Muted Pastels Are The Perfect Summer 2024 Nail Trend

If nothing says spring like pastels, then nothing says sophisticated quite like muted pastels. That's right: we're taking the traditional pastel manicures of warmer weather and fading them, because that's exactly what our quiet luxury wardrobe needs this year. We've already seen Selena Gomez rocking muted yellow, also called butter nails, so the trend is definitely in motion.

"Pastels are a wonderful palate cleanser from the rich, intense colors and glitters of fall and holiday," Rebecca Isa, creative director for Zoya, tells Byrdie. "A muted tone allows for a more sophisticated twist on classic pastel. It's also easier to wear and apply because the white undertone is softened. It's more forgiving if your hands and nails are less than perfect."

But just because the color is toned down doesn't mean you can't get creative with this nail trend. You can embrace muted pastels and make these manicures your very own.

One of the trendiest versions of the muted pastels is butter nails — for which we can thank Selena Gomez and her manicurist Tom Bachik. Back in mid-March, Bachik dropped a photo of Gomez's muted yellow nails, called them "butter nails," and the trend was born. Yellow is also a happy and positive color that can give your energy a little boost.

Muted blue nails are the epitome of a sophisticated manicure. This color, which has some pale grey tones to it, is the spring version of winter's black manicure: it goes with everything. Dressed up or down, on your way to the Met Gala or the bodega around the corner, this is a color that works all the time. 

Because muted pastels are so, well, muted, adding an accent nail can really take the manicure in a unique direction, allowing you to express yourself. It's also a major trend right now, so you might as well get in on it. "Nail art is having a major minimalistic moment," celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec tells Popsugar. "With 'supermodel' nails, 'lip gloss' nails, and blush nails, everyone is loving an understated mani this summer. This also comes down to nail art just on one finger à la the 1990s, where we would only do one ring finger."

Sometimes committing to just one color or accent nail isn't easy. If you want to take your manicure someplace special, try a gradient effect. If it's done well and with the right colors, it keeps the muted pastel look refined, while adding a bit of spice to the mani.

Not everyone can get on board with a new nail trend without adding some pizzazz ... and that's a good thing. It means that, as much as you're aware of trends and want to be part of them, you don't want to lose yourself in the process. Don't be afraid to dress up your muted manicure with your favorite designs — it won't take anything away from the intended look, only add to it.