The 6 Nail Colors That Will Dominate Summer Manicure Trends

Temperatures are rising and we're suddenly being struck with round-the-clock ice cream cravings: Yep, summer is almost here. Time to lean into vacation days, dining al fresco, any drink with the word "spritz" in its name — and, of course, trendy new nail colors.

"The color trends this summer are bold and whimsical," says Jan Arnold, co-founder of CND. "Trends fluctuate throughout the year... we're now craving color to complement bold outfits during the sunny season."

Arnold cites vibrant yellows and cool blues among her top picks for the warmer months, noting that "these shades are different from trends [of] the past few years because they're bolder, brighter and provide different textures and finishes."

Rachel Apfel Glass, the founder of Glosslab, agrees that bold manicures are having a moment — and emphasizes that this is a trend anyone can wear. "What's fun is that colors like whites, blues, greens, pinks and all of the neons look great on all skin tones, nail shapes and lengths," she says.

As for why these dopamine-enhancing brights are going strong right now, nail artist and Après expert Eunice Park thinks it owes, in part, to fond memories of summers past. "It falls in line with the nostalgia trend that's still riding high right now in fashion and beauty," she says.

Ahead, experts share the nail-color trends they're most excited about for summer 2023 — as well as the very best polish picks for test-driving them yourself.

Electric Orange

"Vibrant orange is perfect for capturing the playful vibes of summer," says Jin Soon Choi, a backstage nail veteran and the founder of Jin Soon Natural Hand and Foot Spas in New York City, as well as her eponymous polish line. "This versatile shade looks great on all skin tones and adds a fun pop of color to your nails."

View the 8 images of this gallery on the original article

Marigold Yellow

Arnold calls out this floral-inspired shade as one of her favorites for summer 2023, while Choi calls it a "cheerful and optimistic color that embodies the brightness of summer." Choi also notes that this is a fashion-approved trend: Designers like Christopher John Rogers have been really feeling this manicure shade lately (his models wore it in his most recent runway show in a look created by Choi).

View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article

Tropical Green

"Green is the new 'cool girl' color for summer, and is a step away from the usual neons we see trending during this time of year," says Glass, noting that celebrities like Hailey Bieber, Kourtney Kardashian and Dua Lipa have been wearing it regularly of late.

View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article

Oceanic Blue

"Reminiscent of a summer sky, blues have been a go-to, and we'll continue to see it grow in popularity throughout the next few months," says Glass. It also makes for a fun and unexpected pedicure shade, she adds. Choi co-signs the hue as one of her favorite current color trends: "The best summer shades are blue," she says. "These colors evoke a refreshing and cool feeling."

View the 6 images of this gallery on the original article

Summer White

Choi is a big fan of white in the summer, and so are the clients in her New York City nail salons, she says. The nail pro suggests trying a sheer white for a "clean look," or going for something more full-coverage and opaque to make a "bold fashion statement." Glass concurs, calling summer whites a "tried and true" trend for those who like to go both minimalist and current with their manicures. "Nothing sets off a summer like white. It's a fun neutral that will pair nicely with all of your summer dresses," she says.

View the 8 images of this gallery on the original article

Barbiecore Pink

"Summer is the best season for brighter and bolder nail colors that complement the playful atmosphere of the season," says Choi. What, we ask, could be more playful or nostalgic than a Barbiecore pink manicure inspired by an iconic children's toy? Shout-out to Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie for the continued aesthetic inspiration.

View the 7 images of this gallery on the original article

Please note: Occasionally, we use affiliate links on our site. This in no way affects our editorial decision-making.

Never miss the latest fashion industry news. Sign up for the Fashionista daily newsletter.