Experts Consensus: These 7 Nail Shades Will Instantly Elevate Your Style This Summer

      When the temperature rises above 25 degrees, I like to sport a colorful and lively nail polish. It’s a routine for me—I feel the sun on my skin, and I suddenly want to schedule a nail appointment. I know I'm not the only one! It's quite common to mark the changing seasons with a vibrant nail colour, and summer brings out a variety of fresh, fun, tropical shades. However, in 2026, it seems the fashion community is choosing even bolder options.

      Don't just take my word for it. Celebrity manicurist Gina Edwards mentions that this season's popular nail colours are all about opulent vibrancy. "In recent summers, neutral and understated manicures were trending," she remarks. "While people still appreciate healthy-looking nails, they're opting for more colour, sparkle, and personality now. It’s less focused on perfection and more about expressing oneself." Licensed nail artist Sonia Sanchez shares a similar view, noting that this summer feels more expressive than in previous years. She adds, "Instead of sticking to one colour palette, people are welcoming a mix of tones, surprising colour pairings, and texture-oriented designs."

      Regarding specific colour combinations, you can't go wrong with any of the following trendy shades. From watermelon to chilli to milky chrome, these are the chicest nail polish colours to sport over the next three months.

      Watermelon Pink

      "Bright, uplifting shades are definitely at the forefront this summer," Edwards notes. Think of vibrant corals, cool blues, and vivid pinks. Among them, a juicy watermelon hue stands out as one of the most stylish. As Edwards explains, "it's bright without being neon and looks fabulous on every skin tone." If you're looking for something playful yet not overly bold, this polish is the perfect choice.

      Manucurist

      Active Glow Cranberry

      Butter Yellow

      Butter yellow manicures are sticking around. According to Edwards, they’re "fresh, flattering, and surprisingly easy to wear." Ignore the pessimists—butter yellow will remain in style! If you want to refresh this shade for summer 2026, consider trying it with French tips or a chrome finish.

      CHANEL

      Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in Ovni

      Chilli Red

      "If I had to suggest one colour, it would be a lively red-orange," says Sanchez, who names Soulful Ginger by Aprés as her top pick. "It's bold, compliments various skin tones, and instantly exudes a confident summer feel. It's also one of the shades that gets the most compliments from my clients and performs exceptionally on social media." While you shouldn't choose a nail colour solely based on Instagram feedback, the extra praise is definitely a bonus.

      Lavender Grey

      A cool neutral like lavender-grey might seem surprising on a summer nail colour list, typically dominated by bright neon tones. However, Edwards insists that a lavender-grey polish is incredibly chic for hot weather. Described as a "sophisticated twist on purple," it adds just a touch of colour to your nails, reminiscent of fruit-infused water.

      GELCARE™️

      Lavender BB Cream

      Milky Chrome

      Chrome manicures vary widely—some have a dense, mirror-like finish, while others are more sheer and inspired by sea glass. This summer’s polishes are trending toward the latter. Edwards refers to them as "milky chrome" shades, featuring a "soft, pearlized finish that reflects light beautifully without being overly metallic." You can choose any base colour, but she suggests that a pink glaze looks particularly luxurious and matches every summer outfit, from casual beachwear to evening attire. Sanchez concurs, predicting that iridescent shades will be among the most sought-after this summer. "These colours are perfect for seashell and mermaid-inspired nail trends that are everywhere right now," she notes. For inspiration, look no further than Chanel's runways.

      CHANEL

      Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in Christalline

      Chocolate Brown

      You might be wondering: Chocolate brown for summer nail polish?! Indeed, while this rich hue usually evokes autumn and winter, Sanchez observes that deeper tones are gaining popularity this season. "Clients and social media seem to be embracing these shades for their unexpected nature and the striking contrast they create alongside brighter summer colours, metallic accents, or playful nail art," she explains. Think of it as a nod to "summerween" manicures. Plus, there's something effortlessly cool about defying seasonal colour trends, right? You can also mix it with icy blue or baby pink for a chic, coordinated look.

      OPI

      Not Afraid of the Dark

      Pistachio Green

      A soft pistachio green always looks stylish and surprisingly complements every outfit. Bright yet creamy, it adds a splash of colour without overshadowing your whole look, making Edwards regard it as a "fresh alternative to neutrals." If you want to change up your usual pastels (like pale pink, baby blue, butter yellow