12 Summertime Nail Colors for Women Over 40, 50, 60+ That Feel Fresh
Putting together your summer wardrobe is fun—light fabrics, bright colors, cute sandals—but one thing we often forget to update? Our nail polish. Your nails can make a big difference in how fresh and modern you look.
Nail polish trends change yearly, just like fashion trends, and the wrong color can throw off your whole look. Or worse, make it look like you are stuck in a time warp. But the right shade? Sporty, stylish, and totally pulled together—even with flip-flops.
Today, we’re talking about the best summer nail colors for women over 40, 50, 60+. Trendy, but nothing too bright or flashy—and flattering, a quiet step up from those classy winter neutrals that kept us in our comfort zone – because your nails deserve to look fabulous, too.
The Coolest Summertime Nail Colors for Women Over 40, 50, 60+
Light corals, nautical blues, classic reds… so many options to choose from! You want your manicure to look intentional, not like you picked the first trendy color that caught your eye at the salon. So, before you schedule your next trip, read over this post for important tips on choosing the right nail polish colors. There’s a lot more to it than you may realize!
How To Choose Nail Colors that Flatter Mature Women
Stick to what flatters your skin tone.
That summery neon pink may have looked stunning at 30, but now it’s just highlighting those tiny wrinkles and age spots on your hands. What you think is making you look more youthful may be doing the exact opposite.
Soft pinks, pastel lavenders, classic reds… these are classic colors that flatter a mature skin tone. Choosing something too dark or too vibrant will contrast far more than it will flatter. Mind your skin tone and test out what looks best on you.
It’s important to consider your undertones.
Did you know the undertone of your skin can make a big difference when choosing the right color? To determine your undertones, start by examining the veins on your wrist.
If your veins appear blueish purple, then you likely have cooler undertones. If your veins appear green, then you have warm undertones. Cooler undertones should pair well with blue or purple-based polishes (such as cool, rosy pink), while warm undertones should complement golden or yellow bases (like warm peachy pink). If you still can’t tell, hold the nail color up to the skin on your wrist to get a better idea.
Stay tuned until the end, when I’ll discuss which polishes pair best with different undertones.
Go softer with brighter, more vibrant versions of your favorite colors.
The goal here isn’t to avoid color-where’s the fun in that? Instead, choose more refined versions. If you love a summery orange, look for something more tangerine and less neon. Craving a pop of pink? Steer clear of hot pink and lean into shades that echo the colors of rose petals or ripe watermelon.
You can still embrace cheerful and fun colors, but make sure they also reflect your timeless, classy taste.
Skip out on the overly dark shades.
Very dark shades, like black, navy, and gray, can look incredibly harsh on aging hands—no matter what season. But summertime certainly isn’t the time for deep, rich tones. Save those espresso hues and pops of burgundy for the cooler months!
If you do love a nail color with depth, find luxe summer shades that still complement the season. Think ruby reds, muted berries, or even a dusky cobalt. These colors feel less dreary and more elegant, with a summer chic vibe.
Avoid anything too trendy or gimmicky.
Jelly nails, magnetic finishes, and 3D nail art (Wild, lol!). These trends are more chaotic than classy-perfect. They work for teens but not exactly for women 40, 50, or 60+., When you’re aiming for timeless elegance, the rule of thumb is to avoid the flash-in-the-pan trends.
Trends come and go, but true style stands the test of time. This doesn’t mean you can’t lean into those spring and summer color trends (I have a few examples below!), but it does mean you’re better off skipping out on cat-eye chrome.
If you’re on the fence, opt for something clean and sheer.
There’s nothing quite like a clean and sheer nail color in the summertime. Sheer pinks, milky whites, and French-style manicures all look effortlessly fabulous and elegant. They’re the perfect choice for women with that “less is more” mindset.
Plus, these are shades that complement almost every skin tone and outfit. They add the right touch of sophistication without feeling boring or basic.
Match the mood of your lifestyle.
If you’re gardening, traveling, or cooking most days, your nails will be the first to show it. It’s important to consider how active your lifestyle is before choosing a nail color so you know which tones best hide chips and imperfections.
For example, if you have a small chip in a soft nude nail, chances are most people won’t even notice. But if you have a chunk missing from your cobalt blue nail polish, it’s instantly obvious and can make your whole look feel less polished. Choose something that wears gracefully and disguises everyday wear.
Don’t forget to think about which colors you wear most often.
I discussed color-matching your mood in my post about dopamine-dressing, but this tip also applies to nail colors. Your nails don’t have to match every outfit… imagine outfit planning around that! But they shouldn’t totally clash with your usual color palette, either.
Think of your nails as another accessory. They don’t need to match every piece of clothing you wear, but they should complement your overall aesthetic.
Pay attention to the length and shape of your nails.
Along with nail trends come different shapes and lengths. There’s stiletto, round, square, square-round, coffin… It never ends! For women over 40, 50, and 60+, shorter nails look more sophisticated and classy.
Plus, I can’t imagine myself with super long and pointy stiletto nails with all the typing I do. Lol!
I wear my nails short and rounded, or sometimes softly squared because these nail shapes always reads clean and elegant, no matter the polish choice.
When you want a bit of sparkle, less is more.
A little sparkle in your nails can be fun but remember: less is always more. Too much shimmer can highlight imperfections-like veins, wrinkles, and dark spots-so it’s important to be mindful when choosing your shimmery shade.
Lighter shades with a sheer finish complement any skin tone to create a clean, youthful appearance. If all of the shades you find have too much glitter, look for a simple sheer top coat instead.
What Are Good Summer Nail Colors For Women Over 40, 50, 60+
Now that we’ve covered tips for choosing the right nail colors, let’s look at the best options for this season. To save you the trouble of searching for these colors yourself, you can also find a direct link to each polish below!
Soft Coral
A soft, peachy coral feels like summer in a bottle. It still has that fresh, sun-kissed effect but doesn’t feel too bright or flashy. Plus, imagine this nail polish with a nice tan! It’s a color that pairs beautifully with warm-toned skin and clean summer whites. For example, my hair and skin have warm tones and this is my best color!
And, for more chic white outfits to add to your summertime wardrobe, check out this post and this post.
Dusty Rose
This is one of those muted summer pinks I mentioned earlier. It’s more sophisticated than a cutesy bubblegum pink, but it still feels summery and feminine. Thanks to those beige undertones, it leans more neutral and pairs nicely with so many styles.
Also, I talked more about this shade in my romantic hues that flatter every skin tone post. Check it out if you haven’t already!
Sheer Pink
A sheer pink is the ultimate “your nails but better” shade. It’s soft, elegant, and has just the right amount of sparkle to make a difference. It’s perfect for women who want something low-maintenance but still want that “fresh mani” look.
Creamy White
A bright white nail can feel too stark, and talk about how easy it is to stain! One morning in the garden and your fresh manicure is ruined. Instead, look for a creamy white. It’s fresh and modern, and really pops against a nice glowy tan. Bonus: it pairs with everything! I’m seeing a lot of gals wearing this one lately.
Classic Red
A warm, tomato-toned red feels right at home in the summertime. It’s one of my go-to shades for the warmer months, as you can see in my recent Instagram post here. Many women shy away from reds because they can feel too bold and powerful, but a little bit of red on the nails is just the right amount and oh, so classy!
Pale Peach
If you loved the coral shade but wish it was toned down just the slightest, you will probably love a pale peach shade. It’s a subtle yet vibrant choice-soft with just enough warmth to feel sunlit-making it a great color to wear all season long. It’s also flattering on women with cool-toned skin who want the option of a more summer-appropriate pink.
Champagne Shimmer
If you like a bit of sparkle, this one’s for you. Champagne shimmer is a gorgeous, gold-toned polish that feels summertime ready. It always catches the light just right, and the pearl shimmer makes it feel elegant and refined. It has the perfect amount of sparkle without crossing into glitter territory.
Soft Mauve
Not quite pink but not quite purple, soft mauve is considered the lilac-toned version of dusty rose. Instead of muted pink tones, it leans more toward muted blues and purples. It’s a beautiful alternative for women with cool-toned skin who enjoy a little depth to their nails.
Powder Blue
Light and airy, powder blue captures the essence of coastal living… calm, classic, and perfectly polished. I love this shade because while it does feel very nautical and summery, it’s not too deep so it doesn’t feel harsh or bold. If this feel like too much for your fingers, have a little fun and try it on your toes!
Butter Yellow
I know what you may be thinking… “Butter and nails in the same sentence?” Don’t worry… I’m not talking about popcorn butter yellow here, lol! Imagine a refined shade of pastel yellow with daffodil-like charm-fresh, cheerful, and delicate.
This shade was named one of the year’s top colors, so why not have some fun with it? It may not suit your everyday aesthetic, but it’s perfect for women who want to embrace a trend or two without compromising their style.
Creamsicle Orange
Remember how I talked earlier about a beautiful, summery orange shade? A creamsicle orange isn’t too bright but offers a fun change from neutrals and soft pinks. It’s vibrant and uplifting and can actually draw attention away from dark spots on your hands.
Watermelon Tint
This polish color is a sheer, juicy pink-red inspired by the inside of a ripe watermelon… Doesn’t that immediately remind you of summer? It has subtle warm tones that look nice in the summertime, but it’s translucent enough not to feel overpowering. It works for both cool and warm skin types. I often wear this color too. Plus, this one from Nordstrom also doubles as a nail strengthener!
Which color will you be painting your nails this summer?
As the years pass, it’s easy to fall into the trap of choosing the same old 3-4 summer nail polishes you’ve always worn. But life is too short not to have fun with your nail polish! A simple change like a new color can lift your spirits and your style, and make you look Look Age-amazing!
For more summer-inspired style advice, check out these posts:
- Summer Earrings for Women
- Style Mistakes Not to Make This Summer
- Casual Striped Spring & Summer Dresses for Women Over 50
Make sure you’re keeping up with my LTK storefront to see all of my favorite outfit ideas, from everyday classics to trendy new styles. You can also join my private Facebook group, Fabulous After 40 Dressing Room, to discuss your favorite summer nail polish colors and what you’re wearing them with. Which color will you be painting your nails first? Let me know in the comments; I’d love to chat about it!
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I loved this post! It can be so overwhelming to pick out nail polish. I never thought about looking at my skin tone! Very helpful.