23 Cute July Toe Nails for Summer 2025 That Are Perfect for Your Vacation Vibe

There’s no better month than July to let your toes shine. Summer is in full swing, sandals are out, and beach bags are packed—which means it’s officially the season for a fresh set of toe nails that match the energy. The truth is, some pedicure ideas just don’t suit you and it can be hard to find a style that’s both cute, bright and something you can wear.

So, I made this list of 23 Cute July Toe Nails for Summer 2025 to make sure you’re not just looking at pretty pictures, but are also encouraged to try something new. We’re seeing nail art in pastels, preppy stripes, bright reds, tropical greens and sometimes a touch of glitter. If you’re traveling or just making your Sunday run, there’s a perfect design for you in this collection.

So—what kind of pedicure girl are you this summer? The one who leans into pink and white daintiness? The minimalist with a twist? Maybe you’re feeling maximalist and want to fill your space with bright colours and bold flowery prints? Let’s find your July vibe.

Nautical French Stripes with a Preppy Twist

The combination of blue and white always reminds me of boats and Aperol spritz season. They look carefully planned but still fun, much like a Breton shirt for your feet. Strong cobalt lines and gentle accents give the design a combination of sophistication and fun. It’s giving Hamptons weekend energy, but make it modern.

I like to begin with a clean gel base in bright white and right now my favorite is OPI’s Alpine Snow. Essie’s Butler Please is a beautiful deep royal blue gel polish that looks great for the stripes. You’ll need striping tape (Amazon has tons), a fine nail brush, and patience. A gloss top coat will give your nails a sophisticated and shiny lacquer appearance.

The trick with stripes is precision. I paint the surface with two coats of white, let it dry and then put striping tape on for a neat alignment. Paint the blue on, slowly peel it off and finish with another layer. Pro tip: thin layers = no smudges. Manicurist Mazz Hanna explained on IG that taping designs requires a moment of pause and she’s right about that.

I was wearing this same outfit on a beach trip to Maine last summer and three people asked me where I got them done. That’s when I realized: this is the type of cute, preppy and vacation-ready nail design that gets noticed. And yes, they made my tan look better too.

Feathered Simplicity in Dreamy White

Looking at my soft white nails always calms me right away. This style has a neutral background and a hint of metallic feathers — it’s not overdone, but still looks great. It’s so light, much like the way fresh sheets or the morning sun feel. Very much a “quiet luxury” vibe for your toes.

This one’s surprisingly easy to do at home. My first step is Essie’s Blanc which produces a creamy white that isn’t chalky. The feather detail? I used a gold foil sticker from Olive & June’s summer art pack, so I didn’t have to draw it myself. Apply Seche Vite’s top coat to create a lovely, smooth finish for your nails.

If you’d like a more upscale look, you could apply acrylic extensions just on the big toe to form the desired canvas shape. I also think the design looks best when it’s just on natural nails — the softness is what I like best.

It makes me think of spa treatments, white towels and Sundays when I didn’t have to check my emails. I reach for this look when I want to look nice without much effort. Definitely a simple but elevated pick for 2025.

Electric Blue Galaxy Sparkle

This one is for my bolder girls. It’s bright, unapologetic, and totally cosmic. The shimmer on that electric blue makes your toes look as if they’ve been touched by stars. It’s a manicure that draws attention, without you having to ask for it.

I always reach for Holo Taco’s Royal-Tea Blue or Zoya’s Dream for this look. If you’re heading to the beach, choose a gel or topcoat, as salt water can quickly make your shimmer look dull. I always apply a sealant to the nails at the end, so they stay shiny for two weeks.

I tend to paint two layers of basic color and one layer of shimmer, just like ILNP’s Midnight Kiss. If you’re looking for a big effect, put glitter at the base of your nails for a soft ombré. Betina Goldstein, a nail artist, once said that “sparkle is texture”—and this shows it’s true.

I wore these at a rooftop party on the Fourth of July and they seemed to catch the fireworks perfectly. If you want a toe nail style that’s both attractive and strong, this is my choice for glam girls this summer.

Sunny Yellow Blooms on Black Canvas

This one made me smile. Matte black and bright yellow flowers together are a real change — it feels like you’re walking through a field of poppies at sunset. You’ll find it’s cheerful, a bit artsy and not what you’d expect from your toes. The green foliage adds a little bit of colour that helps hold the design together.

My base color is OPI’s Black Onyx and I use Sally Hansen’s Mellow Yellow for the petals. A dotting tool is useful for the floral part and you’ll need a liner brush for the leaves. For the matte finish, try the top coat from Cirque Colors — it’s a game changer.

I’m not going to pretend — doing the floral work well takes a lot of practice and care. Try to outline the petals with light dots and then fill in the space. I suggest using Essie’s Mojito Madness for the leaves so it doesn’t steal the spotlight from the yellow.

I had so many people compliment me after doing my toes at a barbecue last July that I ended up doing three more toes for my friends. This outfit lets you say, “Yes, I did pick my pedicure to match the sunshine,” and that’s something anyone would do.

Classic Blue with Delicate Florals

If you like just a little detail, this style is for you. The dark blue background draws the eye, but the white flowers bring the design down to earth. It’s clean and quiet, much like denim on a summer night. You can wear them to a pool party or a wedding and they’ll look great in either place.

I chose DND’s Blue Jewel for this look — it’s a gel that stays put for a long time and looks very much like lacquer. I picked up the floral decals from a minimalist nail sticker sheet on Etsy, but you can also draw them on with a thin white brush.

You don’t have to be an expert to achieve this look. Paint the piece with two coats of blue, let it dry, stick your floral design on and finish it with a high-gloss top. It’s a design that comes out looking professional even if you do it yourself.

I think this collection is the perfect kind of neutral — it expresses itself well, but without being too loud. It suits all skin types, all skin colors and every kind of look. You can’t go wrong with these cute and flexible toe nails for summer 2025.

Retro Swirls in Sorbet Shades

If there was a dance floor for summer, these nails would be right in the middle. The combination of purple, pink, yellow and coral reminds me of a 1970s pool party poster, so you’ll want to slip them on with some strappy sandals. If you’re a girl who loves to add personality to your pedicure, this style is for you.

I use Madam Glam’s gel polishes in the shades Lilac Madness, Flamingo Pink and Sunshine Yellow to get this look. For perfect waves, you’ll need a thin striping brush. I usually start with one color, let it dry under the lamp and then add the next.

It takes some skill and a bit of patience to create this design. If you’re new to nail art, break it down: start with a colored base and just try adding one swirl per toe. Britney Tokyo, a celebrity nail artist, suggests contrasting pastels to avoid a messy look—and that’s exactly what happened here.

At a friend’s backyard movie night last year, I wore something very much like this and my toes got all the attention. Anyone who enjoys mixing old-fashioned looks with modern trends will like this.

Rainbow Pastel Block Party

This design is giving “girlhood joy meets grown-up chic.” Every toe has a different pastel color—green, pink, yellow, lilac and orange—and they seem like scoops of sherbet you might eat on a summer day. It’s gentle, sweet and brings a carefree feeling from your holiday.

I tend to grab the Olive & June summer set for this look, as their products are very pigmented and apply smoothly. You don’t have to be skilled or use tools for this look. Just five colors and a steady layering process (and maybe a little patience).

Do one coat on each toe, clean where the polish meets the skin and finish with a shiny top coat. At times, I apply matte makeup to get a softer effect and notice the colors look velvety. It’s an easy design to do at home and can instantly make you feel better.

Wearing this on a girls’ trip to Palm Springs made me happy every time I looked at it. It’s possible for simple styles to be the most attractive and memorable.

Red Romance with Hand-Painted Blooms

This one is pure elegance with a wild touch. The red base adds a timeless touch and the white and orange painted flowers over black give it a bit of edge. It’s bringing both the heat of the tropics and the fun of a garden party together.

I choose to use Essie’s Forever Yummy as the base because it’s a classic red that looks good on every skin color. I use a small brush and highly pigmented paints from Le Mini Macaron’s nail art kits for the flowers.

First, lightly draw your florals in white and then add orange and green to complete them. Don’t forget a clear builder gel to create a slightly raised effect—it makes the artwork pop like it’s 3D. Tip from celeb nail tech Julie Kandalec: “Layer your floral art over matte base coats for maximum contrast.”

This is my power pedicure. At a wine tasting last July, I wore them and they reminded me of sangria—pretty, confident and a little bold.

Daisy Days in Sky Blue

When in doubt, add flowers. This daisy print on blue gives your feet the sunshine they’re looking for. Having white, yellow and green in the color scheme makes it look like a storybook, but it’s still fresh for 2025. Think “meadow-core,” but on your toes.

To recreate this look, start with a base of Zoya’s Yummy (yes, that’s the real name) — a creamy sky blue. Dot the white petals with your tool and use a brush to paint the stems. Yellow nails will look great at the centers and OPI’s Sun, Sea and Sand in My Pants is just the color for that.

When I’m working on several small designs, I always do one toe at a time. Apply a gel top coat and cure each toe when using gel polish, so your work doesn’t get smudged while you’re doing the rest of the foot.

I used this for a flower festival last year and it made everything look like a Monet painting to me. Light, breezy, pretty, and totally summer-coded. It’s the perfect style for July toe nails if you’re wearing sundresses all summer.

Hot Pink Glitter Pop

Let’s end this batch with a bit of sparkle. The soft pink color makes this look as Barbiecore as it is festival queen. Its chunky glitter brings a fun party look and the thick acrylic-like formula ensures it can be worn all month long.

I started with Rich & Famous from China Glaze and finished with a coat of Party Bus from ILNP. If you want your nails to look shiny and last longer, use a premade glitter gel from Beetles. I apply the sealant first, before adding glitter and then again after, to give it more depth.

The technique? Put the pink base on, add the glitter with a sponge for a dense layer and finish with a thick clear coat. According to nail influencer Katie Dutra, using a silicone tool to apply glitter gives you much better control than using a brush.

I wore these at a summer concert and I swear I felt more relaxed just by looking at them. They pick up the light around you, mirror your feelings and will be there for a much longer time than the weekend. If you want your vacation nails to be fun, this is the look for you.

Modern Leafy Elegance with a Neutral Twist

The simple design is softened by a neutral pink layer combined with black, stylized botanical accents. It’s a small touch that gets people to pause while scrolling. The simple base and strong, leafy design show that minimalism can still be interesting. It easily captures the preppy look, but doesn’t take it too far—it’s just right for those who want to stay on trend and still be grounded. You could wear this design at the pool or for brunch and it would still be a July favorite.

I’d use OPI’s “Baby, Take a Vow” or Essie’s “Ballet Slippers” as the base for this kind of mani. Then go in with a precision nail art brush and a jet black gel color (something like “Licorice” by Essie). After you’re done, apply a topcoat for a shiny, elegant effect that looks great in photos.

If you’re painting it yourself, start with a smooth cuticle pushback and buff the nail plate clean. Two thin layers of base color, cure between coats. Skinny liner brush works for the leaf outlines and a dot tool helps add the little dots. Placing my pinky down on the table usually calms my hand. According to celebrity nail artist Tom Bachik, “Simple and neat lines and shapes are the key to great nails.” Yes, even on toes.

I tried this out before heading to Charleston last summer and people complimented me three times in the airport security line. It’s the perfect nail design to make you feel polished without making a big effort.

Classic Blue with Dainty Florals

This bright cobalt base decorated with painted daisies makes a strong and beautiful statement. The blue is so bright and cheerful, ideal for those long days in the sun and the white flowers give the dress a classic, easy-going look. Think July 4th meets Euro vacation. Because it’s both cute and classy, this style is perfect for when you want your pedicure to speak for itself. And let’s be real, it totally will.

I’d recommend using “Butler Please” by Essie or “Pacific Blue” by Sally Hansen to get the same intense blue effect. To do the florals, use white and red gel art pens or ultra-fine brushes and a topcoat that keeps the design in place and doesn’t fade the color. Go with gel over acrylic for smoother detail work.

I prefer to make the flowers after my base color has completely cured. Draw five petals, put a red dot in the middle and add some swirly green leaves to make the whole thing look more real. Miss Pop believes adding a simple design to bold color gives your nails a strong look with little effort. She’s right—it’s about impact, not intricacy.

I did the same thing for a beach wedding in the Keys, wearing only sandals and letting my nails show under my dress. Felt like the main character. This shade of blue? Always a win.

Sun-Kissed Orange Sparkle

If there was a bottle of sunshine, it would look like this. This orange with a hint of gold glitter at the cuticle is the perfect summer look. It offers a “golden hour” sunset and makes you think of a holiday without saying anything. There’s not too much glitter; it’s a gentle shimmer that only shines when it should. Totally cute and totally hot girl July.

I’d choose Maren Me Crazy by DND or Tangerine Tease from Orly for the colour and then add a micro-glitter gold liner or some loose glitter flakes, finishing with a high-gloss gel topcoat. For this one, you want a glossy finish, as matte won’t make it stand out.

Honestly, this look is low-effort luxe. Just make sure the nail bed is clean, coat it twice with orange and use a sponge or brush to dab gold near the cuticle. Nail artist Gina Edwards (who’s done runway sets for NYFW) recommends keeping the glitter localized—it makes it feel intentional, not chaotic.

I wore something like that last July while sipping cold rosé on a rooftop in LA, wearing big sunglasses. These nails held their own next to statement heels. Orange doesn’t just pop—it performs.

Pink Psychedelic Swirl

This stunning pink swirl set is the new version of retro funk and Barbiecore for 2025. It feels energetic, a little cheeky, and completely Instagrammable. If you’ve been hesitant about pink, this article should convince you to give it a try. The swirls in violet and fuchsia make the area look cheerful and lively.

For base and swirl, I’d recommend “Mod About You” (OPI), “Pink Slip” (Olive & June), and a purple like “Ultra Violet” from Lights Lacquer. A skinny liner brush is what you need to draw and curve the colors along your eyes. If you’ve tried this before, paint the swirls on a gel base and cure each layer before adding the next.

It’s not as hard as it looks. First, paint the base color, then add lines of color to the wet base and use a dotting tool to gently swirl them. Keep topcoat handy to smooth everything out. Betina Goldstein believes that the flaws in hand-painted art are what give it its own character and I completely agree.

My sister did this style for a girls’ weekend in Palm Springs. We were all doing what she did by the end of the trip. The vibe? Retro queen meets summer goddess.

Beachy Blues with Turtle Detail

Okay, how cute is this ocean-inspired set? While the sky blue is enough to feel like you’re in the tropics, the sea turtles really make it special. It’s playful, enjoyable and you can actually wear it which is unusual for a themed design. Great for those going to a warm place—or for anyone who wishes they were there.

The base here could be something like “Saltwater Happy” (Essie) or “Blue My Mind” (OPI). A black art liner polish is all you need to draw the turtle, but you can also use press-on decals if you’d like. The white wavy lines give the design movement and help connect all the marine elements.

To DIY: lay two coats of the blue base, cure, then add wave lines with a thin striping brush and paint your turtles (or use stickers) once everything is dry. A topcoat will help keep the details from smudging. It’s no surprise that Mei Kawajiri is leading the trend for marine life-inspired nails this year.

My cousin did this theme before going snorkeling in Hawaii and I still remember her tossing off her sandals to show everyone. Statement toe art that doubles as a convo starter? Yes, please.

Mint Geometrics with a Touch of Gold

This is what happens when pretty meets precision. The base is a lovely green mint and metallic gold lines cut through the surface, just like modern stained glass. It’s neat, it’s designed well and it’s clearly a trend for Summer 2025. A perfect fit for anyone who likes a timeless design that stands out when the sun shines. These are the toe nails I’d pick for a brunch on a rooftop with plenty of mimosas and a white dress.

You can find a buttery mint base in shades such as “Cactus What You Preach” from OPI or “Mint Candy Apple” from Essie. If you want gold, use chrome striping tape or metallic nail foils to get sharp lines and a lovely shine that won’t crack. Choose gel polish to make sure your layers don’t move as you add details to your nails.

The trick here is patience. Put on the mint base in two layers, then use tweezers to place thin strips of gold foil or tape on top. Use a thick clear gel topcoat to even out all the edges. According to Britney Tokyo, a hint of metallic can make a big impact, so use it with gentle shades. I live by that.

I made a similar version for a summer art show and the most questions I got were about my toe nails. It’s so satisfying when your look feels like you worked out every detail.

Pink Starburst Swirls

If Barbie was an astronaut, she’d look amazing in these. The pink neon base is fun and bold and the milky white swirls give it that popular dreamy look. And honestly, paired with a silver star toe ring? Iconic. It’s the style you choose for music festivals or beach raves, where you dance without shoes on the sand. A perfect tribute to high-summer fun.

I like to use the colour “Strawberry Margarita” by OPI or “Watermelon” by Essie. A white gel liner or a pearlescent polish will give the swirl effect its best effect. A liner brush is what you’ll use to make your eye makeup look wavy.

To do it at home, first lay your base, then cure it if that’s needed and next use figure-8 motions to apply the lighter polish while it’s still wet. According to nail educator Katie Dutra, a silicone tool gives you better control than a brush. Since then, I’ve been able to get smooth curves without any smudging.

I had the same pedi on a road trip through California last July and my pink toes were tickled by the wind as I drove with the window down. It’s a fun, cheerful style that reminds you of summer.

Turquoise Sands

There’s something unique about toes in the sand and painted blue. This soft turquoise is so stylish that it seems perfect for any beach in Tulum or the Amalfi Coast. It’s straightforward, looks great and works with every type of footwear you have. There’s a freshness here that never fades.

A good turquoise nail polish is “Tropic Like It’s Hot” from China Glaze or “Blue La La” from Orly. They feel great going on and stay put in saltwater and under the sun. If you prefer acrylic, you can sculpt with a matching colored powder to really stand out.

I often do two layers, making sure the tips are wrapped so they don’t chip. Julie Kandalec recommends moisturizing your cuticles before painting to prevent dryness after you’ve been in the sun. You’ll find that your pedicure stays looking fresh and new for a much longer time.

Turks and Caicos was the place I chose to wear this colour last summer. I swear, the way it looked on tanned skin and in the golden hour made me want to go barefoot. And honestly, isn’t that the dream?

Soft Orchid on the Shore

If you’re looking for a nail color that matches the sunrise, this neutral orchid shade is the one for you. It’s romantic, a little nostalgic and can be worn with floral clothes and sun hats. It’s not loud, not flashy—just quietly pretty. Imagine bare feet in the sea when the sun rises, a coffee drink cooling your hand and a soft breeze on your hair.

You can find that light soft pink glow in “Fiji” by Essie or “Lilacism” by OPI without the purple hue. Gel will give you a shiny finish, but if you want more coverage, try acrylic. Either way, it’s effortlessly elegant.

It doesn’t get any simpler than this: buff your nails, apply two coats and finish with topcoat. According to celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann, when you want a quiet manicure that makes a statement, gentle shades are the way to go. Exactly.

I wore the same color on a trip to Maui with friends and everyone kept asking me where I had my nails done. I did it myself on the hotel balcony while using a travel kit and having a mimosa. It’s that simple and that gorgeous.

Ocean Foam & Glitter Tides

This design is pure art. A calm sea-glass blue is found beneath metallic waves and a bit of iridescent glitter. If you’re craving a design that turns heads while still being soft, this is your moment. It’s mermaidcore, but elevated. A touch of fantasy that looks great on sand, at a real beach and leaves real tan lines.

Try “Bikini So Teeny” from Essie or “Blu” from Zoya to get your oceanic base. After that, apply metallic silver foil or gel at the cuticle edge. For the glitter? Try using holographic flakes, for example, from The GelBottle Inc’s Studio Effects collection. This one absolutely needs gel for that layering flexibility.

If you’re up for it, use a thin liner brush to outline the shimmer waves and then add depth by mixing chrome and glitter. According to celebrity nail artist Eri Ishizu, adding texture in layers is important for making these looks stand out, but not look too bulky.

I put off trying this one for a while, but it’s the one people complimented me on the most. At the beach bonfire, I put it on and it really did look like sea foam when the moonlight hit it. Straight out of a daydream.

Nautical Hearts & Stripes

Let’s talk about this adorable nod to sailor-chic. Red, white and blue mix to create a festive look that isn’t too costumey. The straighter lines, nautical stripes and little painted hearts are making the look feel like retro Riviera meets a 4th of July picnic. It’s a fun type of pedicure that looks both intentional and fun. I’m fully ready to wear sandals again instead of espadrilles or pool slides.

You’ll want a clean white base (try “Blanc” by Essie) paired with navy striping polish and a punchy red like “Big Apple Red” by OPI. A thin nail art brush or striping tape will help you make those straight lines. As a bonus, Sally Hansen’s “I Heart Nail Art” pens make it easy to draw a heart without creating a mess.

Paint two coats of white and let them dry or cure completely. Apply thin striping tape for your blue lines and end the design by painting or stamping hearts. If you practice your details on a plastic sheet beforehand, you’ll use less time cleaning up, according to Steph Stone.

I put this on for a summer sailing adventure in Newport and everyone on the dock seemed to love it. It’s cheerful, pretty, and carries that breezy, all-American vibe.

Cherries on Top

There’s just something wildly cute about cherry motifs. Perhaps it’s the nostalgia from pop art or because they look almost too good to be real—but this red and white design is the perfect summer treat. A base of deep cherry and a fruit accent painted by hand? Adorable. And more elevated than you’d expect.

You can begin with “Malaga Wine” from OPI or “Cherry Bomb” from Olive & June. For the cherry art, use a white base (CND Shellac “Cream Puff” is great), and fine brushes in cherry red and leafy green. Once the color is dry, add a topcoat to get that beautiful and shiny fruit shine.

Start by painting your big toes white, then place two red dots side by side very close together. Apply the stems and leaves to your work using a mini brush. It’s simpler than you might think and it feels like you’re just doodling on a journal cover.

I put this on while at the farmer’s market in Santa Barbara and it made me look even cuter. This style of art feels nostalgic, a little flirty and is made for Summer 2025.

Glazed & Glossed

The Hailey Bieber donut nail trend has inspired this set, but it’s for your toes and I’m all for it. That white base with a chrome finish looks modern and very luxurious. There’s a touch of the future in how it looks in the light. Simple, but not basic. Pretty, but not precious. You get the idea.

To nail this look, you’ll want a sheer white polish like OPI’s “Funny Bunny” as your base, topped with a fine chrome powder (try the “Mirror Chrome” from The GelBottle Inc). This look only works with gel, so skip regular polish—it’s all about that cured glass effect.

Use your plain white coats, let them cure and then apply chrome powder over a layer of glue. Put on a strong gloss gel topcoat to keep the paint smooth and looking shiny. According to celebrity nail tech Zola Ganzorigt (aka the queen of glazed donut nails), it’s all about minimal layers and maximum glow.

Before my weekend yoga retreat, I thought I’d try them and ended up being asked by two people if they were press-ons. It’s the ultimate understated glam—and one of my favorites from this whole roundup.
Having a painted pedicure gives you that summer feeling. When your toes feel the sun, your nails should reflect a story through your polish. Your nails can show your personality, add some fun to your day and even make you feel energetic, whether you’re on the deck, dancing or just getting a coffee. That’s the whole point behind these Cute July Toe Nails for Summer 2025.

I hope this list made you want to get out there and try something that’s pretty, fun or a bit different. Trends are fun, sure, but personal style? That’s where the magic happens. Feel free to mix your outfits, choose bright colors or simple ones, wear what you like and remember: there’s no limit to how extra you can be in July.

Now tell me—which one’s going on your toes first?