20 Best Summer Nail Polish Colors Trending in 2021

“For summer, it’s the best time to go a bit bolder with your color choices– without going too far outside of your comfort zone,” says Eleanor Langston, the Chief Creative Officer of Paintbox, a nail salon in New York City. "Lemon yellow is surprisingly flattering on all skin tones." Just looking at this happy color, from Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab test winner OPI, will help brighten your day.

Bring out a soothing blue that looks good year-round. Cornflower blue shades like this one from Essie (a GH Beauty Lab test-winning formula) are effortlessly chic, and might just give your go-to red manicure a run for its money. 

Sally Hansen's GH Beauty Award-winning iridescent bronze nail polish, a favorite summer shade of GH's beauty director, is like a glowing "tan" for your hands and toes (minus the sun damage). "It works as a warm neutral with a little bit of spark," she says. 

Take your classic red up a notch with bright orange undertones, a la this chic shade from Chanel. It's wearable on both hands and feet (even matching!). 

Match your beauty look to the dusky summer days with a pretty polish that helps turn up the heat. This warm peach Smith & Cult color is eye-catching without being too dramatic.  

Channel the lush tropics by painting on OPI's creamy leaf green. If you're hesitant to wear the bolder shade on your nails, try it on your toes to, well, dip your toe in.

For a vivid take on pink, try a saturated watermelon shade, like SpaRitual. It looks equally gorgeous on fingers and toes.

Long gone are the days where nude polish strictly means matching it to your skin shade. This rich neutral from Marc Jacobs Beauty compliments every skin tone (it looks especially flattering on dark skin) and will go with anything you own. Langston calls cinnamon-caramel colors like this one "the new neutral."

Not every summer nail polish has to be light and bright: Essie's inky navy blue looks both nautical and understated chic at the same time. 

This multi-colored flower confetti polish from nail artist Jin Soon is like a party for your summer mani. Wear it alone or as a top coat over an opaque neutral shade to let the shapes pop.  

The perfect fresh purple for summer, Paintbox's cool-toned orchid nail color looks striking on skin. It hits the sweet spot between both bright and sophisticated.  

Conjure thoughts of turquoise seas with this opaque sea green from Orly. The pastel hints provide a pretty contrast against the skin. 

A new take on minimalism, this Nails Inc. color combines cream with a dash of chocolate for an effect that's similar to gray, yet warmer for summer.  

Think of this unique Dior nail polish as a sheer gloss for your nails: It gives tips a light, healthy rosy tint— ideal for balmy days (or when you don't want to worry about chipping).

Nail artist Deborah Lippmann melds milky white and hints of baby blue for a neutral that's anything but basic. Its cool undertones add a hot weather-perfect lightness and brightness.

Bring your basic pink up a few notches for the season with a bold, bright fuschia like this one from LeChat. This updated version of a classic looks just as eye-catching on both toes and fingers.  

Like "no-makeup" makeup for nails, this sheer golden pink from Smith & Cult leaves behind a subtle glimmer that makes nails look put-together but doesn't scream "polish".

For something a little spicier than red, swipe on this vibrant citrusy shade from Revlon. It acts as an eye-catching accessory against an otherwise minimal look.

A classic nude shade is the go-to for anyone looking for a neutral. Try a muted pastel like Olive & June for an updated look that will make you feel summery while still safe in your neutral-toned comfort zone. “We love a neutral mani any time of year, and especially in summer," Gibson says of her company's polish collection. “When we started treating lighter shades of blue, lavender and pink as neutrals in the salon, a whole world of mani possibilities opened up.” 

This striking cobalt blue from LeChat is equal parts nautical and exotic. It especially pops as a pedicure in a simple pair of sandals.