The Gist

• With summer on the horizon, it's the perfect time to experiment with your manicure, from bold colors to shimmery finishes.

• An InStyle writer spoke with a top nail artist on how nail design lovers can infuse playful touches to their summer manicures.

Tuck away your spring pastels because summer is finally approaching. After months of pared-back neutrals, summer dives head-first into vibrancy with bright, warm shades. Think bold oranges, fiery reds, and stunning yellows that veer from butter territory (but, don’t worry, you can still wear the trending shade, too).

To elevate your manicure for the season ahead, nail artist Hang Nguyen says to look to abstract art, summer classics like vivid florals and coastal seashells, and niche themes for inspiration. "Some of the elements that reflect fun and playful summer nails include bright colors, summertime activities, food and fruity treats, and overall just art that activates chill holiday feels," she says. You can also incorporate unique techniques like aura patterns and sheer jelly finishes to ensure your mani is anything but boring.

Meet Our Expert

• Hang Nguyen, a professional nail artist and content creator

Ahead, 12 nail designs to add to your summer moodboard, from touches of vibrant color to whimsical patterns and designs.

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Butterflies

Butterfly prints are the latest animal-inspired design taking over tips, and it's all the more stunning when paired with an aura nail moment. Give this look the summer treatment by swapping spring pastels for saturated hues like this style above.

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Rainbow Fish

Looking to h ave another sardine girl summer? Turn to this multicolored look that features whimsical fish designs. Pro tip: to make this look more glamorous, add a subtle shimmer with a pearlescent top coat.

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Funky Fingers

Summer is the perfect time to play with vibrant tones and abstract shapes. Try a nude base to let them take centerstage, or use a bold shade to amplify this bold look.

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Picnic Basket

Some of the best al fresco snacks are as aesthetically appealing as they are tasty, meaning that you can make a manicure meal from your picnic picks. This can veer Mediterranean, all-American, and more—choose your preferred locale and menu a nd let your nails be your proverbial picnic blanket.

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Pool Toys

Credit: nailrmoon

Nails that mimic a pool's wavy, wate ry light are a huge trend for summer, as are designs that celebrate the timeless pastime of swimming. Like many items on our list, this theme invites you to go wide: choose between beloved blues, 3D additions, gel droplets, or so me combination all your own.

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Vivid Abstractions

Summer is a vibrant, splashy season, so why not opt for a mani that colors outside the lines? Curate a collection of bright colors, applying in dots, blobs, and splotches for an elevated art school vibe. Your nails are your canvas, and there are absolutely no rules here.

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Micro Fruit Salad