The majority of the year, my toes are outfitted in the simplest of hues: Black, white, cream, and neutral, with the occasional bright red around the holidays. I go in knowing exactly what I want because, well, I'm a beauty editor who can spot every summer nail trend from a mile away. "I like the classics," I tell my nail tech as I choose the same basic neutral for the sixth appointment in a row. But there's one time of year and one place I'm willing to change things up, and that is always with my summer pedicure colors.
In summer, my world opens up a bit, and suddenly my toes are begging for a coating of vivid pinks, juicy reds, and breezy blues. I mean, they've been caged in sneakers and boots for the last six months—I don't blame 'em for wanting to show off! In 2025, I'm looking forward to a host of new trends, from what experts are calling "dill green" to creamy neutrals with a twist. Keep scrolling for all of my picks:
1. Peach Jelly
Cirque Colors Jelly Nail Polish
Manucurist Active Glow Raspberry Nail Polish
Currently on my toes rn is a sheer wash of this bright coral shade. It gives a watercolor effect to your toes that usually would only be reserved for your fingers. FYI: You can mix in a few drops of your go-to top coat to help sheer out the color if you choose a non-jelly polish.
2. Butter Yellow
Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Nail Polish
Lakur Nail Polish
I'm willing to bet you already know about butter yellow nails and their massive takeover for summer. But have you tried it on your toes? It's a step away from a usual white or cream, with the same level of brightness, but just a teensy bit of yellow for a sunshine twist.
3. Turquoise Waters
Nails Inc. 45 Second Speedy Gloss Quick Drying Nail Polish
OPI RapiDry Quick Dry Nail Polish
Want your toes to blend in with the ocean water? Try this aquamarine shade. It's already one of the hottest summer makeup trends and really plays into the fisherman-core vibes we're seeing in fashion and beauty.
4. Poppy
Duri Nail Polish
Your toenails deserve to get a lil sunkissed too! Although it was quick, the return of Essie's popular-but-discontinued "Clambake" shade ignited a revival for the fiery, orange-based red manicure. It's sadly already sold out again (pls, Essie, we're begging you to make this permanent again), but dw, I found some similar hues you can shop above.
5. Bright White
JinSoon Absolute White
Chillhouse Forever Wear Nail Polish
For the nail minimalists, a stark white pedicure feels so chic and elegant, no matter what sandals you pair it with. It complements every skin tone too, meaning you won't be sitting in the salon staring at your feet wondering if you chose the wrong color after your pedi. If you wanna feel even more bougie, though, try French tips with this bright white shade, which is expected to be one of the biggest summer pedicure trends.
6. Dill Green
Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour
Painting your toes the color of pickles feels a bit strange, but trust: It looks super good (I can attest, I wore it on a trip last week and got so many compliments). We'll be seeing this tangy, yellow-toned bright-green shade in fashion and homewares, according to Pinterest's 2025 trend report, so why not put it on your toes as a headstart?
7. Orangeade
Aperol Spritz this, Hugo Spritz that—when are we gonna make a boozy orangeade the "it" drink of summer? I'll keep campaigning, but for now, I guess I'll just wear the bold, juicy, pure orange color all over my toenails (and fingers, let's be real).
8. Blue Skies
Dear Sundays No.45
Olive & June Long Lasting Polish
Light-blue nails have been at the top of our trend lists for the last few summers, and it's not going anywhere this year. Go with a sky shade for summer 2025—it's more striking than the "blueberry milk nails" of the past, so it really screams beach getaways and pool days.
9. Powder Pink
Le Mini Macaron Le Mini Macaron Le Sweet Nail Polish Collection
If you're looking at all of these punchy shades above and feeling a bit overwhelmed, walk on over to the calm, sensible side of things with this twist on the classic "Ballerina" pink nail color. Powder pink is more opaque but still feels soft and romantic.
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Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with seven years of experience researching, writing, and editing skincare stories that range from natural nail designs to Japanese gel nails.
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.
