Summer offers more sunlight, sandals and chances to display our colorful pedicures. What kind of summer toe nails will still seem new in 2025? Is it all about bold art? Or are soft gel colors making a comeback? I’ve gathered something for both this year’s biggest trends and for using on every sort of occasion, whether at the seaside or out on the town. Everyone talks about summer outfits, but how about summer nail ideas?
Vibrant Purple and Zebra Pop
I just love the way electric purple looks with a strong black-and-white zebra pattern. It’s fun, a little out of the ordinary and very bright—just what summer toe nails in 2025 should be. The design relies on one accented toe for bold art and the remaining toes are kept simple and strong. Because of this contrast, the nail polish is fun but not too much, so it’s a great choice if you want to try nail art and still wear polish with every outfit.
To copy this nail art, choose a purple UV gel like OPI’s “Do You Lilac It?”. To do the stripes, pick a precision liner brush and use Beetles Gel in “Black” and “Snow White” for the black and white parts. The glossy top coat protects the colors and keeps them looking bright all summer.
I did something similar last year and painted the zebra stripes freehand after the base color had cured and it turned out to be easier than I expected. The trick is not being too perfect. Imperfect stripes actually look more organic and stylish.
This one’s my go-to when I need a confidence boost. I’ve paired it with white linen outfits and neon swimsuits and every time I see my toes, I feel happy. The style is great if you like toe nails that are sophisticated and still playful.
Sweetheart Confetti Vibes
How can you not fall for this one? Pink and gold hearts dancing on a white background make the design look soft and feminine. Pedicures in 2025 are romantic but not overdone and the colors favor a minimalist look with a hint of flirty charm. It’s great for people looking for a manicure that requires little care but makes you stand out.
I think Essie “Blanc” is a good choice for a smooth white base. Hearts are best done with nail decals—try Deco Miami or Olive & June’s sticker kits for the job. They make DIY magic feel doable. Finish everything by applying a no-wipe gel over your nails to get a dazzling perfect look suitable for any summer wedding.
If you’re not used to gel or do not have a UV lamp, use a top coat like Seche Vite instead. It dries fast and gives that same mirror-like sheen.
Heart designs have a way of making a look feel more gentle. Whether you wear denim shorts or a long maxi dress, this polish still suggests you have things to do, even if you’re just getting coffee.
Crayon-Box Geometry
This look is pure joy. The geometric design is colorful, just like a kaleidoscope, but it also looks organized and planned. A lot of these micro-shape styles are being used in 2025 color trends gel, especially when combined with a nude or white base for a striking look. This version is all about the primary colors which are strong, straightforward and perfect for bright days.
This could be the challenge that at-home artists take on this season. Use either thin striping tape or a fine detailing brush to draw the lines for the triangles. Choose Kiara Sky’s rainbow gel paints and remember to cure your nails after painting with each color to get sharp edges.
Honestly, it’s the kind of look that gets noticed. I was at a festival last year wearing something like this and every person I spoke to wanted to know if I’d had them done in LA. Nope—just a steady hand and three hours of Netflix.
Are your toes your favorite accessory? Splash some color and this is your guide.
Barbiecore with a Wild Side
When pink gets an edge, I’m all in. The base in bubblegum and the zebra print toe give the shoe both fun and structure. This hits the sweet spot for anyone still riding the pink wave (thanks to the Barbiecore obsession) but wants it reimagined for summer toe nails 2025 color trends. It’s loud, playful, and unexpectedly versatile.
Try flicking some zebra print over your pink manicure using a skinny brush and some Sally Hansen “Back to the Fuchsia.” You can also try Born Pretty’s nail stamping plate if you’re not confident with freehand.
The thing I like best is how easy it is to make it look cute or wild, depending on the rest of your outfit. It looks very up-to-date, but not in a way that tries too hard.
This one’s perfect for those long weekend getaways where you’re hopping from beach to city, sandals to heels. It stands out nicely on brown skin, highlights tan lines and blends well with colors on french tips if you decide to change it later.
Cherry Pop Minimalism
Now this is what I call breezy and fresh. Soft white polish forms the base for the juicy cherry clusters which are just right. It gives a nod to old-school nail design and updates it for 2025. This season, light pink nails are very popular and ones with a little extra style are especially on trend. It’s delicate, feminine, and deliciously on-theme.
You can buy cherry decals from Etsy or look into Chillhouse’s “Juicy Tips” stick-on set. Painters can make two red dots and use a dotting tool to add a little green line for the stem.
Another advantage is that it’s a simple look to match with your fingernails if you want some cohesion but not too much exact matching.
This makes me think of summer road trips and drinking cherry cola at the beach. If you’re into summer toe nails pink that still feel fresh, this one’s a total yes.
Glossy Light Pink for the Win
Light pink always seems to be a favorite choice. It looks classy, flatters every shape and gives off that fresh-faced summer style we all want. The glossy soft pink color on your toes makes it seem like you have glass on your feet. Anyone who enjoys a low-key look will like how the nude color speaks softly and calmly.
Before seeing it on my friend with dark skin, I thought it was just a basic, but now I see it’s extremely elegant for any tan or brown skin. For a glossy finish like that, I would apply DND’s “Peony Blush” gel polish. It applies like butter and leaves a salon-level finish.
This style needs almost no effort. Just make your nails into soft squares, smooth them out and apply two coats. Apply a top coat or a gel top and let it dry for a brighter shine. That’s it.
Should you have a holiday trip ahead and don’t want to damage your nails, this is the product for you. It works well with all kinds of clothes and it just seems like a luxury item.
Pink Marble Swirls and Magenta Solids
I get a real soda-shop feeling from this one and I love it. A pink and white swirl on one toe, then the rest of the nail turns into a solid magenta color? Brilliant. The pattern attracts attention and the rest maintains a cozy feeling. I really like this color for pedicures 2025 because it’s bold and glamorous.
To make swirl nails at home, use two gel polishes—a clean white and a hot pink such as “Pink Voltage” from the China Glaze line. Put a few drops of each color on a nail palette, mix them with a dotting tool and press the mixture onto your nail. Don’t over-mix—you want to see the waves.
This style of design looks like candy stripes and ice cream you might see at the boardwalk. I have already worn them twice this year and every time I feel like my feet are walking on art. For bright gel colors that can be worn, start by checking out these ones.
Honeycomb Chic with a Graphic Edge
Let’s look at the unexpectedly trendy way pink, black and geometric print are used here. The honeycomb pattern makes your pedicure stand out and the black nail draws attention. Steampunk toe nails will help your nails walk the edge between gentle and bold.
A good combination for this look is “Pink Pursuit” as your base color and use “Black Out” by Sally Hansen for the accents. A hexagon plate or some handheld hexagonal stickers can be used to get the honeycomb effect on your nails. The contrast? The colors are very noticeable and fit perfectly with the 2025 color trends.
I always feel like one black nail gives a purposeful look and combines femininity with a bold touch. Because of the contrast between pink and black, this style is very attractive on brown skin.
Classic French, But Petite
Having a pink tone as the foundation of your french tips and making it barely noticeable makes the look sophisticated. It keeps things light, breathable, and polished. And yes, it’s back (again) as one of the chicest summer toe nails 2025 trends. Having white tips and sheer pink nails makes it look like you put some effort in, but still look clean.
I start with OPI “Bubble Bath” and then draw the tip with a thin brush and “Alpine Snow.” If your hand’s a bit shaky (same), use French tip stickers to guide the line. Finish with a UV top coat to get a shiny look that lasts for weeks.
Something about French tips helps me feel well organized, even if I’m wearing sandals and going about my day tasks. It’s timeless for a reason.
Chartreuse Energy
Now this is summer energy in a bottle. This electric chartreuse green is definitely for those who love strong colors and it’s one of the bolder ones we’ve seen this year. It’s about having vitamin C, lime popsicles and neon signs at beach clubs. Why not make your toes look special if they are going to show?
I always use ORLY’s “Glowstick” to get this look. Apply three thin layers; it will give you the desired glow because the first coat is slight transparent. It looks good on all skin tones, but it really stands out on brown skin when the sun is setting.
Just wearing it makes me think of faraway places, even if what I am doing is pretty ordinary. Bold, summer-inspired toe nail colors? This one won’t fail to make you feel great all day.
Ocean Marble with Gold Foil Drama
This teal and white design with marble background and gold foil? It’s a little bit of luxury your toes didn’t realize they wanted. It looks like a perfect blend of the ocean and luxury and it’s definitely among the most impressive summer nail colors of 2025.
The aim is to replicate these designs using a light teal and making marble by applying a white blooming gel over it. End the process by carefully adding gold leaf pieces at the intersection to make it stand out. Don’t rush the placement—tweezers help here.
Whenever I have this mani, it makes me want to sip something sparkly on a yacht, even if I’m only on a picnic blanket. It really shines on brown and tan skin and adds elegance to any flowy white dress or linen trousers.
Tangerine Sparkle Heart
Orange is the color of summer, but when it’s matched with a pretty, crystal heart? That’s next-level flirty. This simple color design is a fun way to do a pedicure and it follows the latest trends for 2025 with bold base colors and tiny details.
If you’re looking for that juicy orange pop, try “Sunshine State” by Lights Lacquer. Apply nail glue to hold a mini heart-shaped rhinestone charm from Amazon. End the style with a thick gel top to secure all the pieces.
I had a sunset-themed outfit last July and I got compliments everywhere I went. The sparkle catches the light just right. Bonus? It makes your sandals stand out the best way possible.
Tropical Fade: Yellow Meets Teal
This manicure is what summer looks like on your nails. This color combination of sunny yellow and soft teal makes us think of being at the beach and it’s one of the most cheerful choices for pedicures this year. It feels fresh, youthful, and perfectly breezy.
Creating a flawless gradient at home? Sponge technique is your best friend. Apply yellow on one side of the sponge and teal on the other, tap the sponge lightly over each toe until the colors blend well. Make sure the edges are smooth and then add a gel top coat to finish.
Barefoot on the beach and out on slides-and-shorts errands is perfect for this comfy look. If you’re looking for colors 2025 that are hopeful and happy, yellow and brown are a good choice.
Black Hearts on Milky White
This style is surprising in a good way—black hearts against a clean white background. It’s graphic, slightly rebellious, and totally wearable. It has a very editorial feel, but still works well for brunch or the beach. It’s one of those summer toe nails designs that feels bold without being loud.
Apply a gel base called “White on White” by China Glaze and then use a stencil or nail art pen to add little hearts. If you want all the shapes to be the same, use a stamp, but painting them by hand adds more character.
I go for this when I want to match my pedicure to a more daring style. I think it goes perfectly with monochrome, oversize shirts or denim. And on tan skin, the contrast is perfection.
Racing Stripe Meets Retro Green
Stripes are back—and not the nautical kind. The combination of green, white and graphite gives this a sporty, up-to-date and slightly vintage appearance. If you like clean and modern designs, this is the place to look for summer toe nails in 2025.
I would use a striping brush and apply “Palm Leaf” by Cirque Colors and “Garage Gray” by Holo Taco to get the look right. If you want the lines to stay sharp, use painter’s tape.
I discovered a similar look at Allure while checking the 2021 Seoul fashion week and I saved it at once. It looks sporty and luxurious at the same time, much like a modern tennis dress. People who like a clean and polished colorful nail will find this at the top of their list.
Juicy Green with a Pink Twist
The watermelon story reminds me of candy or soda but with maturity which I love. That pink and white stripe on the green background gives a lively contrast that is both striking and neat. I really like that the design looks tropical and elegant—it’s just what 2025 trends are all about with colorblocking and curved lines.
To get the lush base, use “Jungle” by Cirque Colors and then use a liner brush to paint the swoosh with “Flamingo Pink” and opaque white gel polish. You can get the best shape by painting the stripes on top of a cured green base.
I chose this for a picnic and it felt very refreshing. Orange is a color that really highlights the warmth and liveliness in brown skin. If you prefer less-serious art, this is the right time for you.
Electric Blue with a Glitter Accent
A rich cobalt base and a full glitter on the toe? Chef’s kiss. It’s giving indie disco meets poolside glam. The trend for summer toe nails in 2025 is rich solids and bold accents and this nail look fits both.
Use “Butler Please” by Essie or another cobalt gel polish and then add some multicolored glitter to a tacky gel layer with a glitter top coat like Holo Taco’s.
This manicure is a party style, but it’s not too flashy. I’ve worn silver sandals and denim skirts and everyone always asks where I got my nails done. The sparkles on the shoes are especially visible as you move.
Wavy Pink and Crisp White
This marbled wave design balances softness and sass. The artwork on the toes is made of wavy, flowing lines in bright pink against a white background, much like the pattern of a beach towel or a summer smoothie. The other nails are painted with a rich pink for the traditional summer nail look.
To do this design, first paint your nails white, then use a soft pink pen or brush to draw lines. Take your acetone and a very small brush to lighten the edges a little and achieve a dreamy effect. Top it off with a high-gloss finish.
It has an editorial vacation vibe and a flowy dress or jumpsuit makes it even more so. If you are a fan of art-like colors that are also wearable, this is for you.
Zebra Goes Bubblegum
Who knew zebra could be this cute? The bright pink and white stripes cover all your toes, but they manage not to feel too much. It uses elements from the Y2K era but updates them by making the lines tighter and cleaner.
You can make this at home by applying a white base gel and using a liner brush to paint on the pink stripes or use stamping tools for a neater result. After applying your design, add a special top coat that lasts long.
With white slides or jelly sandals, this outfit has strong contrast. It accentuates tan skin and looks great for people spending time somewhere hot.
Sky Blue with a Silver Strike
This is what I’d call modern classic. Using crisp blue as the main color and one stripe of silver—the look is simple, but catches attention. It follows the Polish 2025 trend, where geometry and minimalism come together. You can wear it at work and it will still look great when you go to the beach.
Gently run either tape or a thin striping brush with silver foil or glitter gel along the rim to form the stripe. I like to use “Pacific Blue” by Sally Hansen for the base and Glam & Glits has a beautiful silver for the stripes.
I like this style when I want to be put together and still be myself. When I see the silver detail, it brings to mind reflections from the ocean at sunset which are glamorous and still stay true to nature.
Deep Indigo Waves
Midnight indigo is back and it’s bringing a whole lot of cool attitude along. Its design is special because of the gentle wave art in neutral colors on top of a shiny blue background. This song is moody and tidy, but it still keeps the summer spirit. This is the kind of summer toe nails 2025 idea that makes you want to dance outside with string lights above you.
I mimicked the style by applying “Midnight Swim” from OPI GelColor and used a hair-thin beige brush to do some freeform waving. If brightness is your desire, metallic silver makes everything truly stand out as the sun is low.
I like to wear this when I want darker gel colors without the thick feeling of winter polish. It’s a year-round thing, but having dark blue toes in the summer feels more thoughtful and stylish.
Zebra Print with a Gilded Grid
Animal print keeps coming back, but in new and different ways. The unusual feature of this design is its gold striping which gives it a glamorous and polished style. It’s bold, geometric, and a little bit high fashion. A great result for people who want bold and fun pedicures in 2025.
Apply white gel and then use a thin black liner brush or nail stickers to add zebra stripes. I used gold nail tape for the grid, carefully placed it with tweezers and then sealed it all with a high-gloss top coat.
This is perfect for when you want your pedicure to look like jewelry at a night out or beach club. I’ve worn it with black sandals and a linen jumpsuit and felt like I could step straight onto a rooftop runway.
