Summer’s biggest mani trend is a twist on the classic soap nails: just add art! Let’s face it, nude polishes like pink and apricot are the perfect background for mani art that stands out while staying wearable enough for every day. Play seasonal trends like beachy nails and butter yellow French tips without overpowering your day-to-day, or take a maximalist look to goes-with-everything territory with nude nail art!
Why is Nude Nail Art the Perfect Summer Mani?
We already know that soapy, your-nails-but-better looks are the most wearable—they automatically go with everything and the clean look provides an elegant, refined effect. So it stands to reason that the most wearable nail art utilizes those nude shades, creating a smooth background for any trend to stand out while still remaining classy-looking.
And for summer, nude nail art has the added bonus of replicating that beachy sand look that’s ever-popular this time of year. From mini details that set the mood to maximal art made wearable, nude nail art is the perfect way to dip your toes (or fingers!) into trendy territory without overpowering colors or looks that don’t fit an office vibe.
The Creative Nude Nail Art We’re Wearing This Summer
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Chain Jewelry
These delicate chain details give a classic soap manicure a sexy edge, while the reserved and precise application allows them to stay clean and sharp.
IG: @iramshelton
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Coastal Cutie
Want beachy nails without the big 3D seashell textures? This coastal set uses a classic nude nail polish combined with small pearl details and teeny starfish to create that beach sand effect without overpowering your daily look.
IG: @paninipress_nails
3 / 9
Written in the Stars
Give your classic naked nails a sparkling upgrade with gilded celestial details. These four-point stars make for a gorgeous accent that still look polished and clean.
IG: @nailsybrooke_
4 / 9
Perfect Polka Dot
This look takes the smooth, your-nails-but-better look to the next level with a gorgeously precise polka dot pattern for a look that’s chic and smart with extra personality.
IG: @nailsybrooke_
5 / 9
Dot Details
If you don’t want to stop at polka dots, we don’t blame you! This look combines dots with an adorable pressed-flower look, all set against an elegant nude background.
IG: @paninipress_nails
6 / 9
Sunflower Summer
By playing with the color of a classic French tip, you can easily give your nude nail look a spark, and combined with peeks at sunflowers, and you have a look that goes with anything but still says “summer!”
IG: @denver_manic
7 / 9
Bee Yourself
Embrace your quirky side with a 3D detail to really set your basic butter nails apart from the pack!
IG: @avrnailswatches
8 / 9
Blooming Beauty
Give your soap nails a boost of visual interest with these simple flower details for a look that stays ultra elegant.
IG: @disseynails
9 / 9
Maximalist Every Day
If you’re looking for nude nail art that maximizes the “art,” look no further than coquette nails. Keep your classic white and nude polishes for a chic French tip, and then add all the bows, laces and pearls you want for a look that’s all personality.
IG: @paninipress_nails
The Nude Polishes to “Nail” Your Look
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A classic soap nails shade, this pale pink is the perfect way to get a your-nails-but-better background for your nude nail art.
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Slightly more pink, this shade is a squeaky clean tone that’s bright and elegant.
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This smoothing formula addresses nail ridges and helps perfect your base, while the gorgeous apricot color delivers an uplifting beachy nude.
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This champagne pink shade has a subtle shimmer for a satiny effect that instantly upgrades the soap nails trend.
