With warm weather and sandals, pedicures are now the stars of the season. What will happen to your toes in the year 2025? Are French tips still in? Should we go bold, neutral, or something cheeky? You can confidently try all sorts of new trends or stick with OPI classics, but I’ve put together some fresh summer toe nail colors and designs to match your favorite drink. We’ll discuss which colors look best on you, what’s hot in fashion late this season and how to make your next pedicure really fun.
Peach Blossom Pedicure with Blue Floral Design
The look is a gentle masterpiece made by applying a soft peach color with detailed navy-blue petals in the shape of a cross. Because of its glossy and smooth finish, it looks great on light skin or anyone seeking a playful and artistic look, but not the full neon effect. It’s delicate, but far from boring. I enjoy the way it stands out on warm skin which is why I think it’s one of the best classy summer toe nail colors for pedicures in 2025.
To recreate this look, I suggest using OPI’s Infinite Shine in ‘Machu Peach-U’ as the base and layering on nail stickers or hand-painted floral designs in a navy shade like ‘Yoga-ta Get This Blue!’. This style of crisp flower detailing needs a fine liner brush and a bit of patience.
This isn’t the kind of pedicure I rush. I have a peaceful morning, treat my cuticles and feet and gently place each flower to make my bouquet. It’s oddly meditative. A little nod to nature at your feet.
Hot Pink Leopard Print with Attitude
Just to say it straight, this food is for the girl who likes spicy drinks and loves to dance all night long. The nails are painted hot pink and the big toe is adorned with a black leopard print pattern. The formula is graphic, bold and was created for people with tan or dark skin who can manage the heat. These are the best summer toe nail colors for dark skin and they’re definitely loud and bold.
Use OPI GelColor in ‘La Paz-itively Hot’ and a dotting tool or leopard stamp to do this design. Finish it with a gel top coat to prevent the manicure from chipping when you go out in the summer. Trust me — this one needs to shine.
I wore this to a beach bachelorette weekend in Miami and got lots of compliments from people I didn’t know. If you want people to notice your toes? Go pink leopard.
Neon Swirl Dream in Yellow and Magenta
This swirl is giving everything it needs to give. A psychedelic design mixes electric neon yellow and magenta, bringing together the past and the future. The style is especially beautiful on dark skin because the bright colors stand out without being too much.
The design asks for 2025 gel polish which is a creamy neon yellow like OPI’s ‘Exotic Birds Do Not Tweet’ and a fuchsia shade like ‘No Turning Back from Pink Street’. Swirl the gel with a fine brush or a silicone tool while it is still wet. Cure between layers for a flawless finish.
For those who care about getting everything perfect, finding the right balance may be difficult, but it feels amazing when you do manage. This is a great choice for people who want their pedicures to make a strong statement in 2025.
Watermelon Slice Vibes in Pink and Green
Whimsy alert! This dessert looks like watermelon slices, with its pink base, black seeds and green edges and it’s simply a summer delight. It goes well with all skin tones, but it looks extra lovely on pale skin. It has a mixture of cute and Y2K nostalgia which is what makes me love it.
Apply ‘Strawberry Margarita’ as the pink base, use forest green for the rind and use a dotting tool with black polish for the seeds. Finish everything with a quick shine top coat for a super shiny effect.
I’ve taken it to summer picnics and to a food festival and people always love how cute it is. It’s both playful and well-made which makes people smile.
Groovy Pink Swirl with Black and White Accents
This is for the trendy ladies who want a manicure with a beat. The base is a bright pink and the top is made of black and white swirls, like a lava lamp but in toe art form. This look is great with white sandals and it makes light skin and pale tones look beautiful. It’s high-fashion pedicure meets retro cool.
To get this look at home, use OPI’s ‘Suzi Nails New Orleans’ as your base pink and add white and black gel striping paints. You’ll need a striping brush and steady hands (or lots of acetone and patience).
This feels like something editorial — very runway-inspired. It’s a new way to do swirls and I love that it blends in the trendy gel nail colors for summer 2025.
Pink Ombre Fade for Soft Summer Vibes
A soft pink ombré color scheme is so relaxing, since it fades gradually from a pure base to a strawberry-toned finish. It’s like your nails are whispering summer breeze. The design flatters women with light or pale complexions by making them look clean and polished but never overdone. It’s a popular summer toe nail color for pale skin, as it’s not flashy but still stands out.
Creating this ombré look at home means blending two gel shades — try OPI’s ‘Bubble Bath’ with a pop of ‘Madam President’ at the tip. Apply the gradient with a makeup sponge and end by sealing it with a top coat. A bit of patience goes a long way.
In my mind, this design is a long walk on a Sunday, with headphones on and a drink of iced matcha. The manicure is soft, fashionable and never out of place, so it doesn’t draw attention but people will compliment it.
Monochrome Wave with Gold Foil Accent
Black and white is always interesting and it becomes even more so when mixed with metallic accents. A matte black base is paired with wavy stripes in white and then there are scattered gold foil touches for a bit of drama. This is a great choice for anyone who wants a chic summer sandal and it looks amazing on dark skin.
You should have OPI’s ‘Alpine Snow’ and ‘Black Onyx’, as well as gold nail foil or flakes. You can get perfect wavy lines with the help of a thin nail art brush. Wrap the final piece in foil and seal it with a shiny top coat before the last cure.
This one looks very much like it was taken for a campaign shoot. I had a gold toe ring last year and I wore something like this on my vacation. Obsessed doesn’t even begin to cover it.
Minimalist White-Tipped French Pedicure
French tips are back in style, but this time they are cleaner, curvier and have a super shiny finish. This version is designed for a sleek minimal look and can be worn by people with any skin tone. It is definitely among the most elegant summer nail colors for pedicures in 2023.
Use OPI’s ‘Funny Bunny’ or ‘Put It In Neutral’ as the base and then add a crisp white polish at the tips. A guide sticker or nail tape helps you make straight edges and that’s not cheating, it’s just being smart.
Whenever I’m not sure what to make or want something easy and simple, this is my usual choice. It’s like a white button-up shirt for pedicures — simple, stylish and you can’t say no.
Technicolor Stripes That Radiate Joy
Yellow, pink, red, blue and violet stripes make the print look like a rainbow and it’s so happy that it could cheer anyone up. It works well for summer festivals, trips to the beach or when you want to show a bit of skin with sandals. And the colors? They look great on light, tanned and darker skin without much effort. Definitely, this is one of the most popular summer toe nail colors this year.
To recreate, you’ll need a steady hand or striping brush, and gel polishes in punchy tones like OPI’s ‘Sun, Sea, and Sand in My Pants’ (yellow), ‘Strawberry Margarita’ (pink), and ‘Do You Lilac It?’ (purple). Paint each line only after the others are dry, to prevent the paint from bleeding.
I came up with this style after seeing a retro beach towel. It has a bright, cheerful look but still looks good on your feet.
Matte Purple Perfection with a Cool Edge
This purple matte style is stylish, elegant and actually quite strong. It gives everything a soft touch, but the images still look vibrant. For people looking to bring color into their looks without going too bold, this provides a nice compromise. The color stands out beautifully on both tan and dark skin — one of the most confident nail polishes for summer on dark skin.
OPI’s ‘Pompeii Purple’ in matte top coat form is a good option or you could use any bright shade and finish with OPI Matte Top Coat. That velvety finish makes a huge difference.
I chose a black maxi dress for a summer rooftop party and my toes made a statement of their own. It gives off a cool vibe that says: I’m in control, but I don’t have to prove it.
Chrome Mermaid Shift for a Futuristic Finish
A combination of a holographic seashell and a disco ball would create something like this. The chrome effect reflects blue, green and lavender which is very mermaid-like and looks amazing in the sun. The red and white design looks good on both light and tanned skin, so it is a glamorous choice for pedicures in 2025.
I first apply a black or navy gel base, let it cure and then sprinkle on a chrome pigment powder which you can find as “Aurora Chrome” or “Unicorn Mirror” on Etsy or by Born Pretty. A gel top coat locks in the high-gloss finish.
This pedicure makes people notice you without you having to say anything. This is the mood I look for when I want to feel like the star of a pool party.
Confetti Blue with a Speckled Twist
A bright blue sandal brings to mind a sunny day by the pool and when you add fun confetti-like speckles, it becomes a real party for your feet. This design is playful, graphic, and surprisingly versatile. It’s a better fit for very light skin because it provides a noticeable pop of color without being too much.
A combination of OPI’s ‘Tile Art to Warm Your Heart’ with a speckled top coat, for example, ‘Speckled Eggshell’ by Nails Inc or Floss Gloss, can give you the same look. If you want more contrast, you can add some tiny dot glitters to the top before the last layer dries.
This reminds me of beach towels and popsicles. It’s sweet and simple and I always feel happier after watching it. If you’re looking for something bright to use on your toenails in 2025, this is the color to choose.
Modern French in Crimson and Cream
This is a different kind of French manicure — it’s not the same as what you might expect. A smooth, neutral base is surrounded by a bright red line that’s slightly curved and very purposeful. It really brings the vibe of fashion week and it’s very luxurious. This pedicure is perfect for anyone with tan or light skin and is one of the most beautiful classy pedicures of 2025.
Begin with OPI’s ‘Put It In Neutral’ and add ‘Big Apple Red’ or a similar cherry gel just on the tips. A thin brush or tip guide will let you make the edges look great — take your time.
The thing I most enjoy is how the material is both bright and soft. I chose a similar outfit to what I’d wear to a summer wedding and my sandals looked much more special.
Icy Mint Simplicity for Clean Girl Summer
This mint blue polish is refreshing, light and cool which is perfect for hot weather. It has a light feel but doesn’t look washed out and it looks great on both pale and tan skin. Just right to keep your all-white outfits and tanned shoulders company.
Try OPI’s ‘Gelato On My Mind’ or ‘It’s a Boy!’ for a pastel option. The glossy finish of a gel formula and a glassy top coat gives this tone a more expensive appearance.
There are days when I prefer a peaceful and calm shade and not art. This is that for me. I feel revitalized, as though I’ve come back from a spa or spent time on a beach in Italy.
Barbie Pink Classic for Every Skin Tone
Hot pink is always a great choice and this nail color belongs to the summer toe nail colors pink hall of fame. The colors aren’t too bright or too dull; they’re just right for making you look good. This is a safe choice that works well for light, tan and dark skin which is unusual and impressive.
‘Strawberry Margarita’ and ‘La Paz-itively Hot’ from OPI are good matches. One thing I swear by? Applying two thin layers is better than one thick one, because it dries quickly and can last longer with gel.
This is my comfort color. If I can’t decide or don’t have time to play with colors, I go for this pink. It’s cheerful, camera-friendly, and always feels a little flirty.
Sunset Maze with Golden Geometry
A pedicure with yellow-and-white stripes shows off the best of graphic glam. The base is a matte yellow and geometric symbols are printed on it, giving the whole piece a modern Grecian vibe with a touch of brightness and style. It looks wonderful on both light and tan skin and it really shines in beach or brunch settings. One of the more elegant summer toe nail colors that pedicures 2025 has introduced.
The base should be OPI’s ‘Exotic Birds Do Not Tweet.’ After that, put your stamping plate on a clean area and use white stamping polish or brush the design by hand if you feel comfortable. Finish the nails with a matte top coat to enhance how the pattern stands out.
It gives resort-wear chic without even trying. I chose gold sandals to go with my outfit and that made it perfect for a linen co-ord. Add a big gold toe ring for a laid-back and stylish vacation look.
Bright Daisy Yellow for Joyful Toes
Joy, as a nail design, would be canary yellow polish with a single white daisy painted on the big toe. It makes me feel happy, flirtatious and I can’t help but think it would be great to show off or post. A great choice for those with pale or light skin who want a sunny look. This color will definitely be a favorite in summer toe nail colors 2025 gel trends.
You can choose OPI’s ‘Never a Dulles Moment’ or ‘Sun, Sea and Sand in My Pants’. With dotting tools or a thin nail art brush, press down for the white petals and build a yellow or silver dot for the center of the daisy. This is definitely easier with a gel pen or sticker, though — no shame in shortcuts!
I wore this on a beach trip to the Carolinas and couldn’t help smiling every time I saw it. This shoe is great for those who want a happiness pick-me-up on their feet.
Leopard Heat with Orange Accents
This leopard print with its bold yellow and orange is for the women who enjoy the sun, a tropical drink and a bit of extra notice. Yellow, black and tangerine make a surprising combination that is completely in style. It screams pedicures 2025, and honestly? It slaps on every skin tone.
You should use OPI’s ‘My Twin Mimmy’ for the base and black and orange polish or stamping polish for the spots. With a dotting tool or some leopard nail stickers, you can have those line-like animal spots.
I put on this look when I’m going to a rooftop party or an outdoor concert. It feels bold, fun and just a little bit risky in a good way.
Rich Cherry Red for Evening Glam
A cherry red pedicure is always in style, but in 2025, people are wearing it with torn jeans, messy hair and big shirts. A little grunge, a little glam. It looks fantastic on light, tan and dark skin and instantly makes any casual outfit look more put-together.
I top coat my nails with OPI’s glossy ‘Malaga Wine’ or ‘Got the Blues for Red’ to give them a shiny and deep appearance. No stickers or glitter are needed with this look; just the pigment and gloss will do.
I depend on this look when going out or whenever I want to feel really confident. It gives you the impression that you are in control, yet without trying to impress.
Retro Surf Swirls in Cool Blue and Orange
The bright design takes me back to the 70s — blue polish with swirls of orange and white. It’s fun and refined and it’s perfect for showing off the bold, beach-inspired summer toe nail colors from OPI. It really suits lighter skin, but it also looks great on tanned feet.
To get the look, use OPI’s ‘Kanpai OPI!’ as your base. Use a liner brush to swirl a creamy white and bold orange like ‘A Good Man-darin is Hard to Find’ together. Nail art pens can also make this 10x easier.
This reminds me of the bright motel signs you pass on the road. It’s easygoing, fun to wear and great for wearing with flip-flops. If you’re looking for something fun, put this on your summer toe nail colors 2025 list.
Monochrome Marble Waves for Ultra-Cool Contrast
Because it’s black and white, this wave design feels like pure modern art: clean, abstract and bold, but not loud. It takes the zebra print and makes it more suited for fashion editorials. The contrast makes it a great selection for those who like neutrals or are just starting to try pedicures with a nice and creative idea. It suits pale, tan and dark skin just as well which is not common.
You can try this by first using OPI’s ‘Alpine Snow’ for a base and then you can draw swirls freehand with a black striping brush or a special nail art pen. Asymmetry is fine; the more natural, the better it looks. Use a super glossy gel top coat to highlight the difference between the colors.
This design feels like confidence in visual form. I’ve worn it to dinners on the roof of a city building and teamed it with a black ankle-strap sandal. It gives any look a lift — just like having art for your feet. Anyone putting together their summer toe nail colors pedicures 2025 moodboard should start with this one.
