When the weather starts to warm, beach days aren’t such a distant thought, and sandal season gets soft-launched with a peep-toe or two. Sure, Succession has been off the air for almost two years now (miss ya, Greg), but the words of Kendall Roy will ring eternal: “Sails out, nails out!” “Your toes are kind of your secret flex in the summer,” says Aja Walton, a manicurist and Essie ambassador. “You're showing them off in sandals and poolside ’fits, so you can be more adventurous. Toes are where I go bold. They are low-stakes, high-reward, so you can get away with brighter shades and longer wear.” The question is, how bold are you willing to go? We asked the pros to give us the down-low on the color trends they’re expecting to see on toes this summer. From bright neon tones to creamy pastels that flatter a sun-kissed finish, there’s something everyone will love—even the French manicure’s fiercest defenders. Keep reading to find out the nine pedicure colors you’ll see everyone wearing come sandal season.
1.) Ocean Blue
During the summer, calming shades of blue may as well be considered neutral given how frequently the color naturally appears in warm-weather activities—cloudless skies, pristine seas, blue-raspberry snow cones—not to mention how effortlessly blues pair with any look. “Ocean blue gives serene, mermaid vibes,” nail artist Elle Gerstein says. “It’s a universal color, and the core of what summer feels like.”
2.) Sunset Coral
There’s one big reason coral is a classic summer color: It looks great on literally everyone. The perfect happy-medium between warm pink and orange flatters all skin tones, and plays nicely with maximalist and minimalist wardrobes alike. “It’s a really bright color that draws instant attention and pairs well with a tan, channeling tropical beaches and sunsets,” says Gerstein. “For some, it’s not bold enough to wear on hands, but it’s always a perfect toe.”
3.) Mint Mojito
Want to put a twist on that classic summer-white lacquer? Opt for a mint mojito polish, a pale hue that throws St. Tropez vibes, but with an extra shot of flirty energy against a warm-weather glow. “This soft, pastel green feels refreshing and modern,” says Lily Nguyen, a manicurist and founder of Labo Beauté Salon in Los Angeles. “It’s perfect for beach days and summer brunches.”
4.) Icy Lavender
Like mint mojito, icy lavender provides an alternate option to contrast your summer glow if you want something with a soft, lover-girl vibe. “Icy lavender is a pastel that feels very ethereal and coquette,” says Walton. “Soft tones speak to a gentler, more romantic side of beauty and fashion that’s trending right now, and lavender feels right at home with that aesthetic.”
5.) Neon Pink
When you want your pedi to be the center of attention, a shade like neon pink makes a confident statement. “It’s a bold, juicy color,” says Thea Green, founder of Nails.Inc. “Toes can handle bolder colors since they’re a smaller focal point, and brights feel playful and vibrant, mirroring that summer energy.”
6.) Cherry Red
Whether you’re aligning with one of the countless fruit-inspired TikTok aesthetics (strawberry girl, cherry girl, tomato girl, etc.) or want to pay homage to Pamela Anderson’s Baywatch one-piece, cherry red is the perfect color for doing so. “It’s timeless and a summer staple,” Green says. Heat things up with a true opaque crimson like Manucurist’s Poppy Red or add some shimmer with Ring the Alarm by OPI. “Colors like Paintbox’s Like Desire just scream summer,” adds nail artist Sarah Chue. “It’s bright and cheerful, perfect for the pool, beach, on vacation, in sandals, or your favorite dress—you name it!”
7.) Butter Yellow
Butter yellow is soft, but she’s certainly not shy, always adding some flash to your toes. This shade, Walton says, playfully leans into the quiet luxury trend. Gucci’s Cecilia Ivory and L.04 by Sundays are classic (and classy!) crème-finish formulas, while Dior’s Lemon Glow has a subtle shimmer finish that has us dreaming of the Amalfi Coast.
8.) Sheer Mandarin
Jelly nails have had a serious moment over the last year. Walton compares the formula to lip gloss, but for your toes, because it creates a hydrated, glossy effect. When combined with a quintessential warm-weather hue like citrus orange, the trend gets an extra summery twist. “Think of the inside of a mandarin orange,” says Lia J. Smith, a manicurist and OPI brand education manager, who adds that a jelly texture can give the color a “beautiful, translucent look.”
9.) The French Pedi
It’s not technically a color, but it would be remiss not to mention that the French pedicure is back—whether you like it or not. “It's classic!” says Chue. “Those bright white tips are just fitting for the season and pair perfectly with literally anything.” Carmela Soprano would agree.
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