Simple Summer nail designs are always on top of my list as I start dreaming about all the exciting Summer outfits I want to wear in the months ahead. Why? Because the more simple the more versatile.
I love elegant looking nails -and many times with a twist- because they allow me to wear whatever I want without looking “off”.
And since Summer is perfect for adding a bit of color into daily outfits, I want to make sure I can wear it easily. Who has time to think if orange nails look good with a green top? Not me and not you either.
So if you’re looking for can’t-go-wrong nail designs for Summer 2023, minimalistic options are a great choice. These four chic and simple designs are perfect for any occasion, from a day at the beach, a night out with your girls or even weddings.
Let’s go!
Simple Summer Nail Designs 2023
The Ultimate Milky White Nails: Simplicity At Its Best
Milky white nails are a simple and chic nail design that is amazing for Summer 2023. And not only Summer, but all year long really.
It’s also one of the biggest “clean nail” trends, but it’s not a trend in my mind as I’ve been doing it for years. It’s my go-to whenever I want a super chic & minimal nail look that will pair perfectly with anything I choose to wear. For me it’s a classic.
HOW-TO
To achieve this look, start with a base coat and then apply a white or off-white sheer polish. Apply two coats for fuller coverage and finish off with a top coat for added shine and longevity.
I’ve found that the best nail polish for milky white nails is the Limo-scene from Essie. I’ve finished 2-3 already throughout the years and I’m never without it. With one coat you have “my nails but better” outcome and with two coats you have the best milky white nails of your life.
This minimalistic design is great for any occasion and can be dressed up or down depending on your mood. Plus, it’s easy to maintain and looks great on any nail length or shape.
Boom!
Gem Stone Nails Of Dreams
Gem stone nails are the perfect way to add a touch of something *extra* to your Summer 2023 look. Even if you love subtle nails like me.
HOW-TO
Start with a clear base coat and then apply a coat of your favorite “natural” nail polish. I use Essie’s Limo-scene -again- and depending on what I want to achieve I add one or two coats. You can also go with a flesh toned sheer polish for a “cleaner” look.
When my nails are still wet, I use a small tool and barely touching it on my top coat using it as a glue. Then I’m taking one gem stone at a time and sticking it in the base of each nail. It sticks immediately and it’s super quick.
My final step is a thin layer of top coat to secure everything in place and I’m ready. Just a quick glance at my nails during the day is all I need to feel happy; they’re too good and surprisingly easy & quick to do at home!
The Glittery French Tip: Your Summer Vacation Nails Sorted
For a subtle yet super exciting look, try the glittery French tip. It’s a simple Summer nail design with a major impact.
This is hands down the best option if you want a fun, chic and long lasting nail look for your vacation.
The glitter tips keep your nails super strong and prevent breakage (what’s better when you are on your Summer holidays?) and the whole style looks amazing even when it starts to fade. No one can see if you lost a tiny sparkly particle from the tip of your nail. Get me?
HOW-TO
Start with a milky sheer base coat and then apply a line of glitter polish to the tips of your nails. The glitter polish I use called Halo from Orly has a mix of big, small & tiny particles both silver and gold.
I love placing the bigger particles towards the tip of the nail and with whatever is left on the brush (usually the super small ones that look like sparkly dust) I’m dabbing the brush towards the middle of the nail to create a fading effect.
You can be as messy as you want with it. The outcome always looks fantastic and again it’s extremely quick to do.
Finish with a top coat to seal in the glitter and add shine. This simple design is perfect for adding a touch of sparkle to any outfit. It looks bomb with swimsuits, airy linen pieces and party dresses alike.
Fun Hologram Nail Design: When you want something and nothing
And what I mean by that? This beautiful hologram nail design is the ultimate option when you want something different for an occasion but don’t want it to be bold.
It’s like simple and fun combined; best of both worlds. Plus, it’s the at-home version of the famous Hailey Bieber “glazed donut” nails which is super quick to achieve.
HOW-TO
I’m starting with a base coat and then add just one layer of my beloved Limo-scene from Essie -yes, again!
Once dried I add a thin layer of Essies’s “Iced out filter” nail polish which looks different depending on what you have underneath. I love it both with a sheer flesh toned rosy polish and a sheer milky white.
Finishing off with a top coat for extra shine and longevity. Voilà!
Now which is your favorite one? I love them all depending where I’m heading to but keep in mind that all these simple Summer nail designs are “can’t-go-wrong” styles no matter how you choose to spend your Summer.
Let me know in the comments below!
