There are few things we love more than summer trends. It’s hard to compete with the comfy sandals, breezy dresses, and cool swimsuits that come with the warmer weather—not to mention all the fun opportunities to wear them. The season ushers in a complete wardrobe change, but there’s another area to embrace the arrival of warmer weather, and that’s in our beauty routines. Because what pairs better with a sundress or bikini than a fresh mani and pedi moment?
Switching up your nail polish is one the easiest way to get in on the summer color trends. Whether you tend to stick to neutral shades or prefer to try trends that are a little more daring, there are new polish releases to complement every #hotgirlsummer look. From sandy nudes to bright fuchsia and lime green, ahead experts from Sally Hansen and Essie share the summer nail polish colors you’re about to see everywhere.
The Trendy Summer Nail Polish Colors for 2021
Pastel Lilac
“This color is having a major moment in fashion, and design trends tend to trickle down to nail color,” says Essie global lead educator Rita Remark of the soft shade. Plus, it adds a subtle pop of color that looks good on everyone.
Shades to try:
Essie Nail Polish in Lilacism ($9; amazon.com)
Sundays Non-Toxic Nail Polish in No.47 ($18; amazon.com)
Cirque Colors Nail Polish in A Fiori ($13; amazon.com)
Creamy White
“A new season always calls for a fresh neutral shade, and this one leaves nails looking crisp and clean,” says Remark. Use a buildable, sheer white polish for a minimal mani or as a base for nail art, she suggests.
Shades to try:
Essie Nail Polish in Waltz ($9; amazon.com)
Smith & Cult Nail Lacquer in Sugarette ($18; dermstore.com)
Mischo Beauty Nail Lacquer in A Beautiful Life ($20; mischobeauty.com)
Earthy Green
You can’t go wrong with any shade of green this summer, but earthy hues are particularly pretty. Sally Hansen brand ambassador Hannah Lee is a fan of sage green. “It’s such a gorgeous color and looks super chic when worn on your fingertips,” she says. Another shade to try this season is grassy green, adds Remark. “A little more neutral, the unexpected shade will go with almost anything you wear,” she says. For something that really stands out, go all in on the trend with a deep, mossy green.
Shades to try:
Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in Sweet Pea ($7; target.com)
Essie Nail Polish in Cacti on the Prize ($9; amazon.com)
La Pierre Cosmetics Nail Polish in Camo ($15; macys.com)
Sandy Beige
For summer, Lee says she is seeing a lot of natural colors like beige, which makes sense as a sandy beige with pink undertones looks great on sun-kissed skin. Plus, you can never go wrong with a neutral polish, since it gives such a classic look and goes with everything, she adds.
Shades to try:
OPI Nail Lacquer in Tiramisu for Two ($9; target.com)
FOR TMRW Nail Polish in For Later ($18; fortmrw.com)
ILNP Sheer Jelly Nail Polish in Sandy Baby ($10; amazon.com)
Bright Fuchsia
“If you want to add more of a pop of color to your nails, I’m loving vibrant fuchsia nails for summer,” says Lee. “To mix it up, find one with some shimmer to make your nails even more eye-catching.”
Shades to try:
Cote Nail Polish in No. 22 Pearlized Fuchsia ($18; coteshop.com)
Sally Hansen Insta-Dri x Mentos Collection in Fuchsia Fizz ($5; target.com)
Essie Nail Polish in Good Vibrations ($9; amazon.com)
Sunset Orange
From warm tangerine to rusty terracotta, orange is another hot nail polish color for summer. It’s great because this spectrum of shades (picture the sky at sunset in July) offers something for everyone, whether you prefer bright, vacay-ready colors or tend to stick with the darker hues traditionally warn in fall and winter.
Shades to try:
Emilie Heathe Nail Polish in Public ($28; emilieheathe.com)
Essie Expressie Quick-Dry Nail Polish in Saffr-On The Move ($9; ulta.com)
Sally Hansen Color Therapy Nail Polish in Soak at Sunset ($7; amazon.com)