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August is the perfect time to give your nails a fresh new vibe before summer slips away! Whether you’re loving soft pinks, bold blues, fruity designs, or that dreamy chrome glow we’ve rounded up 25 must-try nail ideas you’ll be obsessed with.
Don’t forget to save your favorites to Pinterest so you’ve got all the inspo ready for your next mani! 💅✨
Scroll through, get inspired, and shop the look with our favorite picks (affiliate links included please buy through our link so that we can get a small commission with no extra cost to you)
25. Aura Nails
August still holds onto that summer warmth, but there’s a calmness as the season starts to shift. Aura nails are a beautiful reflection of that transition soft, colorful blends that feel peaceful yet playful. What I love about aura nails is how the color softly diffuses in the center like a glow. Each nail looks unique and artsy, and the best part?
It feels like you’re literally wearing energy on your fingertips! This design is a whole vibe. It’s low-key spiritual, super aesthetic, and somehow calming every time I look at my hands.
All you need is a sheer pink or nude as base polish and one or two bold or pastel gel polishes. A makeup sponge or soft eyeshadow applicator at last use a Gel top coat.
24. Champagne Chrome Nails
When the summer sun starts to soften, and you want something that feels luxe but not over-the-top. Champagne chrome nails bring that glow — like golden hour on your fingertips. It’s warm, radiant, and subtly glam, which makes it a go-to for this time of year.
The chrome finish gives your nails a reflective, mirror-like shine that changes with the light. What I adore about the champagne version is that it’s elegant and neutral enough for everyday wear, but still gives that “wow” factor.
I feel like these nails instantly elevate whatever I’m wearing — whether it’s jeans or a dress. They catch the light beautifully, and I always get compliments on them. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to DIY once you get the hang of chrome powder!
All you need is a nude or beige gel polish, Champagne or gold chrome powder, No-wipe gel top coat, Applicator sponge or eyeshadow brush and UV lamp.
23. Micro Fruit Art
August is peak fruit season strawberries, lemons, oranges… and that juicy, colorful vibe belongs on your nails too! Micro fruit art brings that fun, summery energy into your everyday look. It’s playful, cheerful, and totally in season.
What makes this look stand out is the teeny-tiny fruit details. Whether it’s little cherries, watermelon slices, or citrus wheels, the design is full of personality. I’m obsessed with how cute and detailed these nails are. Every time I look at them, I smile.
All you need is white or pastel base polish and micro fruit nail art stickers or decals, Clear top coat and a tweezers for placement.
22. Transparent French Tips
In August, the weather is still warm, and you might not want anything too heavy or dark on your nails. Transparent French tips are light, fresh, and breathable like a breeze for your manicure. They give that “clean girl” aesthetic while still being polished and trendy.
This isn’t your classic French mani. What makes it stand out is the clear, see-through tip almost like a glass nail with a soft white smile line.
I love how delicate and chic this design is. It works with literally any outfit, and it makes my nails look longer and healthier. Plus, it’s perfect for weddings, brunches, or just scrolling Instagram with pretty hands.
All you need is a sheer nude or pink base polish and white gel or polish for tips. French tip guide stickers or a thin nail brush and clear builder gel or jelly base (optional for the tip) with a Top coat.
21. Butter Yellow Tips
August is when summer starts to wind down, but that sunshine vibe still lingers — and butter yellow nails are the perfect way to hold on to it. They feel soft and sunny, like the golden hour glow of a late summer afternoon.
A pastel version that’s easy on the eyes but still cheerful. When used just on the tips, it gives a playful twist to the classic French manicure without being too loud. I’m obsessed with how happy these nails make me feel. The yellow adds a little pop, but the design still feels minimal and clean.
All you need is a sheer nude or pale pink polish, Soft butter yellow polish with french tip guides or a fine nail art brush and top coat.
20. Polka Dot Manis
Polka dots are back, and they’re cuter than ever. This look is giving retro-meets-minimalist in the best way. This august, it’s perfect when you want something fresh but not too flashy. It’s like the nail version of a breezy sundress.
I love how polka dots add just the right amount of charm without being over the top. You can keep it simple with black on nude or mix it up with colorful dots.
Tools you need are a nude, white, or pastel base polish and black, white, or colorful dot polish with dotting tool or bobby pin and end with Glossy top coat.
19. Snakeskin Nails
If you’re feeling bold this August, snakeskin nails are the perfect way to spice things up. They’ve got that fierce, fashion-forward energy that turns heads without screaming for attention.
I’m obsessed with how luxe and edgy this design looks. It gives me major runway vibes like I just stepped out of a designer shoot. Plus, there are so many ways to wear it: neutral nudes, metallics, or even neon snakeskin if you’re feeling wild. And the best part? You don’t need to hand-paint anything (thank god for nail wraps and stamps)
All you need is a nude, brown, or metallic base polish with snakeskin nail stickers or stamping plate and clear top coat and a tweezers for placing the stickers.
18. Nautical Vibes
When August hits, I start craving that one-last-beach-trip kind of feeling and that’s exactly what nautical nails bring. Think seashells, sailor stripes, ocean blues, and cute little anchors. It’s like wearing summer vacation on your fingertips.
I love that nautical nails are so fun and full of character, but still feel elevated. You can go as bold or as subtle as you want — from cute shell decals to minimal navy and white lines. And the variety means I never get bored.
Tools you need are blue, white, and gold polish (navy, baby blue, or turquoise work great) and nail striping tape or thin brush and nautical stickers (anchors, shells, stars) or stamping plate at the end you need is a clear top coat.
17. Jelly Pink Nails
I love that jelly nails give your hands a youthful, hydrated look. It’s that soft pink flush that works with literally anything. Whether I’m heading to brunch or just scrolling through Pinterest, these nails always make me feel put together with zero effort.
August is all about keeping things light, fresh, and breathable — and jelly pink nails totally get that. They’re sheer, glossy, and look just like lip gloss for your nails. Super cute, super simple, and very clean girl summer.
Tools you need a jelly pink polish (sheer, not opaque) or mix clear + pink polish and base coat and glossy top coat.
16. Milky Lavender Nails
Milky lavender is that perfect middle ground between soft and statement. In August, when you’re winding down from bold summer shades but not ready for fall neutrals, this dreamy pastel gives you just the right amount of color and calm.
There’s something so soothing about milky lavender. It’s gentle, clean, and feels like a fresh breeze in color form. I love how it makes my hands look brighter and more polished without being loud.
What you’ll need a milky lavender or pastel lilac polish (Tip: mix clear polish with purple for a milkier finish) at the last apply base coat and glossy top coat.
15. Cobalt Blue Nails
August may be winding down, but your nails don’t have to! Cobalt blue is vibrant, bold, and unapologetically confident. It’s the kind of color that turns heads and makes you feel like that girl especially when paired with gold jewelry or a crisp white outfit.
I’m obsessed with how rich and powerful cobalt blue looks. It’s not your average summer pastel it’s deeper, cooler, and totally electric. It gives off a luxury vibe without trying too hard, and I always feel like I’ve just walked out of a high-fashion shoot when I wear it.
You need is a cobalt or royal blue polish and a base coat and glossy top coat.
14. Pearl Finish Nails
Pearl nails are like little seashells on your fingertips soft, iridescent, and elegant. For August, when you’re soaking up the last bits of beach energy or prepping for something a little fancier, this look fits every occasion. It’s timeless with a summery glow. I love that it works for weddings, brunches, vacations… or even just because you want to feel pretty.
Tools to have is a pale pink, ivory, or nude polish as a base, Pearl or chrome powder, No-wipe gel top coat and sponge.
13. Mermaidcore Nails
If August had a fantasy aesthetic, it would definitely be mermaidcore. These nails are dreamy, iridescent, and packed with under-the-sea magic. Think ocean blues, shifting pastels, seashell accents, and a splash of sparkle basically, the Little Mermaid meets Y2K glam. I love that mermaidcore nails let me be creative and playful. No rules, just vibes.
All you need is a iridescent or pastel chrome polishes (lavender, aqua, pearl), Nail embellishments (mini pearls, rhinestones, seashell stickers) and clear builder gel (for 3D accents) and top coat at the end.
12. Negative Space Nails
Sometimes, less really is more. Negative space nails are all about using your natural nail as part of the design and I’m here for it. It’s fresh, modern, and makes your manicure look super high-end without being fussy. Perfect for August when you want something breezy, not busy. I seriously love how creative you can get with negative space.
What all you need is a nude base or just a clear base coat, Striping tape, Contrasting polish (black, white, red, or even metallics) and a top coat.
11. Velvet Nails
Velvet nails are pure luxury. They have this mesmerizing, soft-shimmer finish that catches the light like crushed fabric.
I swear, every time I wear velvet nails, I feel like royalty. That velvety glow looks expensive and magical especially under sunlight.
Velvet or cat-eye magnetic gel polish (champagne, emerald, or rose gold are 💯), Magnetic wand with a base coat + top coat.
10. Micro French Tips
If the classic French manicure had a cool, modern little sister — this would be it. Micro French tips are dainty, precise, and totally wearable. They give off clean, minimalist energy while still looking super polished.
I love how sleek and understated micro tips are. They’re perfect for short nails (which I usually wear in the summer), and they go with everything.
Tools needed are pink base polish, white polish for the tips, thin nail art brush with Base and top coat.
9. Wavy Accent Nails
Waves aren’t just for the beach they belong on your nails too! Wavy accent nails are all about soft curves, swirls, and flowy lines. I love how free and artistic this design feels. There’s no need for perfect lines or symmetry the more organic, the better.
How to Do Wavy Accent Nails at Home? A neutral or bold base polish, 1–2 contrasting colors for the waves, Thin nail art brush or dotting tool, Base and top coat.
8. Glitter Fade Nails
Glitter fade (aka glitter ombré) nails are the perfect balance between glam and subtle. For August, when you want to shine in the sun without doing too much, this look gives you that twinkle like golden hour trapped on your fingertips.
What I love most? The gradient shimmer looks so elegant, and you don’t need to cover the whole nail in glitter to make a statement. It always looks like you spent time (and $$) at the salon.
How to Do Glitter Fade Nails at Home? A base color (nude, pink, or clear), Loose glitter or glitter polish, Sponge with base and top coat.
7. Color Block Nails
Color block nails are for when you’re feeling extra playful. They’re bright, edgy, and feel like a fashion statement. I seriously love the versatility. You can go bold with clashing brights or keep it muted with soft tones either way, it looks super polished (even when it’s DIY). Plus, each nail can be totally unique, which makes it feel like wearable art.
2–3 polish colors (contrasting or complementary), Striping tape, Nail art brush and base coat and top coat.
6. Pastel Skittle Nails
Pastel skittle nails are like a box of macarons for your hands soft, colorful, and totally irresistible. Each nail gets its own pastel shade, creating a cute, happy vibe that’s perfect for August.
It’s light, fresh, and still gives that full-spectrum summer energy. I love how fun (and easy) skittle nails are! No fancy tools, no complicated designs just choose five colors and paint.
What you’ll need is a 5 pastel polish shades (pink, lilac, mint, baby blue, butter yellow), Base coat and glossy top coat. If you need a matte finish then use matte top coat for a velvet finish.
5. Matte Olive Nails
Matte olive nails are giving late summer turning into fall, and I am here for it. The color feels grounded and sophisticated not too bright, not too dark just perfectly in between. It’s the kind of shade that quietly stands out and makes your hands look so put together. Honestly? I wear this when I want a chic, minimal vibe with a little edge.
Tools needed are olive green polish (matte-friendly formula or regular), Matte top coat, Base coat at the end gold foil or minimalist nail stickers for accents is an optional.
4. Pink Chrome Nails
Pink chrome nails are the perfect way to go full glam without going glittery. They’re sleek, shiny, and give that metallic, mirror-like finish that screams “It Girl.” I’m totally obsessed with how these catch the light.
How to Do Pink Chrome Nails at Home? you’ll need is a Pink gel polish (baby pink, magenta, or rose), No-wipe top coat, Pink chrome powder, sponge and UV/LED lamp.
3. Sunset Gradient Nails
Sunset gradient nails are basically a vacation on your fingertips. Soft blends of orange, pink, and purple melt together just like a summer sky. For August, when the sunsets feel extra golden and magical, this look is a no-brainer.
Tools needed are 3–4 polish colors (peach, coral, pink, lavender), Makeup sponge, and Base coat + top coat.
2. Graphic Black & White Nails
These nails are high contrast, super modern, and totally statement-making. In August, when you’re looking for something sleek but not too colorful, black and white graphics give you that editorial edge. It’s minimal, but with maximum impact. Honestly, I feel like a fashion editor every time I wear this combo.
What all you need Black and white polish, Thin nail art brush or nail stamping kit and base coat + top coat.
1. Starry Night Nails
Imagine the August sky after sunset deep navy, twinkling stars, maybe even a shooting star. That’s exactly the vibe of starry night nails. Mysterious, dreamy, and a little bit magical, this design is perfect for those end-of-summer nights when the air feels cooler and the stars shine brighter.
You’ll need a Navy blue polish, white nail art pen or dotting tool, Fine glitter polish or star-shaped decals and Base coat + top coat.
