Memorial Day is more than just the unofficial start of summer — it’s a time to remember the men and women who have served and it’s an opportunity to enjoy the warm sun, backyard barbecues and beach vacations. A fun and festive way to celebrate? A new manicure! Whether you’re headed to a patriotic party or just enjoying the atmosphere of the long weekend, your nails can help show your spirit in style. From red, white and blue staples to simple, sun-themed patterns, here are the top Memorial Day nail ideas to kick off summer in style

1. Classic Red, White & Blue

You can’t go wrong with an age-old classic red, white, and blue manicure. Alternate the colors between every nail or use stripes, stars, and color-block designs. Give it a metallic finish with silver or gold foil for a bit of an added zing. This style is perfect for those wanting to be classic but stand out.

2. American Flag Accent

For a more elaborate design, add the American flag on one or two accent nails. Paint tiny stars on a navy blue background or tiny red and white stripes. You can maintain the rest of the nails solid-colored so that the accent art will be highlighted. This design works well with denim ensembles or white summer dresses.

3. Star-Spangled Tips

Give your French manicure a patriotic update with star-spangled tips. Swap the classic white tips for a red glitter base and blue star accents. It’s a subtle but stylish nod to the holiday, and it looks great on both short and long nails.

4. Ombre Fireworks

Capture the magic of Memorial Day fireworks in an ombre nail color. Mix red, white, and blue to create a gradient effect, then topcoat with glitter or metallic streaks to represent fireworks exploding in the air. It’s striking, celebratory, and great for an evening celebration.

5. Minimalist Patriotic Do

If you’re looking for a low-key vibe, opt for a nude or sheer base with tiny red, white, and blue dots or stripes. It’s stylish, trendy, and ridiculously simple to DIY. And minimalist prints work with all outfits, so it’s a convenient choice for the entire weekend.

6. Sunshine & Stripes

Start the summer season off by mixing Memorial Day themes with warm, sunny colors. Yellow and coral with soft blue or white stripes come to mind. This combination honors the heat of the season without losing the holiday magic.

7. Nautical Vibes

Yet another great way to celebrate summer and Memorial Day is with nautical-themed nails. Consider navy anchors, white rope details, and red stripes. The preppy, seaside look is great for beach vacations or boat excursions and looks stunning with linen and denim.

Last Thoughts

Memorial Day weekend is the ideal time to give your nails a fresh start and celebrate summer’s arrival with something festive and fun. If you’re going full-on with patriotic prints or keeping it simple and seasonal, your manicure can set the tone for the bright days to come. So pick up your go-to polishes or schedule that nail appointment—time to flaunt your summer vibe, one fingertip at a time!

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