Take it from me, these are the only summer nail colours to wear on your fingers and toes in 2024

So, so chic

Influencer wearing a summer nail colour on her toes
(Image credit: Getty Images/Edward Berthelot / Contributor)

Summer is finally here, and while my skincare, haircare and make-up routine become more minimal and pared-back during the warmer months, my nail care only intensifies. Summer is the time in which I really lean into all of those nail trends I have been itching to try.

And while I love a bit of nail art and adore summer nail trends that lean into of-the-moment designs and looks, when push comes to shove, I'm all about the simple, 'boring' manicure looks. I'm talking all-over polish manicures that are preened and perfected. And so, I have taken it upon myself to uncover the most on-trend shades of the upcoming season.

Sure, milky hues and sheer pinks will continue to reign supreme and prove some of the most signature polishes of all time, but after speaking to the experts, I'm officially ready to switch things up a bit...

The best summer nail colours 2024:

1. Electric blues

While pastels were all the rage last year, in 2024 electric blue is here to make a serious statement. I am obsessed with this shade, and I can't wait to wear it with a simple jeans and white t-shirt look for a subtle, but impactful, statement.

2. Buttermilk yellows

Buttermilk yellow is proving the pastel shade on 2024, with celebrity manicurist Tom Bachik skyrocketing the trend to fame. I love how this look is soft and unassuming, but equally as fun at the same time.

3. All things green

Green nails are everywhere at the moment, and I'm not mad about it. This bright, almost neon green colour is a fresh take on the trend, and I can't wait to try it out myself.

4. Jet black

While it might not be the most obvious of summer nail shades, trust me when I say jet-black pedicures and manicures are the fashion-girl nail colour of choice for Spring/Summer 2024—and this look proves why.

5. Deep reds

Nail expert Iram Shelton says that red is a classic and will forever be trending. "It’s such a sexy colour that will definitely make you feel good. My top reds are Hermes Rouge Casaque and OPI Big Apple Red," she reveals. And while these classic, pillar-box reds are totally foolproof, if you're after something a little different, a deep, berry red is a great option for the summer months.

6. Milky whites and BB creams

If you're not into bright colours, not to fear, as Shelton says that milky nails aren't going anywhere—just look at the popularity of BB cream nails. "My holy grail for this is OPI Funny Bunny. It's an iconic shade that is lovely for those who love white nails but don't want anything too bold."

Shannon Lawlor
Executive Beauty Editor

Shannon Lawlor is the Executive Beauty Editor at Marie Claire. With nearly a decade of experience working for some of the beauty industry’s most esteemed titles, including Who What Wear, Glamour UK, Stylist and Refinery29, Shannon’s aim is to make the conversation around beauty as open, relatable and honest as possible. As a self-confessed lazy girl, Shannon has an affinity for hard-working perfumes, fool-proof make-up products and does-it-all skincare.