Given the current obsession with colour analysis, you might be choosing your summer nail colours according to the shades most flattering for your skin tone. But if you don’t like to feel confined to a single palette, you’re in luck: when it comes to manicures and pedicures, you can throw away the rule book because the truth is, anything goes.
Summer is, after all, a time for adventures, so it’s all about experimenting and having fun with new colours and nail designs. We’re talking bright and vibrant shades like bubble gum pink, bright reds, neon orange or baby blues. For minimalists and creatures of habit, there are rich, creamy neutrals and classic colours that will still make your nails pop. Or carry over your winter favourites if you’re particularly attached to those darker shades.
Below are 10 summer nail colours the pros predict big things for this year…
Jelly coded
With their bright shades and translucent finish, jelly colours are some of the most fun manis options for this summer. Betina Goldstein, Chanel nail artist, says you’ll want to mix a few sheer shades together to get that milky feel (her picks are the Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in shades Skieuse, Diva and Sun Drop), then finish it off with a top coat to give the nails an extra shiny gloss.
Vintage green
If you’re feeling inspired by Apple TV+’s hit show Palm Royale, Goldstein suggests opting for a ’60s-inflected deep olive green. She loves CND Vinylux Nail Polish in Crisp Green to add a pop of colour that will contrast beautifully with a pink or orange fit. We’re also loving Gucci’s 712 Melinda Green, or the Colour Dept Kiwi Juice Nail Polish to get that vintage-inspired shade.
Gucci’s 712 Melinda Green
£24
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Tomato red
Are we gearing up for another tomato girl summer? According to celebrity nail artist and founder of her eponymous nail polish brand, Jin Soon Choi, we just might be. “I adore the hot orange-red shade with a translucent finish,” Choi says. “It’s vibrant and lively, capturing the essence of summer like nothing else.” She created this very look for Brandon Maxwell’s Spring/Summer 2024 show at New York Fashion Week, using the JinSoon polish in Crush. We also like the Hermès Les Mains Nail Polish in Orange Poppy, or Dazzle Dry in Red Hot Chili for a very bright red with orange tint.
Latte beige
For mani minimalists, neutral nails are your North star. Goldstein loves the Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour Légende, which she describes as a “latte beige”, thanks to its rich creamy tan colour that will go with any look. If you want something a bit deeper with warm undertones, we like the Palette London Toasted Taupe Nail Paint. For something cooler or more neutral, try the Dior Vernis Gel Shine Long Wear Nail Lacquer in 402 Cashmere, or the Côte No 122 Caramel Clay Brown Nail Polish.
Off-white
Another great neutral to turn to is a classic white. “[White nails are] perfect to rock from winter to summer as they go with everything and still feel so minimal, yet fresh,” says celebrity nail artist Queenie Nguyen. She recommends trying an off-white shade for something a bit more unexpected. We like this Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro in Tenderness, which has deep mauve undertones.
Hermès Les Mains Nail Polish in Orange
£45
John Lewis
Dior Vernis Gel Shine Long Wear Nail Lacquer in 402 Cashmere
£22
Boots
Yellow taxi
What better way to evoke the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple than with the iconic taxi cab yellow – a colour Choi used for the Helmut Lang Spring/Summer 2024 show at NYFW? “This refreshing hue adds a playful yet chic element to the runway, perfectly reflecting the contemporary style,” she says. “I adore it as a bold statement.” You can get this exact shade using JinSoon’s Tweety, or opt for something similar, like Londontown Lakur in Mango or Hermès Les Mains Nail Polish in Jaune Impérial. We also like Habit Cosmetics Nail Polish in Yellow, a deep mustard shade that’s super pretty.
Fiery orange
Hot weather calls for bold and bright shades, and nothing screams summer quite like neon orange. Goldstein loves Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in Incendiaire, which gives you a bright red with orange undertones. You can also try Nail’s Inc Walker’s Court Neon Nail Polish to get that neon shade, or Essie’s To DIY For for something that’s a bit more muted but still just as bold.
Capri blue
Nguyen loves taking inspo from Pantone’s fashion colour trend report for summer nail looks. There’s a fresh mix of soft pastels and earthy tones, but we especially love Capri, described as a “bright blue hue reminiscent of the azure waters of the blue grotto.” We like Nails Inc’s Seabright Street Neon Light Nail Polish and Zoya’s Breezi for a very bright blue, or Essie’s Offbeat Chic and Aprés Nail in Posei Donna for that ocean-like feel.
Silver chrome
Who says silver shimmer is just for Christmas? Choi argues that it makes for a great summer mani. “Silver chrome and silver [shimmer] bring chicness and a modern look to your nails – especially when paired with pasted colours and vibrant shades for nail art,” she says. She recommends using something like JinSoon’s Halo, which is a sheer silver with glitter finish. You can also use Nail Inc’s Wherever I May Chrome and OPI’s Go Big or Go Chrome for a more shimmery metallic look, or Sally Hansen’s Color Foil to get that chrome effect.
Deep Bordeaux
While we love a classic red nail, there is something darkly romantic about a deep Bordeaux. Goldstein especially loves bringing this popular winter shade over to the summer season, and recommends pairing it with neutral linens for an unexpected contrast. She likes the classic Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in Rouge Noir. But you can also try Nailberry’s Deep Red Black or Essie Couture’s Spiked With Style for a dark wine colour.