I Used to Think This Nail Trend Looked "Cheap"—19 Classy Designs That Changed My Mind

Nothing says summer quite like a fresh set of nails. And while muted, clean-girl nails are all the rage right now, I can't help but feel as though a change is in the air. And trust me—this is a bold statement for me to make. I haven't changed up my nail colour in well over a year. I opt for a chic, barely there shade every single time. But now that the sun is starting to shine through and the weather is hotting up, something is tempting me to go for something a little more daring, something bright.

Whether it be intricate nail art or a simple, block-coloured polish, I don't care what the design is—I just need it to be bright and out there. From hot pink and red to neon yellow and green, bright summer nails are all I want to see right now. In fact, my Instagram Saved folder is full to the brim with seriously stunning bright nail looks. And seeing as I appear to have subconsciously invested a lot of time browsing bright, summer nail inspiration, I figured it's only fair to share my findings.

So if you too are looking to experiment with some bright nail looks this summer, keep scrolling for all of the inspo you need.

If there were ever a nail colour pairing made for summer, it'd be hot pink and red. This subtle but super-cute design by Betina Goldstein has been on my to-try list for months.

While my nails aren't long enough to go for this graphic puzzle-piece design, I must admit it's tempting me to book in for some acrylics. Long-nailed people, you've got to give this a go.

On first look, this manicure might just look like a really chic orange block-coloured look. But if you look really closely you'll see a sliver of dark orange along the tip. Yes, this is the chicest super-skinny French mani you have ever laid eyes on.

Rochelle Humes serves some of my favourite nail looks out there, all courtesy of her go-to manicurist, Harriet Westmoreland (who also works on Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's nails). This baby-blue French with reverse accents is very cute indeed.

I mean, it's heart eyes all 'round for this one. Apple-green polish? Check. Negative space? Check. Immaculately preened cuticles? Check, check, check!

I'm not usually one for super-bright neon nails, but this design really speaks to me. The sheer nude leaves nails looking clean and polished, while the subtle neon accents on the nail bed ooze summer fun.

Betina Goldstein is back with another super-skinny French, and this just might be my favourite nail design of the lot. A popping red polish with an über-fine white tip is 100% going to be the vibe of my next holiday manicure.

Simple but oh so beautiful. A perfectly polished hot-pink manicure come summertime is timeless and totally fool-proof.

If you thought rainbow nails were going away, think again. This summer, it's all about taking your rainbow nails onto the tips to create a wonderfully bright French.

In autumn, I'm all for gradient nails in deep, wintry shades. This summer, I'm taking the ombré effect and re-creating it with sunset shades. To caveat, I didn't think of this idea myself —I saw this stellar manicure and wanted in.

I have a couple of hen dos lined up this summer, and I am absolutely going for this graphic, negative-space design for one of them. It's going to look exceptional as I lounge by the pool, sipping on cocktails.

You didn't think I'd overlook this one, did you? Nothing beats a classic red manicure. Come summer, switch up your usual red shade for something cool-toned and poppy-hued.

It's Pride Month, and I've just found my next manicure design thanks to Hang Nguyen. I am head over heels for this delicate but loud design.

Okay, I'll admit I've had this one saved down since Easter—and it probably would have been a more fitting design for spring. However, swap these pastel shades out for neon brights, and you've got one hell of a bright summer nail look.

For those who don't want to go whole-hog on the brights, why not opt from some subtle accents in contrasting shades?

Wavy and swirly designs have been big news in the nail game since last summer, and I'm pleased to see these retro designs are sticking around.

Neon, ombré, rainbow nails styled out by a pool? This whole look hits every weak spot I have. In fact, I'm calling my nail tech right now.

Green nails are going to be huge for 2024 and this shade is so wonderfully vibrant that you almost need sunglasses on just to look at it.

It might be grey here in the UK, but at least your manicure can capture the vibrant hues of tropical waters with this beautiful cerulean blue.

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