It’s getting warmer, sandals are being worn and we can hear beach music everywhere. Have you taken care of your toes for their summer moment yet? I mean, really. If you’re reaching for your open-toe heels or sliding into something strappy, the perfect pedicure isn’t just an accessory — it’s the whole vibe. So if you’ve been wondering “What’s new, what’s stylish and what I can actually wear?” — I’ve got you. The focus this season is on having fun with your nails, needing less care and wearing colors that make you feel good. Let’s dive in.
Classic Glossy Pink for Effortless Chic
Having a simple pink pedicure done well feels very rewarding. This color is like the soft, warm pink you see on sun-kissed skin and a favorite linen dress. It feels nice, is very feminine and gives a soft glow that isn’t too much. The reason I like this finish is that it fits in at brunch, at the beach or at the office. It results in feet that look polished without you having to do much work at all and that’s the truth. That’s what summer beauty is all about.
Ballet Slippers or Mademoiselle by Essie are my usual choices, but I’ve been enjoying Olive & June’s SE lately. The finish is as good as you’d get at the salon and the color is amazing too. If you want gel, I recommend the OPI Infinite Shine 2 line — it lasts a long time and won’t make your nails look dull.
To recreate this look at home, start with a solid cuticle clean-up (don’t skip this — it’s the difference between looking pro or not). After that, smooth your nail bed for a shine, use a base coat to fill in any ridges and paint on two coats of pink. Apply a high-gloss top coat and make sure it cures completely — even if you’re eager to finish. If you spray your feet with a fast-dry spray, you won’t have to waste your afternoon waiting for your pedicure to dry.
I usually rely on this when I want to look put-together. It doesn’t grab your attention, but it’s something that people will notice when they compliment your style.
Retro Floral White with Fuchsia Detail
This song makes me wish I could drive along the coast with the windows down and old-fashioned sunglasses. The milky foundation allows the bright fuchsia to shine and give the whole look a cheerful feel. There’s a ’70s-summer vibe here — maybe it’s the simplicity of the flower design, or just the bold contrast. Either way, it’s a whole mood.
I prefer to use Sally Hansen’s White On for the crisp white layer — it covers well and doesn’t leave streaks. The flower detail? Grab a dotting tool or even a bobby pin. The petals were painted with OPI’s Strawberry Margarita and I used a detail brush to add more detail.
If you’re trying this at home, start with a clean base and two coats of your white. Let it fully dry — no shortcuts here! — then go in with your pink using a dotting tool to create petal shapes. Add a small center dot (yellow or clear works), seal it with a clear topcoat, and boom — cute feet alert.
I wore these on a trip with my friends last July and all of them wanted to know where I had them done. That’s the charm of a small floral touch — it brightens your mood.
Bold Tangerine with Tropical Floral Art
Okay — this is your pool party pedi. Orange and tropical prints like these are like drinking a mango daiquiri with your feet in the water. The white accent nail layered with punchy orange blossoms? Ugh, obsessed. It’s summery, confident, and unafraid to stand out.
A Good Man-darin is Hard to Find from OPI or Zoya’s Arizona will give you that fiery tangerine color. You need to be careful with floral art — use a thin brush and a white polish that isn’t too transparent. You can try nail stickers if you’d rather avoid painting your nails by hand.
Gina Edwards, a celebrity manicurist, once advised that summer toes should add a touch of style to your sandals. This design is the statement. If you’re not confident in your commitment, just accent it with your big toe.
I wore this style to a friend’s beach wedding and I felt so much better in my clothes. It gives your outfit a boost and you don’t even need to add extra jewelry.
Psychedelic Swirls in Purple and Pink
It looks like it’s meant for a rooftop party with chill rosé and some indie tunes playing. The combination of deep violet and hot pink is very ‘70s disco and I love it. It’s a design that grabs your eye and the light from wherever you sit on the patio.
A fine nail brush or liner pen makes swirl nail art the easiest to achieve. I usually lay down the darker base (try Sundays No. 41 for purple) and swirl in the lighter one while it’s still tacky. Apply a little acetone to a cleanup brush and use it to smooth the edges. A matte base coat is helpful when you find your colors are too thin, since it helps the design stay on your nails.
I prefer to wear swirled patterns with basic outfits such as a white maxi dress, cutoff shorts or anything denim. With this design, you don’t need to add anything else to make it stand out.
Frankly, I wasn’t sure about this design until I put it on. And then? Total stranger in a coffee shop complimented them. Twice.
Minimalist Pink with Heart Details
If you’re feeling romantic or just want to treat someone, this one is for you. Soft bubblegum pink with tiny red hearts? It’s flirty, minimal, and totally wearable. I really like how the small hearts show personality without being too obvious. It feels like you’re wearing candy for your feet, but it’s for adults.
You may use a detail brush, a dotting tool or even a toothpick to make the hearts. I painted the pink part with Essie’s Mod Square and the hearts with Zoya’s Carmen. Always add a quick-dry topcoat to your model so your ideas stay vibrant.
It proves that you don’t need to complicate your pedicure to make it look nice. Sometimes it’s the simple things such as a heart, that can make a big difference.
Cherry Charm on a Cotton Candy Base
This one has such a picnic-in-the-park sweetness to it. The base is baby pink, like spun sugar and the cherry decals add a nostalgic and refreshing touch. It’s got a hint of vintage diner energy but still feels modern — like something you’d wear with gingham shorts and red lipstick. It’s minimalist but not boring, and it’s absolutely summer-coded.
If you’re recreating this at home, I recommend using Olive & June’s Pink Sands or OPI Let’s Be Friends! for the base. For the cherry art, you can go two routes: hand-painted with a tiny dotting tool and brush (I used Zoya Sooki and Essie’s Mojito Madness), or nail decals for a no-fuss shortcut. Apply a top coat to your nails — it will enhance the pink and keep your cherries looking good for longer.
I wore this outfit when I was upstate for the weekend and both a woman in the bakery and my host told me they liked it. That’s when I realized cherries are back on the menu.
Hot Pink with White Petal Details
Is there anything better than fuchsia and white for summer? This design is loud in the best way. The soft, pink background draws your eyes and the white petals which are like daisies, make everything seem sunny and light. It reminds me of early July — when the air is hot, your tan lines are fresh, and everything feels just a little bit extra (in the best way).
I painted the pink base with Essie’s The Fuschia is Bright and used OPI Alpine Snow and a small brush for the petals. If you don’t feel comfortable painting the flowers, try using decals or a stamping plate instead. Whatever the result, you’ll leave your DIY session feeling like a goddess by the pool.
It’s easy to overlook how much one bright color can help — until I wore this and felt much more confident in my sandals. It’s also great for people with any skin color, because it looks amazing on both dark and light skin.
3D Glossy Petals with Crystal Centers
Now this? This is luxury. These shoes make it look like flowers are growing out of your toes, so they’re not for those who are easily scared. A petal covered in glossy pink, topped with a jelly pink tip and finished with crystal centers? Barbiecore and garden party come together and I love how boldly glamorous it is. It’s not exactly a secret — and that’s the point of it.
This project calls for builder gel and a lot of patience. I built my design using The Gel Bottle’s Dolly and 3D floral nail art molds. I applied nail glue and a wax pencil to place the rhinestones in the center of each petal after each layer was cured. Seal the edges with top coat to avoid snags.
It was like putting on heels without any purpose, just because you’re allowed to. It’s not practical, but it is powerful. If you’re planning a big summer party or just want to look great, this design is perfect.
Electric Blue with Zebra Accent
Talk about cool-girl energy. The electric blue is certainly bold and bright and it’s great for the beach, but the zebra accent nail is the real standout. It makes the look feel like a magazine layout. It’s like a Miami pool party from Y2K and it still looks stylish. The best part? Blue toes always look good in photos. Always.
I chose Lights Lacquer’s Blue Moon to get the perfect cobalt. Although the zebra pattern is painted by hand, you can achieve a neater look with stamping kits if you need to save time. After the paint is dry, seal the entire canvas with another coat that dries fast.
Honestly, this one surprised me. I was concerned it would be too bold, but when I put on a white cover-up and silver jewelry, I loved it more than any other pedi I had that month. It’s not just summer — it’s a whole statement.
Minty Fresh with Metallic Bows
There’s something so sweet and unexpected about this design. The mint polish is already refreshing, but those small silver bows… They turn a basic pedi into something special. It’s a mix of cute and classy, much like putting on tiny Tiffany & Co. boxes and going to brunch.
If you want a pastel mint color, consider Zoya Neely or Olive & June’s JLR. The silver bow charms are widely available on Etsy or Amazon, and you’ll need a strong nail adhesive (like Mia Secret Glue) to keep them from popping off. Press the nails in gently and then cover them with a builder gel.
I was walking around the garden barefoot after a summer storm and I felt just like the lead character in a romantic comedy. These tiny details create such an unexpectedly polished moment.
I decided to try out this dress on a random day off, enjoying a cup of iced coffee and a manicure. It felt like a little love letter to myself. Isn’t that kind of the point?
Blush Pink for Quiet Luxury Vibes
This look is everything soft, subtle, and refined. A gentle blush pink that seems to speak softly, but it’s still hard to miss. It’s all about the spa robe, taking your time in the morning, soft silk sheets and a cold latte. The pair of pedi you love but don’t show off, since true confidence is quiet.
I applied Olive & June’s CHM and finished it with their Super Glossy Top Coat to get that shiny effect. No shimmer, no glitter, just high-pigment elegance. You’ll need a nail buffer, clean cuticles and plenty of patience, since this shade is hard to fix if you rush.
I chose this for a Sunday at home and it made my big hoodie seem more stylish. Even when your laundry is piling up, it makes you feel like you’ve got your life under control.
Bright Sky Blue with Playful Daisies
This design practically shouts “hello sunshine!” A blue base with large, white daisies that look like something from a child’s art class — but in a sophisticated way. There’s innocence here, but also joy. It’s a fun style, but not childish and it adds tons of character to sandals or walking barefoot.
You should use a bright blue like Sally Hansen Babe Blue and have a dotting tool ready for the daisy petals. I use Butter London Cotton Buds to get a crisp white and a sunny yellow like Essie’s Hay There for the center of the design. I usually put one full flower on each toe and then add petals here and there.
I wore these on the beach in Santa Monica and kept looking down at them. Looking at the blue waves and white petals together made me feel like I was 12, only this time I was dressed better.
Deep Cherry Red with Minimal Fruit Art
This one’s moody, juicy, and subtly playful. The bright cherry red looks strong and balanced and the little cherry art on the toes is a nice touch. A little wink. It’s designed for someone who wants to keep it dark, but also want to include the season. It’s both sophisticated and playful which is hard to do well, but this one pulls it off.
I always use OPI’s Malaga Wine for red nails because it’s elegant, shiny and has a deep color. Painting the cherries was easy with Hannah, but I needed a toothpick for the stems. A nude or sheer base like Essie’s Ballet Slippers will help your art stand out.
I didn’t expect this to catch my eye, as I tend to choose brighter colors, but it did. It’s unexpectedly sexy. Is this something I’d consider wearing to a summer dinner date with a midi dress? Absolutely.
Black and Pink with Bold Heart Outlines
This one’s for the rule breakers. When you add the outlined heart to hot pink and jet black, it becomes even more modern. Game-changer. It’s part punk, part playful. I could imagine wearing this at a music festival or with combat sandals and a crop top. It implies that I can be in charge, yet I still know how to flirt.
The pink should be Olive & June’s Hot Strawberry and the black will be Essie’s Licorice. You need a fine liner brush to draw the hearts or if you’re feeling adventurous, you can use a nail stamping plate. Use a topcoat that gives a high shine to make everything appear more reflective.
I put this on for a rooftop party and it really stood out. I didn’t have to wear rings or anklets, as my pedicure spoke for itself.
Red Romance with Soft Heart Accents
There’s something undeniably classic about red toes. But these aren’t only red — there’s a little pink heart on them that quietly says “I see you” on the side of your big toe. It’s subtle, but the impact? Big. The pink-on-red twist feels fresh and surprisingly soft. Like a valentine for your feet.
I picked OPI Big Apple Red for the red and Zoya’s Tweedy for the heart. You could also use a small heart-shaped sticker as a stencil. The best results are achieved when the base color is completely dry, so the pink doesn’t smear.
I felt love for someone else, but more importantly, I felt love for myself. It’s a tiny reminder that details matter. Even the smallest things can bring us joy such as a quick polish stroke.
Ocean Bright Blue for Bold Simplicity
This one is all about unapologetic clarity. No other art, no distractions—just a bold, clear blue that makes me think of swimming down into the deep end. It’s crisp, clean, and totally commanding. Gold toe rings, anklets or even a little sun on your skin can look amazing with these. At times, the best choice is to pick one color and use it perfectly.
I love using Lights Lacquer Blue Moon and Olive & June’s OMG. These give that perfect high-pigment punch without being streaky. Two coats, a glassy topcoat, and you’re done. Don’t overthink it.
I choose this outfit when I want to look like the water but not be part of it. The color is the star, so all you need is a pair of sandals and you’ll be showered with compliments.
Sky Blue with Side Daisy Accents
If you’ve ever been a child and picked daisies to wear behind your ear, this design will remind you of those times. It’s gentle, feminine and not overly playful. The sky blue background calms you, while the daisy that doesn’t quite match makes it charming and interesting –reminds me of a wind blowing through meadows of wildflowers.
For this look, I used Essie’s Saltwater Happy or Zoya Blu as the base. The petals are best made with a dotting tool or liner brush — I prefer using Butter London’s Cotton Buds for white and Essie’s Sweet Supply for the yellow centers.
It’s great for picnics or for a last-minute date night when you want a little extra flirtation. It whispers “I care about the little things.”
Pastel Patchwork in Soft Candy Shades
I think this is what Barbie would put on for her vacation in Provence. All the toes are a different pastel color — lilac, lemon, pink, mint — which makes the palette sweet and playful, although still easy to look at. It’s not overly young, but it definitely feels like you’re at an ice cream cart by the beach.
My go-tos for this look: Olive & June’s pastel set — think JM (lavender), SCL (lemon), TT (cotton candy pink), and RP (mint). Ensure that every toe is neatly separated and the colors don’t fight with each other.
I wore this to a Sunday brunch and a person at the next table asked to capture it for future nail inspiration. That’s when I knew I nailed it.
Bright Blue Base with White Flower Pop
This one is different with its blue base and big white floral design in the middle. It’s evenly balanced, has a retro look and almost appears like pop art. If you’re after a floral scent that’s not too light, this is perfect for you.
Try Essie’s Butler Please for the blue; it’s a stunning color. I applied Zoya Purity for the white petals and OPI Got the Blues for Red on the center. If you’re just starting out, use floral stickers or stamping tools.
I love how clean this looks with minimal effort. It’s a strong statement with a gentle touch — and it turns “cool girl who still enjoys the little things.”
Layered Pink Hearts in Glossy Finishes
It’s giving Lisa Frank meets Pinterest-core. Pink and fuchsia hearts on all your toes — this is a bold look that still looks put together. This reminds me of what summer sleepovers and heart-shaped sunglasses feel like, as well as strawberry slushies. Over-the-top? Absolutely. But that’s what makes it fun.
First, use Wild & Free or Mod Square from Olive & June or Essie and then add a contrasting color like Zoya Dacey. The secret is to let each layer of heart dry before applying the next to keep the polish looking sharp.
During my staycation, I was so happy with how these looked on my feet. There are times when we do it for ourselves alone and that’s enough.
Zebra Tips with Electric Blue Confidence
This look walks the line between wild and polished—literally. The bright blue of the rest of the nails gives a soft touch, but the zebra-striped big toe really stands out. It’s both bold and clean, but the animal print adds a touch of fun to the look. Perfect for someone who wants to stand out but still look put together, like you’re lowkey rebellious with a fresh pedi.
To recreate this, you’ll want a creamy white polish (OPI’s Alpine Snow is my go-to), a true cobalt blue like Essie’s Butler Please, and a skinny detail brush for the zebra stripes in black gel paint. Applying a gel topcoat will help your nails look extra shiny.
If painting isn’t your favorite, you can still use nail stickers for this look. I’ve painted my bags myself and also used zebra decals and while hand-painting seems more elegant, applying decals is a quick solution when you’re in a hurry.
I wore the same outfit to a Malibu beach wedding and everyone was more interested in my feet than my jewelry. There’s power in a good pedi, trust me.
Retro Color Melt with Lavender Waves
Think groovy summer sunsets but on your feet. These nails have purple, pink, yellow and white ribbons winding across them, looking like the trails that beach bonfires leave behind. It’s a feminine style, it’s playful and it lets me say, “I made these while listening to Fleetwood Mac on vinyl.” If retro color therapy was a pedi, this would be the one.
Let’s be honest, this design is best done by someone with a steady hand or lots of patience. You should use pastels that have good coverage: try ORLY’s Frolic, China Glaze Lemon Fizz, a white and Zoya’s Abby for the lavender. Apply each shade of nail polish with a nail art brush and cure it between coats if you’re using gel.
To do the swirls at home, I used Olive & June’s suggestion and rested my painting hand on something. It made all the difference. If you mess up? Don’t worry about mistakes; this style will cover them up easily.
The design gives me the impression that summer is a moodboard I can wear.
Cherry Crush on Crisp White
This flirty cherry design looks like it’s melting on the pavement. The bright white in the background makes the red cherries and their green stems look just like those you’d see at a farmer’s market. All the other toes are painted a deep cherry red to help balance the look—classic, sweet and just a little bit cheeky.
I applied Sally Hansen’s Cherry Fast for the cherry red and any set of red and green art brushes will work for the art. White base? Go opaque—this isn’t the time for sheer. I personally like Beetles Gel in White Snow.
I was a bit afraid of the cherry detail until I realized how easy it was to do with dotting tools. Literally just two dots and a flick—done. And if you want that juicy shine? Glossy topcoat is non-negotiable.
I wore the shoes to brunch and had two people I didn’t know ask me who made them. My answer? I only needed two dotting tools and a strong craving for fruit.
Tropical Sunset Fade
This look? It’s basically a cocktail in gradient form. This turn from juicy orange to pink cotton-candy is done so smoothly it looks as if it were airbrushed. It’s a nail design that goes well with flip flops, music by the pool and skin covered in sticky sunscreen. Total serotonin on your toes.
I find that using a sponge is the best way to get that airbrushed look at home. Paint your colors side-by-side on a makeup sponge (try OPI’s Hot & Spicy and Essie’s Mod Square), dab, dab, dab, then seal. A base coat and a sheer pink layer will help blend the whole look.
I found a tutorial from @nailartbysig on Instagram and it seemed much easier than I thought. Give it a try—it’s strangely satisfying.
There’s just something about ombré that feels timeless. It’s not overdone, but it still appears you put effort in. You know?
Daisy Daze in Lemon Cream
There’s nothing that says summer bloom quite like daisies. These white petals on a simple base remind me of sunshine and the lemon-yellow polish matches perfectly, without being too sweet. It’s a light and playful color, much like a picnic would be in nail polish.
Honestly? If you want to copy this look, use daisy decals, but if you’re creative, use a dotting tool and paint the petals white and the center yellow. Pairing ILNP’s Lemonade on the side nails gives you a polished look without making it look too much.
I’ve always felt that floral nails in summer make me more romantic, like I’m always ready to pause and smile. Try it, you’ll see what I mean.
Freckled Nude Minimalism
This one’s a total minimalist dream: a sheer, neutral nude base sprinkled with tiny black flecks like freckles across sun-kissed skin. It gives breakfast-in-a-matching-linen-set energy. It’s elegant and thoughtful, but still so calm it speaks softly. A soft design like this lets your skin breathe, even if it’s just an illusion.
If you want to copy it, use a semi-sheer nude such as Essie’s Skinny Dip or OPI’s Bubble Bath. The speckles? If you want to try something different, use a black nail art ink or Cirque Colors’ Speckled polish. Seal it all with a high-gloss top coat.
No heavy lifting required here—just layer the nude, tap on speckles using a fine dotting brush or fan brush (some even use an old toothbrush for a real splatter effect), and top it off. Keep the strokes soft. That’s the whole mood.
When I need to feel refreshed, I go for this look every time. It’s the pedi version of a white t-shirt—simple, a bit artistic and matches anything.
Lemon French with Garden Blooms
Summer fields and pale yellow French tips blend together in this lovely look. Soft daisies are suspended freely above the background, making it look as though petals are floating with the breeze. It’s a floral design, but it doesn’t look childish and it’s bright, but not too much—this design can be either romantic or playful, depending on your mood.
Start with a nude or sheer pink base coat (I love Londontown’s Illuminating Nail Concealer). After that, apply a soft yellow polish to the tips, using Sundays’ L06 and add your flowers using white, green and soft pink detail brushes or decals.
A fine liner brush really helps when drawing the small centers of the flowers. If you’d rather not paint freehand, try using decals or stickers on top of the gel base—there’s no shame in a shortcut that looks this great.
I wore something similar on a city picnic and found myself looking at my sandals often. It was so soft that I felt my toes smiling in return.
Olive Cream and Daisies
There’s something beautifully earthy about this pairing. The soft sage green brings the whole look together and the creamy daisies make it seem a bit dreamy. It’s not complicated, but it seems like a secret—elegant, rooted and clearly summery.
I painted the green with Essie’s Can Dew Attitude and added white and yellow dots with a dotting tool for the petals. Add a glossy topcoat and you’re golden. If you’re not confident in hand-painting flowers, decals can give you the same look.
I didn’t prep my nails with accent color one time and just did daisies on all my toes—it still worked out. But this version? It’s my favorite for balance.
I wore this look on a glamping trip and felt it matched the wildflowers that showed through the tent. Unexpectedly poetic.
Strawberry Milk and Daisies
With its soft, sweet and retro look, this blush-pink design features tiny daisy details. It makes me think of strawberry milk with breakfast or soft pink lemonade on the porch. The delicate white petals are easy to see, but they never take over the whole arrangement.
You can use Olive & June’s SE or Essie’s Fiji as a base for this look. You can create the daisies by placing a small dot of crisp white polish and a dot of yellow in the center. If you’re feeling extra, add one or two on the side toes.
It’s the kind of pedicure that people describe as “cute” without even noticing. At a baby shower, this outfit got me compliments from my grandmas and my nieces from Gen Z. That’s power.
Every now and then, summer is about softness instead of bold, bright colors.
Lavender Swirl Dreamscape
It seems as though this wedding was brought to life with cotton candy and sea foam. The big toe nail shows a mixture of lavender, pink, blue and white in a pretty marbled pattern and the rest of the toes are all locked into a glossy lavender. It’s fun but well-designed—like unicorns became adults and developed a sense of style.
A few light, pastel shades will work well, like ILNP’s Lilac Bridges, Sally Hansen’s Pink Blink and Zoya Blu. Apply the colors together using a fine liner or thin brush over white polish and then cover it with a top coat. If you like the gradient effect, use the wet-on-wet marbling method.
From the Nailpro article, I learned it’s best not to blend the swirls too much. You want movement, not muddiness. Less is more.
I feel like I’m walking above the ground or at least through a beautiful gelato shop, looking at this design. It’s soft, fun, and very summer 2025.
