Scoping Out Nail Trends Is My Extreme Sport, and I’m Predicting a “Sunny French” Summer

June 13, 2025 / Swedan Margen /

Of all the beauty research I’m constantly keeping tabs on, no topic gets me more jazzed than nail trends. There’s just something about a kitschy sticker or rich coat of pigment that sets my heart aflutter, and it’s truly mind-blowing how a simple manicure can easily impact your overall aesthetic. For example, an all-black outfit becomes instantly playful when paired with neon-green tips, and bow nail art adds a fresh coquette element to any ensemble. Not to mention, tapping into nail trends is low-lift and low-commitment compared to other beauty ventures, as you can easily switch up your look based on your mood or the season.

However, there is one design I suspect will stick around for quite a while, as it’s practically made for warm summer weather. It’s called the sunny French manicure, and it’s perfect for minimalists wanting to shake up their go-to neutrals just a pinch. Classic yet striking, this look is built to last. Take it from Brittney Boyce, celebrity nail artist and co-founder of Lost Angels: “Not every trend sticks, but this one has range.”

What Is the Sunny French?

The sunny French is essentially a French manicure using any shade of yellow—pastel, golden, neon, etc. “Butter nails were trending last summer, and while it’s zesty and fun, I think some people think they can’t pull off a full-yellow nail. Enter the sunny French! [It’s] a chic way to wear yellow without going full-on,” notes celebrity nail artist Julie Kandalec. The little slice of yellow at the tip is also reminiscent of a rising sun on the horizon (hence the “sunny” moniker), and according to celebrity manicurist Lily Nguyen, founder of Labo Beauté, the design perfectly blurs the line between playful and chic. “It’s bright and happy but still has the clean structure of a classic French tip,” she adds.

It’s also completely versatile, flattering every skin tone and nail shape. “Shorter square nails can give a cool, retro vibe, while longer almond nails feel more elevated,” Nguyen shares. That said, almond nails do elongate the fingers and naturally create more of a sun shape on the free edge, but again, any nail shape can work.

This probably goes without saying; sunny French nails during summer just make sense, no? “It’s a little slice of sun on your fingers, a nod to upcoming longer summer days,” Kandalec shares. For those craving a more minimal mani, the French-tip element keeps it looking understated and modern.

“It’s a fresh take on something classic,” adds Boyce. “Yellow feels light, happy, and unexpected without being too much. People want something that stands out but still feels wearable.” A French mani will never go out of style—this we know—but we don’t blame you if you’re growing tired of the classic pink-and-white combo. The sunny version gives it a seasonal, expressive twist that feels deliciously on-trend. Plus, according to Nguyen, it “looks great against sun-kissed skin.” Win-win!