21 Short Summer Nails Guaranteed to Get You Compliments
Summer is about keeping our beauty routine simple, and these short summer nails are sophisticated and chic. Plus, unlike long nails, they’re practical and easy to maintain!
I’ve rounded up the coolest nail trends you’ll want to try ASAP. Let’s keep it simple and stylish – just like summer should be!
What’s in this summer season?
Ultra minimalist manicures, including nude nails, shades of pink, french tips, and short square nails, are popular trends this summer.
This season’s trends are perfect for those who want an understanding and sophisticated look. Here are some of my favorite short nail designs, perfect for this summer.
1. Lavender Bliss
Dreamy and delicate, these short summer nails in soft lavender purple and a little color with sophistication.
Get the Look: OPI Nail Lacquer, Do You Lilac It?
2. Citrus Fun
Add a burst of freshness to your summer look with these shorter length nails featuring vibrant lemon accents. Cute but still simple and elegant.
Get the Look: Press on Lemon Art Nails
3. Trendy Pink Square
Square-shaped short summer nails in a neutral pink mix a little trend with sophistication.
Get the Look: OPI Nail Laquer (Pink) | Square False Nails
4. French Twist
These French tip short summer nails are a modern twist on a classic design.
Get the Look: Essie Wild Nude Polish | China Glaze Lime Polish
5. Bold & Bright
Bold colors can still be sophisticated! Although the color packs a punch, the short square shape makes it suitable for every day.
Get the Look: Zoya Polish “Paz” | OPI “No Room for The Blues” Polish
6. Red Hot
Bring the heat with these fiery red short summer nails that are bright but classic.
Get the Look: OPI Press On Nails “Cajun Shrimp”
7. Squared-off French Tip
Effortlessly chic and modern, these short square French tip nails offer a trendy twist on a classic look, perfect for summer. Press-on acrylic nails can easily replicate this look, too!
Get the Look: Square French Tip Press On Nails
8. Pink Pop
Pink is a neutral, right?! These bright pink nails are the ultimate sophisticated and feminine summer nail.
Get the Look: Beetles Pink Gel Polish Set
9. Modern Vibes
Modern and minimalist, these short summer nails feature a striking contrast with half neutral and half white, which gives a sleek and contemporary look.
Easily recreate these at home with nail stencils.
Get the Look: Nail Stencils | Essie Polish “Snowy White” | Essie Wild Nude Polish
10. Gemstone Chic
Keeping it simple yet stylish, these short summer nails have a neutral vibe with just a hint of sparkle from a tiny, subtle gem. A great alternative if colorful nails aren’t your thing.
Get the Look: Nail Rhinestones
11. Timeless French
The French manicure has made a comeback. These short and sophisticated French nails are perfect for the office or a night out.
Get the Look: French Nail Kit
12. Subtle Summer
Subtly vibrant, these short, soft lime/yellow hue adds a touch of brightness without overpowering your look.
Get the Look: OPI “Pear-adise Cove” Polish
13. Simple White Tortoiseshell
Simple nail art designs are fun and sophisticated! These short summer nails keep it classy with a fun white tortoiseshell pattern on a nude base. These nails can be created at home with a small nail brush.
Get the Look: Nail Art Brush | Essie Polish “Snowy White” | Essie Wild Nude Polish
14. Glossy Pink Glam
High-gloss but in a neutral hue makes this a sophisticated summer nail. Glossy short nails are the ultimate go-to nail if you don’t know what to ask for. They are easy to maintain and always look good!
Get the Look: Revlon Polish in Coy
15. Negative Space
Fabulous short nails with red, neutral, and negative space give the perfect, sophisticated contrast.
Get the Look: OPI Polish “Cajun Shrimp” (my favorite summer polish!)
16. Iridescent Dreams
Soft, milky, and iridescent – these short, classy nails are a go-to if you like summer white nails but want a softer look.
Get the Look: Milky White Gel Nail Polish
17. Neon Matte
These short summer nails strike a balance between fun and classic. We love this sophisticated matte finish with a playful neon twist.
Get the Look: OPI Matte Finish Top Coat | OPI Nail Lacquer, Do You Lilac It? | Orly Nail Polish “Glowstick”
18. High-Shine Pink
I love this color for summer; the shorter nail maintains a sophisticated and classy look but still lets you enjoy a pop of color.
Get the Look: Essie Expressie Hot Pink Polish
19. Summer Ombre
How cool are these colorful almond-shaped nails? A vibrant ombre of pinks, greens, purple, and yellow gives sophisticated summer vibes that will surely get you tons of compliments.
Get the Look: Pastel Short Oval Press On Nails
20. Neutral Nude Square
You can’t get more classic than the ultimate nude square nail. These casual nails have a trendy shape and classic design that’s perfect if you love a low-maintenance summer beauty routine.
Get the Look: KISS Bare But Better Press Ons
21. Daisy Delight
Feminine but still classy, these floral nails offer a fun summer twist without being overdone. These tiny flower nails can be recreated at home with a simple dotting tool.
Get the Look: Nail Dotting Tool | Pastel Gel Polish Set
Recreate Short Summer Nails at Home
Recreate your short summer nail designs at home easily by investing in good manicure tools and fun polish colors.
Press-on nails are also a super easy way to try a trendier design, and they last about a week. My favorites are the OPI brand press-on nails and KISS brand nails.
See all my nail favorites Here: Shop My Favorites.
Want more spring/summer nail ideas? Check out: 27 Classy Spring Nail Designs You Need To Try Now
Pin These Short Summer Nail Ideas For Later:
