The 4 Hottest Nail Polish Trends for Summer 2011
Summer is upon us in full force and that means it’s the best possible time to experiment with fun new nail polish colors. Spring nail polishes usually hint at what will be popular for summer and that’s exactly what happened this year. This summer, there four main standout hues, some of which echo the spring 2011 nail polish trends. Read on to learn about the four hottest summer 2011 nail polish trends.
Blue
From left to right: 1, 2, 3, 4
Blue nail polish shades were popular this spring and are still hot for the summer season. Given their recent popularity, I wouldn’t be surprised if blue polish stuck around through fall as well.
The best thing about this trend is that it’s not limited to a certain shade of blue, so it’s easy to find a shade that works for you. I am loving the lighter blues (either cremes or subtle shimmers) because they can almost double as a neutral and be totally work (or internship!)-appropriate. Can you say best of both worlds?
Gold
From left to right: 1, 2, 3, 4
We last saw gold polishes in the top trends for winter 2010/11 and they’re making a strong comeback for summer.
My favorite gold polish shades for summer are pale, metallic and opaque – shades like these are classy and sophisticated but also trendy. If you’re looking for something a little more flashy and bold for a night out, there are gold polishes that are very pigmented, featuring glitter and shimmer. Another fabulous way to do gold this season is to buy a topcoat with chunky gold glitter and paint it over your other favorite polishes.
Bright Orange
From left to right: 1, 2, 3, 4
While peach-colored polish was a top trend for the spring, bright orange is the trend of the summer! However, if you’re timid, it might not be for you – there’s no toning down this trend because it’s meant to be loud and bold.
When seeking out an orange polish, don’t look for neons – the hottest oranges for summer 2011 are very saturated, bright, true oranges. While bright orange might seem like a basic color, it is absolutely topping the trend lists this season.
Light Pink
From left to right: 1, 2, 3, 4
Since pastels are usually most popular in spring, it’s a bit surprising that light pinks are a summer trend this year. That doesn’t mean that I’m not loving it, though! Light pinks are super versatile and a staple of every woman’s polish collection.
It’s not uncommon for light pink polishes to be semi-sheer because they are usually used for French manicures, but this season, I suggest opting for an opaque hue. Light, opaque pinks are fresher looking than the traditional sheer pink hues we’ve all seen a million times.
What do you think?
Which Summer 2011 nail polish trend is your favorite? Are there any other polish colors that you’re loving for this season? Let us know in the comments below!
 |
Posted on on July 4, 2011 / Filed Under: Beauty & Hair / Tags: blue, Butter London, Chanel, Deborah Lippmann, essie, Featured, Forever 21, glitter, gold, love & beauty, Manicure, Nail Polish, NARS, OPI, orange, Pedicure, Pink, Summer, Summer 2011
Like this post?
Comment Rules: CF is a positive place and our comments section is no different. Constructive criticism is fine, but if you're rude, we'll delete your comment. Please use your PERSONAL name or initials and not your business name and do not put your website in the comment text, as both come off like spam. For more info, see our 
sara
You guys show a lot of the Butter London polishes. Are those a good brand? I’ve never tried it out but now i’m curious to see if its nice.
Melissa
I absolutely LOVE that orange nail polish is in!!
Not only am i rocking it right now, but I’m sort of obsessed with the color as a whole and try to incorporate it into my wardrobe every once in a while for a pop of color– be it orange converse or orange shorts with a basic white tee!
I’m obsessed with all things orange >.<
Anna
Lovin’ that gold is still in. I bought some this winter and there is no way it’s just gonna sit in the shelf this summer. ;)
Aik0
I totally agree! I’ve been doing orange on my toes and light pink on my nails, but if I find a light blue I like I might change my nails to blue!
Lyra
I’ve been in love with gold! I’m not a huge fan of orange, other than a darker red-orange I have, but I might try out light blue if I can find one I like.
Caitlin
I’m loving all these nailpolish trends! I’d love to try blue and orange :)
Victoria
Ugh, both of the Essie links go to the main site instead of the actual color. It looks like the blue one is Sweet Talker, but I’m having a hard time figuring out what shade the pink one is. Is it Allure?
Liz
I think the light pink one is Allure, too, but that makes it a sheer and the trend is for light opaque pinks. Any other suggestions from Essie, CF? It’d be nice if you gave the names of the polishes in text.
Megan
OPI’s sweethear is a wonderful light pink shade though you do need 3 coats. Julep polishes are truly amazing, there light pinks are opaque with just one coat while pricey they are definately a great product the quality is truly wonderful.
Cortney
I love that these shades are in. :) I’m wearing orange nail polish right now. :)
Hollie
The essie color may be Fiji which is described as a opaque light pink I believe.
Nadine
You should check out Catrice,Essence and Miss Sporty nail polishes too :)
Alison
@Sara I really like butter London polishes. They’re a bit on the pricey side but I think the formula and the coverage are fantastic.
Totally loving the light blue nail polish trend going on. One of my favorites is China Glaze’s Sea Spray, it’s totally gorgeous.
Lia
Because I work at a restaurant, it’s really hard for me to maintain a manicure. I recently discovered UV gel manicures but their color options are very limited :( I will definitely give the light pink a try though. Thanks for the idea :)
Lesjahn
I love the deep orange color for summer! I just got a mani pedi today and am wearing a great orange color right now!!
Amanda Harden
I’m impressed by how spot-on you are with these picks! I am loving baby blue on my nails and a neon orange on my toes right now. In my opinion, also on trend right now are teals, lilacs (so hot with a nice tan!), and neon pink toes.
ZannahLove
I have NYC Dry in a NY minute “East Village” on my nails and Claire’s bright orange on my toes!
Monica
Omg I luvv a turquoisy-blue and bright orange in a pattern, it’s sooooo cute!!!
beckysmith
you guys show a lot of the Butter London polishes.. plz tell me, Are those a good brand? I have never tried it out but now i’m curious to see if its nice. i loving the light pink nail polish trend going on…
madiesmith
I am loving all these nailpolish. i’d love to try blue and pink.
Alice
I’m wearing orange nails right now and absolutely love them! I’ve been experimenting with my nail color a lot lately, and this has definitely topped my list. For these trendy colors I usually go for wet and wild polishes, they’re affordable and work quite well. Right now I’m wearing heatwave, it’s a darker orange and really cute!
Jamie
I love all of these colors! Light blue and light pink are some of my favorites
Melissa
I love the nail polish!! The colors are A.W.E.S.O.M.E.!!!!!! :)