You Can’t Go Wrong With One of These Timeless Pedicure Colors
Looks good with every outfit, every season.
One day in middle school, I emerged from my bedroom with a fresh DIY pedicure. But upon seeing my bright-green toes, my mom protested. “It looks like you have a fungus,” she said, unknowingly inhabiting my brain for two decades, leading me to opt exclusively for classic pedicure colors. Ever since, I’ve stuck with the basics. Creamy whites, vivid reds, and, of course, clean French tips—my toenails aren’t exactly a fashion statement, but they always flatter whatever I’m wearing, no matter the season.
At this point, I have an arsenal of go-to nail polish shades that I always ask for at the salon. This makes the decision-making process quick and easy, so I’m never wavering between all the options, entirely unsure what to pick. Want a few more ideas for your next pedi? Try one of these simple colors that go with everything.
French Tips
A French manicure will always look chic, whether it’s on your fingers or toes. But it’s especially sexy on the toes, IMO. Getting a clean line might be a bit difficult to DIY, but not impossible. Just paint a sheer pink or beige base, then top it off with a white tip that follows the natural line of your toenails. I love it here with a square shape (so chic, especially with open-toed shoes), but a squoval or rounded nail is equally as stunning.
Red
Red will never go out of style, especially in this ultra-bright, tomato-esque shade. If you want your toenails to stand out while you’re wearing sandals or peep-toe heels, a bold red always makes a statement. But it’s not so neon that it detracts from your outfit or clashes with anything else you’re wearing. Plus, there’s a red for everyone (the same goes for red lipstick, you know?).
Black
Although a black manicure used to signal an emo phase, it looks chic, edgy, and elevated now, especially on your toes. The key is opting for something ultra shiny and opaque. Paint two coats (or more) to get a strong, streak-free color, then layer on a shiny top coat.
Blush Pink
Take it from Kylie Jenner: A light-pink pedicure looks so cute. It’s neutral enough that it works with any color you’re wearing, but it still adds a lil something. I love this color paired with kitten heels for a Y2K vibe. Plus, as it grows out or chips, it’ll blend with your natural nail and won’t look too obvious.
Clear
Although not exactly a color, a clear coat on your toes will instantly make them look more put-together than a bare nail. I love opting for a sheer manicure style or going in with a nail strengthener, like Manucurist Active polishes. These will give your nail a teeny tint, smooth any ridges, and help reduce chips and breaking.
White
White nail polish looks good on every single skin tone, always. It’s a fail-safe for a reason. When in doubt, I always go for a bright white. Just make sure to paint on enough coats to fully cover your nail or else you might get a streaky or sheer look.
Navy
If you like the idea of a colored toe but are worried you’ll get sick of it quickly, try a deep navy. Not quite black but still edgy, a navy polish on your toes is a nod to color without the overwhelm.
Sky Blue
The most out-there color I’ll wear on my toes is a soft sky blue. It’s cute for summer (and beyond), but it also doesn’t feel dated or too trendy.
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Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with eight years of experience researching, writing, and editing hair, makeup, nail, and fragrance stories.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months.
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