Orange nails are back in for summer 2024 - here are 5 designs that look chic, not tacky

Bright, citrusy orange nails are already trending for summer 2024 and they're as uplifting as they are stylish...

A close up of a hand with orange nails by nail artist @matejanova/Mateja Novakovic/ in a half cream and half pastel orange/nude template
(Image credit: @matejanova/Mateja Novakovic)

In the mood for sunny days and poolside Aperol Spritzes? While the weather's not quite on the same page, these vibrant orange nails are summer in manicure form...

With subtle and neutral looks having so far dominated the 2024 nail trends, it's high time we swap in some statement colourways, especially with summer approaching. Thus, we're giving a very warm welcome to juicy, ultra-glossy orange manicures, which alongside 'Butter' nails, are already trending for the season ahead.

The shade, which can be found somewhere between the peel of a tangerine and the sparkling fizz of an ice-cold Aperol Spritz, is the perfect choice for adding a pop of colour to your look - and when paired with a few certain nail shapes, offers a surprisingly chic finish. So, for anyone yearning summer, here's how to perfect this latest orange nail trend...

5 orange nail looks we're loving for summer 2024

Orange, like that of pink and mint green nails, is a classic summer nail colour but this year, very juicy, tangerine shades seem to be the go-to, elevated with an ultra-glossy finish.

As for what nail shapes to opt for with this sunny shade, we're predominately seeing minimalistic squoval and elegant almond styles paired with it - for both a vibrant but refined look...

Our orange nail essentials

If you're looking to recreate an orange nail look at home, we'd recommend prepping your nails with one of the best nail strengtheners or a protective base coat, before then applying two to three coats of your chosen sunny hue and locking it in with juicy clear top coat. And in case you're missing an orange in your nail kit, we've rounded up a few staples to help you achieve the perfect finish...

And in case you're in need of visual inspo, or a reference picture to show you're nail artist, we've rounded up five seriously stylish ways to wear orange at your fingertips.

1. Orange squoval nails

A post shared by Mateja Novakovic

A photo posted by matejanova on

As mentioned, squoval nails are very popular this year as they're neat and make even the boldest of shades wearable for everyday. Bright orange especially, looks so chic with this short and rounded nail style and is perfect for adding a pop of colour to your spring/summertime styling.

2. Orange French tips

A post shared by M e g

A photo posted by gel.bymegan on

For our French tip nail lovers, a pastel orange or bright Aperol-esque hue offers a playful hint of colour to your look, without being too much.

3. Neon orange nails

A post shared by Julia Diogo

A photo posted by paintedbyjools on

We cannot get enough of this glowing shade of orange. It's just perfect for summer, especially if you have a getaway planned. It's chic but also fun and will definitely boost your mood, whether or not the sun is shining.

4. Short Orange French tips

A post shared by Dian Mitchell

A photo posted by paintedby_didi on

If you're looking for short French tip nail ideas, consider a neon or bright orange. This mani is bold but not overly so and is easy to recreate (no matter your nail length) with the help of a thin nail brush.

5. Orange flower nails

A post shared by Jess Maynard

A photo posted by jessmaynard_nails on

If you've been loving spring flower nail designs, you can adapt the floral look to include orange tones, for a vibrant but still minimalist effect.

Naomi Jamieson
Digital Beauty Writer

Naomi is a Digital Beauty Writer from woman&home, where she covers everything from skincare to fragrance but specialises, particularly, in makeup and nail trends. Through her work, Naomi gets to share her trend expertise and share her own shopping recommendations and product reviews. Previously, she worked as a Lifestyle News Writer for My Imperfect Life magazine, where she used her savvy for TikTok to bring readers the latest beauty buzzwords, fashion movements and must-have products. 

Before that, Naomi split her time between both GoodTo and My Imperfect Life, whilst training for her Gold Standard diploma in Journalism with the NCTJ, for which she earned a Distinction. Interestingly though, Naomi actually has a background in design, having studied illustration at Plymouth University but leapt into the media world in 2020, after always having a passion for writing. Now, when she isn’t reporting on the best perfumes and latest beauty releases, you can find her drinking copious cups of coffee, drawing and probably online shopping...