves Chanel’s Légende, a creamy latte beige that pairs with everything. For warmer tones, try Olive & June’s Caramel Budino, or for a cooler neutral, Dior’s Cashmere or Côte’s Caramel Clay Brown.
Shop:
– Dior Vernis Gel Shine ($30)
– Olive & June Caramel Budino ($9)
– Chanel Longwear ($32)
– Côte No. 122 ($21)
### Yellow Taxi
New Yorkers know summer in the city is pure magic—and nothing captures that energy like taxi-cab yellow. “This shade is playful yet chic, reflecting modern style with a burst of energy,” says Choi. Get the look with JINsoon’s Tweety, Londontown’s Mango, or Hermès’ Jaune Impérial. For a deeper mustard, try Habit Cosmetics’ Yellow.
Shop:
– JINsoon Tweety ($18)
– Londontown Mango ($16)
– Hermès Les Mains ($57)
– Habit Cosmetics Nail Polish ($12)
### Capri Blue
Dreaming of an Italian summer? Nguyen says Capri Blue is the perfect match—a bright blue inspired by the waters of the Blue Grotto. Try Nails Inc.’s Seabright Street, Zoya’s Breezi for a bold blue, or Essie’s Offbeat Chic and Aprés’ Posei Donna for an ocean-like vibe.
Shop:
– Nails Inc. Seabright Street ($8)
– Essie Odd Squad ($9)
– Aprés Posei-Donna ($15)
– Zoya Breezi ($10)
### Silver Chrome
Who says silver is just for winter? Choi loves it for summer too. “Silver chrome adds chic, modern flair—especially paired with pastels or brights for nail art,” she says. Try JINsoon’s Halo for a high-shine finish.
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Sheer Silver with Glitter Finish
For a sparkling metallic look, try Nail Inc.’s Wherever I May Chrome or OPI’s Go Big or Go Chrome. Sally Hansen’s Color Foil also gives a great chrome effect.
– JINsoon Halo Nail Polish – $18 (JINSOON)
– Nails Inc. Wherever I May Chrome Nail Polish – $10 (NAILS INC.)
– OPI Go Big or Go Chrome Nail Polish – $12 (AMAZON)
– Sally Hansen Steel A Kiss Nail Polish – $18 (AMAZON)
Montecito Manicure
Inspired by Meghan Markle, celebrity nail artist Julie Kandalec predicts the “Montecito Manicure” will be this summer’s go-to neutral. She suggests layering two glossy pink-white shades like CND’s Vinylux Satin Slipper and Romantique. For a similar look, try Essie’s Ballet Slippers or Chanel’s Ballerina.
– Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Color in Ballerina – $33 (CHANEL, NORDSTROM)
– CND Vinylux Longwear Polish in Romantique – $12 (AMAZON)
– Essie Nail Lacquer in Ballet Slippers – $10 (AMAZON)
– CND Vinylux Longwear Polish in Satin Slippers – $12 (AMAZON)
Lilac Jelly
Korean jelly nails are trending this spring and summer. A soft pastel lilac (like Hailey Bieber’s Coachella look) is perfect for the season. Use Korean gel polish like GAOY Jelly Gel Nail Polish Kit or a translucent top coat like OPI’s Gel Plump Effect over your base color.
– Gaoy Jelly Gel Nail Polish Kit – $27 (AMAZON)
– OPI Nail Lacquer Top Coat – $15 (AMAZON)
– Essie Nail Lacquer in Lilacism – $10 (AMAZON)
– Cirque Colors Nail Polish in Haze Jelly – $13 (AMAZON)
Pistachio Green
Bright and fresh, pistachio green is a fun summer shade. Kandalec recommends Bikini Bottoms by Lights Lacquer. Other great options include Manicurist’s Pistachio Green, OPI’s The Pass Is Always Greener, or Olive & June’s Corrigan.
– Lights Lacquer Nail Polish in Bikini Bottoms – $13 (LIGHTS LACQUER)
– Manucurist Quick Dry Natural Nail Polish in Pistachio – $14 (MANUCURIST)
– OPI Nail Lacquer in The Pass is Always Greener – $12 (AMAZON)
– Olive & June Long Lasting Polish in Corrigan – $9 (OLIVE & JUNE)
Aqua Shimmer
Cat-eye nails with a shimmering, velvety finish make a bold statement. A cool aqua blue like Olive & June’s Aqua Velvet is a standout choice. Also try Londontown’s Whipped Blueberry, Deborah Lippmann’s Galaxy Far Far Away, or Essie’s Mystic Marine.
– Olive & June Gel Polish in Aqua Velvet – $12 (OLIVE & JUNE)
– Londontown Lakur Enhanced Color in Whipped Blueberry – $16 (NORDSTROM, AMAZON)
– Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Polish in Galaxy Far Far Away – $20 (AMAZON)
– Essie Nail Art Studio Special Effects – $13 (AMAZON)
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