This is a list of various substyles within fashion, along with their definitions. Keep in mind that styles often overlap and mix, so don’t worry too much about labeling your outfit under one specific substyle. In the end, it’s all still girly kei!
Core Styles
CASUAL GIRLY
As the name implies, this substyle is casual girly kei. The clothing is often oversized and made from comfortable materials, promoting a relaxed vibe. Hairstyles, makeup, and accessories tend to be simple, with braids and twintails commonly seen. This versatile substyle can range from modest to flashy, depending on how you choose to coordinate your outfit.
SWEET GIRLY
The most popular substyle is known for its playful, over-the-top details like lace, ribbons, and plenty of cute prints. Pastel shades dominate, though darker colors can also be found. Decorative elements are more extravagant compared to other styles, and hair accessories like headbands and ribbons woven into ornate hairstyles are common. Accessories and even main pieces often feature bijou detailing, adding a touch of sparkle. When it comes to footwear, platforms are the most popular choice, though tea party shoes and Mary Janes are also frequently seen. During winter, ankle boots become a stylish and practical option.
FRENCH GIRLY
French girly is a substyle that embodies the romanticized image of a young French woman, similar to the popular “French model aesthetic” seen on TikTok. Outfits typically feature lower platforms and a monochromatic palette of black, white, and gray, often mixed with creams and off-whites. Key elements include hairbands, pearl and gold accents, curled hair, berets, tweed, and ruffled sleeves. Many wearers incorporate high-end European fashion designers into their looks through accessories or cosmetics. While French text is common on accessories, it’s rarely found on clothing.
NATURAL GIRLY
At first glance, natural girly may resemble mori fashion, sharing a vintage-inspired aesthetic. It features a soft silhouette with longer skirts and delicate embroidery. Earth tones are popular, along with square-toed shoes, loafers, canvas bags, and minimal or no-makeup looks. Thrifting is a common practice among natural girly wearers, who often prefer pieces made from all-natural fabrics.
OTONA GIRLY
This substyle caters to those looking for a more mature look. Outfits typically feature longer skirts and a toned-down aesthetic with fewer details. While not always the case, colors tend to be muted, creating a more understated appearance compared to other styles. Solid colors, simple floral patterns, and polka dots are common, along with designer handbags and high heels. Newcomers may find it challenging to distinguish otona from general feminine fashion, as the style emphasizes subtle cute details, even in its simplicity!
RETRO GIRLY
This substyle draws inspiration from retro fashions, making you look as though you’ve stepped right out of the past! It often includes outfits resembling old-fashioned school uniforms, with browns, creams, and lots of plaid being key elements. Folded socks, tights, Mary Janes, and hats are also common accessories. Despite the vintage feel, the clothes in this style aren’t actually vintage but are designed to have a retro aesthetic. It’s all about capturing the charm of old-school fashion while keeping it fresh and modern!
DARK GIRLY
Despite its name, this substyle isn’t just girly kei in dark colors—it has a distinctly edgy vibe. Unlike sweet girly, which focuses on cuteness, dark girly embraces a bolder, more rebellious atmosphere. Key elements include heavy makeup, bondage-inspired accessories, and dramatic platform shoes. Religious iconography, like crosses, hexagrams, and rosaries, is commonly featured. Lace socks and fishnet stockings are popular in this style, with ripped fishnets being a common touch to add to the edgy aesthetic. This substyle blends a sense of mystery with a tough, fashion-forward attitude.
Related Styles
HIMEKAJI
Contrary to what some in the West may believe, himekaji is not solely a gyaru substyle! This fashion is defined by floral prints and abundant lace. While short skirts were prevalent during the gyaru boom, longer garments are now popular and can also be styled for girly kei. Pearl details and accessories are just as common as bijou elements, with an emphasis on keeping accessories elegant and cute.
MENHERA
If you’re not familiar with the menhera subculture, it’s a good idea to start with articles by Menheratic. The style often features vent art prints, with a variety of clothing options, including girly pieces. Outfits typically consist of an oversized top worn as a dress, minimal accessories, platform shoes, simple hairstyles, and byojaku makeup. However, it’s important to remember that menhera primarily focuses on mental health awareness, and the true essence of a coord lies in the meaning assigned to it by the wearer!
JERSEY MAID
Since around 2020, Japanese alternative fashion enthusiasts have embraced (often kawaii-fied) tracksuits and a general gopnik attitude, which has influenced various styles, including girly kei. Although the term suggests a maid-like appearance, it applies to all sorts of frilly tracksuit-inspired outfits, regardless of whether they feature an apron. It’s worth noting that searching for “tracksuit” won’t yield the desired results; they’re referred to as “jersey” in this context. This trend is closely tied to the mizuiro aesthetic, popularized by Tenshi Zyoshi.
CHINA KEI
This style has been around for some time but is often unfamiliar by name. China kei is a kawaii-inspired take on traditional Chinese clothing, including tangzhuang, qipao, and hanfu. Accessories like bun covers, hair sticks, and Chinese knots are common. While Japanese brands may occasionally release similar items, it’s much more prevalent among Chinese indie brands on platforms like Taobao.
OtherJAPANESE TRADITIONAL
JAPANESE TRADITIONAL
Many reinterpretations of traditional Japanese clothing exist across various styles, and girly kei is no exception. This aesthetic includes numerous kimono and yukata designs, as well as girly kei brand releases that incorporate iconic collars and sleeves while maintaining the fashion’s essence. Wearers often pair these outfits with girly kei accessories, intricate hair ribbons, and decorative nails to complete the look. Some may even choose non-traditional platform shoes instead of tabi and geta!
GIRLY-INSPIRED COSTUMES
Given the fashion’s popularity, it’s no surprise that there are costumes inspired by the girly kei style. Themes like jiangshi, nurses, maids, and nuns often receive a girly kei twist, especially in Halloween specials of Larme magazine. Essentially, if you can imagine it, you can make it girly! While not always shown, it’s also common to see idol costumes infused with girly elements.
conclusion
While this may not be an exhaustive list, I hope you found it informative! If there’s a specific substyle you feel is missing and deserves attention, don’t hesitate to reach out to me in my inbox!
25 BEST SUMMER FLOWER NAIL DESIGNS
Ditch the boring mani and bloom into summer with stunning floral nail designs! Sun-kissed days call for vibrant colors and playful patterns, and what better way to celebrate the season than with flowers on your fingertips? Whether you’re a nail art pro or prefer something simple, we’ve got 25 of the hottest summer flower nail designs to inspire you. Get ready to embrace sunshine hues, delicate details, and a touch of floral magic for your next manicure.
BLACK AND WHITE FLORAL
For a touch of timeless elegance, consider black and white floral nail designs. This sophisticated approach lets the floral art take center stage, creating a bold yet refined look. You can play with negative space for a minimalist vibe, or go for a detailed floral explosion on an accent nail. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flower shapes and sizes – think delicate daisies, dramatic orchids, or whimsical vines. The high contrast between black and white allows for intricate details to truly shine, making your nails a captivating piece of summer art.
PETALS AND METALS
Embrace the duality of summer with a “petals and metals” nail design. This trend combines the delicate beauty of flowers with the cool edge of metallic accents. Imagine soft pastel petals rendered in watercolors or stamping techniques, juxtaposed with gleaming chrome or holographic details. You could create a metallic base with subtle floral accents, or use metallic striping tape to outline your floral design. The possibilities are endless! This unique combination offers a perfect balance between sweet and edgy, making a statement that’s both summery and sophisticated.
TROPICAL VACAY
Transport yourself to paradise with tropical vacay nails! Channel the vibrant energy of your dream destination with bold colors, playful patterns, and motifs that scream summer fun. Think luscious palm leaves swaying in a gentle breeze, rendered in various shades of green. Or, create a sunset scene with fiery oranges, blushing pinks, and a touch of gold glitter for the sparkling ocean. You could even add tiny pineapples, flamingos, or seashells for a dose of whimsy. Let your imagination run wild and embrace the spirit of relaxation and adventure with these tropical nail designs that are guaranteed to turn heads and put you in a vacation state of mind.
TRIPPY TULIPS
This trend is all about embracing the free-spirited nature of summer. Imagine classic tulip shapes rendered in unexpected color combinations – think neon pinks melting into electric blues, or swirling gradients of purple and orange. You can play with perspective, creating tulips that appear to be growing out of the nail bed, or even give them a holographic sheen for an added dose of trippy fun. Don’t be afraid to experiment with textures – try a matte base with glossy tulip outlines, or add a touch of glitter for an extra dose of sparkle. Let your creativity bloom and create trippy tulip nails that are as unique and captivating as your personality.
ROMANTIC MILK BATH
For a look that’s soft, ethereal, and undeniably romantic, consider romantic milk bath nails. This delicate design takes inspiration from the luxurious feeling of soaking in a milky white bath. The base is a sheer, milky white polish that creates a soft, translucent canvas. Here’s where the romance comes in: tiny dried flowers, like baby’s breath or rose petals, are carefully pressed into the wet polish, creating a beautiful three-dimensional effect. You can even add a touch of shimmer with holographic glitter or iridescent flakes for a hint of magic. Romantic milk bath nails are perfect for a date night, a summer wedding, or simply for adding a touch of whimsical charm to your everyday look.
PRESSED PETALS
Pressed Petals Nails are a unique and stylish manicure option that features real dried flowers embedded into the nail design. These nails offer a natural and delicate look, perfect for those who love botanical beauty. The flowers are carefully selected and pressed to maintain their vibrant colors and intricate details. Pressed Petals Nails are not only visually appealing but also a great way to add a touch of nature to your look. They can be applied as nail stickers or encapsulated within gel or acrylic nails, making them versatile for different nail styles. Ideal for special occasions or everyday wear, these nails bring a fresh and romantic vibe to your manicure.
OMBRÉ EFFECT
Ombré effect nails are a perfect choice for summer, offering a vibrant and trendy look that seamlessly blends different colors. This nail design features a gradual transition from one shade to another, creating a beautiful gradient effect. For a summery vibe, popular color combinations include shades of blue that mimic the ocean, bright pinks and oranges reminiscent of sunsets, or soft pastels for a more subtle look. Ombré nails can be achieved with various techniques, including sponging or airbrushing, and work well with both gel and regular nail polish. They add a fun and playful touch to your summer style, making your nails stand out whether you’re at the beach, a barbecue, or a summer party.
FLOWER POWER
Flower Power nails are a delightful choice for summer, bringing a burst of floral beauty to your fingertips. This nail art style features intricate designs of blooming flowers, often in vibrant colors that capture the essence of the season. From daisies and sunflowers to tropical hibiscus and delicate roses, Flower Power nails can be customized to reflect your favorite blooms. These designs can be hand-painted, applied as decals, or encapsulated within gel or acrylic nails for a long-lasting effect. Perfect for summer festivals, beach outings, or just adding a touch of nature to your everyday look, Flower Power nails are a charming and playful way to celebrate the season’s warmth and beauty.
FLOWER VINE
Flower Vine nails are a stunning choice for summer, featuring elegant and intricate designs that mimic the natural beauty of climbing vines adorned with delicate flowers. This nail art style captures the essence of summer gardens and lush greenery with patterns that wind gracefully across the nails. Popular flower vine designs often incorporate tiny blossoms in vibrant hues like pink, yellow, and lavender, creating a fresh and whimsical look. These designs can be achieved through hand-painting, stamping, or using nail decals, and they pair beautifully with both neutral and bold base colors. Perfect for adding a touch of sophistication and nature-inspired charm to your summer look, Flower Vine nails are ideal for garden parties, weddings, or simply embracing the season’s floral abundance.
FINE CHINA
Fine China nails are a sophisticated and elegant choice for summer, inspired by the delicate patterns and intricate designs found on traditional porcelain. This nail art style typically features intricate blue and white floral motifs, reminiscent of classic Chinese or Japanese ceramics. These designs can be hand-painted or applied using decals and often include intricate details such as delicate blossoms, swirling vines, and ornate borders. Fine China nails bring a touch of timeless elegance and cultural richness to your summer look, making them perfect for formal events, garden parties, or adding a refined touch to your everyday style. The crisp blue and white color palette also provides a fresh and clean aesthetic, ideal for the warm and sunny days of summer.
DAISY HALF MOONS
The base of the nail is painted in a soft, neutral shade, like a sheer pink or nude. The magic happens at the tip, where a delicate daisy is recreated using white and yellow polishes. The key is to focus the design on the half-moon shape at the base of your nail, mimicking the natural curve of a daisy. You can keep the daisies simple with just a center and petals, or add a touch of whimsy with French tip-inspired detailing on the daisy petals. This delightful design is perfect for those who love a touch of floral flair without overwhelming busyness. It’s a charming and versatile option that complements any summer outfit.
EARTH TONES
Earth tones for summer offer a grounded and natural aesthetic that perfectly complements the season’s warmth and vibrancy. This color palette includes shades like terracotta, olive green, sandy beige, and warm browns, which evoke the beauty of nature and the outdoors. Earth tones can be incorporated into various aspects of summer fashion, from clothing and accessories to makeup and nail art. These colors not only provide a versatile and timeless look but also blend seamlessly with brighter hues typical of summer, creating a balanced and harmonious style. Perfect for casual outings, beach days, and even more formal occasions, earth tones bring a sense of calm and connection to nature, making them a stylish choice for anyone looking to embrace the natural beauty of summer.
SUNNY D
Sunny D for summer embodies the vibrant, energetic, and cheerful essence of the season, bringing a burst of sunshine to your style and activities. Inspired by the bright and tangy orange beverage, this trend features bold and lively hues of yellow and orange that capture the warmth and joy of summer days. Whether it’s through fashion choices like sundresses, swimwear, and accessories, or elements of home decor and outdoor setups, incorporating Sunny D colors can instantly uplift your mood and environment. These radiant shades are perfect for beach outings, picnics, summer parties, and any occasion where you want to radiate positivity and enthusiasm. Embrace the Sunny D vibe this summer to make the most of the season’s vibrant energy and create unforgettable, sun-soaked memories.
MUTED MINI FLORALS
Muted mini florals for summer offer a delicate and understated way to embrace the season’s natural beauty. This trend features small, subtle floral patterns in soft, muted colors like blush pink, lavender, sage green, and pale yellow. These gentle hues create a sophisticated and timeless look, perfect for those who prefer a more refined and elegant approach to summer fashion. Muted mini florals can be incorporated into dresses, blouses, skirts, and accessories, providing a versatile and chic option for various occasions, from casual outings to garden parties. The subtlety of the patterns allows for easy pairing with other wardrobe staples, creating effortlessly stylish ensembles. Embrace muted mini florals this summer to add a touch of quiet charm and romanticism to your seasonal wardrobe.
FLOWER HALO
Flower halos for summer are a whimsical and enchanting accessory that perfectly captures the carefree and vibrant spirit of the season. These floral crowns, often made with fresh or faux flowers, can feature a variety of blooms such as daisies, roses, sunflowers, and wildflowers in an array of bright and pastel colors. Flower halos add a touch of bohemian charm and natural beauty to any summer outfit, making them ideal for festivals, beach parties, weddings, or simply embracing the outdoors. They can be worn with flowing dresses, casual ensembles, or even swimwear to create a dreamy and ethereal look. Easy to customize and versatile in style, flower halos are a beautiful way to celebrate the lushness and joy of summer, bringing a playful and romantic flair to your warm-weather adventures.
FRUITS AND FLOWERS
Fruits and flowers for summer combine the vibrant, colorful essence of the season with nature’s freshest offerings, creating a lively and cheerful aesthetic. This trend embraces patterns and designs featuring a delightful mix of fruit motifs like strawberries, pineapples, watermelons, and citrus, paired with floral elements such as blossoms, leaves, and vines. Whether incorporated into fashion through dresses, tops, swimwear, and accessories, or used in home decor and party themes, fruits and flowers add a playful and refreshing vibe to any setting. The bright and bold colors evoke the energy and joy of summer days, making them perfect for beach outings, picnics, garden parties, and casual get-togethers. Embrace fruits and flowers this summer to infuse your style and surroundings with a touch of whimsy and natural beauty, celebrating the season’s abundance and vitality.
TINY DETAILS
Tiny details flower nail art for summer brings a subtle yet enchanting touch to your seasonal look, capturing the essence of blooming gardens in a delicate and sophisticated manner. This nail trend features intricate, miniature floral designs, often hand-painted or applied as decals, in soft and vibrant colors like pastel pinks, blues, yellows, and greens. These tiny floral accents can be added to a neutral or translucent base coat, allowing the detailed artwork to stand out and create a chic, understated elegance. Perfect for both casual and formal occasions, tiny details flower nail art complements summer outfits beautifully, adding a whimsical and feminine touch to your overall style. Whether you’re heading to the beach, a summer wedding, or a casual day out, these delicate floral nails are a lovely way to celebrate the season’s natural beauty and showcase your attention to detail.
MONOCHROMATIC BLUES
Monochromatic blues for summer offer a serene and sophisticated approach to seasonal style, embracing the calming and refreshing hues of the sky and sea. This trend focuses on layering various shades of blue, from deep navy and cobalt to soft pastels and sky blues, creating a cohesive and harmonious look. Monochromatic blue outfits can be effortlessly chic, whether through matching sets, tonal layering, or combining different textures and fabrics within the same color family. Perfect for both casual and dressy occasions, this palette evokes a sense of tranquility and elegance, making it ideal for beach trips, summer soirées, or everyday wear. Accessories like sunglasses, hats, and shoes in complementary blue tones can enhance the monochromatic effect, adding depth and interest to the ensemble. Embrace monochromatic blues this summer to create a cool, composed, and stylish appearance that captures the essence of the season’s breezy and laid-back vibe.
FRENCH EDGES
French edges flower nail art for summer combines classic elegance with a touch of floral whimsy, creating a fresh and stylish look perfect for the season. This nail trend updates the traditional French manicure by incorporating delicate flower designs along the edges of the nails. The tips can be adorned with tiny, intricate floral patterns in a variety of colors, from soft pastels to vibrant hues, enhancing the overall sophistication of the manicure. Whether you opt for a subtle, minimalist approach with a single flower on each tip or a more elaborate design featuring multiple blooms, French edges flower nail art adds a playful and feminine twist to your nails. Ideal for both everyday wear and special occasions, this design complements any summer outfit and brings a hint of nature’s beauty to your fingertips. Embrace French edges flower nail art this summer to add a charming and elegant detail to your seasonal style.
DARK AND MOODY
Dark and moody flower nail art for summer offers a bold and dramatic twist on traditional floral designs, perfect for those looking to make a statement. This nail trend features deep, rich background colors like black, burgundy, navy, or deep green, contrasted with intricate floral patterns in muted or metallic tones. The result is a striking and sophisticated look that combines the elegance of flowers with a gothic, edgy vibe. These designs can range from delicate, hand-painted blossoms to more abstract and artistic interpretations, often incorporating elements like gold accents, glitter, or matte finishes to enhance the moody aesthetic. Dark and moody flower nails are versatile enough to complement both casual and formal outfits, adding a touch of mystery and allure to your summer style.
SUNFLOWERS AND MUMS
Sunflowers and mums nail art for summer brings together the cheerful vibrancy of sunflowers with the elegant charm of chrysanthemums, creating a delightful and eye-catching manicure. This design features the bold, sunny yellows and browns of sunflowers, which symbolize happiness and warmth, paired with the intricate, layered petals of mums in a variety of colors such as pinks, purples, and whites. Whether hand-painted or applied as decals, these floral motifs can be arranged on a neutral or pastel base coat to make the colors pop and highlight the detailed artwork. Sunflowers and mums nail art is perfect for adding a touch of nature’s beauty to your summer look, making it ideal for garden parties, beach outings, or simply celebrating the sunny season.
PSYCHEDELIC VIBES
Want nails that pop and groove like a summer music fest? Then psychedelic vibes nails are for you! This trend is all about wild colors, funky patterns, and designs that take you on a trip. Imagine swirls of bright pink and orange, splatters of sunshine yellow, and peace signs painted in groovy green. You can even add fun extras like smiley faces or wavy lines. It’s all about letting loose and creating a look that’s as unique and colorful as your personality. So crank up the fun and get ready for psychedelic vibes nails that turn heads and scream summer!
BLOOMING CRESCENT
Unveiling a beautiful night sky look, blooming crescent nails combine the elegance of a crescent moon with the vibrancy of summer flowers. Imagine a crescent moon shape painted near the base of your nail in a soft color like white or silver. Then, right above the moon, let a flower bloom! Use bright, cheerful colors to create your flower, like pinks, yellows, or blues. You can even have the flower petals gently touch the crescent moon for a magical touch. This design is perfect for those who love astronomy and want to add a touch of whimsy to their nails. It’s like having a tiny starry night blooming right on your fingertips!
PRETTY PASTELS
Soft and sweet, pretty pastel flower nails are perfect for those who love a touch of springtime charm all summer long. Imagine delicate little flowers painted in dreamy colors like lavender, baby blue, mint green, and soft pink. These petals can bloom on all your nails, or you can create an accent nail with a more detailed flower design. For an extra pop of fun, try adding a touch of glitter or shimmer to the flower centers. This design is easy to wear and goes with any outfit, making it a perfect choice for a light and breezy summer look.
FAIRY DUST
Sprinkle some magic on your fingertips with fairy dust flower nails! This enchanting design combines delicate blooms with a touch of sparkly wonder. Imagine soft, pretty flowers painted in pastel colors or white. Then, dust the flowers (or your entire nail!) with a sheer coat of polish packed with shimmer. This shimmer can be holographic, multicolored, or even a single sparkly color. It’s like your nails have been sprinkled with real fairy dust, making them twinkle and shine in the summer sun. This whimsical design is perfect for those who believe in a little bit of magic and want nails that are as dreamy as a summer night.
CONCLUSION
So there you have it, 25 stunning summer flower nail designs to inspire your next manicure! From classic and romantic to bold and playful, there’s a floral design out there to match your unique style and personality. Embrace the warm sunshine, celebrate the vibrant season, and let your fingertips bloom with the beauty of summer!
