From Hailey Bieber to Charli XCX, It Girls Everywhere Are Ditching Pastels for Summerween Manis
There's something about a gothic hue drenched in sunlight.
It’s about that time of year. The flights are booked, the group chat is active, and the summer nail appointment is on the calendar. But according to It girls like Hailey Bieber, Charli XCX, and Suki Waterhouse, the nail color you pick out of that endless binder of options shouldn't be a lush pastel, sea-glass chrome, or milky pink. In fact, cool girls are skipping summer entirely when picking out their seasonal shades, opting for cold-weather hues and inky iterations. It makes perfect sense when you consider that we're officially gearing up for "summerween"—aka, that midsummer point when fall fanatics embrace the dark hues and gothic-chic aesthetics of moody October under the baking summer sun.
Bieber kicked things off early at Coachella weekend one, where the Rhode founder sported jet-black nails by celebrity manicurist Zola Ganzorigt, spiked with bioluminescent blue-and-green flower designs that glowed under the strobe light–stained sky. It was a polarizing choice—her usual culprits being something of the glazed donut variety, with friends like Kylie Jenner opting for spring-ready bedazzled designs—but the anti-spring choice felt artistic, intentional, and effortlessly chic. It's no surprise that other members of the style set soon followed suit, donning similar inky, gothic-chic hues as the summer temperatures continued to rise.
Though we may automatically associate deep shades and blackened nail polish with fall and winter, celebrities like Charli XCX and Waterhouse recently posted pictures donning what appears to be black nail polish despite their sunny surroundings—exemplifying exactly why the choice that feels opposite of the seasonal status quo is the one that becomes the chicest.
Yes, you could argue that dark nails are a pointed choice as the Brat architect injects rock-star grit into her new Music, Fashion, Film era. However, the trend continued to grow legs after Waterhouse, also on the set of a new music video, posted a photo rocking a deep manicure despite the summer time stamp.
That’s not all—chic manicurists from across the globe are also outfitting their clients in sleek, unseasonal hues, like editorial manicurist Oksana Zavora in Milan, Italy, who recently painted a stunning set of sheer lace nails inspired by hosiery, and celebrity manicurist Iram Shelton, who just lacquered Julianne Moore's toes in a luscious black cherry shade for the actress's French Riviera jaunt.
The best part of this trend? It's supremely easy to achieve at home. Shop some of summer’s chicest vampy shades below to partake in the spooky glory of summerween—from inky black shades to navy blues and deep burgundies.
Shop Nail Products Inspired by Summerween
A classic Chanel shade with a glassy veneer.
This almost-black burgundy is a seriously cool alternative for summery chili red.
An iconic inky hue.
Rich brown hues are especially chic during the summertime.
This sheer jelly shade is perfect for the lace nails look.
A shimmery shade fit for summer in the city.
If you favor jelly polishes at this time of year but want to lean into the summerween spirit, try this "nail veil" from Londontown.
The lowest-priced option on this list (and one of the longest-lasting).
