It's Confirmed: Style Influencers in Milan and London Are Obsessed with These 6 Nail Trends This Summer

      As a beauty editor with a passion for manicures, nothing thrills me more than a new set. I spend hours browsing Pinterest and exploring my preferred nail artists' social media to decide which design to recreate next—be it a quirky mismatched set or an elegant single color application. However, I recently realized that most of my saved inspirations come from across the Atlantic. If you were to look at my phone, you'd find a collection of images featuring Dua Lipa's trend-setting nails, designed by London-based celebrity manicurist Michelle Humphrey, and the intricate creations of Milan-based nail artist Oksana Zavora, who draws inspiration directly from fashion trends and current runways. While I still admire popular American celebrities for inspiration, I find myself leaning towards the styles of those overseas. Therefore, I reached out to prominent European manicurists to find out what their fashionable clients are currently requesting.

      "Nail trends are always changing, but right now, London nails tend to be more understated, unique, and fashion-oriented, often featuring shorter, more natural shapes," Humphrey shares with Who What Wear. Similarly, fellow British manicurist Imarni Ashman emphasizes that European nail trends often focus on "flawless nail preparation," texture, and high-quality finishes. However, both agree that American manicures tend to be a bit more dramatic. "American styles often favor longer lengths and more vibrant colors and designs—think Hailey Bieber and Kylie Jenner," Ashman explains. "But this isn't a strict rule!" Humphrey adds.

      **Summer Nail Trends Taking Over in Europe This Season**

      **Chiffon Shades**

      If there's one style that links American and European nail trends, it's the milky manicure. "Light, glossy colors have been incredibly popular—ranging from milky nudes to vivid jelly tones," says Hughes. From sheer polishes to virtually invisible soap nails, this dominating trend leans towards shades that resemble delicate layers of chiffon rather than intense pigments. "Sheer nude nails that appear healthy, glossy, and luxurious remain one of the most sought-after looks," Humphrey notes. "The clean girl aesthetic continues to thrive!"

      **Essie**

      Nail Polish in Mademoiselle

      **Londontown**

      Enhanced Color

      **OPI**

      Nail Lacquer in Bubble Bath

      **Summer Goth**

      After noticing fashionable figures like Suki Waterhouse and Dua Lipa sporting black nails in the summertime (which some might refer to as Summerween nails), I recognized a chic seasonal trend. Humphrey supports my observation by highlighting Essie's Like it Loud as an excellent summertime color for 2026—an inkblot shade that coincidentally complements a tan. Ashman concurs, noting that other dark shades like black cherry are equally striking during summer. "A tan paired with a deep black-red looks very stylish," she remarks. "I’ve executed similar styles on Lily Collins and Lily Allen this summer."

      **Essie**

      Gel Couture Nail Polish in Like It Loud

      **OPI**

      Nail Lacquer in Black Cherry Chutney

      **Chanel**

      Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in Le Diable en Chanel

      **Ethereal Dimension**

      While American influencers might still be enamored with the glazed-donut chrome manicure, Europeans have advanced to designs that present a more three-dimensional appeal. "Cat eye nails have become a staple," Humphrey enthuses. These metallic polishes create a sparkling finish when brought close to magnets, giving the color a deep, futuristic appearance. For an extra twist, try combining a cat eye base with striking pillbox art, like Ashman's trendy set above.

      **Double Rhythm**

      Cat Eye Gel Polish with Magnet

      **Olive & June**

      Magnetic Gel Polish Set

      **Chillhouse**

      Sea Siren Chill Tips

      **Kaleidoscope Claws**

      From buttery pastels to vibrant primary colors to eye-catching animal prints, Humphrey has been receiving many requests for eclectic designs. Whether it’s merging a cheetah-print French tip with 3D gemstones for Olivia Dean or a colorful kaleidoscopic pattern where every nail is different, Humphrey agrees that "mismatched manicures" have been flourishing this summer, making it easy for indecisive beauty lovers to indulge in various styles.

      **Glamade**

      Vintage Stripes Press-On Nails

      **Nail Reformation**

      Tropical Starfish Medium Almond Press-Ons

      **Glamade**

      Dune Press-On Nails

      **Juicy Jelly**

      "For clients with a penchant for maximalism, I’m receiving requests for juicy jelly shades—especially reds and pinks," Humphrey states. These vivid, semi-transparent colors have garnered immense popularity recently, drawing inspiration from nostalgic images of popsicles melting in the sun and sorbet-stained lips. For a "juicy glow," Humphrey recommends Essie’s Cin Cin (a glassy cool