Ultra-Cool Summer Nail Designs To Try In 2023

Summer may just be one of the best seasons for nail trends. Not only are the nail colours bright and bold, but we're also deep into sandal season, meaning our toes can get in on the fun too. If you want to add a nail design to your summer manicure, you've come to the right place. We rounded up 40 of the best summer nail designs to consider for your next mani, courtesy of celebs, pro nail artists, and more.

Related article: The Coolest Summer 2021 Nail Art Trends

1

Pucci Prints

A take on Barbiecore, inspired by Margot Robbie and nail pro Tom Bachik.

2

Bright Angles

Baby blue (a.k.a. "blueberry milk") nails get a jolt of summery energy with a hot pink stripe.

3

Gradient French

Blending soft shades is the take on the colourful French manicure we didn't know we were missing.

4

Sherbet Ombré

For those days you can't decide between two shades.

5

Barbiecore Glitter

Glitter top coat is nail art in a bottle.

6

Neon + Metallic

Not even Hailey Bieber, Queen of the Glazed Donut Nail, can resist a neon green set for summer. Her nail artist Zola Ganzorigt even added veins of gold for an unexpected twist.

7

All of the Flowers

Retro dotted flowers are super easy to create with a dotting tool, and they're even more fun when every nail looks a little different.

8

Neon Aura

As if the aura design isn't enough, tiny gems give this trend even more eye-catching interest.

9

3-D Squiggles

Neon against a negative-space backdrop always looks fresh; add 3-D design details and it's even more fun for the season.

10

Rainbow Swirl

This is the nail polish version of that ice cream flavor you loved so much as a kid.

11

Mermaid Sparkles

Metallic blue gives instant Ariel vibes, while added rhinestones bring out your inner kid.

12

Pink Aura

If you love a longer set, take inspiration from Megan Thee Stallion and try a hot pink aura design on lipstick-shaped tips.

13

Grecian Goddess

Gold and turquoise instantly call to mind the Greek isles. A matte finish lets the gold polish shine (literally).

14

Dip Dye

Addison Rae's fuchsia nails call to mind a melting popsicle, in the best way.

15

Berry Nice

It's a food-mani summer, so strawberries, tomatoes, or any other juicy fruits are fair game.

16

Jade Marble

Marble is oddly easy to DIY, but gel will give it that extra shiny finish.

17

A Milky French

Classic French tips like Dua Lipa's are gorgeous 365 days a year, and feels extra fresh in summer.

18

Dark Florals

Summer may be largely associated with lighter shades, but why not be subversive? A black base with glittery florals feels summery, without being overtly sunny.

19

Accent Petals

If you don't want to go overboard with the florals, just doing a nail or two gets the seasonal energy across.

20

Cherry on Top

Another Bieber mani to try: A classic French with teeny-tiny cherries hidden on one nail.

21

Mermaid Scales

If you need more mermaid inspo, try this shimmery look seen on Hailee Steinfeld.

22

Vintage Print

Nail artist to the stars Mei Kawajiri created this gorgeous vintage-inspired toile print for Parker Kit Hill.

23

Check, Mate

Any colour combo works, but a berries-and-cream pairing is fresh and seasonal.

24

Pink Glazed

Glazed donut nails get the summer treatment in petal pink.

25

Coral Reef

Next time you're having trouble choosing a colour, remember this: Cheery coral and bold fuchsia are a match made in mani heaven.

26

Colour Swap

On one hand, pair cream with pink wavy lines on top; on the other, swap the shades.

27

In Your Teals

Another moodier option, a deep teal and shimmery turquoise offers an under-the-sea feel.

28

Pink Tips

When in doubt, a punchy colourful French is always a good option.

29

Airbrush Details

No polish, no problem. Marsai Martin's airbrush hearts and sparkles are whimsical heaven.

30

Night Sky

Channel the glow-in-the-dark star stickers you had as a kid with pastel stars on a neutral base.

31

Gallery Girls

Nails are your canvas, right? Different details on each nail show off your personality and are total conversation starters.

32

Float On

When better to showcase the pretty insects than the season when they're fluttering around?

33

Clear Tips

At first glance, this may look like a regular French. But upon further review, these nails have transparent tips that are oh-so-summery.

34

Pride 365

The time for Pride nails doesn't end in June. These metallic rainbow nails are worth wearing throughout the summer and beyond.

35

Colourblock Half Moons

You can create this look with two contrasting colours, or mix and match three shades like the look seen here.

36

Lemon Squeeze

Canary yellow makes a nice warm-weather alternative to white for simple nail art.

37

Coquette Dreams

Translucent pink gets even girlier with the addition of bows, hearts, and glitter. Lean into it!

38

Easy Swirl

For something simple yet eye-catching, use white nail polish and a skinny nail brush to paint on an abstract design.

39

'80s Shades

Saturated highlighter hues that call to mind South Beach and the 1980s are especially applicable to summer. Wear them accordingly.

40

Milk Bath Nails

This soothing nail trend has been worn by the likes of Kim Kardashian, and it feels right at home alongside summery light blue polish.

This article originally appeared in Harper's BAZAAR US.