14 Nail Polish Ideas Perfect For “Summer” Color Palettes

If you’ve been on TikTok or Instagram lately, you’ve likely scrolled across more than a few seasonal color analyses. Many of these trending videos focus on how to find the best hair color for your skin tone and which colors belong in your wardrobe. But, as the manicure lovers that we are, we couldn’t help but wonder: What about our nails? 

With summer 2025 top of mind, we reached out to two seasonal color analysts to determine the prettiest nail ideas in the summer color palette—and boy, did they deliver. 

Why Is Seasonal Color Analysis Trending?

But first, why are people dressing and accessorizing with their color palettes in mind in the first place?  “When you dress and accessorize with your personal color palette in mind, you save time, energy, and money, but most importantly, you feel more confident and more yourself,” says House of Colour stylist Lucia Wang. “Color analysis is so empowering because it’s not a fashion trend pushing you to be like someone else; it works with your natural features.”

Color analyst and Created Colorful CEO Lindsey Myers agrees. “People may assume that ‘wearing your palette’ is all about the colors, when in fact, your best colors will make you the main attraction,” she explains. “Wearing colors that harmonize with your skin’s undertones is like matching a treasured painting to the perfect frame: The colors will draw out the nuances of your unique features—the yellow sunburst in your eye, the subtle caramel hint to your hair—and give them space to shine.”

How Do I Know If I’m a Summer?

According to Wang, people with summer palettes tend to have cool undertones, lower contrast, and a naturally soft and muted look. As for the colors that evoke such magic, she says to look to the sea and its surroundings. “When I look at summer colors, I think of coastal landscapes, watercolors, and the gentle light at dusk,” she reveals. “The most flattering colors for summers are delicate, cool-toned, and often have a touch of gray or softness to them.”

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Ahead, explore the 14 nail polish colors that work best for those with a summer color palette, according to the pros.