Sunshine season is here, and what better way to celebrate than with a fresh set of yellow summer nails? In 2025, pastel tones are making a splash, blending soft elegance with bold, sun-kissed vibes. Whether you're hitting the beach, brunching with friends, or just soaking up the season’s good energy, these yellow nail designs will add a playful pop to your look. From buttery pastels to soft lemony hues paired with dreamy designs, we’re bringing you the trendiest yellow nail inspo to keep your summer style bright and breezy.
Strawberry Matcha Tips
Soft pink meets muted green in this subtle yet stylish take on French tips — think Parisian café chic blended with L.A. wellness vibes. The classic nude base gets a modern twist with pastel green tips and a fine neon pink curve along the reverse moon, giving it a hint of retro flair. It looks refined but is surprisingly easy to achieve — especially flattering on short square or coffin-shaped nails.
To recreate the look, start with a milky nude polish like Essie’s Ballet Slippers. Paint pastel green tips using something like Olive & June’s KMC, then use a striping brush and hot pink polish to add a delicate reverse French line. A matte topcoat helps soften the colors for a contemporary feel — and applying two layers on the tips will keep chips at bay.
Whether you’re heading to brunch or an art gallery, this minimalist manicure pairs perfectly with everything from a crisp linen dress to casual denim. It’s elegant, effortless, and wonderfully versatile.
Swirl Sorbet Fantasy
This look is pure summer on your fingertips — imagine the refreshing swirl of lime, raspberry, and a sugary glaze, all blended in a soft almond nail shape. It’s playful but wearable, thanks to smooth pastel gradients and swirly art that feels airy and modern.
Try OPI’s Strawberry Margarita and How Does Your Zen Garden Grow? for the color swirl. For a seamless gradient, stamp polish from a sponge to the nail after blending it on plastic wrap — a technique shared by nail artist @nailartbysig. Add delicate white spirals using a dotting tool or go with stickers if you’re new to nail art.
Lock it all in with a glossy topcoat, and you’ll be channeling rooftop cocktails and beachside vibes all day. It’s eye-catching, charming, and Pinterest-worthy in the best way.
Neon Flame Flora
If bold is your signature, this fiery floral design brings the drama. Think neon yellow flames fused with leafy outlines on a sheer nude base — the perfect mix of statement and style. It’s ideal for almond or stiletto nail shapes.
Start with a base like Chanel’s Ballerina, layer on neon yellow (Orly’s Glowstick is a must), and sketch black petal-flame hybrids using a fine nail art brush. Draw the design in white chalk first to guide your brush, or use flame decals for a no-stress version.
The vibrant mix of flame and floral gives off tropical energy and stands out on every skin tone. Whether you're hitting the beach or a party, this look says “main character” in the loudest, most stylish way.
Lemon-Lime Botanica
This zesty design blends citrus tones with clean black botanical accents on a glossy almond base — a fresh, stylish look that’s beginner-friendly and breezy.
Use a pink-nude base like Deborah Lippmann’s Naked, then alternate yellow and green tips using ILNP’s Lemonade Stand and Sundance. Add leafy designs with a micro-tip nail art pen and skip the matte topcoat — glossy finishes bring those plants to life.
This playful look is perfect with a sundress, a cold drink in hand, or even a straw bag. Simple to do, quick to dry, and oh-so-summery.
Blue Daisy Days
Paint on two coats of a sky-blue polish like Essie’s Blue-Tiful Horizon, then dot on white petals with a toothpick or dotting tool. Use Sally Hansen’s Mellow Yellow for the flower centers, and finish with a gel topcoat to ensure poolside durability.
It’s a whimsical, feel-good manicure that suits everyone, from teens to stylish grandmothers. A floral favorite that always delivers smiles.
Retro Dot Pop
Start with a bold pink like OPI’s Mod About You or Nails Inc’s Pompadour Pink. Accent with bright white nails dotted in black using a toothpick or dotting tool. Finish with a high-gloss topcoat to amp up the shine.
This look pairs effortlessly with sundresses or jeans and works beautifully for mother-daughter salon days. Retro charm, modern attitude.
Sunset Butterfly Mix
Use a soft pink base and add coral-orange (try OPI’s Hot & Spicy) and gold glitter like Sally Hansen’s Golden-I. Use a fine brush for ombré effects or opt for butterfly decals for ease. A gel topcoat seals the set with a high-shine finish.
Perfect for indecisive days — when you want sparkle, color, and a little art, this design lets you wear it all at once.
Emerald Whispers
Start with Zoya’s Jacqueline and layer on Jungle Green from Cirque Colors. Sketch swirls and shapes with a detail brush, then soften with a second brush dipped in acetone — a trick for that natural, painterly look.
This style was a hit at my own garden wedding, and it pairs beautifully with soft dresses and simple accessories. A subtle nod to nature for the modern minimalist.
Cherry Bloom Crush
Cherries and blossoms — this design is like sipping cherry soda in a blooming park. Set on a nude base, with red French tips and cherry accents, it’s sweet but never childish.
Start with OPI’s Put It in Neutral, add red tips using Big Apple Red, and draw cherries and stems with a detailing brush (or go the sticker route). Top it all off with a glossy gel coat.
This look balances romance and playfulness — a 2025 favorite that’s perfect for everything from July picnics to weekend dates.
Tangerine Florals & Rhinestone Charm
Begin with a base like Bare It All by Wet n Wild, then add Essie’s Living Coral. Use floral decals or hand-paint daisies with Zoya’s Darcy for a bright yellow center. Finish by setting rhinestones into a tacky base and sealing with topcoat.
Great for short square or ballerina shapes, this manicure is an instant conversation starter. Happy, vibrant, and full of sunshine energy — the ultimate showstopper for your summer events.
