6 Summery French Manicure Ideas For Fresh, Trendy Nails

There's no better season than summer to have fun with your manicures. However, with so many styles to choose from, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. If you still haven't found a signature look or simply want to try something fresh, allow us to present the summery allure of the classic French manicure.

Jeff Pink, the founder of Orly Beauty, created the French manicure during his time as a beauty supplier for Hollywood films in the 1970s. "The directors would complain about how long it would take to change the nail colors on the actresses to match their wardrobes for different scenes. They asked me to make a color that would go with everything," Pink shared with Who What Wear, revealing that the request prompted him to create the white-and-nude nail look.

Decades later, the style took on the role of the ultimate versatile canvas, making it perfect for summer. If you're not too keen on traditional white French tips, you can explore the classic look in many other refreshing ways. From 3D tips to going all out with color, we've curated a list of six summery French manicure ideas that will evoke the summer spirit year-round.

A fun French manicure doesn't have to be elaborate. To keep it simple yet effective for summer, go for a two-toned look in vibrant colors. Choose your favorite shades or consult the color wheel to see which color combinations work best together. For example, you might pair two shades of pink for the ultimate summer aesthetic, applying one as the base and the other on the tips. Alternatively, a green-yellow combination will be reminiscent of juicy summer fruit, while pastel pairings will create a more delicate look. Take it a step further and add accent nails to each hand by reversing the shades.

For a French manicure with a summer twist, opt for a playful motif. To make the nail art pop, start with a nude base. You can still have colorful tips; just make sure they don't overpower the overall color scheme of your design. Then, choose the look you want to rock for the next few weeks. We recommend going for quintessential summer symbols, like hibiscus, dolphins, or palm trees (or all of them). Add an extra touch of glam by scattering a few gems across your nails, and go book a flight to Aruba.

Another easy way to put an updated twist on the classic French manicure is to get multicolored tips. The fun nail look is perfect for minimalists who don't like to go overboard with their manicures but still want a playful summer touch. Any nail shape works here, so go with your favorite one. To make your rainbow-colored tips pop effortlessly, the color of your base should be close to the shade of your skin. Notably, a baby French manicure will create a beautifully summery effect, making it the perfect nail style for those who want an even more delicate aesthetic without sacrificing color.

For an unexpectedly fresh French manicure, make the most of contrasting shades instead of flashy embellishments. Notably, while you can take the two-toned route here, you can also pair the colors on the tips of your nails for an out-of-the-box approach to remixing the classic look. Go for colors that make each other stand out, like orange and blue or yellow and purple. For a larger canvas to work with, opt for longer nails in a square shape. Finally, minimalist motifs such as stars or hearts will add a touch of cool to your updated French manicure, so don't be afraid to get creative.

Summer screams for neon nails, but the look can be overwhelming if not done well. If you want to dabble in the nail trend without fully committing, neon French nails are the pop of color your summer manicure needs. There are a number of ways to achieve the style, making it versatile enough to cater to all nail enthusiasts. A simple look featuring a nude base and solid neon tips is a fool-proof way to try the aesthetic, while ombré tips will make a beauty-forward statement. To elevate the look, add a simple design or colorful gems to some — or all — of your nails.

Despite often being used in intricate designs, 3D nail art can easily be incorporated into classic styles like the French manicure. For a more subtle approach, embellish your go-to Frenchies with clear 3D drops or swirls to achieve a wet, glossy look. Those looking to kick it up a notch should consider replacing their French tips with 3D nail art. For instance, blue-textured tips paired with a nude base will give off the impression of waves, while edgy chrome drip tips will satisfy those looking for extra shine. This fresh take on the French manicure will benefit most from a square or almond nail shape.