Summer isn’t shy—and your toes shouldn’t be either. This season, it’s all about bold toe colors that catch the light, spark conversation, and deliver that can’t-help-but-stare kind of energy. If you like to match your pedicure to your upcoming beach trip or just want your feet to look good in sandals, these tips are for you. Let’s explore the most eye-catching toe nail colors summer has to offer in 2025, one standout pedicure at a time.
Mirror-Shine Electric Blue
With this deep chrome finish, the look is like a futuristic ocean goddess. An electric sapphire looks dramatic without trying and once it meets the sunlight? Magic. That blue looks great on deeper skin, shining without much effort. This summer bright nail color is not shy about its boldness.
To recreate the look, I’d reach for OPI’s GelColor in “I’m Not Really a Waitress” (the blue chrome version) or try Born Pretty’s metallic gel polishes. You’ll need a UV/LED lamp, a solid black base coat to make the color pop, and a chrome powder to finish that slick shine. Totally worth the setup.
You should apply gel polish at home by first prepping, then using a base, two layers of color and chrome powder while the second layer is still tacky. Seal with a top coat and cure again. (Yes, it’s a process—but the result is salon-level glam.)
I wore these to a rooftop party in late June and people I didn’t know were complimenting my toes. That never happens. It’s a confidence booster in polish form. Trust me—this one turns heads.
Neon Lime & Citrus Mix
Can we talk about this cute color clash? It’s juicy, electric, and totally unexpected in the best way. The lime green is almost highlighter-bright, balanced by that juicy tangerine and topped off with a silver glitter accent nail—yes please! It’s perfect for a pool party and reminds me of early 2000s club kids, but in a stylish way.
For polish, go wild with brands like Cirque Colors (“Hustle” for lime, “Flame” for orange) and top it off with Essie’s “Set in Stones” glitter. Use a silicone brush to put glitter on your accent nail for better control.
You’ll find this one simple: paint two coats of each color, beginning with the biggest toe and working your way down and use a thin brush to clean the edges. Finish off your nails with some glitter, top it all off with a long-wear topcoat and you’re finished.
Wearing this makes me feel like I’m at a music festival, even when I’m just running around town. It gives me a small boost of serotonin that I didn’t realize I needed.
Sunbeam Yellow with Sparkle Pop
If you could brush some sunshine onto your toes, it would look exactly like this. The cheerful yellow is as good for your feet as vitamin D and the glitter gives your shoes a touch of sparkle. It’s a great summer nail color for those with pale skin who want to add a bit of brightness.
If you’re after that buttery yellow, try Sally Hansen’s “Mellow Yellow” or Zoya’s “Darcy.” Orly’s “Shine On Crazy Diamond” gives a great sparkle to your nails.
Start with a smoothing base coat to avoid streaks (yellow polish can be finicky), apply two coats, and finish with glitter only on the second toe to make it pop. It’s especially enjoyable when you add white sandals or denim to the outfit.
My first time doing this, I was in a light linen dress and drinking iced lemonade and the color of my toenails made everything seem brighter. Sometimes it’s the little things that lift your whole vibe.
Cosmic Raspberry Glitter
This one is giving disco toes. This sparkling magenta looks as if it’s being lit by the rays of the moon. You’ll feel like you’re walking around with mini party balls on each toe, and I mean that as the highest compliment. If you’re into summer toe nails gel colors, you’ll love this one.
In “Magenta Magic,” use DND Gel for a rich sparkle or use The GelBottle Inc. in “Cosmopolitan” for the same effect. It’s best to add the layers one at a time and use glitter top coat to make it sparkle.
Honestly, glitter like this is kind of addictive. Once you wear it, plain colors just feel… flat. It’s daring, it’s fearless and ideal for when you decide to say yes to all the fun.
Red with Silver Scroll Accent
When you mix up classics, they don’t feel old and this pedicure is the evidence. While the red base is always classic, the silver scrolls bring something new—like calligraphy on your nails. This is for the girl who enjoys playing, but wants to look neat.
You should buy a true red nail polish such as Essie’s “Forever Yummy,” and a silver nail art pen or stamping kit. I’ve found that using Maniology plates becomes simple once you know what you’re doing.
Paint two layers of red, let them dry and then use a jelly stamper to add the silver details. Top coat it and you’re all set to move on. It’s a little extra effort, but totally worth it.
This outfit makes me think I should be sipping wine on a balcony in Italy, even when I’m just at my friend’s BBQ. It’s that kind of elegant bold.
Pink Confetti Party
Wearing these shoes is like having your own party on your feet. The combination of blue, white and gold looks like tiny streamers that have stopped in the middle of a celebration. For those girls who want their summer nail colors to say “I’m happy and maybe a little bit wild,” here are some ideas.
An easy way to do this is by starting with LeChat’s “Bubblegum Pink” base gel and finishing with Cirque Colors’ “Candy Floss” multi-color confetti topcoat. You can also use tweezers to place individual foil strips or confetti bits on a layer of tacky topcoat.
The process is forgiving: slap on the pink, add confetti while it’s still slightly sticky, and finish with a glossy topcoat. You don’t have to be exact—that’s what makes it interesting.
It’s giving donut glaze and poolside piña coladas. I wore this to a picnic once and despite the fact that it was only sandwiches, I felt like I was on a runway.
White Chrome with Rhinestone Clusters
Talk about clean luxury. The snowy base and little cluster of rhinestones make it seem like a pedicure for beach weddings or fun rooftop brunches. If you’re looking for a minimalist summer style, these are the best nail colors to make a statement. I call this one “rich-girl pedi.”
A base of white is created by using Essie’s “Blanc” or OPI’s “Alpine Snow.” After that, get some rhinestones from Kiss or Apres and a bit of nail glue. Even though it’s a basic style, the crystals make it look expensive.
When the color is dry, use a wax pencil or dotting tool to put rhinestones in the corner of your big toes. A no-wipe gel topcoat keeps everything secure. These babies won’t budge.
This reminds me of the kind of pedi you’d have while enjoying a glass of champagne in a robe. It’s fresh, cool and looks great with any sandal you have.
Purple Denim Pop
This purple nail polish seems perfect for days when you’re wearing your favorite cutoff shorts. It’s a cool color, feels smooth and is very vivid, but you can still wear it daily. If you’ve been looking for purple nail colors to wear this summer, this is for you.
You can use “You’re Invited” by Olive & June or Zoya’s “Malia” for that striking, yet subtle shade of purple. It’s also great for both pale and tan skin, making it a wonderful surprise neutral for this season.
You should use two coats, a good base for the ridge and a shiny topcoat. I find that buffing the nail a bit before applying the purple makes it go on more smoothly.
This was my lazy-Saturday color—casual enough to go unnoticed but rich enough to earn a “cute toes!” from the girl behind me at the juice bar. Honestly? 10/10.
Garnet Shimmer with Jewel Accent
The combination of wine red and jewel clusters brings out that confident elegance only grown women can pull off. This color is moody, sexy and easy to wear in the summer, so it’s perfect for anyone interested in dark toe nail colors this season.
You may achieve the gemstone effect by using Ruby Red gel polish from DND and Daily Charme’s flatback crystals. Combine turquoise, amber and clear stones to create a look with many dimensions.
Put on the red polish and when it’s still tacky, add the crystals. A thick gel topcoat will lock them in place. Don’t skip curing if you’re using actual gel polish.
There’s something old-Hollywood about this pedicure. I put it on for a dinner with friends and wished I was wearing a velvet heel. It’s dramatic but in a very grown, intentional way.
Glossy Cherry Bomb
Now this one is all about punch. Wearing a bold, shiny red lip is the easiest way to look sexy with just one glance. This is a traditional color, but it’s also bold—and it looks amazing on every person.
If you’re going for a gel option, Beetles “Cherry Amour” is that perfect mid-red. You can use Smith & Cult’s “Poppies & Poetry” for regular polish. Just make sure your nail is ready and paint it with two coats.
This look doesn’t need frills. Nothing fancy, just the beautiful red, as smooth as glass. A plumping top coat will add more shine to your manicure.
When things are chaotic, I find that this color helps me feel more together. It’s my no-fail, go-with-everything toe color. Simple. Chic. Always delivers.
Buttery Vanilla Gloss
If clean-girl aesthetic were a pedicure, it would be as lovely as this. The soft vanilla color has a gentle shimmer that only appears in the sun. It’s not flashy, but it’s luxurious, much like your favorite pair of white linen pants.
Buttons and Perfecto Call is available in Essie’s “Vanilla Kisses,” so try it out if you want the finest pink. You can give your nails a sunlit appearance by covering them with Zoya’s “Sparkle Gloss.”
This one’s ideal for summer toe nail colors pale skin, but honestly—it’s universally flattering. Great with tan lines and gold anklets.
Sometimes, if I’ve spent the week in glitter or neon, this is the pedicure I choose to feel refreshed. Polished, pretty, and no-fuss.
Zebra Stripe & Purple Power
Talk about wild energy. The zebra design on the big toe is bold and the purple nails help turn the whole style into something loud, confident and a bit rebellious. If you’re looking for something bold, this is it.
This look can be made with a nail wrap kit or a striping brush and black polish. The OPI shades “Mod About You” in pink-mauve and “Do You Lilac It?” for purple can be used as the base.
Creation of the background comes first and then apply the zebra stripes straight on with a stamping tool or precision brush. It’s a little tricky, but practice makes bold.
My friend wore these on a trip to Miami and I still can’t get over how great her pedicure looked. It was playful and unapologetic—just like her.
Tangerine Fire & Lime Sparkle
These glitter toes are turning up the heat. Orange and lime-green together look incredible and the thick sparkle is so much fun, it deserves its own attention.
You can use Holo Taco’s “Orange Drink” and “Lime Fizz” to create this special glitter bomb. Since these polishes are thick, you only need two coats and then apply a thick gel topcoat to keep the sparkle looking smooth.
It’s giving rave-ready, pool-party goddess. You look especially stylish in them when you’re barefoot on the beach. Or, you know, just wearing slides to Target.
Matte Greige & Leopard Luxe
The design features soft matte grey throughout, with a surprise leopard print on the big toe. It’s edgy and editorial, but still totally wearable. A nail color that says cool-girl without being loud.
A matte top coat works best and you should try Essie’s “Take It Outside” creamy grey polish with it. For painting a leopard, dot the skin with black and brown shades, especially OPI “Suzi Loves Cowboys.”
Apply grey paint to all your toes, mattify them and finish with the animal print. If you want to make your nails stand out, apply a glossy top coat just on your big toe.
I love this style when I want to look more like I’m at a fashion show than at the beach. It’s just like July in NYC: stylish, a bit wild and very planned out.
Rose Pink & Gold Foil Pop
The combination of soft rose pink and a glittery big toe is what I’d describe as sweet and glamorous. It’s a simple look, but the little sparkle gives it a modern feel. Come on, who doesn’t like a little bit of gold?
Use Olive & June’s “The Queen Takes Her Tea With Milk” as your pink and add ILNP’s “Goldie” for a gold accent. It looks fantastic on light skin, but it’s even more impressive when you have a tan.
Paint the pink on all the toes, let it set and then finish the big toe with gold glitter polish or use a sponge to apply loose gold foil bits.
This one always makes me feel a little flirty. I should be in a flowy dress, wearing sandals and sipping sangria.
Sunset Stripe Ombre
This gradient look is an instant mood-lifter. Each nail goes from citrus orange to banana yellow and pastel mint, creating a smooth and tropical look at the end of the day. It’s like a mini sunset on your toes.
If you want to achieve this at home, you’ll need a few pastel and neon gel polishes such as those from DND, The GelBottle or Madam Glam. Mix and then apply with a sponge or ombré brush, making sure it’s wet when you blend; cure the mixture after that.
To do an ombre design well, start by applying white paint, then add colors one layer at a time. A makeup sponge is great for helping you blend the smooth lines between colors.
I tried something similar last summer before going to the beach and every time I saw my feet, I smiled. It’s literally wearable happiness.
Highlighter Yellow Impact
This color is loud—in the best way. If you want your nails to shine as brightly as the sun, super-bright neon yellow is the perfect summer color. Yes, please.
I’ve tried Orly “Glowstick” for this intense look or you can choose a neon collection from Modelones or Beetles. White base coat underneath is a must.
Apply two layers of paint, making sure each coat dries first and end with a topcoat that lasts a long time. Don’t skip the base—it makes the yellow pop harder.
I wear this when I want to feel bold. Like a mood board of confidence and iced coffee. Works best with a tan and a messy bun.
Glossy Chili Pepper Red
There’s just something about this warm red. It’s not a dark or cool color—it’s more like a spicy chili pepper which is perfect for summer. It’s sleek, seductive, and universally flattering. A classic toe nail color that looks great in any summer.
Consider Essie’s “A-List” or OPI’s “Coca-Cola Red” if you like the same look. High-gloss gel finish brings out the mirror-like effect when you use this color.
Honestly, there’s no trick to this one. File, buff, polish, topcoat. Done. The simplicity is what makes it iconic.
Whenever I want a little danger with my flip-flops, I wear this. It’s elegant, fiery, and never boring.
Neon Patchwork Play
This design is a dream in graphics, as each toe is a different color and the big toe features a combination of stained glass and chevrons in bright colors. It’s unique, colorful and sure to impress anyone who wants a fun and edgy pedicure.
For DIY, paint each toe with a different neon color, then use black gel liner and striping tape to make the chevron design on your big toe. Cure between each color change to keep it clean.
It’s a slow process, but the outcome is amazing. Totally wearable art.
It gives “gallery opening meets pool party” vibes. I wore a similar outfit once, with clear sandals and people at the nail salon complimented me while I had my nails done. That’s saying something.
Tomato Red Fresh
Lastly, this tomato red polish will add the pop to your nails that you didn’t even know you wanted. It’s fun, colorful and perfect for everyday wear during summer.
I really like ILNP’s “Summer Crush” and Essie’s “Geranium” for this shade of red. Glossy top coat is non-negotiable here—this color needs shine.
Sometimes all you want is to feel put-together. This color delivers that in one swipe. Jeans, sandals, iced coffee—it just works.
It’s the go-to color I choose when I want to brighten my look quickly. Never trendy, always timeless, and 100% summer approved.
