Why should a summer refresh only focus on your clothing or hairstyle? When it’s sunny and you wear sandals, your toes should get just as much care. Whether you’re planning a beach escape, brunch in the city, or just lounging poolside, your pedi should feel like an extension of your summer mood. So—Cute Summer Toe Nails for 2025? We’ll go over all sorts of colors, from the simple to the bold and discuss designs that are both trendy and comfortable.
Mini Blooms on a Soft Pink Canvas
I find it very appealing when tiny flowers are scattered on a baby pink background. The combination of softness and character in this look makes it just right for summer—cute toe nails with a little detail to catch people’s attention. Because of the little flowers in white and hot pink, the bouquet is both simple and playful, making it perfect for casual weekends or a gentle summer wedding.
To get this look, you’ll need a pale pink nail polish like Essie’s Ballet Slippers, plus micro-dotting tools and either floral nail stickers or stamping kits from Maniology. A topcoat will cover the design and give it the same shine you’d find at a salon.
If you’re doing this at home, start with a base coat, apply two layers of your soft pink polish, then let it dry completely before adding the floral art. If you’re making the petals by hand, use a fine dotting tool to apply them. Lock everything in with a high-shine gel topcoat.
Honestly? I put on this dress for a July baby shower and heard compliments from people of all ages. This design is always a favorite for toenails—it’s neat, fun and never goes out of style.
Galaxy Glam Meets Jewel Core
This one’s a full fantasy moment. A stunning blend of bright colors—purples, blues, and cosmic sparkles—set against a starry-night base, with a single toe flaunting a faux amethyst gem at the center of a white enamel “sun”. It’s stylish, trendy and perfect for anyone who wants summer nails that are both bold and attractive.
You’ll want a black base polish like OPI’s Black Onyx, sponged-on purples and blues like Zoya’s Isa and Belinda, a precision brush for dot stars, and adhesive gemstones or 3D gel pieces (try Daily Charme or Apres Nail).
The key is to use layers: put on the galaxy colors over the black and then add stars using a thin liner or dotting tool. Press the gem into the white base, while the polish is still sticky, for the jeweled sun. Secure with top gel.
My friend tried this look at a summer music festival and it looked amazing under the lights. You’ll want to show off these cute nails if you’re looking for something special for your summer pedicure.
Graphic Pop with a Twist
Jet-black polish, glossy finish, and… question marks? This one’s a head-turner. If you want your design to be easy but a little mysterious, this will get people talking. The contrast of black and white makes this watch look one of a kind, but it’s versatile enough for every summer activity.
Apply Sally Hansen’s Blacky O as your base and use a white stamping polish or paint pens for the marks. A fast-drying, ultra-glossy topcoat (I love Seche Vite) locks everything down in under a minute.
If you’re confident in your hand, you could freehand the question marks. Make your toes look sleek by applying a fine-tip white pen to the nails. Gloss the black lacquer when you’re done to deepen its color.
I love to wear this one when I’m at the beach, since it works well with anything from colorful bikinis to black linen. Bonus: it’s super easy to retouch if one toe chips. Cute summer toe nails black with mystery? Sign me up.
Violet Dream with a Hint of Stardust
Purple isn’t often associated with summer, but it might be a good choice. The glossy grape color with a hint of glitter on the pinky toe looks unexpected but really nice. A touch of sparkle over a solid polish makes the nails look interesting and still allows you to wear them.
To create this look, use OPI’s Do You Lilac It? on your nails and add Zoya’s PixieDust polish for a little glitter on your toes. You can make the design more special by adding a clear holo topper.
Base coat the nails, apply two coats of purple and let it dry completely. Then add your sparkle accent toe last. If you’re worried about glitter getting everywhere, put tape around the nail before you start.
When I first made this, I was amazed at how many people praised me for it. A lot of people think purples are only cute summer nail colors, but that’s not true. They stand out wonderfully when applied to tanned skin.
Bold Florals on Crisp White
If I could capture the mood of a poolside cabana in Capri, it would be like having loud orange flowers painted on clean white. It screams vacation. It’s graphic, sunny, and totally unapologetic. Fantastic for anyone who loves summer toe nails in yellow and tangerine, but with a fun, louder French manicure twist.
You’ll need a bright white polish (Essie’s Blanc works), plus a punchy orange like China Glaze’s Orange Knockout. For your nails, you can either use nail vinyls or draw with a thin brush.
First, put on the white base and let it dry fully. Following this, make your flower designs—put orange petals and centers on top of each other. Add a topcoat to protect and shine.
I wore this set on my last visit to Palm Springs and I’m convinced every photo by the pool looked better because of it. These summer toe nail ideas make it clear that you love the sun.
Lavender Solstice Revival
This polish effects a delicate style that’s at once light and striking. It’s a confident nod to the minimalist side of cute summer toe nails for 2025, but still manages to feel romantic and unique. There’s something magical about how this shade harmonizes with late summer skies and breezy sundresses—it’s calming, but in no way boring.
To get that ultra-smooth finish, go for a polish like Olive & June’s Fierce & Loving. It’s a pastel with a bold personality. A top coat that includes micro-shimmer can also help make your nails look deeper.
My method? Base coat, two layers of color and a final layer of magic. Remember to cover the tips of your shoes so they don’t chip when you walk on the beach. This color especially pops against tanned skin.
I remember wearing something similar last August and really feeling like I was walking on lavender petals. If you like your summer treats to be both easy and a little sweet, you have to try this one.
Bubblegum & Cheetah Pop
A fun option for the playful is glossy bubblegum pink on the toes and a cheetah print accent on the big toe. It includes all the latest trends: adorable summer toe nails in pink, safari prints and bold glossy finishes. If you wear your shorts with ripped jeans or a white linen dress, you instantly look put-together and have fun with your outfit.
You should start with China Glaze’s Rich & Famous and finish with either a nail art pen or a stamping plate for the cheetah print. A thick gel top coat will help your nail polish last much longer.
Paint two layers of pink, wait for them to dry and then dot your print on using the black polish and a dotting tool. If you’re not comfortable drawing, you can use press-on decals instead.
I’ve made this print twice and both times someone asked me where I had it printed. It’s loud in the best way, and if you’re looking for designs toenails that don’t play it safe—this is it.
Muted Sky Blue Simplicity
This soft sky blue color is like peace in a bottle. Although it’s soft, it makes a great background for simple and elegant summer toe nails. It’s the lightest of colors, making it seem cool, calm and just right for those who love quiet luxury.
You might like Essie’s Bikini So Teeny or Zoya’s Blu. They are easy to use, glide smoothly and leave a satiny shine when you’re done. Adding a matte top coat could bring your nails up to date.
Tip for using nail polish: push back your cuticles, buff your nails and always apply a ridge-filling base coat. If you rush this shade, it might reveal your mistakes, but when you do it properly—it’s amazing.
If you’re a neutral lover who still wants some bright colors without going too bold, this is a no-brainer. It reads classy, clean, and surprisingly editorial.
Mermaid Confetti Vibes
This one’s giving full underwater fantasy. With shimmer on the big toe and rainbow colors everywhere else, it’s lighthearted, young and definitely over-the-top. It’s great for summer nails because bright colors instantly cheer you up and match well with flip-flops or holographic sandals.
Use a combo of ILNP’s Birthday Suit (for the shimmer pink) and glitter toppers like China Glaze’s Fairy Dust. Place glitter on just one of your toes and maybe add a textured nail polish on another.
Paint your base color, then use a sponge to cover the glitter for a thick finish. Use a high-gloss top coat over everything to make everything glisten like water when dry.
I first noticed this design on Pinterest and took a screenshot right away. It’s a fun design that you can wear and it’s perfect if you want your outfits to look great with minimal effort.
Berry Fizz Punch
This vibrant magenta is all about summer—it’s cheerful, tasty and you can’t miss it. It’s a color that looks good on everyone, no matter if you’re wearing sandals for brunch or heels after a party. The shine here? Absolute perfection.
If you want to get the same look, use OPI’s Strawberry Margarita or Lights Lacquer’s Cherry Jelly. Both products give your nails the color and shine you’d expect from a wet finish.
For this shade, make sure your nails are smooth, the base is shiny and you apply two thin layers. Apply a top coat such as Seche Vite, for a mirror effect that will last for days.
I call this my “instant mood-lifter.” If I’m not sure what to do or don’t have time to decide, I always go for this polish. It’s bright but chic.
Electric Blue with a Silver Twist
Talk about energy! The electric blue on your toes is sure to grab attention and the silver glitter on the second toe gives it a lovely burst of sparkle. You’ll find that late-night boardwalk atmosphere here—it’s glamorous, bold and something you’ll never forget. For anyone chasing cute summer toe nails blue with extra drama, this one’s your front-runner.
You should use Essie’s Butler Please or ILNP’s Aria for a perfect cobalt look. Finish your nails with Holo Taco’s Play Rosé for a glittery look. Layering your clothing is good, as glitter should be the main focus.
I suggest painting the blue first and then use a detail brush to add silver glitter to one or two toes. It’s important to use clean lines and a top coat to prevent the necklace from looking bulky.
I wore this look last at a rooftop party, where someone actually dropped to the ground to compliment my shoes. Therefore, this combination of polish colors can certainly boost your confidence.
Lemonade Dip-Dye Ombre
This lemon-to-pink ombre? It feels like summer that’s been turned into a popsicle and dripped onto your feet. The colors in this gradient nail design are vivid, even though the effect is gentle, so it’s perfect for anyone who likes yellow and pink. It’s a fun, tropical and refreshing style, much like a swim in a fruit-filled pool.
You can use a sponge to apply OPI’s Banana Bandanna and Zoya’s Jordan together so they blend softly. Ombre brushes are fine, but cutting a beauty blender into a slice gives the most delicate effect.
Work on a thin layer at a time, using yellow, pink and sponge blend, then repeat after the layer dries. A glossy top coat masks rough edges and ends up locking all of the features in place.
I love how this design feels dreamy but modern. Perfect for beachside brunches or picnic dates. It’s one of those designs toenails that looks pro, even when done at home.
Silver-Dusted White Glitter
White and silver are a summer power couple. This fade from plain white on the big toe to sparkling on the rest makes me think of someone who’s been to the Hamptons. The combination is always popular, but the fade makes it seem fresh. If you’re hunting for cute summer toe nails designs white, you just found a staple.
Begin with Alpine Snow from OPI and use Set in Stones from Essie for the gradient. To get the fade, dab the glitter polish from the tip to the mid-point of your nail with a sponge.
Make sure the glitter layer is dry before you add more—this will stop the glitter from getting sticky. For shiny and tough nails, use a top coat like Seche Vite when you’re done.
What stands out to me is that it works with everything I make. Flip-flops, espadrilles, or heels—it never competes, only complements. This design is perfect for any occasion you have.
Leopard Luxe on Black
Leopard print, but make it edgy. The combination of deep black and warm brown gives this a bold and modern touch on safari style. It is great for anyone who likes a simple style but wants something different. If you want some fierce summer toe nails designs, this one will do the trick.
First, apply OPI’s Black Onyx and then use a dotting tool to place tan or caramel dots for your leopard spots. You can use a good-quality brush to outline the picture using finer, isolated dots of black.
Wait for each layer to dry before continuing, so the design doesn’t smear. Using a matte top coat gives the nails a trendy feel, but glossy makes them more playful.
I came across this design in a Vogue nail editorial and decided I had to make it myself. You can wear animal print at a concert or at a café on Sunday and it will look just right.
Dandelion Sunrise Shine
This color looks like it’s straight from the golden hour. It’s serene, not overly lively and goes well with earth tones, rattan shoes or bohemian jewelry. If you love summer toe nails in yellow that remind you of the South of France—this is your perfect choice.
I prefer Zoya’s Darcy because it’s a fun color that isn’t too bright. If you’d like a softer look, apply a nude jelly over the top of your polish.
Start with a smoothing base coat (yellow shows imperfections easily), then apply two coats and seal it with a gel top coat to lock in that buttery glow.
I choose this for a happy look that isn’t too bright. It’s giving fresh, it’s giving beach-hike vibes, and it makes any sandals look instantly brighter.
Juicy Tangerine with Sparkle Drama
I love this bright tangerine nail color because it has a glossy feel and goes perfectly with warm skin. But what takes it to the next level? That one accent nail dripping in rhinestones and shimmer. It’s stylish, but not too fancy and it glows in the most lovely way. This is the cutest way to wear summer nails, with bright shades and sparkle and I love it.
You can get this look by applying OPI’s “No Tan Lines” for the base and a clear gel topcoat. I apply rhinestones using a mixed-size crystal set from Beetles Gel Polish and they won’t move if you sandwich them in with a builder gel.
A good tip I picked up? Place the rhinestones on your gel before you cure it, to ensure they stay securely in place. Use a dotting tool or tweezers and don’t rush. This isn’t a rush job—it’s your sparkle moment!
At a girls’ weekend in Miami, I wore this and got so many compliments I lost count. And it felt like me, you know? Bold but balanced, a little playful, and totally confident.
Midnight Gloss & Wild Prints
Talk about contrast! Deep black nails give the look a simple style, but the big toe is decorated with a cute animal print in blush pink and white. You get safari glam, retro-chic and modern minimalist all at once. These nail designs perfectly match the requirements for summer nails that are striking and still practical.
Essie’s “Licorice” is my go-to for a glossy black; it’s dark, even and very shiny. For the print? Mix a white cream, dot black where the darkest part of the cat would be and with the same brush, dot some light pink near the eyes. The print looks more stylish and current when finished with a matte topcoat.
This one’s perfect for an at-home mani party. Make your dots look different and scattered; this looks more real. I discovered this idea from a past Instagram Live by nail artist Mei Kawajiri, who believes leopard nails should have some wildness to them.
I love mixing bold and basic. It’s similar to choosing your favorite black jeans and a bold top—a combination that seems just right.
Hot Pink Meets Psychedelic Swirls
This is what you imagine when you think of Barbie-core, only with a creative twist. A pink polish all over the nails, plus a swirl design on the big toe in pink, white and black—it’s so pretty it gives you a dopamine rush. It hits that perfect mix of clean and wild, and feels like a nod to both ’70s psychedelia and modern cute summer toe nails designs in one little square.
I chose Olive & June’s “Hot Strawberry” for the pink in this design. To do the swirl, use a thin nail art brush and be patient when applying each line, then clean up with acetone on a flat brush for a sharp edge.
If you don’t care about perfection, you can swirl the frosting any way you like. I find that painting while watching television is a relaxing way to do it. Kind of like nail ASMR.
Every time I put these on, I’m asked about the artist, but I did them all myself. And if I can do it, so can you.
Classic Bubblegum Bright
If you want a summer-inspired manicure that’s not too fancy, try this beautiful pink on every nail. It’s sweet, bright, and gives serious Y2K energy. Here is your best choice for fun summer nail designs that are still simple.
This is Sally Hansen’s “Back to the Fuchsia” and I can’t think of a better polish for the job. A clear top coat over two layers of paint gives you a shiny look for a full week.
Just file, buff, polish and you’re done. It’s the definition of pedicures made easy.
When I’ve done too many nail trends and need a break, this is what I go for. Plus, pink just goes with everything.
Denim Blue Cool
This electric blue polish is just like your favorite jeans—it’s bold, cool and you can wear it right away. It’s unexpected, yet easygoing. I think this outfit looks great with sandals, slides or even when you’re barefoot at the beach. It’s easy, laid-back and makes your nails look adorable for summer effortlessly.
I used Zoya’s “Mallory” for the base color and it stays on for ages, doesn’t chip and looks almost like glass.
Wear denim-on-denim or a white linen outfit to look your coolest. It’s amazing how this color can make my feet look tanned after just a short time in the sun.
It’s a big change from wearing reds or pastels and it makes me feel like the center of attention. Always worth it.
