Summer is officially here, which means sandal and flip-flop season is in full swing and our feet are getting a moment in the spotlight. And while temperatures rise and open-toe shoes become part of the daily uniform, there’s no better time to refresh your pedicure. So, while you’re choosing your go-to summer manicure, you may also be looking for a trending toe polish color to carry you through the season.

This July, pedicure trends are embracing a softer color palette. Nail artists and salon experts alike are seeing a continued shift toward understated shades that deliver a clean and versatile look. Natural hues are once again proving to be a staple for anyone who prefers an effortlessly chic finish that’s easy to wear every day and with any outfit. Think creamy whites, sheer nudes, and delicate pinks that enhance the natural nail while creating a minimalist effect that pairs seamlessly with any summer style (and hides chipping more easily than a deep shade).

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Trending colors for summer pedicures

This season, there are three color ranges gaining ground over the rest.

  • Soft pinks are positioned as one of the big favorites. Soapy colors and neutrals bring a feminine and fresh touch that fits perfectly with light dresses and linen outfits this time of year.
  • The whites, which elongate and complement the feet by highlighting a tan, remain one of the most requested shades every summer.
  • And of course, reds remain a timeless must-have for those who don’t want to fully lean into a soft polish. Intense, elegant, and always flattering, they continue to set trends season after season.

Milky White

A rising trend in pedicures is pure, clean, and radiant white. But for those who want a creamier and more understated finish, manicurists recommend a new version: milky white, with a slightly sheer finish. Elegant and delicate, it looks super feminine and flattering, and goes with any sandal or heel.

wellgroomed feet with white nail polish
Pinterest / /WhoWhatWear

Naked Nails

Inspired by the “second skin” effect, nude shades blend with the skin’s natural tone and enhance its beauty. For those who are always swimming or are constantly barefoot during the summer, these shades better disguise natural wear than other darker or more vibrant colors that can reveal chipping more easily.

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Baby Pink

Thanks to its optical effect of healthy, clean, and well-groomed nails, this type of pedicure becomes the most flattering and long-lasting option for the entire summer. A light pink shade adds a chic finish that fits perfectly for summer, no matter the occasion.

closeup of wellgroomed feet with light pink nail polish
Pinterest / irinabalari83

French Tips

The most classic French manicure is also finding its place on toenails this year. It’s painted on a neutral pink base, over which a small, thin white line is painted on the tip of the nail. This pedicure is, summer after summer, the classic that never fails and is constantly requested in salons.

feet wearing red opentoed sandals with neatly manicured nails
Pinterest / brinleemonettee

Cherry Red

Red is a classic color that attracts attention without going out of style. On the feet, it flatters everything from very fair to deep skin tones. It goes well with both casual sandals and more elegant footwear, and it also tends to convey confidence and passion. What more could you ask for in a polish?

pedicura roja
Pinterest / oooldmoney
Headshot of Cristina Cañedo
Cristina is a beauty and lifestyle writer at Cosmopolitan. With more than five years of experience in digital magazines, she loves to write both about makeup trends, hairstyles, skincare products and celebrity 'looks' as well as culture and 'lifestyle', in the broadest sense of the word: you'll see her signing articles about books or music, but also about games, phrases for all kinds of occasions or even dreams, a topic that has captured a lot of her interest for a long time. Cristina graduated in Journalism and Audiovisual Communication from Carlos III University in 2017 and since then she has not stopped writing about everything she is passionate about. Before landing at Cosmopolitan, she did an internship in several local media and worked in the editorial offices of Enfeminine, Mia and Marie Claire, where she has also published articles and reports on fashion, beauty and culture. She currently combines her work as a 'freelance' writer with another of her great passions, musical photography. If you are not writing in front of the computer or looking for inspiration for your songs, you can surely find the camera in your hand, in the front row of any concert in Madrid.