Summer 2025 is all about feeling confident without shoes and showing off pretty toes which is why I’m already searching for new toe nail designs that match how free and fashionable I want to feel this summer. But where do you even begin? Since there are so many colorful, textured and artistic styles trending now, it’s easy for everything to look and feel overwhelming. That’s why I’ve gathered this lookbook which mixes simple, everyday pedicure styles with more daring ideas for those who like to experiment. So, why not start—there’s a chance you’ll find your next summer favorite.
Fresh Green Simplicity with a Pop
I find high-gloss green on the toes to be ever so charming and it makes me think of both refreshing watermelon and the cool grass in the morning. The shape is simple and square and the vivid color makes it ideal for summer toe nail designs in 2025. It’s a color that stands out, without trying to be quiet or shy. It shines—literally and figuratively.
If you’re looking to recreate this, I’d go with the OPI “I’m Sooo Swamped!” or Essie “Mojito Madness”. The key to keeping the shine alive? A gel finish top coat like Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat will create a shiny look and help your pedicure survive swimming in the water.
Based on what I found in Allure, you should first use a white base coat to help the bold color really stand out. It acts like a canvas and helps prevent staining, which is a bonus if you’re switching between summer brights.
I think this style looks really lovely with casual sandals, white linen pants or a beachy co-ord. It’s easy, but it means, “I was there for summer.” I don’t usually like green, but this changed my mind. That’s probably what makes summer 2025 so memorable—showing us the unexpected that we can fall for.
Purple Gloss for Denim Days
Whether you’re at the market or having brunch in the sun, this 2025 purple pedicure seems just right. It’s sophisticated and not overly sweet and still has a bit of fun to it. It is a great choice for summer toe nail designs because it is fashionable yet easy to wear at any summer event.
A polish like Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in “Purplexed” or Zoya’s “Belinda” will help you get that full tone the tutorial is after. To prevent chips from happening mid-week, apply Dazzle Dry Top Coat.
You should soak, trim, buff, base, apply two coats of color and top coat your nails if you want to do it yourself. If you’re new to painting your own toes, sit on a low stool and prop your foot up on a firm surface like a step or low table. I heard this advice from a celebrity manicurist at NYFW and it made a big difference to me.
For me, this shade has that cute-meets-cool effect. I had a similar look last summer, with white Birks and a mustard sundress and I received so many compliments I couldn’t keep track. It’s truly one of my go-tos when I want something different than pink or red, but still feminine.
Lemon Yellow Meets Artistic Flair
It’s like a lemon tart for your nails—light, refreshing and very pleasing. The buttery yellow paired with black abstract linework? It’s giving gallery girl in July. This design is very artsy, but it’s easy to wear for people who usually like simple styles.
Start by applying Olive & June’s “JLR” or Sundays Nail Polish No. 06 and then use a thin liner brush and a black gel striping polish to draw the curves and dots. It’s not supposed to be perfect—that’s the charm. Seal the artwork with a UV-protected top coat to keep it looking sharp.
Want to try this at home? Draw the design with a toothpick dipped in polish first and then use a brush to paint it on. If you prefer something quick and easy, you can stick on decal stickers and press them in. If you want festival-style toes, Miss Pop says this is the way to go.
It really touched me—cute, clever and totally surprising. I like that it plays with creativity without being distracting. I’d match it with slides and a light-weight dress for a casual lunch or time by the pool.
Soft Denim Blue with a Cloudy Finish
The soft blue shade is like what happens to jeans after sitting in the sun—a subtle look that is very 2025. It looks like a fresh, cloud-filled summer sky before the sun arrives. I enjoy that it has a soft side but also a clean, straight shape which makes it great for anyone who wants to look stylish without a lot of effort.
If you want to try this yourself, consider Essie “Bikini So Teeny” or Deborah Lippmann “Blue Orchid”. Because the finish is smooth and even, you should apply thin layers and let them dry slowly.
I discovered that rubbing nails with vinegar before painting removes the natural oils. It helps polish grip better, especially if you’re skipping the salon and doing it yourself.
Feeling comfortable and peaceful at any time encourages me to wear it. Although it is plain, it has a way of looking unique. It also goes well with white sandals and light, breezy sundresses. I could live in this shade all season.
Modern Yellow and Swirls of Whimsy
Is this the answer for those fed up with the same old plain pedicures? The bright yellow toes represent summer days and lemonade, but the big toe has designer-worthy art on it. This perfectly represents the fun and unique summer 2025 white toe nail design, with a twist.
For this, you require Lights Lacquer “Now & Later” for yellow and a mix of pastel white and blush pink for the accent nail. Swirls are best done with a fine brush or nail stamping tool. Using a top coat like Essie Gel Couture Top Coat will seal the layers without making the polish smudge.
If you’re nervous about drawing swirls, try practice lines on plastic wrap first. Once you’re confident, layer on the final design over dry polish. Michelle Saunders, who has worked as a celebrity manicurist for years, suggests using diluted acrylic paint for detailed art because it is simpler to correct and manage.
I really enjoy a statement toe on boots. They direct the attention but don’t stand out too much. Trying out art is easy since you don’t need to decide on a final design at the beginning. This person is saying, “I like to play with my outfits, but I’m still aware of what works for me.”
Electric Orange Waves on Black
This one is not shy. The combination of a black base and orange swirls like flames gives off a strong and active impression. It’s dynamic, modern, and lowkey hypnotic. For summer 2025, this toe nail design is sure to make toes feel warm. It offers a new twist on animal print and it looks great with both striking black outfits and colorful festival clothes.
I’d paint OPI’s “Black Onyx” first and then add ORLY’s “Tangerine Dream” for the swirls to get that juicy contrast. You need a good nail art liner brush for this step to make the curve look perfect. After everything is dry, apply a gel top coat to get a glassy finish.
If you’re not sure about the swirl, try just doing one accent nail first. I once attempted this for a party on a rooftop in L.A. and I had to repeat it for three consecutive weekends. It’s noisy in a way that’s enjoyable, like the volume on your music is a little too high. Perfect for toe nail designs for summer beach nights.
White Base with Soft Rainbow Petals
Gentle, fresh and totally sweet—that’s how the clean-girl style becomes playful. A clean white background is covered with light, floating petal outlines in soft pink, purple, teal and yellow. It’s giving Sunday brunch, picnic blankets, and chilled rosé. It gets all the details right for summer 2025 white toe nail designs without being too fussy.
You’ll want Essie “Blanc” as your base and shades like Zoya’s “Tweedy” (pink), “Joanie” (purple), and “Bee” (yellow) for the petal strokes. Paint small, clean leaves by using either dotting tools or a tiny, flat-tipped brush.
I always advise people to paint the tiny details one layer at a time and allow each layer to dry before continuing. A helpful tip from a nail artist on YouTube: have a brush with acetone on it to clean up your lines as you are painting.
It’s a look that is adorable, fresh and makes it seem like you made an effort, but not too much. I would grab it whenever I want to match my toes with a white dress or a pastel swimsuit.
Sunshine Yellow with Playful Stripes
If joy could be put into a bottle, it would look just like this nail polish. Having bright yellow on the toes and a white stripe on the big toe makes the shoe look as cheerful as the sun. Such makeup looks stunning on dark skin, adding more radiance and warmth. This design perfectly shows the spirit of summer beach coral nail art in a modern, graphic style.
For the best effect, use OPI “Sun, Sea and Sand in My Pants” and OPI “Alpine Snow” to show the contrast. White the surface first, let it dry completely and then use striping tape to mark the negative space before adding the yellow. Peel, topcoat, and done!
Striping tape can be annoying, I know. Start by warming the wire in your fingers before trying to bend it; that will make it easier to form around your nail. Always use a silicone tool to press the pedicure down, so that polish doesn’t leak underneath.
This one just makes me happy. It gives easy, poolside chic. I put on a yellow sarong in Tulum and it really completed the look. You can wear this anywhere, like the beach or having brunch and it feels as summery as it gets right on your feet.
Royal Blue with Glitter Accent Magic
A total change of mood—a mix of deep blue and disco-glitter fun. There are a few dramatic touches and lots of shimmer which makes it a perfect choice for summer 2025 blue toe nail designs. Making the smaller toes into a holographic glitter accent adds depth, but doesn’t look too much.
Essie “Butler Please” or Olive & June’s “OMG” are good choices for the main color. China Glaze “Techno” provides a lot of sparkle and depth. Apply two layers of glitter and dab it with a sponge, never brush it on.
This is a great choice for a late summer wedding, a night out or a trip to a tropical place. I tried this trick when I wanted my pedicure to coordinate with a metallic bag and I loved the result all season. It’s summer beach nail art—but make it fancy.
Botanical Navy Minimalism
Here’s one for the quiet, detail-loving girlies. The navy polish has a deep blue color that almost looks black and the white leaf shapes are lightly pressed on. It is simple, but stands out and gives off a cooler vibe than a floral design. This is the perfect neutral for those who want a fashionable look but not something loud. As perfect for summer 2025 toes as a white design with a bit of depth.
I suggest using OPI “Russian Navy” and a pure matte white called Color Club “French Tip”. Draw the leaves using something small like a dotting tool or a tiny brush and make sure not to fill the brush or you may smudge the thin lines.
For the best-looking finish, first use two layers of your base color, let it dry completely and then do your design with light pressure. You can keep your elbow on a table to help with stability. This is what editorial manicurists focus on for photo shoots and it has a big impact.
It’s for people who want to be different from the crowd but still look like they’re up to date. For me, this one whispers class. It is soothing, smooth and seems to fit perfectly with the calm of summer nights with string lights.
Minimal Red with a Heartbeat
This sexy, streamlined style is one of the best examples of 2025 red. Adding a single, uneven black heart outline to the red polish gives the nails a dramatic look that is not too much. It has a fun feel but is not cheesy which makes it a unique take on romance for your toe nail designs for summer 2025 red moodboard.
I always use OPI’s “Big Apple Red” when I want a classic red nail color. For the heart, you can use Nailtopia’s precision brush liner in Blacklist or a thin-tipped Sharpie for max control (yes, really—just seal it with top coat after).
I begin by making two small dots next to each other, then I pull them down into a V with a fine brush. You can make it look as if it was made during a sweet summer crush, not perfectly.
It reminds me of lazy summer days by the sea with a summer fling. It’s a perfect mix of nostalgic, bold and cute which is what I want my feet to be in when I’m wearing a red bikini and a large linen shirt.
Soft Pink with a Watermelon Dot Moment
This product looks like it belongs in a Korean skincare advert. The pale pink on all nails is feminine and practical, but the accent nail is something else. A vibe. The pale pink and white base which has tiny black dots, is both simple and playful, making it feel like watermelon without being too fruity. This is a gentle choice for a pink pedicure.
I prefer using Olive & June’s “Pink Sands” and Essie “Marshmallow” for the base and I use Orly’s “Liquid Vinyl” or a microdot tool dipped in gel black for the dotted line. Having patience and a steady grip will make it easier to achieve a great result.
A good tip I use: apply a topcoat to each layer, especially the white one, to avoid the design from dragging when you apply the next color or dots.
This is a great pedicure choice for trips with friends or Sunday strolls in the park. I put on a baby pink maxi dress and white platform slides and I did take some foot selfies.
Candy Swirl in Pink and White
This swirl pattern is the pastel surprise that made me feel good. Imagine: cotton candy, a poolside frappe or what it looks like inside a summer carnival tent. The pink and white curves are unusual because they are both fun and simple. It’s making toe nail designs for summer 2025 pink feel a bit more retro-chic.
If you want the wave look, apply Lights Lacquer “Pink Bikini” and OPI “Funny Bunny” with a striper brush. Pull the brush from one corner, making long, gentle movements. You’re going for flow, not symmetry.
The simplest way to make these swirls is with a dotting tool, then I stretch each dot into a curve. A nail artist taught me to think of the lines as vines which gave me the breakthrough I needed.
If you like your summer to be light, fun and a bit flirtatious, this one is right for you. It also goes perfectly with light denim and airy white tops.
Mickey-Inspired Black and White Playfulness
This one is giving grown-up Disneycore. A basic white background with black Mickey-style dots gives a sense of nostalgia and makes a bold statement. Putting cute pink toes and silver toe rings with this style makes it one of the most iconic designs for summer 2025 white manicures.
The base pink is made with Color Club “French Tip”, OPI “Black Onyx” and Sundays “L.01”. You can use nail decals instead of drawing the circles yourself if that feels too hard.
Layering tip? Put on your base, let it dry completely, add your decals or stamp the black dots and seal it twice to prevent chipping while you’re walking all day. Summer is busy—your pedi shouldn’t be.
This design is a conversation starter. I wore a Disneybound outfit to brunch and got positive comments from three people I didn’t know. Playing with accessories is one of the easiest ways to make a simple look exciting.
Palm Tree Sunset Ombre
This one is just pure summer fantasy. Summer beach coral toe nail designs are out now and they are accompanied by a palm tree. The base of the image is soft white, slowly changing to coral, orange and yellow ombré, with a palm tree outlined in front. It’s vacation in a pedicure, perfect for tropical escapes or just pretending you’re on one.
Apply Sally Hansen’s “White On,” “Mellow Yellow,” “Sunset Orange,” and “Hot Tamale” by sponging them together for the gradient. A small detail brush and black gel liner will make the palm tree look real.
My method for perfect ombré? Use the dry makeup sponge and gently dab the polish so that the colors overlap little by little. Apply a clear gel layer thinly on top to unite and perfect the brows.
This is what I call a “main character pedicure.” The kind you plan your outfit around. I have worn outfits like this to summer weddings and parties on rooftops and they always stand out and are unforgettable.
Vibrant Stripes in Purple and Neon Green
This design is definitely made for anyone who plans to be on their feet at a festival. Because of its green vertical stripes against a vivid 2025 purple background, it has that exciting look that suits summer concerts or exploring the city. It’s daring, a little eccentric, and definitely a moment. If you’re looking for a toe nail design that’s purple and fun for summer 2025, this is the one.
Start off with Holo Taco “Purple Slushie,” and then use Lights Lacquer “Limelight” to apply the stripes. A striping brush is essential, since tape can help but freehand gives the look a trendier, imperfect effect.
Here’s something I learned from a nail artist in Brooklyn: always finish stripe designs with a thick, leveling top coat. It helps to smooth out the ridge lines and gives a glass-like feel, even with lots of visual contrast.
This one’s for the bold. If you’re planning to wear cut-off denim or lime green accessories this season, you might want your toes to do some of the talking too.
Glittery Pink with a Curved French Twist
Classic meets modern in this sparkly, curved French moment. A pink gradient that turns solid, sprinkled with shimmer and finished with a curving white line is both delicate and elegant. I think this style is perfect for weddings, rooftop drinks or making your daily look more special. It looks wonderful in any group of summer 2025 pink nail designs that are elegant but not dull.
Pick Essie “Cascade Cool” as your base pink and blend it with a sponge to get the fade effect. Put on a glitter topcoat such as China Glaze “Fairy Dust,” and then use a white gel liner for the swooping effect.
Doing a curved line doesn’t always go perfectly well right away, so I always sketch it with a light pink liner and trace it onto your eye when you are satisfied with the shape. You can easily reshape the nails with a tiny brush and some remover.
I really love that the vibe is polished but it still fits for summer. On my trip to Positano, I wore this with a white wrap dress and pink heels and it felt so easy and put together.
Sunset Pastels in a Smooth Ombré
The way this 2025 pink to orange fade is so gentle and attractive reminds me of summer sunsets. It’s a whisper, not a shout—but still steals attention when your feet catch the light. It can be worn when you’re just out somewhere and also fits well on those special event nights. If you love toe nail designs with orange for summer 2025, this pastel version looks like soft gold.
I’d use Essie “Vanity Fairest”, OPI “Coral-ing Your Spirit Animal” and Zoya “Juliette” to make the polish look smooth. Dab the colors together using a makeup sponge, making vertical lines and blending them a bit at each change.
If you’re trying this at home, apply a white base underneath to make the ombré shades pop. One tip I picked up from a Glamour feature? Put liquid latex or tape around your toes to make it easy to clean up afterward.
This style is gentle and soft, much like putting your feet in the sand as the sunset begins. It’s soft, subtle, and effortlessly polished—literally.
Pink Leopard Print on White Canvas
Animal print, but make it summer. The design has a white background which highlights small pink spots that are light and not very bright. It brings a simple safari style without losing its cute and fresh feel. This type of design looks great with both vacation outfits and gym slides which is not common for summer 2025 white nail trends.
Paint the base with Color Club “French Tip” and use OPI “Tutti Frutti Tonga” and a dotting tool to add the dots for the leopard spots. Change the size and shape—imperfections give the print its appeal.
I place a few dots near the corners when I do leopard designs so that the pattern wraps around the nail. It makes everything feel intentional, not stamped.
This is meant for the girl who likes to keep things simple but can still make Pinterest-inspired outfits. It allows you to say “I’m relaxed, but I still care.” Admit it, being that girl is something most women want.
Jungle Green with Leafy Gold Accent
Here, the green polish gives a feeling of luxury and nature at the same time. The bold green color alone is eye-catching, but the gold leafed nails make it into a piece of art. This call for toenails pedicure ideas green is great for anyone who wants to stand out but not with bright or unusual colors.
Choose a base coat of Zoya “Honor” and highlight the nail line with Ciaté London Gold Foil. If you’re not confident freehanding the leaves, nail stickers or stamp plates are a perfect shortcut.
I picked up this trick at a salon in New York. If you’re applying gold on green, wait until the base coat is completely dry. If this happens, the paint loses its shine or spreads out which we definitely don’t want.
I chose a khaki linen romper and gold hoops for the same look and I felt like a boho goddess. This one’s powerful but grounded. I pick this when I want my pedicure to be sophisticated but still interesting.
Leafy Lime with Speckled Details
The bright green color, black spots and tiny plant decal on this pedicure make it feel like a tribute to tropical jungles and smoothie bowls. This shade combines fun with a more grounded appearance which makes it great for anyone wanting summer 2025 polish that brings out its earthy vibe creatively. The leaf’s black outline gives it a perfect graphic style.
If you like this look, go for China Glaze “Tropic Like It’s Hot” or Essie “Feelin’ Just Lime.” Apply a speckled polish like ILNP “Black Orchid Speck” or lightly brush black polish onto your nails with a toothbrush to get a splatter effect. Add a small leafy decal at the end—Etsy has some good waterproof stickers or stamp it if you want to try.
Let the base color dry fully at home before applying speckles or decals. I always smoothly add a quick-dry top coat below the decal before applying a thick and solid gel top coat which helps the look to last for several days.
It feels natural and earthy, but it’s still playful. Wearing a graphic top is a fun way to wear something you wouldn’t usually pick. I wore this when I was hiking and I found myself looking down at my toes a lot during the breaks—you might do the same.
