16 Summer Nail Art Ideas That Scream Fun in the Sun

By Kristen Bousquet, Brit + Co

Summer is the season for standing out. From epic swimsuits to fresh hair color, fun in the sun never looked so good. Instead of sticking to simple colors for your seasonal nail look, get ready for a slew of new ideas that will carry you from outdoor happy hours to boardwalk shenanigans. Ready to get inspired? Scroll down to see some of our favorite summer nail art ideas that’ll have you ready for vacation.
[post_ads_2]

1. Ocean Blues: 

A post shared by SoNailicious ® by Maria Vlezko (@so_nailicious) on Apr 28, 2018 at 2:47am PDT

Inspired by the ocean, this wave-like ombre is ready for a beach getaway.

2. Subtle Leaves: 

A post shared by SoNailicious ® by Maria Vlezko (@so_nailicious) on May 1, 2018 at 3:28am PDT

For the pastel gal, these light leaves make for the perfect nail design.
[post_ads_2]

3. Flamingos: 

A post shared by 🌈 Soph | Rainbow Nails Salon 🌈 (@sophrainbownails) on Apr 30, 2018 at 2:13pm PDT

Any extra girl knows that summer isn’t summer without a flamingo on your nail.

4. Daisy Negative Space: 

A post shared by Stefanie (@ssnailedit) on Apr 29, 2018 at 9:18am PDT

Negative space nails are still having their moment, and who doesn’t love this throwback bloom?
[post_ads_2]

5. Groovy Pattern: 

A post shared by Z LUXURY NAILS (@zluxurynails) on Mar 22, 2018 at 5:07pm PDT

Get wild and wavy with summertime colors in a bold graphic design.

6. Mini Cacti: 

A post shared by Sarah💅🏼 (@shinigamixnailxart) on Apr 2, 2018 at 8:31am PDT

Itty-bitty cacti are exactly what you need for desert vibes.
[post_ads_2]

7. Statement Nail: 

A post shared by Leah B (@nailswithshade) on Jan 17, 2018 at 12:17pm PST

Opt for a white background statement nail to set off your warm-weather mani.

8. Watermelon: 

A post shared by tiaalynnn (@tiaalynnn) on Jun 29, 2016 at 6:03pm PDT

Bright pink-and-green watermelons pop up against white polish.
[post_ads_2]

9. Colorful Ikat: 

A post shared by tiaalynnn (@tiaalynnn) on Jun 20, 2015 at 11:20am PDT

Can’t decide on just one color? Incorporate all of your favorite polish tones into one ikat design.

10. Minimal Blooms: 

A post shared by Reka Cabuta (@nailtech.reka_cabuta) on Apr 23, 2018 at 11:14am PDT

For a simple nail design, nestle abstract flowers near your cuticle.
[post_ads_2]

11. Pineapples: 

These fun pineapple 🍍 nails are up on my blog now! I love doing reverse stamping and wish I had more time to do it! I used @moyou_london Cheeky Cactus & Banana Ice for the stamping. The images are from @bornprettystore BP-L076 🍍🍍🌴🌴#nailsofinstagram #instanails #reversestamping #stampingnailart #nailartstamping #advancedstamping #pineapplenails #tropicalnails #summernails #nailart #nailartideas #nailpolish #nailpolishaddict #nailpolishjunkie #nailartjunkie #nailartaddict #nailartideas #notd #nailsoftheday #nailartwow #nailartheaven #nailartpics #naturalnails #nailblog #beauty #summernailart #holidaynails

A post shared by LL (@redheadspaintitbetter) on Apr 16, 2018 at 9:24am PDT

Hello tropical vacay! Pineapples and banana leaves? Sign us up.

12. Sprinkles: 

A post shared by tiaalynnn (@tiaalynnn) on Apr 13, 2018 at 4:14pm PDT

Opt for confection nails for a sweet summer look.
[post_ads_2]

13. Floral Print: 

A post shared by Hannah (@hannahh395) on Apr 28, 2018 at 6:48am PDT

This groovy floral print is tailor-made for weekend road trips.

14. Neon Cactus: 

A post shared by @peggysageofficial on Jul 24, 2017 at 12:32pm PDT

Cacti get a ’90s jolt when they’re painted in neon polish.
[post_ads_2]

15. Banana Leaves: 

A post shared by Seventeen México (@seventeenmx) on Jul 20, 2017 at 4:49pm PDT

Millennial pink gets even trendier when you couple it with fresh banana leaves and gold accents.

16. Peachy Florals: 

A post shared by Polished Looks By Melissa (@polishedlooksbymelissa) on Apr 30, 2018 at 6:43am PDT

Pair sorbet-inspired hues with petite blooms for your vacay nail design.

See more at: Brit + Co