Certain nail trends don't stand the test of time—5 that we're putting on hold this summer.

Certain nail trends don't stand the test of time—5 that we're putting on hold this summer.

      As a beauty editor, I strongly advocate for wearing what makes you feel your best, whether that pertains to fashion or beauty trends. Naturally, it's enjoyable to keep up with seasonal nail trends and colors. However, nails often serve as a key element of our identity and a representation of our personal style, whether you prefer long almond shapes, enjoy intricate nail art, or choose a minimalist milky manicure. Everyone has unique tastes, and it’s important not to let trends dictate what you truly love. That being said, as nail trends evolve rapidly, some styles are starting to feel a bit "dated" for summer 2025. To explore which manicures our team is currently gravitating towards, I've asked the beauty team to share the trends they're setting aside for now and the ones they’re excited about for this summer. Below, we've outlined the summer 2025 nail trends we're putting on hold along with the fresh nail trends we're eager to try this year.

      **5 Summer Nail Trends That Feel Dated for 2025, and 5 That Feel Fresh**

      1. **Pausing: Brown Pedicures**

       **Wearing: Red Pedicures**

       “I've always loved a glossy chocolate brown on my toes during summer; it has this cool, bohemian vibe,” shares Shannon Lawlor, beauty director at Who What Wear UK. “But with woven and mesh ballet flats being my go-to summer footwear, I considered switching to a cool-toned, bright poppy red a few weeks ago, and it’s made me feel like a new woman. A bright red pedi feels so fresh, especially with sheer shoes trending for summer 2025—it's time for bolder pedicure choices!”

       **Shop Red Nail Polishes:**

       - CHANEL Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in Incendiaire

       - H&M Nail Polish in Brass Apples

       - Essie Nail Polish in Laquered Up

      2. **Pausing: Bright White**

       **Wearing: Soft White**

       “While I adore white nails in summer, this year I'm leaning towards soft, milky shades instead of stark white polishes,” says Grace Lindsay, junior beauty editor at Who What Wear UK. “Milky nails complement my skin tone much better and align perfectly with the upcoming season.”

       **Shop Soft White Nail Polishes:**

       - Essie Nail Polish in Allure

       - OPI Nail Polish in Funny Bunny

       - H&M Nail Polish in Oh My Vanilla!

      3. **Pausing: Block Red**

       **Wearing: Jelly Red**

       “I love red nail polish just as much as anyone, but this summer I’ve found myself gravitating toward neutrals and desire a softer manicure to match my wardrobe,” says Lindsay. “That's where red jelly nails come in. This sheer, glossy polish provides a subtle hint of color while still looking incredibly chic.”

       **Shop Jelly Polishes:**

       - Manucurist Active Glow™ Cranberry

       - Barry M Barry M Mani Hero in Nourish

      4. **Pausing: Chrome**

       **Wearing: Seashell Shimmer**

       Personally, I’ve grown a bit tired of seeing chrome and glazed doughnut finishes everywhere (plus, due to an allergy, I’ve never been able to achieve chrome with regular polish). Instead, I’m favoring sheer polishes with a delicate shimmer this season. They offer a similar vibe to chrome nails but with a softer overall effect—think of the subtle sheen found inside seashells—this is the look I want for my manicures this summer 2025.

       **Shop Shimmery Nail Polishes:**

       - Hermès Les Mains Hermès Nail Polish in Blanc Orage

       - Manucurist Active Shine Treatment

       - Nails.INC Nail Polish in Shells Aloud

      5. **Pausing: Neons**

       **Wearing: Muted Brights**

       I’ve never quite managed to pull off neon nails when they were in trend during the 2010s, but I feel that the neon trend is firmly rooted in the past decade for now. Instead, I’m opting for bright colors in more muted tones—think pistachio, burnt orange, and cobalt blue. They retain a playful and summery feel but are much more wearable (and won’t glow in the dark!).

       **Shop Muted Bright Nail Polishes:**

       - Dior Vernis in Rouge Cinema

       - CHANEL Le Vernis in Cavalier Seul

       - & Other Stories Nail Colour in Blue Anemone

Certain nail trends don't stand the test of time—5 that we're putting on hold this summer. Certain nail trends don't stand the test of time—5 that we're putting on hold this summer. Certain nail trends don't stand the test of time—5 that we're putting on hold this summer. Certain nail trends don't stand the test of time—5 that we're putting on hold this summer. Certain nail trends don't stand the test of time—5 that we're putting on hold this summer. Certain nail trends don't stand the test of time—5 that we're putting on hold this summer. Certain nail trends don't stand the test of time—5 that we're putting on hold this summer. Certain nail trends don't stand the test of time—5 that we're putting on hold this summer. Certain nail trends don't stand the test of time—5 that we're putting on hold this summer. Certain nail trends don't stand the test of time—5 that we're putting on hold this summer. Certain nail trends don't stand the test of time—5 that we're putting on hold this summer. Certain nail trends don't stand the test of time—5 that we're putting on hold this summer. Certain nail trends don't stand the test of time—5 that we're putting on hold this summer. Certain nail trends don't stand the test of time—5 that we're putting on hold this summer. Certain nail trends don't stand the test of time—5 that we're putting on hold this summer. Certain nail trends don't stand the test of time—5 that we're putting on hold this summer. Certain nail trends don't stand the test of time—5 that we're putting on hold this summer. Certain nail trends don't stand the test of time—5 that we're putting on hold this summer. Certain nail trends don't stand the test of time—5 that we're putting on hold this summer. Certain nail trends don't stand the test of time—5 that we're putting on hold this summer.

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Certain nail trends don't stand the test of time—5 that we're putting on hold this summer.

It's time for a renewal.