Summer is special because of its breezy air, walks without shoes and the sound of ice in your drink. So why should your toes be left behind? Summer toe nails will add a touch of style to your poolside look or your best party outfit. I’m trying out the newest, boldest and prettiest summer nail ideas for 2025 that are as refreshing as a cool breeze on a hot day. Curious which colors 2025 are stealing the spotlight? Let’s dig in.
Emerald Elegance with Gold Foil
There’s a royal feeling to this green—it’s rich, glossy and the gold stripe gives it a bit of a modern edge. The finish is so reflective, almost like you’re looking at jade that’s been dipped in gloss and that design? A minimalist’s favorite, yet still full of drama to seem luxurious. It is a great choice for anyone wanting to try something new, as it mixes a little luxury with a lot of color confidence.
This look is easily created with a high-pigment gel like Essie’s “Off Tropic” or OPI’s “Stay Off the Lawn!” and a foil transfer sheet or striping tape in gold. A good non-warping topcoat (like Seche Vite or DND No Cleanse) seals the shine and foil in place beautifully.
I suggest starting by shaping the nails square and making the corners a bit rounded. Following the green gel coats, put a thin strip of foil across the nail with tweezers. After pressing with a silicone tool, cover it with a shiny topcoat to finish. The result? Instant salon polish with DIY satisfaction.
Last summer, I chose a linen dress and gold toe rings with this outfit and everyone loved it. If you’re looking for colors tan skin that feel cool and collected but still make a statement, this one’s high on my list.
Barbiecore Popsicle
This bright mix reminds me of poolside drinks—perfect pink summer toe nails. The big toe has a bright pink that looks shiny and the accent nails are sparkly magenta and silver chrome glitter, all finished with a sugary texture. It’s lively, enjoyable and perfect for a hot girl summer without overdoing it. It sits in the middle of strong solid colors and lively colorful designs.
If you want to recreate this, look for shades like “Pink Voltage” by China Glaze or “Tropic Like It’s Hot” by Olive & June. I’m currently using Textured FX glitter gels or OPI’s “I Snow You Love Me” for the sparkle in my accent nail.
Just paint your base, cure it and then add two coats of glitter to your accent nails. If you’re using loose glitter or textured chrome powders, apply them to the tacky gel layer before covering with a topcoat.
This one reminds me of quick trips to the beach and sand on my feet. If you like your summer pedicures to be a bit fun and flirty, you’ll love this one.
Lemonade Mood
Bright yellow toes? Yes, please. Its bright tone brings a sunny glow and helps your skin look extra bronzed which is perfect if you’re trying to get that summer tan. It’s very loud and helps prove that solid color pedis are the best. If you’re creating a mood board for summer toe nails 2025, put this at the top.
Yellow gel polish is often thought to be hard to use, but that’s not true if you choose the right products. Try the shade “Copacabana” from OPI or “Sun-Bleached” from Orly’s breathable collection. Make sure to use a white base so your design stands out and there are no streaks.
Let’s be honest: yellow isn’t for the shy. You’ll really turn heads when you wear a bright color, especially if it’s with white sandals or any flowy, floral outfit. It’s the same as turning up your favorite music in the car with the windows down, but for feet.
Sunbeam Stripes
Here’s where design meets dopamine. The contrast between the yellow and fuchsia is fun and the stripes are just enough nail art to make the style stand out. It’s youthful, it’s fresh, and it totally taps into the colors 2025 trend of mixing primaries and neons.
You will need two solid gel shades—try “Electric Daisy” by Lights Lacquer and “Main Squeeze” from Holo Taco. Use either a striping brush or nail tape to create sections for your lines. If you want something modern, try a matte topcoat instead.
Just seeing this combo makes me happy. It’s like having a lemonade stand, drinking cherry soda and attending a carnival at the same time. A great pedicure for anyone going on summer trips or looking for a little color in their day.
Highlighter Luxe with Gemstone Accent
Who said neon couldn’t be elevated? This lemon-lime color is so bright, it looks like a gel highlighter and the single rhinestone on the big toe is a nice touch. That touch of glam is doing all the work. It’s both simple and shiny, making it the perfect summer nail look for grown-ups. One of the best gel colors to use for a warm weather makeover.
I often choose “Slime Light” by Cirque Colors or “Glowstick” from Color Club to get this look again. Add a square crystal gem from Daily Charme or Nailene’s Press-On Gemstones to make your nails look more chic. Don’t forget to add a strong top coat to secure your gem.
If you’re a fan of pedis that look fabulous peeking out from strappy sandals or heels, this one delivers. My friend wore this to a summer wedding and everyone complimented her more than her date. So there’s that.
Pink Sorbet Simplicity
This creamy pink seems to bring out the feeling of being on holiday. The nail color is soft and not shy, juicy but not loud and it looks amazing on anyone with a tan. No accents, no glitter, no design tricks. Buttery, shiny solid color that makes a look look polished without much effort. It’s giving barefoot brunch in a coastal town.
I’ve used Essie’s “Mod Square” for this look before, but you could also try Olive & June’s “Wild Orchid” for a similar creamy pink tone. It’s a gel color that doesn’t streak and lasts way beyond pool season.
Whenever I don’t want to think too much, I enjoy doing this mani. A base coat, two coats of pink and a top coat that doesn’t yellow. It’s simple, it never lets me down and it gives me a little extra feminine touch—even with flip-flops.
Abstract Metallic on White
I haven’t seen summer toe nails designs as impressive as this in a while. White is the ideal background for adding brushstroke-style gold and bronze chrome. The design looks much like luxe abstract art and the contrast is both striking and easygoing. You could totally wear this to a summer wedding or on vacation at a high-end resort—it’s that versatile.
A great way to begin is with a polish like “Blanc” from Essie. You can use either foil leaf or metallic gel polishes for metallics and I often reach for Gold Chrome by Gelish or The GelBottle’s “Bronze Chrome.”
If you decide to do it yourself, finish curing your base white color, then use a sponge or press foils on the nails randomly. Seal it in with a glossy top coat. This design looks best when your nails are square.
Retro Beach Swirl
It combines retro style with modern use of color. Imagine a combination of a surfboard, 70s bikini and a beach towel. The yellow, white and two striking blues swirl together on each nail to make a wavy pattern that reminds us of the sun and surfboards. If you want bold and artistic summer toe nails, this one’s got personality to spare.
You’ll need good hand control to do this, but it’s worth the work. Use fine striping brushes and polishes like Zoya’s “Dory” (blue), “Creamy” (yellow), and “Purity” (white). Gel paints are better for adding such fine details.
I wore this style once in Palm Springs and noticed it made every outfit look better. You can make a regular sandal look bold with this summer toe nails design.
Lemon Lollipop Spiral
Just adding a bit of playfulness to yellow makes it instantly cheerful. Adding a soft spiral to your big toe makes it look like a little solar swirl, while the other nails are kept clean and bright. You’ll get a lot of character in a simple way if you choose this. It’s very much a 2025 look with its single color background and little hint of artwork.
To get that sunshine yellow, use “Canary” from Lights Lacquer and use a dotting tool or detail brush with white gel paint for the spiral. I prefer The Nail Hub’s precision liners when doing this type of work.
For some reason, this combo brings back memories of my childhood and frozen lemonade. It’s a sweet, stylish scent and it looks especially elegant on white outfits or soft cotton dresses.
Ocean Wave Marble
Let’s end the batch by adding a swirl of blue, white and pink marbling that looks like a tropical lagoon with pink clouds above. The main toe nail gets a special wave design, while the rest of the toes are all in a deep oceanic blue. This is one of my favorite shades for summer nails because it’s both stylish and original.
To get the marble effect, drop dots of your chosen shades (I like “Sailor” by Zoya, “Bubble Trouble” from Gelish, and a clean white) onto the nail and swirl gently using a thin brush or toothpick before curing. It’s like tie-dye for your toes.
This pedicure is so good that you might find yourself looking at your feet for a little while longer than usual. I had this style with me on a cruise and it looked great with every swimsuit and beach dress I brought. Major inspo.
Royal Blue with a Crown Jewel
There’s something unapologetically luxe about this deep sapphire shade. It’s flashy, has a shiny finish and the crystal feels like a ring on your toe—but you don’t have to commit. This is a show-stopping summer toe nails blue look that blends simplicity with elegance, and it’s perfect if you’re feeling a little extra but still want to keep things minimal.
You can find this gel color under the names “Butler Please” by Essie or “Biker Babe” by Lights Lacquer. The gem? You could try a marquise-cut flatback crystal, as Swarovski and Daily Charme make excellent nail accessories.
Apply the gem to your nails after the top coat has dried, using nail glue or a builder gel and then seal the area. It’s easy to wear and adds a touch of luxury to any open-toe sandal outfit.
Nautical Pop Art
Let’s talk contrast! You get a crisp white background with vertical blue stripes on the big toe and punchy pink and navy around it which makes the shoes ideal for the boardwalk. It’s a fresh twist on colors french tips, but it’s a lot more exciting. I like that the bold colors and designs stop the look from being too preppy.
Begin by using “White Out” from ORLY and then add stripes in royal blue with a DND nail art brush. Use “Bubblegum Pink” on the smallest toes and navy for the rest.
Getting the stripes to match exactly takes some time, but it’s definitely worth it. This is a great summer nail color to wear with denim shorts and a button-down that’s tied at the waist.
Lavender Galaxy Speckle
This swirl of lilac and black looks just like a galaxy from another world. The color goes from light lavender to a richer purple in a buttery way and the flecks give the finish some texture without being too much. It’s moody, it’s magical, and it’s a softer take on colors 2025 that don’t shout, but still speak volumes.
You can use a micro-dotting tool with black polish to add flecks to your nails, starting with ILNP’s “Lilac Bridges” color. A top coat of jelly helps hold your nail art together and seal it.
It just feels like you’re in the know about fashion, but you’re not trying too hard. I chose a lilac maxi dress and felt just like I should be on a Pinterest board.
Fresh Lime Minimalism
This shade isn’t for everyone, but it’s the bold green that should be part of any summer nail ideas for 2025. Lime is a bright color, but not neon and it has a juicy touch that makes it seem crisp and clean. It’s a bold solid color moment, and I’m obsessed.
You can use “That’s Shore Bright” by China Glaze or “Key Lime” from Le Mini Macaron. You don’t need a special design—just make sure the nails are smooth, have squared tips and shine brightly.
It’s perfect for anyone who wants their tan skin to stand out. It’s unexpected, zesty, and weirdly chic with all-white outfits.
Tangerine Shine with a Hint of Sparkle
This orange gives the space a feeling of sunset, citrus and bold beach energy all together. The little silver chrome at the base gives off a shimmer that seems like a wink. It’s a fun way to celebrate summer, with pedicures that are bright but still look good on your toes.
Apply “Mimosa for Mr. & Mrs.” by OPI and then use silver chrome pigment or metallic glitter at the base. Simply dab the area with a sponge and finish it off with topcoat to get the soft fade.
I can almost taste an Aperol spritz while looking at this one. I honestly think it’s the kind of pedi that can make your feet look as if you’ve been in the sun all week, even if you haven’t.
Daisy Daydream
Summer dreams are made of moments like this lovely flower. A sweet bloom of white daisies topped by yellow centers appears on a soft blue background, making it the nicest tribute to wildflower fields in the sunlight. This style is lighthearted, modern and you can wear it every day. If you like feminine looks that aren’t too much, it’s a great summer nail idea for 2025.
The best way to do this is to use “Rainy Days” by Olive & June as your foundation. You can use a dotting tool and white and yellow gel paints to paint the daisies—Tiny Canvas and The GelBottle have wonderful gel paints for nail art.
I prefer to wear this kind of floral with espadrilles or tan sandals. It feels like you’re packing for a weekend at the farmer’s market or a date with a book and blanket.
Iced Mocha Minimalism
If you’ve never tried brown nails for summer, this gorgeous espresso-chocolate shade might convince you. It is stylish, looks great on tanned skin and gives a fun new look to all the usual bright and pastel colors. This is the neutral girl’s power move in 2025.
If you want a gel that won’t chip for a while, use “Over The Taupe” by OPI or “Espresso Yourself” by Essie. Just a clear shape and shiny finish are all that’s needed to make this piece stand out.
Sometimes, less really is more. And this is the perfect solid color pick when you’re craving something a bit more grounded after a season of brights and sparkle.
Rainbow Micro Stripes
Feeling bold? The colorful stripes here give this look a lot of energy and excitement. It gives every toe a thin and neat row of red, yellow, blue and pink, just like a fashionable candy cane. It’s cheerful, graphic, and totally Instagram-worthy.
You’ll need a striping brush and some gel liners for this look. Choose fun and vibrant colors from Beetles Gel Polish’s “Primary Pack” or Kokoist’s Art Color Series.
I wore something just like this for Pride weekend last year and everyone had something to say about it. If you’re after colors that make your feet the star—this is the choice.
Turquoise Coastline
Let’s give a round of applause to the perfect summer toe nails blue—a beautiful turquoise that reminds us of the ocean. It’s not too bright, not too cool and the color itself can give your style a fresh new look. Imagine the same feeling as Santorini’s rooftops, pool tiles and salty skin.
Both “Turquoise & Caicos” by Essie and “Blue My Mind” by Sally Hansen Miracle Gel give your nails a strong aquatic look. No need to overdo it—just let the color shine.
I reach for turquoise every year. It’s that staple summer toe nails colors tone that never goes out of style and always makes you feel one step closer to vacation.
Royal Plum with Gold Flakes
Dark and juicy, this plum purple shade is everything. But what takes it up a notch? There were tiny, random pieces of gold leaf on my nails. It’s luxurious, sophisticated and a fun way to mix drama and luxury in your toenail colors. A perfect choice for summer nights, rooftop meals and showing off your feet.
I usually pick “Berry Naughty” by Essie or “Plum Luck” from CND Shellac. You can use foil flakes from Daily Charme or simply press gilded paper into the topcoat for the gold.
It makes me feel evening-perfect, when I wear metallic sandals and an anklet. If you’re tired of pinks and bright colors but want something that catches attention, she’s the one for you.
Modern Safari White
White nails are always classic, but adding animal print makes them look very cool. In this case, the base is white, the leopard spots are black and mustard yellow and the result is both wild and classy. It’s the same as if your favorite cotton dress became a little more street-style chic.
Use “Blanc” by Essie for your base. After that, use a dotting tool or a small brush to paint oblong spots that are a mix of black and mustard, as in the “Sunflower” nail polish by Zoya. Use black to outline each spot for a neat safari look.
I call it the best hybrid because it’s perfect for a work trip and can also stand out during a girls’ weekend.
