We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Style Nails The 15 Best July Nail Colors, Guaranteed To Be Your Favorite Summer Mani Yet Embrace the season with these fun summer polishes. By Kaitlyn Yarborough Kaitlyn Yarborough Part of the Southern Living team since 2017, Kaitlyn Yarborough Sadik is a Georgia native living in Austin, Texas, who covers a wide variety of topics for both the magazine and website, focusing on culture and lifestyle content, as well as travel in the South. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Published on June 24, 2024 Photo: Essie July is the mark of summer in all of its full-fledged glory, when lake days, beach trips, backyard cookouts, and lazy sunsets are keeping spirits high. When choosing a manicure of the month, July offers the perfect opportunity to embrace the season's vibrance and go for something you might not usually choose, whether that is a cheery coral-red, punchy pastel blue, or new glowy neutral. Luckily, we've got plenty of inspiration to get you excited for summer's crowned month. Now that the window for spring nail colors is officially closed, here are the 15 best July nails colors to try out at your next appointment. Essie Geranium PHOTO: Amazon $10 at Amazon $9 at Walmart $10 at Target Now is not the time to play it safe. July is when you break out the best bright color in your lineup, and this bold red with orange-coral undertones won't disappoint on fingers or toes. OPI Mexico City Move-mint PHOTO: OPI $12 at Amazon View on Beyondpolish.com View on Opi.com Pastel blue still feels like a neutral, while not being boring or basic. Plus, if you're sporting a summer glow, it only enhances it. Revlon Pure Pearl PHOTO: Walmart $8 at Amazon $11 at Walmart $6 at Riteaid.com With "glazed nails" being the biggest nail trend this summer, make it easy by going for this classic Revlon shade that is a milky white with a pearlescent finish. Olive & June Strawberry Scone PHOTO: Olive & June View on Oliveandjune.com If you're looking for a true sheer pink to flatter your nails in a subtle way, this shade with cool undertones is so sweet and perfect. Essie Gel Couture Rock the Runway PHOTO: Target $10 at Amazon $15 at Walmart $10 at Walmart Of course, it's not July without the opportunity for patriotic nails to sport for the Fourth of July. This vibrant red is made even better by its long-wearing, ultra-shiny formula. Essie Butler Please PHOTO: Essie $8 at Amazon $10 at Walmart $9 at Walmart Royal blue has almost been as popular as classic cherry red this year, and it's unexpectedly flattering as a pop of color. Moreover, it also feels fitting as a Fourth of July mani. OPI I Eat Mainely Lobster PHOTO: OPI $12 at Amazon $12 at Target You won't find a more fun pedicure color than this watermelon pink-veering coral shade. Essie Lilacism PHOTO: Ulta.com $7 at Amazon $9 at Walmart $10 at Target It's never a bad season for lilac nails, which—thanks to being pastel—still feel neutral while stepping away from your usual nude-pink. OPI Strawberry Margarita PHOTO: Target $12 at Amazon $12 at Target $12 at Ulta It's hard not to feel festive for the summer when wearing this bright, fruity pink on your fingers or toes. It almost calls for new sandals. OPI Funny Bunny PHOTO: Amazon $12 at Amazon $10 at Walmart $12 at Ulta Of course, we could not forget to mention this absolute classic OPI color that feels most appropriate during summertime, and the milky-white shade brings out any semblance of summer glow. Essie Fiji PHOTO: Amazon $10 at Amazon $9 at Walmart $10 at Target It can be difficult to find a true baby pink that doesn't veer too sheer or neutral, and this shade masters not fading into the background. Pedicure, anyone? OPI Cajun Shrimp PHOTO: OPI $12 at Amazon $12 at Target $12 at Ulta We'd be remiss not to give this ultimate summer shade its due attention. The iconic OPI color is the perfect coral red—not too pink, not too orange! Dior Nail Glow PHOTO: Sephora $30 at Nordstrom $32 at Sephora View on Dior.com There's something to be said for letting your nails breathe during the hot, sweaty summer, especially if you're lucky enough to be thrust into the elements—whether it's sea and sand, or lake water and boat days. This barely-there tinted topcoat is just the thing to be natural with a bit of oomph. Essie Peach Side Babe PHOTO: Essie $10 at Amazon $10 at Walmart $10 at Ulta For those who do not prefer robust reds for summer, choose something sweeter, like this peachy coral that makes for the perfect pop. Olive & June Mermaid Hair PHOTO: Olive & June View on Oliveandjune.com Another "glazed nail" option, this barely-there iridescent shade gives your nails a wash of radiance without being too noticeable. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit