Trendy 35 Summer Nails with Square Design

Forget basic polish, because your nails are about to become tiny canvases of pure summer joy! We’re diving headfirst into 35 jaw-dropping square nail designs that are fresh, fun, and totally on-trend. Get ready to screenshot your favorites and transform your fingertips into the ultimate warm-weather accessory.

1. The Crisp & Clean Classic French Tip

You can never go wrong with a classic, right? This timeless look gets a summer refresh with a super crisp, clean white tip on a perfectly square shape. It’s elegant, chic, and screams “I’m put-together, even when lounging by the pool.”

Nail Design Elements:

Sheer pink or natural base coat
Bright white polish for the tips
High-shine top coat

Styling Tips:

Keep the white tip thin and precise for a modern take on this iconic style. A glossy finish really makes this design pop, reflecting the summer sun beautifully.

This design is your go-to for literally any occasion, from beach days to fancy dinners. It’s the LBD of nail art!

2. Neon Pink Ombre Dream

Ready to make a statement without saying a word? This neon pink ombre design is pure electric energy for your fingertips. It’s bold, playful, and totally captures that vibrant summer vibe.

Nail Design Elements:

Hot pink polish
Lighter pink or even white polish for the fade
Glossy top coat

Styling Tips:

Achieve a seamless gradient by dabbing with a sponge. Start with the darker neon at the cuticle and fade to a softer pink at the tip, or vice versa for a reverse effect.

Perfect for festivals, pool parties, or just when you need a major mood boost. Seriously, these nails radiate good vibes.

3. Pastel Rainbow Gradient Magic

Why pick one color when you can have them all? This pastel rainbow gradient blends soft, dreamy hues across your nails, creating a whimsical and utterly adorable look that’s perfect for sunny days.

Nail Design Elements:

Soft pastel shades (e.g., mint, lavender, baby blue, peach, lemon)
Clear base coat
Smooth, glossy top coat

Styling Tips:

Use a makeup sponge to gently blend two or three pastel colors per nail for a subtle, ethereal transition. Keep the colors light and airy.

Ideal for garden parties, brunches, or just adding a touch of sweetness to your everyday. It’s like a happy little cloud on your fingertips!

4. Ocean Blue Wave Design

Bring the beach to your fingertips with this serene ocean blue wave design. It’s calming, chic, and perfectly captures the tranquil beauty of summer waters. You can almost hear the waves crashing, right?

Nail Design Elements:

Deep ocean blue polish
Lighter aqua or white polish for wave details
Sheer base coat
Glossy finish

Styling Tips:

Create delicate wave patterns using a thin nail art brush. Vary the thickness and direction of the waves for a more natural, dynamic look across your square tips.

This design is fantastic for beach vacations, lakeside getaways, or simply when you’re dreaming of the sea. Instant vacation vibes, no plane ticket required.

5. Lemon Yellow with Daisy Accents

Sunshine on your nails, anyone? This cheerful lemon yellow design with adorable daisy accents is pure joy. It’s bright, playful, and screams “summer picnic” in the best possible way.

Nail Design Elements:

Vibrant lemon yellow polish
White polish for daisy petals
Small dot of yellow or orange for daisy centers
Clear top coat

Styling Tips:

Paint all nails a solid lemon yellow. Then, on one or two accent nails, use a dotting tool to create tiny white daisies with a contrasting center. Keep it simple and sweet.

Perfect for outdoor events, farmers market visits, or just brightening up a cloudy day. These nails will make you smile every time you look down.

6. Watermelon Slice Tips

Get ready for the sweetest manicure of the season! These watermelon slice tips are incredibly cute, vibrant, and a total conversation starter. It’s like having tiny, refreshing fruit on your nails.

Nail Design Elements:

Bright red or pink polish for the main “flesh”
Light green for the “rind”
Thin white line to separate red and green
Tiny black dots for “seeds”

Styling Tips:

Paint the tips of your square nails with red/pink, then a thin white line, followed by a green “rind.” Add a few tiny black dots for seeds. Keep the lines clean for a polished look.

Ideal for BBQs, picnics, or any summer gathering where fun is on the menu. These nails are almost good enough to eat!

7. Tropical Leaf Print Paradise

Transform your nails into a lush, tropical paradise with this vibrant leaf print design. It’s exotic, stylish, and brings an instant dose of vacation mode to your fingertips, even if you’re just at home.

Nail Design Elements:

Deep emerald green or teal base
Lighter green or white for leaf outlines/details
Optional: gold accents for a touch of glam

Styling Tips:

Paint a solid base color, then use a thin brush to draw various tropical leaf shapes (think monstera or palm leaves). Vary the size and placement for an organic feel.

Fantastic for resort wear, summer parties, or just when you need a little escape. These nails are a mini-vacation waiting to happen.

8. Abstract Swirls in Multi-Color

Unleash your inner artist with these playful abstract swirls! Using multiple vibrant colors, this design is modern, eye-catching, and completely unique. No two nails have to be the same, which is part of the fun.

Nail Design Elements:

A few contrasting or complementary bright colors (e.g., orange, blue, pink, yellow)
White or neutral base
Glossy top coat

Styling Tips:

Start with a neutral base, then use a thin brush to create swirling patterns with different colors. Overlap them slightly for a dynamic, artistic effect. Don’t overthink it!

Perfect for creative types, art lovers, or anyone who wants a manicure that feels fresh and unexpected. It’s wearable art, literally.

9. Minimalist Black Line Art

Less is sometimes more, especially with this chic minimalist black line art. It’s sophisticated, modern, and adds an edgy touch to your square nails without being overpowering. Think understated cool.

Nail Design Elements:

Sheer natural or clear base coat
Fine black nail art polish
Matte or glossy top coat

Styling Tips:

On a bare or natural base, use a very thin brush to create simple geometric lines, dots, or abstract shapes. Keep the design sparse to maintain that minimalist vibe.

Great for office wear, casual outings, or when you want a sophisticated edge. This design proves that subtle can be stunning.

10. Iridescent Chrome Finish

Prepare for some serious shimmer! The iridescent chrome finish catches the light from every angle, creating a mesmerizing, futuristic glow on your square nails. It’s magical, glamorous, and totally Instagram-worthy.

Nail Design Elements:

Chrome powder (various iridescent shades available)
Gel polish base (usually black or white for different effects)
No-wipe gel top coat

Styling Tips:

Apply chrome powder over a cured no-wipe gel top coat for the best effect. Rub it in gently with an applicator, then seal with another no-wipe top coat. The color underneath will influence the final iridescent hue.

Fantastic for evening events, parties, or simply when you want to feel like a total superstar. These nails are pure magic.

11. Glitter Bomb Accent Nail

Who doesn’t love a little sparkle? This design features a full-on glitter bomb on one accent nail, while the others remain a chic solid color. It’s fun, festive, and adds just the right amount of dazzle.

Nail Design Elements:

Solid color polish (e.g., a deep berry, classic red, or even black)
Chunky glitter polish or loose glitter for accent nail
High-shine top coat

Styling Tips:

Paint three to four nails with your chosen solid color. On the accent nail (ring finger is common), apply multiple coats of glitter polish or press loose glitter onto a wet base coat for maximum sparkle.

Perfect for celebrations, holidays, or when you just need a little extra pizzazz. Trust me, everyone will notice these!

12. Coral with Gold Flakes Elegance

Embrace the warmth of summer with this stunning coral polish adorned with delicate gold flakes. It’s elegant, luxurious, and perfectly captures the golden hour glow. So sophisticated, yet so summery.

Nail Design Elements:

Vibrant coral polish
Fine gold flakes or gold leaf
Glossy top coat

Styling Tips:

Apply two coats of your favorite coral polish. While still slightly tacky, gently place tiny gold flakes onto the nail, or use a gold flake top coat. Seal with a generous layer of top coat.

Ideal for weddings, garden parties, or when you want to feel effortlessly chic and polished. These nails are pure sunshine and luxury.

13. Matte Peach Perfection

Soft, subtle, and utterly chic, matte peach nails are the epitome of understated elegance for summer. This design offers a sophisticated, velvety finish that feels fresh and modern. It’s like a whisper of color.

Nail Design Elements:

Soft peach or apricot polish
Matte top coat
Clear base coat

Styling Tips:

Achieve this look by applying your peach polish as usual, then finishing with a matte top coat. Ensure your nails are perfectly smooth beforehand, as matte finishes can highlight imperfections.

Great for professional settings, minimalist fashion, or just when you want a refined, modern look. Matte nails always make a statement without shouting.

14. Cherry Red with White Dots

Sweet, sassy, and oh-so-retro! This cherry red design with playful white dots is a timeless classic that gets a summer upgrade. It’s fun, flirty, and perfectly embodies a vintage picnic vibe.

Nail Design Elements:

Classic cherry red polish
Crisp white polish for dots
Glossy top coat

Styling Tips:

Paint all nails solid cherry red. Once dry, use a dotting tool or the end of a bobby pin to create evenly spaced white dots. Vary the size of the dots for a playful look.

Perfect for rockabilly style, retro outfits, or when you want a manicure that’s both bold and cute. These nails are a total mood!

15. Sky Blue Cloud Design

Float away on a dreamy cloud with this whimsical sky blue design. Featuring soft, fluffy clouds, it’s enchanting, calming, and brings a touch of innocent wonder to your fingertips. Pure bliss!

Nail Design Elements:

Light sky blue polish for the base
White polish for cloud shapes
Sheer, glossy top coat

Styling Tips:

Paint your nails a serene sky blue. Then, use a small brush or dotting tool to create fluffy cloud shapes with white polish. Don’t make them too perfect; natural clouds are irregular!

Ideal for daydreamers, romantic souls, or anyone who loves a touch of fantasy. These nails are like a mini-escape to a serene blue sky.

16. Geometric Negative Space

Embrace modern art with this edgy geometric negative space design. It plays with bare nail areas and bold lines, creating a sophisticated and avant-garde look that’s incredibly stylish and unique.

Nail Design Elements:

Clear base coat
Black, white, or a single bold color polish
Thin striping tape or nail art brush
Matte or glossy top coat

Styling Tips:

Apply a clear base. Use striping tape or a thin brush to create geometric shapes, leaving parts of your natural nail exposed. Fill in the shapes with your chosen polish. Remove tape before polish dries.

Excellent for fashion-forward individuals, art gallery visits, or when you want a manicure that truly stands out. It’s minimalist with a punch.

17. Lavender with Silver Glitter Accent

Sweet, soft, and sparkling! This lovely lavender design with a dazzling silver glitter accent nail is both elegant and playful. It’s perfect for adding a touch of glamour to your summer pastels.

Nail Design Elements:

Soft lavender or lilac polish
Fine silver glitter polish for accent nail
Glossy top coat

Styling Tips:

Paint most of your nails with the beautiful lavender shade. On one accent nail, apply a full coat (or two) of silver glitter polish for maximum sparkle. A high-shine top coat will seal the deal.

Great for spring weddings, baby showers, or just when you want a manicure that’s pretty and polished. It’s like a little jewel on your finger.

18. Sunset Gradient Nails

Capture the breathtaking beauty of a summer sunset on your nails! This gradient blends warm, vibrant hues from orange to pink to purple, creating a stunning and artistic masterpiece. It’s pure magic.

Nail Design Elements:

Orange, pink, and purple polishes
Sponge for blending
Clear base and top coat

Styling Tips:

Apply a base color (like a light orange). Then, using a makeup sponge, dab on stripes of orange, pink, and purple, blending them gently. Repeat for intensity, then seal with a glossy top coat.

Perfect for evening events, outdoor concerts, or anytime you want to carry a little bit of natural wonder with you. These nails are a work of art.

19. Pink and White Marble Effect

Sophisticated and utterly gorgeous, this pink and white marble effect elevates your square nails to a whole new level of chic. It’s elegant, artistic, and looks far more complicated than it actually is.

Nail Design Elements:

Soft pink polish
Crisp white polish
Thin nail art brush or toothpick
Glossy top coat

Styling Tips:

Apply a base of pink. While still wet, dab small dots of white polish. Using a thin brush or toothpick, gently swirl the colors together to create a marbled effect. Don’t overmix!

Ideal for formal occasions, weddings, or when you want a manicure that exudes luxury and refinement. These nails are pure class.

20. Strawberry Shortcake Delight

Indulge your sweet tooth with this adorable strawberry shortcake-inspired design! Featuring a creamy white base with red accents, it’s playful, charming, and utterly delicious-looking. Seriously, so cute!

Nail Design Elements:

Creamy white polish
Bright red polish for accents (dots, small strawberries)
Optional: tiny green dots for leaves

Styling Tips:

Paint all nails a creamy white. On one or two accent nails, create small red strawberry shapes or simple red dots. You can add tiny green dots for leaves if you’re feeling extra.

Perfect for summer picnics, baking days, or just when you want a manicure that’s sweet and cheerful. These nails are a treat!

21. Holographic Shimmer Glam

Get ready for some serious major sparkle with holographic shimmer nails! This design reflects a rainbow of colors as you move, creating a dazzling, futuristic, and utterly captivating effect. It’s pure magic!

Nail Design Elements:

Holographic polish or holographic powder
Dark base coat (like black) for powder, or clear base for polish
Glossy top coat

Styling Tips:

If using powder, apply over a cured no-wipe gel top coat, then seal. If using polish, two coats will give you maximum rainbow effect. Always finish with a high-shine top coat to protect the shimmer.

Fantastic for concerts, parties, or when you want your nails to be the star of the show. These nails are guaranteed to turn heads.

22. Deep Teal with Gold Accents

Sophisticated and striking, deep teal nails with elegant gold accents are a match made in heaven. This rich color combination exudes luxury and mystery, perfect for those summer evenings when you want to feel a little dramatic.

Nail Design Elements:

Rich deep teal polish
Metallic gold polish for accents (stripes, dots, flakes)
Glossy top coat

Styling Tips:

Paint your square nails a stunning deep teal. Once dry, use a thin brush to add delicate gold stripes, small dots, or even gold flakes to one or two accent nails. Keep it refined for maximum impact.

Ideal for evening events, fancy dinners, or when you want to add a touch of opulent glamour to your look. These nails are pure sophistication.

23. Bright Orange French Tip Twist

Give the classic French tip a vibrant, summery twist with a bold bright orange! This unexpected pop of color is fresh, fun, and totally on-trend, proving that French tips don’t have to be boring.

Nail Design Elements:

Sheer natural or neutral base coat
Zesty bright orange polish for the tips
Glossy top coat

Styling Tips:

Keep the base subtle, then apply a precise, clean line of bright orange polish to the tips of your square nails. The contrast between the neutral base and the vibrant tip is key here.

Perfect for summer festivals, poolside lounging, or whenever you want to add a playful splash of color. It’s a French tip, but make it fashion!

24. Pink and White Gingham Charm

Channel your inner picnic goddess with this adorable pink and white gingham design! It’s sweet, charming, and perfectly encapsulates a nostalgic, summery feel. So cute, you’ll want to take them on a picnic.

Nail Design Elements:

Light pink polish for the base
White polish for the grid lines
Thin nail art brush

Styling Tips:

Paint your nails a solid light pink. Once dry, use a thin brush to draw vertical and horizontal white lines, creating a gingham pattern. Keep the lines neat for a polished look.

Great for garden parties, outdoor brunches, or adding a touch of country charm to your summer wardrobe. These nails are utterly delightful.

25. Pearl Finish with Rhinestones

Elegance meets sparkle with this luxurious pearl finish adorned with delicate rhinestones. It’s sophisticated, glamorous, and perfect for adding a touch of bridal-inspired beauty to your square nails. Pure class!

Nail Design Elements:

Iridescent pearl or opalescent polish
Small, clear rhinestones
Nail glue or clear top coat for adhesion

Styling Tips:

Apply two coats of pearl polish for a luminous base. While the top coat is still wet (or using nail glue), carefully place small rhinestones near the cuticle or along one edge for a subtle sparkle.

Ideal for weddings, formal events, or when you want to feel incredibly posh and polished. These nails are like tiny jewels.

26. Mint Green with Abstract Shapes

Fresh, modern, and oh-so-cool, this mint green design with abstract shapes is a breath of fresh air. It’s playful, artistic, and perfect for those who love a contemporary aesthetic with a touch of whimsy.

Nail Design Elements:

Cool mint green polish
Contrasting colors for shapes (e.g., white, black, peach)
Clear base and top coat

Styling Tips:

Paint your nails a solid mint green. Once dry, use a thin brush to freehand abstract shapes (like squiggles, blobs, or crescents) in one or two contrasting colors. Don’t strive for perfection; asymmetry is key!

Perfect for art gallery visits, creative workplaces, or simply when you want a manicure that feels unique and modern. It’s art on your nails!

27. Clear Base with Floating Glitter

Sparkle without the commitment! This clear base design with floating glitter is light, airy, and effortlessly chic. It gives you all the fun of glitter without overpowering your natural nail, making it super versatile.

Nail Design Elements:

Clear base coat
Chunky or fine glitter polish (clear base with suspended glitter)
Glossy top coat

Styling Tips:

Apply a clear base coat. Then, use a glitter polish that has a clear base to allow your natural nail to show through. Apply one or two coats for your desired level of sparkle. Seal with a high-shine top coat.

Great for any occasion, from casual to dressy. It’s the perfect way to add a touch of sparkle without being too “extra.”

28. Two-Tone Half-Moon Design

Sophisticated and stylish, the two-tone half-moon design is a vintage classic with a modern edge. It highlights the natural curve at the base of your nail, creating a chic contrast between two complementary colors.

Nail Design Elements:

Two contrasting or complementary colors (e.g., beige and black, or pink and red)
Half-moon nail guides or a steady hand
Glossy top coat

Styling Tips:

Apply the lighter color as your base. Once dry, use a half-moon guide (or freehand with a thin brush) to paint the second, darker color over the rest of the nail, leaving a “half-moon” shape at the cuticle.

Ideal for a polished work look, a sophisticated evening out, or when you want a manicure that feels timeless and elegant. It’s a subtle statement.

29. Reverse Glitter French Tip

Flip the script on the traditional French tip with this dazzling reverse glitter design! Instead of glitter on the tip, it sparkles at the cuticle, creating an unexpected and glamorous twist. So clever, right?

Nail Design Elements:

Solid color polish (e.g., a deep berry, navy, or even black)
Fine glitter polish (gold, silver, or iridescent)
Thin nail art brush or dotting tool

Styling Tips:

Paint your nails with your chosen solid color. Once dry, use a thin brush to apply a delicate line of glitter polish along the cuticle area, mimicking the half-moon shape. Seal with a glossy top coat.

Perfect for parties, special occasions, or when you want a manicure that’s both edgy and elegant. It’s a subtle way to add major sparkle.

30. Minimalist Zebra Print

Unleash your wild side with this chic minimalist zebra print! Using just black and white, it’s bold, fashionable, and adds a touch of playful sophistication to your square nails without being over-the-top. Seriously chic.

Nail Design Elements:

Crisp white or neutral base polish
Fine black nail art polish
Thin nail art brush

Styling Tips:

Paint your nails a solid white or neutral. Once dry, use a thin brush to create irregular, wavy black lines that mimic zebra stripes. Don’t make them too perfect; natural variations look best.

Great for fashionistas, safari-themed parties, or when you want a manicure that’s both fierce and fun. It’s a classic print, reinvented.

31. Pop Art Dots & Dashes

Bring a burst of playful energy to your nails with this vibrant pop art dots and dashes design! It’s fun, quirky, and totally reminiscent of retro comic books. Get ready for some serious personality on your fingertips.

Nail Design Elements:

Bright, contrasting colors (e.g., yellow, blue, red, pink)
Dotting tools and thin nail art brush
White or black base coat

Styling Tips:

Choose a bold base color. Then, use dotting tools to create various sized dots and a thin brush for short dashes in contrasting colors. Mix and match patterns on each nail for a true pop art feel.

Perfect for themed parties, creative events, or whenever you want a manicure that’s truly unique and full of character. These nails are a total conversation starter!

32. Bubblegum Pink Solid Statement

Sometimes, simplicity is key, and a solid bubblegum pink manicure is pure summer perfection! This vibrant, cheerful shade is playful, feminine, and utterly delightful on square nails. It’s a classic for a reason.

Nail Design Elements:

Opaque bubblegum pink polish
Clear base and glossy top coat

Styling Tips:

Apply two smooth, even coats of your favorite bubblegum pink polish. Finish with a high-shine top coat to really make that color pop and give it a juicy, candy-like finish.

Ideal for any summer day, from casual outings to dressier events. It’s a cheerful color that always brings a smile.

33. Sandy Beige with White Tips

Embrace the serene beauty of the beach with this sandy beige base complemented by crisp white tips. It’s a sophisticated, natural take on the French manicure, perfect for a relaxed yet polished summer look.

Nail Design Elements:

Warm sandy beige or natural tan polish
Clean white polish for tips
Glossy top coat

Styling Tips:

Paint your nails with the sandy beige base. Once dry, carefully apply a thin, clean line of white polish to the tips of your square nails. The contrast is subtle but impactful.

Great for beach vacations, everyday elegance, or when you want a manicure that feels effortlessly chic and understated. It’s tranquility on your fingertips.

34. Chrome Pink Power

Unleash your inner Barbie with this stunning chrome pink design! It’s bold, futuristic, and utterly glamorous, reflecting light with an intense metallic sheen. Get ready for some serious main character energy.

Nail Design Elements:

Bright pink gel polish base
Pink chrome powder
No-wipe gel top coat

Styling Tips:

Apply a vibrant pink gel polish as your base. Cure, then apply a no-wipe gel top coat and cure again. Rub the pink chrome powder onto the nail, then seal with another no-wipe top coat for maximum shine.

Perfect for parties, nights out, or when you want your nails to be the ultimate accessory. These nails are not for the faint of heart!

35. Funky Pastel Checkerboard

End your summer on a high note with this playful funky pastel checkerboard design! It’s retro, vibrant, and incredibly fun, combining soft hues with a classic pattern for a truly unique look. So groovy!

Nail Design Elements:

Two or three complementary pastel shades (e.g., mint, lavender, peach)
Thin nail art brush
White or clear base coat

Styling Tips:

Apply a white or clear base. Then, using a thin brush, create a checkerboard pattern with your chosen pastel colors. Alternate colors in the squares for a dynamic, playful effect. Don’t be afraid to mix it up!

Ideal for festivals, retro-themed parties, or when you want a manicure that’s bursting with personality. These nails are pure joy!

And there you have it, 35 absolutely stunning square nail designs to keep your fingertips looking fierce all summer long! Whether you’re a minimalist or a maximalist, there’s a look here to match your vibe. Go ahead, pick your favorite (or five!) and let your nails do all the talking!