Now that summer is finally here, it’s time to break out the sandals, sundresses, and of course, those fabulous summer nail colors! Pairing the perfect polish with your summertime outfit is essential to nailing (pun intended) that easy, breezy summer look.
Not sure which nail color will complement your wardrobe? Never fear, we’re here to help! Here are our top picks for the hottest summer nail colors that are sure to make a statement.
With no further ado…
Summer Nail Colors 2023
1. Bright White
I love clean bright white nail polish as it is always in fashion. In case you haven’t tried white nail polish already, you’d be surprised by the impact of this “dull” nail polish. It has an amazing dramatic effect while at the same time, it won’t feel as if you went above and beyond to be noticed. In many ways, this is my favorite nail color.
2. Neon Yellow
Neon yellow is one of those colors that you either love or hate. This electric shade is perfect for making a statement this summer. Neon yellow looks fabulous with a tan and is sure to turn heads when you walk into a room. If you’re feeling bold, go for a full neon mani. Or, if you prefer a more subdued look, try pairing neon yellow with a nude polish for a chic and understated take on the trend.
3. Neon Green
This electrifying shade is perfect for summertime. It’s bright and fun, and looks great with any outfit. Whether you’re headed to the pool or the club, this color will help you enjoy the warmer weather in style!
4. Orange Sunburst
Orange is the perfect summer nail color because it’s bright, cheerful, and fun. This shade always makes me think of sunny days, picnics, and lazy days spent lounging in the park. If you’re looking for a polish that will make you feel happy and summery, look no further than orange sunburst.
5. Coral Reef
Coral reef is a beautiful mix of pink and orange that looks stunning on all skin tones. This cheerful shade reminds me of long walks on the beach, watching the sunset, and of course, tropical vacations. Whether you’re headed to the Caribbean or just soaking up some rays in your backyard, coral reef is the perfect polish to accompany your summertime adventures.
6. Coral Pink
A classic summertime hue, coral pink is the perfect balance of playful and sophisticated. It looks great on all skin tones and goes with just about any outfit. Whether you’re hitting the beach or running errands around town, this color is sure to make your nails pop!
7. Aqua Blue
This refreshing shade is perfect for hot summer days. Aqua blue looks especially lovely with white clothes and sandals for a crisp, clean look that screams “summertime.” Add a little flair to your nails by incorporating some fun designs like stripes or polka dots. Or, keep it simple with a solid coat of color. However you choose to wear it, this color is sure to make waves this season!
8. Soft Lavender
Looking for something unique? This pretty hue is perfect for standing out from the crowd. Soft lavender looks great on all skin tones and goes with just about anything. For a fun and flirty look, try pairing it with some bright pink polish. Trust us, your nails will thank you!
Interesting note… one of last season’s summer highlights were soft white nails. In a way, the soft lavender is a nice delicate update to one of last season’s hottest colors.
9. Funky Fuchsia
Funky fuchsia is the perfect shade for making a bold statement this summer. This vivid hue pops against all skin tones and looks great with any outfit. Whether you’re headed to the pool or hitting up happy hour with friends, this color will help you turn heads and stand out from the crowd!
10. Turquoise
Turquoise is such a beautiful shade that looks great on all skin tones. It’s perfect for an island vacation or a day by the pool. This color is sure to make a splash this summer!
11. Mint Green
Mint green is such a refreshing and fun color that looks great on all skin tones. It’s perfect for an island vacation or a day by the pool. This color is sure to make a splash this summer!
Summer Toe Nail Colors
If you read all the way down here, you gotta (or should) be asking yourself if the best nail colors for the summer are also the best toe nail colors…?
Of course, they are! In fact, we would argue that they’re even better! After all, there’s nothing quite like showing off your pedicure in a cute pair of sandals.
Not sure which color to choose? You can either match it with your selection of choice manicures. OR, if you feel brave and bright, you can mix and match…
A small tip though, while most of the above nail colors can work quite well with each other, some colors tend to mix better together. A quick example would be blue and yellow, pink and purples, etc.
Summer Nail Colors 2021-2022
This is not a mistake, while I can be quite the daydreamer, I will not miss a full year – I remember we are already in 2023 🙂
But since I love data (yes I’m a geek), and I love to keep up with fashion trends, I thought it would be nice to compare to previous years.
In short, here are what were the leading nail colors for the summer of 2021 (in no particular order):
Coral
Sheer Pink
Bluish Turquoise
Neon Yellow
Green
Soft White
Light Blue
Which Colors are Considered Summer Colors in Fashion?
While there are no hard and fast rules, certain colors tend to be associated with summertime. These include (but are not limited to):
Bright colors: think of vivid shades of pink, orange, yellow, and green.
Neon colors: another variation of yellow and light green. Perfect for adding a pop of brightness to any outfit.
Pastel colors: blue, purple, and lavender. These light and airy hues are perfect for summertime.
Nude neutral colors: White and transparent. Perfect for keeping your nails looking natural and chic.
Metallic colors: silver, and gold. Ideal for adding a touch of glamour to your nails.
