Mixed Nail Art Manicures Are My New Favorite Summer Trend

I used to be a straightforward kind of person when it came to my nails. A trendy colored polish, natural shape and glossy top coat to finish was my go-to combination. While new nail trends are constantly cropping up, I seldom felt drawn to stray from my usual look. That was until my feeds became flooded with mixed nail art designs, starting with this work of art. Unlike other trends, these manicures feature an assortment of designs in various colors and textures. Sounds eccentric right? That’s what makes these looks unique. Despite each fingernail sporting a different design, there’s a cohesive thread that ties the look together. From picnic basket themes to beach house decor, this look is quickly becoming my favorite nail trend of the summer. Ahead, see the best-mixed nail art manicures to add to your moodboard.

Mixed Nail Art Ideas

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Coastal

Nothing feels more summery to me than dining al fresco style by the water with a crisp glass of white wine in hand. This mixed manicure brings these vibes with seafood-inspired nail art, stripes and a coastal color palate to match.

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Punchy Polka Dots

While most of the manicures on this list require a good amount of skill to recreate, this one is perfect for DIYing. The design is simple and can be created with a dotting tool, but it stands out thanks to the rainbow of bold colors.

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Lake House Nails

This dreamy set is inspired by a summer spent on the lake—think a floating inner tube, lemon slices, flowers and juicy strawberries.  The real show-stopper are the fish designs that tie the whole theme together.

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Pastel Colors

If you prefer softer nail colors, you can still embrace this artsy trend. The trick is sticking to a palate of complementary colors. Try pairing light pastel polishes with creamy white and nude tones. The result will be stunning yet understated.

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Strawberry Shortcake

I’m new to pink nails and while I’m not chomping at the bit to try a bubblegum manicure, I love the idea of using the color for various nail art designs. This set uses bows, flowers, strawberries and candy stripes to create a combination that’s pretty and bold.

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Mermaid Nails

The 2025 mermaid trend feels a lot cleaner than its predecessors. Thanks to soft shades of blue and hints of shimmer, it has a beachy feel that pairs perfectly with pearls and 3D designs.