There’s just something about warmer weather that tends to beg for brighter and bolder nail styles. Could it be the way certain colors look against sun-kissed skin? Or perhaps it’s their association with tropical landscapes. That said, neon manis aren’t the only way to transition your nail looks for the sunny season ahead — although they do tend to be a favorite of trendsetters like Hailey Bieber, Megan Thee Stallion, and Tyla. There’s actually quite a spectrum of styles when it comes to celebrity summer nails, from subtle to statement-making, so who better to turn to for inspiration than A-listers?
As summer approaches, you can expect to see your favorite stars bringing back nail trends from the past — like jelly nails and fruit motifs — that just work so well this time of year. And then there are the seasonless looks that are getting the summer treatment: think patterned French tips or mismatched neutrals. What’s more, some of the celeb go-tos for spring will be sticking around for the summer, too (looking at you, butter yellow nails). There’s truly something for everyone.
To get your mood board going, we’ve curated a series of summer nail looks, courtesy of celebs who don’t mess around when it comes to their manis. Find the one that best suits you and get a jump start on the sizzling season ahead.
Butter Yellow
What seemed a fleeting trend a few years ago has since turned into a full-fledged seasonal staple. Butter yellow, seen here on Charlize Theron, “is one of the biggest shades for summer because it feels soft and fresh without being too bright,” as manicurist Svitlana Motyl told TZR.
Earthy Mismatch
Neutrals are always in season, yes. But by opting for a variety of neutral colors in multiple finishes (including metallic and jelly), as Tracee Ellis Ross did here, you can give the hues an especially playful, summery feel.
Pickle Green
Could “pickle” replace “Brat” as the go-to green? (Or tomato as the trendiest summer fruit?) Only time will tell. But this Vanessa Hudgens manicure does make a compelling case for the briny cucumbers.
Cinnamon Bronze
The slightly rosy undertone of Jennifer Lopez’s cinnamon-bronze manicure gives it a romantic feel. Add this one to your summer event mood board ASAP.
Leopard Print
Looking to dabble in the animal print manicure trend without going into full safari mode? Consider French tips, like this embellished leopard print set on Olivia Dean.
Polka Dots
Another fun, warm-weather take on the French manicure? These polka-dot-and-ladybug-accented butter yellow tips, which Joey King wore to a Miu Miu event in New York City in the spring.
Sky Blue
Stephane Cardinale – Corbis/Corbis Entertainment/Getty Images
Call it sky blue, call it “blueberry milk.” Either way, this creamy, light-yet-bright blue shade has earned the stamp of approval from celebs like Zendaya and Sabrina Carpenter.
Hot Pink Jelly
New flash: Not all jelly nails are subtle. When paired with a bright color, like Megan Thee Stallion’s hot pink mani, the finish can make a major statement. This one feels so juicy, like a tropical punch.
Highlighter Yellow
Amy Sussman/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images
Sticking with the brighter, bolder theme, Tyla’s lemon sorbet nails may have made their debut in spring, but they’re prime for hot weather wear.
Green & Gold
These days, Hailey Bieber mostly sticks to low-key manis, like a sheer glazed pink or nudes. But warmer seasons tend to bring out her more daring side. Enter her neon green and gold nails from Coachella 2023. The acidic color gets a luxe touch with metallic gold veins for an unexpected but totally summer-approved style.
Coral
Kylie Jenner always changes her mani to match her mood, which has resulted in a wide array of nail looks from super subtle to totally over-the-top. This soft coral color landed somewhere in between. Brighter than her go-to nude, but not as flashy as the cherry reds and neons she’s worn in summers past, it fits the season’s beachy-cool brief so beautifully.
Creamy Nude
There are so many different ways to do a nude nail. For Hailee Steinfeld, summer calls for one that’s as near a match to your skin tone as possible for a sexy, seamless, and elongated effect.
Neon French Tips
Matchy-matchy nails will continue their moment this summer. Mindy Kaling tried it out by combining two other nail trends — neons and French tips — in this look.
Lavender Milk
Selena Gomez was an early adopter of the “lavender milk nail” craze. Yes, pastels are typically reserved for spring, but this creamy, ethereal color looks especially whimsical in the summertime.
Itty Bitty Berry
For the subtlest take on the “farmer’s market” mani trend, try something like this teeny raspberry design, as seen on Zoë Kravitz.
This article was originally published on May 10, 2025
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