Hot girl summer; book girl summer; brat summer? Unless you’ve been on a digital detox, it’s been impossible to ignore the fact that the season has assumed a life of its own—beyond just the rising temperatures associated with it. Instead, an overarching mood has taken over; one that has us all flirting with the idea that we’re empowered enough to get out there and be the best versions of ourselves everyday. We’re romanticising our lives and adopting whatever aesthetic that channels who we are right at that moment, even if it involves wearing a ball gown to go grocery shopping or putting on our most devilish boots and stomping our way to a cafe.
Should spontaneity be the name of the game for summer, then there exists an entirely separate accessory which would be equally instrumental in emulating the vibe: a poppy set of nails suffused with an ephemeral sense of whimsy, playfulness and the sheer joy of the season. For those already in the throes of booking their next resort escape, then anything that conveys the vibrant tropics will ace the brief with ease. Think anything from palm trees and beautiful Hawaiian florals, to a colourful array of fruits and kitschy marine life. Not to be forgotten? A splashy spectrum of hues that scream summer at a glance, be it tangerine brights or glistening aquamarines. For those dreaming of their own seasonal manicure, look no further. Below, Vogue Singapore rounds up a kaleidoscopic array of summer-inspired nails you’ll want to send straight to your manicurist, stat.
1 / 11
The sun and the sea
If summer was a colour combination, it would be a vibrant orange anchored by the lilting aqua hues of the ocean.
2 / 11
Seaside living
If you’re living on island time in the near future, then consider a marine-inspired swerve for your nails. Just to show you’re really committing to the bit.
3 / 11
All juiced up
First, a summery splash of chartreuse. Then, call to mind the most refreshing of fruits for your leading motif. In this case? She’s a clear lover of grapefruits.
4 / 11
Getting fruity, in 3D
The 3D fruit trend has certainly taken off on TikTok, and we’ll say it’s definitely summer-approved.
5 / 11
Lovers in Hawaii
The beautiful botanicals of Hawaii is definitely moodboard worthy for those who love their florals. Approach it tastefully by having the motif flushed to only one side of each nail.
6 / 11
Dreaming of the tropics
A slight of chrome, some adorably embellished hearts and a melding of those classic tropical hues? Count us in.
7 / 11
Fruit platter
Can’t decide on just one motif for the season? Then have them all—from those plump, luscious grapes to those neon grapefruit accents and that cute spot of cherries.
8 / 11
Floral mosaic
Summer’s that season when you bring out all the brights in your wardrobe. Similarly, you could do that for your nails, and a mosaic art style is certainly one way to go about doing it.
9 / 11
Subtlety is key
If you’re embarking on a resort getaway soon, but you don’t want it to be something that you’ll have to remove when you head back into the office, then a minimalist approach is critical. These monochromatic palm trees might just do the trick.
10 / 11
A wild card
Don’t want to be too bold but still infuse your nails with personality? Then these leopard-print French tips juxtaposed by some tropical imagery should be your line of thought.
11 / 11
Mix and match
Emulate summer in its entirety—from pearl adornments that are reminiscent of seashells to tropical fruit imagery and butterfly stickers.
