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Hot sand, iced lattes, linen everything—it’s official: It’s summer 2025 in full swing, and that means one thing for our toes… time for a polish refresh. But where do we even start? There are so many colors, finishes and designs that swirl through Pinterest and TikTok, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Are we going bold? Soft? Playful? Minimal? What is best for light skin, dark skin, tan skin?
Don’t worry—I’ve got you. I have compiled the 25 best toe nail colors for summer 2025, each one selected with mood, moment, and aesthetic in mind. Whether you like bright, solid, barely-there nudes, or artistic statements, there’s something for you here and your sandals. Let’s scroll through the summer’s best sellers and find the one that makes your toes sing.
Monochrome Mood: When White Meets Deep Espresso
There’s something unapologetically cool about a clean white paired with a dark espresso brown—it’s that unexpected duo that makes people do a double-take. This plain but powerful pedicure switches between bright white and dark near-black for a graphic, classic look. I’m obsessed with how this combo looks, bold but wearable, no frills but very much a 2025 statement. It’s the kind of solid color choice that works whether you’re lounging at a beach bar in Miami or stepping into a rooftop brunch in NYC.
To do this, I always grab OPI’s Alpine Snow for that pure porcelain white and Lincoln Park After Dark for the sultry dark side. Both shades are cult classics for a reason – they glide on buttery and stay put through sand, sea, and sudden summer showers. These colors pedicures are low-maintenance but high-impact.
Here’s how I like to do it at home: Begin with a nice soak and cuticle oil (Essie’s Apricot Oil is still my ride or die) then two coats of each color alternating toe by toe. I finish it off with Seche Vite’s fast-dry topcoat for that gel-gloss shine without the UV. Nail pro Jin Soon Choi once said that simplicity is the secret to longevity in a design—and this one’s evidence.
This combo makes me feel quietly confident. Just like a linen jumpsuit or a fresh blowout – it doesn’t demand attention, but it definitely takes over the room. Plus, it compliments light skin, tan skin and dark skin, which is surprisingly rare to find.
Golden Hour Gleam: Pearlized Champagne Glow
You know that soft, glowing light just before sunset? This cute, luminous pearl shade is exactly what I am reminded of. There’s a romantic elegance to this golden-champagne finish that feels like summer wrapped in satin. It’s not loud or trendy for the sake of being trendy—it just looks rich. And I mean luxuriously rich. It’s the ideal upgrade for the lovers of a bright neutral but who want something a bit more playful than nude.
For this look I would choose Zoya Ginessa or Butter London’s Champagne Fizz – both give a soft shimmer without going disco ball. If you’re leaning into fair skin or tan skin, this luminous shade pops beautifully.
Application tip? Use a ridge-filling base coat first, metallics like these can show every bump and line. Deborah Lippmann’s Gel Lab Pro is great for smooth prep. Two coats of color, one of topcoat, and voilà: instant “golden goddess” toes.
I wore this myself when I returned from a short trip to Santa Barbara and it just fitted – beachy, polished, elegant with no effort. One of those rare 2025 popular picks that even makes your flip-flops look fancy.
Stormy with a Chance of Love: Moody Gray & Baby Heart
We need to discuss why gray turned out to be the dark horse of cute summer pedicures. This look muted slate with a pop of pastel pink in the shape of a tiny heart is giving cozy romance with a whisper of rebellion. The best part? It’s just surprising enough to be interesting, but still simple and totally wearable for every day.
For the base, I use Essie’s Petal Pushers for that soft blue-gray undertone and the heart can be applied with a dotting tool using OPI’s Bubble Bath or even Olive & June’s Pink Sands. It’s an easy way to dip your toes—literally—into 2025 pink without going full Barbiecore.
Doing the design at home? Don’t stress. I prefer a toothpick for the heart—two dots and a small “V” under them. End with a glossy top coat to lock in the sweetness.
This one surprised me. I wore it at a friend’s engagement party and people were asking me where I had it done. It’s those subtle details that capture attention, not only the color, but the confidence that comes with it.
Opalescent Dream: Iridescent Ice on Satin Skin
This pearlescent polish glistens like sunlit seashells and is just plain dreamy. It moves from a soft blue, milky white and a lilac that is barely there but utterly magical. It reminds me of morning dew on cool satin – fresh, ethereal and very much part of the best toe nail colors for summer 2025. This is for girls who want to feel like mermaids without doing actual seashell art.
To get a polish that produces this effect, search for Holo Taco’s Aurora Unicorn Skin applied over a mild white base similar to OPI Funny Bunny. It provides that translucent depth and high shine that appears salon-grade, but surprisingly easy to DIY.
If you’re into designs but want them toned down, this is a safe bet. No decals, no glitter chunks—just light-catching beauty. I have a set of chrome powders at home (Born Pretty produces solid ones) and buff a little over semi-dry polish before sealing.
This is one of those looks that I return to over and over again – it never feels old. It’s flattering across light skin, tan skin, and dark skin, and it’s such a fun way to keep things bright without neon.
Classic Revival: 2025 Red That Never Misses
Oh, honey. Red isn’t just timeless—it’s thriving in 2025. This shiny, firetruck bright red pedicure is the perfect confidence booster. It’s bold, it’s clean, and it feels a bit rebellious, in the best way. Especially against light denim or breezy summer linens – it’s that one color that never stops turning heads.
You can’t go wrong with Chanel’s Pirate or Revlon Red if you’re looking for that 2025 red that hits just right. I’m also loving Olive & June’s CV, which is a bit deeper and fits all skin tones, from fair to dark.
Nothing fancy here – just a good base coat, two coats of red and a glossy top. If you’re concerned about staining, swipe your nails with a little white vinegar prior to polish to help it adhere and remain true.
This was my “I need to feel something” pedicure after a breakup last year and you know what? It did make me feel something. Stronger. Bolder. Totally back in my game. Don’t sleep on red, it’s a big deal in pedicures.
Fresh Linen: Clean White for Every Occasion
Is there anything more effortlessly elegant than a pure crisp white pedicure? It’s the type of shade that makes you feel like you’re barefooting across a five-star resort even if you’re just running errands. This look is a summer classic that looks great on fair skin, tan skin, and dark skin, when worn with breezy sandals or even barefoot accessories like this. White keeps appearing on every “best toe nail colors for summer 2025” list for a reason – it’s versatile, timeless, and insanely photogenic.
Essie’s Blanc or Olive & June’s HD is what I usually reach for when I want that solid white payoff without streaks. For darker complexions layering a sheer ivory over white can warm it up slightly – it’s subtle, but it makes a difference.
White toes are all about the prep. A nice cuticle clean up, a soft buff to have an even base and two thin coats of color are essential. I top it with a long wear top coat such as CND Vinylux Weekly Top Coat that gives serious glassy shine.
Whenever I wear this, I feel instantly put-together. It’s clean. It’s classic. It whispers luxury. And honestly? It can be worn with any outfit from poolside kaftans to linen trousers on a sunset dinner.
Mint Condition: Soft Green That Pops
This verdant, mildly dulled mint green is the summer tonic we didn’t know we required. It has just enough edge to be considered a bright pop but is cool enough to pair perfectly with neutrals. I love this on light skin, but it also pops gorgeously against dark skin – that contrast makes it stand out without screaming for attention. And yes, it’s giving full-on cute beach picnic energy.
Solid choices for this shade would be polishes such as OPI’s This Cost Me a Mint or Zoya’s Neely. Both offer that smooth, creamy feel that makes green a safe choice for your toes even if you’ve never worn it.
I keep the application simple: base coat, two coats of polish, and always clean up the edges with a small angled brush in acetone. A pro once said to me that green tones need sharp edges to look clean – and they were so right.
I wore this exact shade last summer on a camping-glam trip and kept looking down like “Damn, that’s good”. It gave my sandals life. Highly recommend if you’re in the mood for something not expected but grounded.
Pink Revival: Juicy Berry Vibes
Let’s talk about this pink. It’s not bubblegum. It’s not neon. It’s that just-ripe juicy berry pink that looks grown up and fun at the same time. I’m calling it now: this will be the 2025 pink shade to watch. If you’re a person who likes solid but also wants dimension, this shade brings richness without tipping into drama. Imagine it as the raspberry sorbet of the pedicure world; it’s sweet, it’s refreshing, and it’s always in good taste.
Go for Deborah Lippmann’s Raspberry Beret or Essie’s Model Citizen both are salon staples with a gorgeous creamy finish. This color is absolutely stunning on fair skin and just radiant on darker tones.
Honestly, pinks like these go on like a dream. I skip the nail art completely and let the color talk. Two coats, quick-dry drops, and you’re out the door. If you’re a pedicure fan of hot pink, but yearn for something a little more down to earth—this is your happy place.
I wore this last August for a girls’ trip to Miami, and it held up through pool dips, sandy walks, and barefoot dancing. It’s a vibe. That easy glamor without trying too hard.
Rich Roast: Deep Chocolate for Warm Evenings
Chocolate brown might not be the first color that screams “summer,” but let me tell you—this one works. Rich and shiny, this deep cocoa color is a trendy substitute for black. It’s full, it’s grounding, and it’s a surprisingly popular choice among trendsetters at the moment. If you’re planning an island getaway or just leaning into neutral glam, this color delivers in all the right ways.
OPI’s Espresso Your Inner Self or Olive & June’s CN is what I go for when I want that rich roast feel. What’s gorgeous about this color is how wonderfully it flatters tan skin, dark skin and sun kissed toes. It’s luxurious, not overpowering.
This is one of those manicures that looks best when it’s ultra-glossy, so I use a gel-like topcoat like Essie Gel Couture Top Coat to get that extra slick shine. It’s a game-changer for darker tones.
Wore this on a late summer weekend trip to the desert and it felt so right with gold sandals and earth tones. Cozy, polished, and just a bit of a surprise to make people say, “Wait, what color is that?”.
Lavender Blooms: Purple Flowers and Whimsy
Okay, flower lovers—this one’s for you. A dreamy combination of soft lilac purple and a detailed floral art makes this design pure poetry for your toes. It combines playful detail with elegant charm and it’s one of the cutest designs for 2025, easily. The white base of the big toe makes it stay fresh while the blooms give it that little wink of personality. This one is a stroll in a summer garden at golden hour.
To get that soft purple, try China Glaze’s Lotus Begin or Sally Hansen’s Lacey Lilac. The floral art can be hand-painted or done with decals – don’t sleep on Etsy’s vast assortment of nail stickers, if you’re pressed for time or patience.
If you’re going DIY, paint your base color and let it dry completely before adding the floral design. Seal everything with a topcoat to hold those petals in place. A small rhinestone in the middle adds depth—just a little sparkle, nothing extra.
This one makes me feel like I’m vacationing in Provence. It’s sweet, sophisticated, and so delightfully feminine. A great go to if you want your pedicures to be conversation starters.
Midnight Garden: Navy with Whispered Leaves
Deep blue base with delicate white leaf designs? Yes, please. This pedicure plays on that moody elegance that one feels gazing at the stars from a balcony in Greece. The dark tone immediately adds depth, while the minimalist botanical detail brings an ethereal, nature inspired touch. It’s subtle, it’s sophisticated, and it’s very much on the radar for 2025. If you are in the mood for contrast and you don’t want something as dark as black, this is it.
For this look, I’m in love with Zoya’s Ryan or Essie’s After School Boy Blazer. Use a fine nail art brush or even a white nail art pen to draw on your leaves – Kiss is a great one that’s beginner-friendly.
Drawing leaves is all about lightness – keep the hand gentle and strokes minimal. Even a couple of imperfect lines can look chic when glossed over. A nail artist once told me that “flaws make it feel handmade, not mass-made”—and that stuck with me.
The first time I wore this was for a low key beach wedding and it just felt right – bold, a bit artsy, but still grounded. Pairs beautifully with gold anklets and linen anything.
Berry French: 2025’s New Twist on Classic
There’s a new French in the town and instead of being sheer pinks it’s been dipped in juicy berry tones. This reverse spin of the French pedicure keeps things cute, modern, and definitely 2025. I love the way the white tip pops out against the deeper magenta base – it’s like a bold lip for your toes. This one is still refined, still refined, but just rebellious enough to give it a fresh feel again.
You can achieve this vibe using Olive & June’s XOXO or OPI’s Malaga Wine as your base and then adding a creamy white tip with a nail guide or freehand if you’re steady. I use a striping brush to make that clean curve.
To be honest, this one is simpler than it appears – just take it slow with the tip. I always do a cleanup with a pointed cotton swab dipped in remover to make the smile line neat. It is a little detail, but it makes all the difference.
What I love about this is the smooth transition. From workday to pool party to rooftop dinner – it fits any scene. For sure one of the best toe nail colors for summer 2025 if you’re looking for something classic but not boring.
Seafoam Serenity: Coastal Cool Green
This is a gentle but saturated green in a bottle of summer serenity in polish. It’s a color that sits somewhere between jade and seafoam, it’s a calm, polished, and a bit whimsical. It’s one of those colors pedicures where you don’t even need embellishments—just the glossy finish and you’re set. I love how this looks on fair skin and dark skin, too, giving toes a clean dewy feel.
Polish picks? Both Sally Hansen’s Minted Metal or Essie’s Can Dew Attitude can provide a punchy but wearable green. These work best if a ridge filling base coat is used for that perfect finish.
I love prepping with a salt soak and scrub before putting on any pastel greens, it gives the polish a smoother surface to cling to. Dry thoroughly between coats and use a topcoat that will bring out that glassy shine.
I wore this for the first time on a Fourth of July BBQ. Compliments came all day and I saw more than one friend discreetly snapping photos for their next salon inspo. It’s subtle, but unforgettable.
Lavender Milk: Soft Lilac Minimalism
When you desire color but not loud, this pastel purple brings you just like a summer breeze. Lavender milk toes are subtle divine – especially for light and tan skin, but it absolutely flatters dark skin as well with the right undertone. It’s delicate, serene, and whisper-soft. If you’re a minimalist, but you still love a seasonal pedicure, this is your language.
Have a look at Olive & June’s JM or Orly’s Provence at Dusk for a creamy lilac shade with just the right amount of warmth. These shades enhance a natural glow without dominating your overall appearance.
I skip nail art for this one and just stick to perfection. Smooth base, even coats, and a jelly topcoat. Imagine it as the sheer dress of 2025 pink tones – flirty, easy, for sunshine.
Every time I wear this, I get spa-day energy. It’s calm, it’s cool, and it goes with literally everything. Whether it’s white linen or denim cutoffs, lavender milk toes always hit.
Ocean Marble: Abstract Blue Waves
Marble isn’t just for countertops – this abstract blue swirl gives major modern mermaid vibes. The combination of deep marine with soft wave-like patterns in white and baby blue brings movement and texture without overwhelming. It’s artsy and luxe, a standout among 2025 designs for those craving something bold but balanced.
You can do this with a base of Essie’s Butler Please or OPI’s Yoga-ta Get This Blue, marble accents using a needle-drag technique or decals. There are even stickers for water-transfer now that make this way much easier than it was before.
I find that a dotting tool assists me in swirling without blending too much. Use your base, add dots of white and lighter blue while it’s wet and gently swirl with a thin toothpick or detail brush.
This look transports me directly to coastal vacations – there is something about the colors that just brings a breeze to your step. Bold, but wearable. Definitely one of my top best toe nail colors for summer 2025 picks.
Electric Sky Blue Bliss
There’s something in a bright, blue pedi that immediately draws poolside vibes. This solid color screams serious “vacation booked” vibes and I have always believed a perfect pedicure should feel like a passport stamp. The sleek, high-gloss finish here leans slightly turquoise — think more Santorini sea than primary blue — and it’s one of the most popular choices I’ve seen this season on Pinterest boards and resort lookbooks alike. It looks gorgeous on both light and tan skin tones, particularly with a little gold toe-ring moment or new flip-flops.
For this look, I’m obsessed with OPI’s “Tile Art to Warm Your Heart” – a strong Mediterranean blue with that ideal pop of personality. It goes on like gel, particularly with a top coat like Seche Vite. Gelish’s “Mali-Blu Me Away” is a dead ringer for a similar gel finish and works well with fair skin and dark skin.
When I DIY this look, I start with a smoothing base coat (Essie’s Ridge Filler is a must if you’re wearing open-toe sandals daily). Paint two thin coats of your selected blue allowing it to dry completely between coats, and apply a gel-effect top coat. This color is all about brightness and clarity, therefore neatness is more important than ever.
Honestly? Blue toes give me the sense that I’ve got my life together – even if the rest of me is in bike shorts and a messy bun. It’s a little happy detail that always gets compliments.
Sunset Sorbet Orange
If summer had a character, it would be this color. This cheerful juicy orange is pure dopamine in polish form. The ultra shiny finish and the micro-glitter touch around the cuticle? Total festival-chic. It’s bold without trying to be too hard — the kind of pedicure that makes a Target run runway-worthy. Cute, strong and memorable – this is one of those colors that pedicures are created for in 2025.
You can create this fiery vibe with Lights Lacquer “Slice of Life” or ORLY’s “Tangerine Dream”. Sprinkle a little of loose cosmetic glitter on before your top coat sets to imitate that shimmer. I enjoy using Lemonhead LA’s Spacejam glitters — they’re for skin but look great mixed in with a pedi.
This color looks good on short toes and wide nails, so don’t panic if your foot is not quite model-perfect. I clean up using a silicone brush that I dip in acetone and always moisturize my cuticles with jojoba oil afterwards – it keeps everything looking as if it’s freshly done.
This was my default vacation pedi last August in Miami. I swear, the hotel staff commented on it twice. Something about 2025 orange against summer skin just glows. You don’t blend in. And that’s the point.
Lemon Zest and Linear Detail
This yellow falls right in the middle of playful and polished. It’s soft enough not to scream neon, but punchy enough to be noticed in your summer sandals. What I love most is the subtle design: a linear abstract, detail on the big toe — almost a small ribbon of art. This combination of solid base with minimal designs is such a smart way to upgrade a simple look without overspending.
For a shade match, “Copacababana” by Essie – bright, but creamy. The stripe? Use a striping brush with foil gel or chrome pigment, or even a nail sticker as the ones from Olive & June. I love press-on details if it helps me save time.
This design is very beginner-friendly. Apply your base color first and cure if you’re using gel. When completely dry go in with a striping brush dipped in white or metallic gel and delicately draw the swoosh. Seal all in with a top coat – the brush-on gel variety will help to retain the shine.
Whenever I wear yellow toes I get DMs asking for the brand. It may not be everyone’s first pick but try it? It’s a game-changer. Especially on tan skin, where it pops so beautifully.
Purple Whimsy and Marble Magic
There’s a dreamy calm in this purple pedicure that’s right off the bat out of a spa ad. The soft lilac on most toes is down to earth and soft, and the marbled detail on the big toe is a splash of personality – a combination of pink, blue and shimmer that feels hand-painted and luxurious. This combo is trendy enough for a Hamptons weekend but fun enough for a pool party. It’s one of those adorable 2025 pink and blue pairings that straddles the line between art and accessory.
For that lavender base, “Lilacism” by Essie or “Do You Lilac It?” by OPI may be used. The marble detail can be replicated using the blooming gel – I dab white, pink and teal into a wet base and swirl them using a dotting tool. There’s also a fantastic tutorial by @nailartbysig on Instagram, she explains marbling like a pro.
If I’m honest, this combo reminds me of the skies of cotton candy we get in late July. It’s romantic, gentle, and has personality without being loud. It’s ideal for anyone who wants something pretty but not too fashionable. Timeless with a twist.
Sparkling Ballet Pink
This soft, timeless, and glittered with just the right amount to catch the light, pink moment is. It’s very “clean girl meets beach house” – minimal but magical. The shade is so good on fair skin, if you want understated but still polished pedicures. This is one of those plain but popular styles that stealthily catches attention. Think balletcore but for your toes.
For the base I’ve used Zoya’s “Dot”, then dabbed a holographic glitter near the cuticle with a sponge for the fade. You can also choose “Fiji” by Essie if you prefer a bit more vibrant color. End with a finish of high-gloss top coat – the more glassy – the better.
This design is perfect if you’re going to a beach wedding or just want something that will work with literally everything. I wore something like this on a weekend trip to Santa Barbara, and it looked as good in sandals as it did barefoot in the sand.
Midnight Matte With a Silver Line
This is minimalism with a twist – a dark black matte pedicure kissed with a thin metallic silver strip. It’s luxe, moody, and effortlessly chic. Frankly, this is the summer version of a little black dress. It’s edgy, but it’s clean, and the silver accent provides it with just the right amount of contrast to catch the light. If you’re looking for simple but sophisticated designs that feel a little unexpected for summer, this one’s it.
I prefer to use Essie’s “Licorice” for the perfect inky base and a matte top coat, like OPI’s “Matte Top Coat”. The silver accent can be either a striping tape or a foil polish – Sally Hansen’s Insta-Dri “Silver Stallion” makes the job a breeze.
For this at home, begin with two coats of black polish, let it dry completely, and then use tweezers to carefully place your silver striping tape across the big toe. Top everything with a matte sealant – but avoid the silver line if you want it to remain glossy for contrast.
To be honest, until I saw this look in person on my friend Jenna (she has deep tan skin, by the way — and it looked divine) I was hesitant about black toenails for summer. Now? It’s my go-to for beachside evenings or rooftop drinks. Mysterious in the best way.
Cobalt Cool Confidence
This bright cobalt blue is pure bold energy. It’s confident without trying too hard, classic yet vibrant — a sweet spot that’s surprisingly wearable on everyone. Whether you’re going to a city summer wedding or you just want your toes to show out of some nude sandals with panache, this is one of those 2025 shades that is appropriate for fair skin, dark skin, and in between. Total power color.
If you want a slightly shimmered version try “Butler Please” by Essie or ILNP’s “Blueprint”. These types of blue tones tend to require a good base coat to prevent staining – I love Zoya’s Anchor for this.
Application is pretty straightforward: two coats, careful cleaning up around the edges with fine brush in acetone, then a glassy top coat for maximum shine. And don’t forget your cuticle oil – it makes the pedicures look fresher for longer.
This color makes me feel like a Vogue editor on vacation – – elegant but a bit rebellious. There is a reason why such shades are taking over 2025 runways and street style feeds. It’s that kind of confidence boost.
Garnet Glow With Golden Accents
There’s a certain luxury in a deep wine-red pedicure and when it’s accompanied by golden detail. This look is offering “sunset dinner on a terrace” – very rich, glowing and completely sophisticated. The burgundy base with gentle metallic accents, makes this ideal for those who like dark but not black. It’s regal but still cute enough to wear to a beach party.
You can achieve this look with OPI’s “Malaga Wine” with a bit of gold shimmer polish like Essie’s “Good as Gold”. Pat gold polish at the base or corner of each smaller toe nail using a detail brush – don’t overthink it. The charm is in the irregularity.
A trick from celebrity manicurist Betina Goldstein? Blend your shimmer into still wet color to smooth any edges. It will have a melted in, not painted on look. She refers to it as “controlled smudging” and it gives every manicure a custom blend feel.
I dressed like a rooftop birthday party last year — and received so many compliments, I began to incorporate wine tones even when it wasn’t actually fall. Yes, it is one of the best toe nail colors for summer 2025, even if it looks a bit moody at first sight. Moody can still glow.
So—found your favorite? Whether you’re imagining pedicures hot pink, dipped in 2025 red, or captivated by the subtle blue marbles and purple florals, the whole point is this: Your toes should be included in your summer story. These cute, simple, and stunning shades are not trends, but mood-setters. Small ways of saying who you are without saying a word.
Paint them bold. Keep them soft. Switch them weekly if you want. Just don’t let summer pass without making your pedicures some main character energy. Which one are you trying first? Let me know – I’m always on the lookout for an excuse to change it up.
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