23 Coastal Nail Art Ideas to Try This Summer

A coastal beach manicure. — @overglowedit / instagram

Summer is just getting started, which means there's plenty of time for a nail refresh or two. Breezy, coastal designs are among our favorites—especially when we're catching up on The Summer I Turned Pretty, Prime Video's irresistibly sweet series based on the book trilogy by Jenny Han. Ahead, discover 23 mellow nail ideas inspired by the coastal setting of The Summer I Turned Pretty.

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Ocean Wave Abstract French Manicure

model with blue, cobalt, and white wave French tip nails — @imarninails / Instagram

Whether you're en route to the shore or simply following Belly's romantic adventures on Cousins Beach from the comfort of your couch, go matchy-matchy with a foamy ocean manicure. After swiping on a handful of blue polishes in a half-moon wave design, try using a toothpick and gently swirling the lines.

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Baby Golden Heart Nails

model with pink glossy nails with yellow heart — @imarninails / Instagram

As the summer progresses, Belly must determine where her heart truly lies. An easier decision? Picking out this heart-of-gold manicure. As a plus, a dainty heart design perfectly complements understated jewelry (IYKYK).

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Vivid Botanical Nails

model with yellow, blue, and red coastal nails — @heluviee / Instagram

Start the summer on a vibrant note with a collection of coral, blue, yellow, and white nail designs. Flowers and water droplets add the most beautiful elements of Mother Nature.

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Glitter Starfish Sandy Nails

model with beige nails with silver glitter starfish — @heluviee / Instagram

Dreaming of the sparkling sands on a gorgeous beach, even though you're spending the summer landlocked? You can still manifest—preferably in the form of an understated manicure. Start with a matte nude base, then carefully outline starfish shapes with high-glitter silver polish.

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Ocean Foam French Tip Nails

model with bare nails with blue and white swirl nails — @heluviee / Instagram

Delicate manicures are so underrated. This swirled design combines the "old money" aesthetic of many traditionally East Coast styles, while still keeping things beautifully fresh.

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Buttery Chrome French Tip Nails

model with bare chrome nails with yellow French tips — @heluviee / Instagram

In the endless sea of chrome manicure iterations, this almost-neutral mani still stands out. Contrast a mellow, buttery French design with a layer of all-over shine.

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Coral Ocean Nails

model with bare nails with red starfish accents — @lolo.nailedit / Instagram

After swiping on an opaque layer of creamy neutral base polish, use a bright red to create thin coral starfish shapes. Then, add visual depth via teeny white details.

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Hydrangea Blue Floral Nails

model with blue nails with flower shapes on ring and middle fingers — @heluviee / Instagram

In The Summer I Turned Pretty, Belly often opts for soft, pastel palettes in her summer wardrobe. Emulate that subtle aesthetic with a petal-inspired mani that's just vivid enough for your next summer nail refresh. He loves me, he loves me not...

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Coastal Mermaid Minimalist Nails

model with shell design nails with silver accents — @lolo.nailedit / Instagram

Low on inspiration? This collection of coastal shells, chrome baubles, and pearly polishes is positively divine. It's like a treasure chest for your fingertips.

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Summer Sunset Watercolor Nails

model with orange, pink, white, and peach nails — @lolo.nailedit / Instagram

Try capturing all the softness of a summer sunset with a peachy ombré look. Blurred clouds of pink, fuchsia, and tangerine—easily achievable with a soft sponge and a bit of time—are just what you need.

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Petal Pink 3D Nails

model with pink nails with 3D droplet accents — @brushedbyb_ / Instagram

Soft waves of builder gel can add a little extra texture to a diffused pink set. This mismatched mani still looks put together thanks to the cohesive color palette.

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Blue Doodle Outline Nails

model with ivory nails with blue drawings — @pop_polished / Instagram

Coloring book nails receive a grown-up spin this summer. (And considering The Summer I Turned Pretty's recent time jump, this mature mani fits right in.) These cobalt blue designs remind us of a treasured porcelain set passed down through generations.

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Sheer Iridescent Shimmer Nails

model with sheer blue-toned iridescent nails — @melanated.mani / Instagram

Playing mermaids is at the top of our agenda this summer—and of course, we need a mani to match. Capture the spirit of the beloved nostalgic pastime with a sheer wash of iridescent polish.

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Aquamarine Twinkle Manicure

model with icy blue nails with wave details — @overglowedit / Instagram

Twinkle, twinkle, little starfish: Velvet polish explores new depths in this oceanic design.

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Chrome Seaglass Nails

model with chrome blue, green, and iridescent nails — @afreshset / Instagram

Speaking of velvet nails, consider this ethereal mani the "coastal cowgirl" take on cat eye finishes. Dynamic shimmer toppers and swirls of iridescent polish remind us of delicate seaglass and gorgeous, sparkling days spent on the sand.

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Silver Seashell Subtle Manicure

model with pale pink nails with shell, droplets, and silver details — @overglowedit / Instagram

Here's another pink seashell manicure, for your consideration. This seasonal look combines soft hues, ranging from strawberry milk to bubblegum, with textural splashes of 3D water droplets.

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Rainbow Pearlescent Nails

model with pink, peach, yellow, and blue iridescent nails — @lolo.nailedit / Instagram

We're always hoping for a tower of fresh-caught oysters on the dinner menu. Feeling particularly thematic? Take inspo from the salty mollusk's precious stone with a pearly collection of barely-there polishes. Cheers!

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Chic Shells

A pretty seashell manicure. — @heygreatnails / instagram

If you want to get really coastal with your mani, this is the perfect set to play with. Don't you think Taylor might love?

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Neutral Ocean Wave Nails

model with coffin nails with grown swirl design — @themimid / Instagram

If you're not one for vivid manicures featuring oceanic colors, try your hand at a neutral mani instead. Swirls of soft beige and brown polish bring romantic vibes to an understated set.

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Citrusy Striped Manicure

model with white nails with lemon and striped designs — @amyytran / Instagram

Martha Stewart, is that you? Garden parties are practically an official pastime on the coast, and this citrusy set brings that elegant energy to your fingertips.

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Marble Ocean Nails

model with blue marble nails — @amyle.nails / Instagram

Sleek and feminine, these marble nails are well worth recreating. They'll provide the perfect contrast to the ruffled bohemian dresses in your vacation lineup.

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Shells and Water

A dreamy coastal manicure. — @overglowedit / instagram

We won't tell you what team we're on, but let's just say it's a lot harder to pick a favorite between these pretty coastal thumbs than it is to decide if you prefer Jeremiah or Conrad.

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