Intriguing Toes: A Journey Through Summer Pedicure Designs 25 Ideas

Now that the sun is taking its throne in the sky again, are our toenails getting the attention they deserve? Can simple yet striking designs for summer pedicures reflect our summer feeling? This season it’s all about the toes. Whether they’re sinking into golden sand or peeking out of open-toed sandals, let’s see how you can give your feet the vibrant makeover they’re craving in 2025.

The timeless appeal of simple elegance

In the dazzling dance of summer pedicure designs, simplicity often leads the waltz. The pristine white paintwork exudes a minimalist charm that is both timeless and trendy.

Professional insight: The elegance of a white pedicure lies in its versatility. The clean, white polish serves as a canvas, making the toenails a focal point without being overwhelming. It is fresh, bright and embodies the brightness of summer.

• Consumables needed:
  • High-quality white gel polish (e.g. OPI Alpine Snow)
  • UV or LED curing lamp
  • Top coat for a glossy finish (e.g. Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)

I find that a glossy top coat not only seals the deal, but also adds an extra layer of protection against the summer elements. Choosing a white gel polish like OPI’s Alpine Snow can complement any skin tone and add a touch of simple sophistication to your look.

1. Start with a clean, prepared nail.
2. Apply a thin layer of your chosen white gel polish and cure under a lamp for the recommended time.
3. Seal with a top coat and re-cure for durability and shine.

A blossom of elegance: blue serenity and floral grace

Amid the heat of summer, toenails become the unexpected canvas for an enchanting story: one where flowers bloom in serene blue hues and the whisper of petals arises.

Professional Insight: This delicate display features blue as its hero, balanced with the soft touch of painted flowers. It’s not just a pedicure; it is a declaration of grace. Perfect for a summer evening or a casual walk on the beach, these toenails are a wearable work of art.

• Consumables needed:
  • Pastel blue nail polish (e.g. Essie Bikini So Teeny)
  • Fine detail brush for flowers
  • Acrylic paint for floral art
  • Clear top coat for a durable finish (e.g. INM Out The Door)

The fun of this design is in the details: the fine lines that form each petal. Using acrylic paint gives you the precision needed for these miniature masterpieces.

1. Apply a base coat and two coats of your pastel blue nail polish and let each coat dry.
2. Dip your detail brush in acrylic paint and sketch the floral design onto the big toenail.
3. Finish with a clear top coat to seal your miniature artwork.

Gilded simplicity: a touch of glamour

The golden kiss of the sun immortalized on your toes; brings together the simplicity of yellow nail polish and the opulence of gold leaf in an alchemy of summer pedicure designs.

Professional insight: This pedicure balances the easy, laid-back vibe of summer with a touch of bling. The gold leaf accent creates a focal point, making it a versatile choice that works with both slides and stilettos.

• Consumables needed:
  • Light yellow nail polish (e.g. China Glaze Lemon Fizz)
  • Gold leaf gold leaf
  • Gold leaf glue (optional, depending on application method)
  • High gloss gel top coat for a glossy finish

Using gold leaf is a bold move that pays off by simply turning into luxury. It’s about adding that touch of luxury without going overboard.

1. Paint your nails with the chosen yellow shade and wait for it to dry.
2. Apply gold leaf to the accent nail, using the glue or tack from the second coat of nail polish.
3. Seal everything with a gel top coat for a shiny and protective finish.

Emerald Dreams: the lushness of summer

A nod to the season’s green landscapes, it showcases the depth and drama of green nail polish – a true reflection of summer pedicure designs that speak to nature’s palette.

Professional insight: The luxurious greenery in this design takes you back to the heart of summer: lush, vibrant and full of life. It’s a bold choice, unafraid to stand out and attract attention, and embodies the fearless spirit of the season.

• Consumables needed:
  • Deep green nail polish (e.g. OPI Amazon…Amazoff)
  • Reinforcing base layer
  • Quick-drying top coat for a quick finish (e.g. Sally Hansen Insta-Dri)

Opting for a strong, deep green color can transform the feet into a statement piece, perfect for those who embrace the essence of summer.

1. Start with a base coat to protect your toenails.
2. Apply two coats of green polish, allowing it to dry between coats.
3. Finish with a quick-drying top coat to keep everything in place as you continue your summer adventures.

Cobalt Cool: a dive into Deep Blue

Captures the essence of the ocean’s depths with a bold blue polish that’s as limitless as the summer sky itself – a testament to the daring side of summer pedicure designs.

Professional insight: This is about making a splash with confidence. The electric blue on these toenails is a vibrant choice for the individual who carries the coolness of the ocean with them wherever they go. It’s for the bold, the adventurous, the ones who leave a ripple of awe in their wake.

• Consumables needed:
  • Electric cobalt blue nail polish (e.g. Essie Butler Please)
  • Durable base layer
  • Top coat with UV protection (e.g. CND Vinylux Weekly Top Coat) to prevent color fading due to the sun.

Blue is a statement in itself; a bold color that can carry the entire look. When you choose a shade like cobalt, you’re choosing a pedicure as deep and captivating as a summer’s midnight sky.

1. Protect your nails with a base coat to ensure your blue nail polish pops.
2. Apply two coats of cobalt blue polish and let them dry thoroughly.
3. Seal it with a UV protective top coat to maintain the vibrancy of the blue, both in the sea and in the pool.

The contrast of monochrome magic

We discover a daring interplay between the timeless duo of black and white. This bold zebra design is nothing short of a graphic wonder for those who appreciate a chic and bold take on summer pedicure designs.

Professional insight: the strong contrast not only attracts attention, but also matches beautifully with every color in your summer wardrobe. This pedicure exudes confidence and a certain daring, perfect for summer evenings.

• Consumables needed:
  • Jet black gel polish (e.g. Gelish Black Shadow)
  • Pure white gel polish (e.g. Gelish Arctic Freeze)
  • Detailing of a nail art brush
  • Matte top coat for a contemporary finish (e.g. OPI Matte Top Coat)

The beauty of this design lies in the precise strokes, which capture the wild essence of the zebra print with elegance and easy flair.

1. Apply a base coat and then two coats of white gel polish as a background, curing between coats.
2. Use the detail brush to hand paint the black zebra stripes; embrace the imperfections because they contribute to authenticity.
3. Finish with a matte top coat for a modern twist, cure and you’re good to go.

Whispering Tides: A Sea-Inspired Fantasy

Takes us to the soothing tides with its seafoam green and delicate patterns, evoking images of gentle waves and sandy beaches – an ideal story for toenails and beach nails.

Professional insight: This pedicure is a poetic ode to the sea. The use of teal and white suggests the frothy side of sea waves caressing the sand, while the stamped patterns speak of marine flora.

• Consumables needed:
  • Seafoam blue-green gel polish (e.g. CND Shellac Aqua-intance)
  • Stamping plate with marine patterns
  • White stamping polish
  • High gloss gel top coat to seal the design

The tranquility of this design is its strength, providing a peaceful yet chic statement to the eye of the observer.

1. Apply your seafoam teal polish as a base color and cure.
2. Use the stamping plate and white nail polish to transfer the marine patterns onto the nail.
3. Seal with a top coat for a long life and a beautiful, glossy shine.

Pastel colored dreams and butterfly wings

The delicate dance of butterflies against a canvas of soft pastels in ‘8.jpg’ is a dreamy addition to toenail art ideas, reminiscent of a serene summer meadow.

Professional insight: This design adds a playful touch to your toes, with pastel shades of pink, yellow and white creating a harmonious blend. The butterfly accents add a touch of enchanting cuteness, perfect for relaxing park walks.

• Consumables needed:
  • Pastel pink and yellow nail polish (e.g. Essie Romper Room and OPI Exotic Birds Do Not Tweet)
  • Nail stickers with butterflies
  • Iridescent glitter topcoat for a magical sparkle

Subtlety is at the heart of this design as it captures the ethereal beauty of butterflies with a soft and easy charm.

1. Paint each toenail alternately pastel pink and yellow.
2. Apply the butterfly stickers to the big toenails.
3. Complete the look with an iridescent glitter top coat for a touch of sparkle.

Beautiful in pink

As a professional manicurist, I must say that the signature pink captures the essence of summer toenails. The uniformity of the cotton candy’s hue, a lovely bright color, is not only cute; it’s a full concert. With each nail carefully coated, its simplicity speaks volumes, offering a simple yet polished look that is always in style.

Consumables needed

• Base Coat: Choose a sticky self-adhesive base to ensure longevity.
• Pink Nail Polish: Choose a gel formula like OPI’s Bubble Bath for a glossy, long-lasting finish.
• Top Coat: A high-shine gel top coat seals in color and adds a candy-like shine.

DIY instructions

1. Start with a clean, polished nail. Apply your base coat and cure under a UV lamp if using gel.
2. Apply two coats of your chosen pink polish and cure after each coat.
3. Finish with a high gloss top coat for a durable, glossy finish and cure. Remember, the key is thin, even layers!

Tropical palm paradise

When it comes to summer pedicure designs, nothing says a tropical getaway more than a palm leaf stencil adorning your toes. The green and white pattern on a background of deep blue-green testifies to this summer’s affinity with nature-inspired motifs.

• Professional Opinion: The sharp contrast between the crisp white designs and the rich teal embodies the spirit of lush rainforests and serene beaches. It’s a sophisticated take on beach nails for toenails that combines the easy vibe of summer with a touch of exotic sophistication.
• Materials list:
  • Basecoat: Ocean Teal (Gel)
  • Template: Palm Leaf Paradise
  • Accent paint: Pure White (Gel)
  • Topcoat: Seashell Gloss

DIY guide: Start with two coats of Ocean Teal Gel for a rich base. Once dry, apply the Palm Leaf stencil firmly to the nail. Dab Pure White Gel polish onto the stencil and gently remove to reveal your design. Seal with Seashell Gloss top coat for durability during summer adventures.

Teal Rust

As a professional manicurist, I can attest that teal is the whisper of the ocean captured on your toes. In this design, the soothing shade of teal blends with the gentle embrace of the summer breeze. The balance of sophistication and playfulness makes it a perfect fit for toenails, especially when they’re peeking out from your favorite sandals.

• OPI Nail Polish in “Teal the Cows Come Home”
• Seche Vite dry fast top coat
• Rhinestones (optional) for that extra bling

To recreate this serene oceanic effect, start with a clean, shaped toenail. Apply a base coat, followed by two coats of your teal nail polish. For longer life, finish with a top coat. If you fancy a sparkle reminiscent of sunlight dancing on water, add a rhinestone accent.

Geometric glamour

There’s something inherently sophisticated about geometric patterns, and this toenail art idea is no exception. Bold pink provides the canvas for a network of white lines that intrigue the eye. It is a design that speaks of precision, control and a touch of avant-garde: a fantastic choice for a summer pedicure.

• Zoya nail polish in “Mae” for the base
• White nail art striping tape for precision lines
• A glossy top coat to seal the design

The pink base must be flawless; apply two coats for coverage. Then use striping tape to map out the geometric pattern. Paint over with white and carefully remove the tape before the paint dries. Finish with a top coat for a dazzling effect.

Cow print whimsy

The playful cow print is unexpectedly chic and contrasts black and white with the pink hue. It’s a simple toenail design with a twist, featuring an animal pattern that’s both cute and conversation starter.

• ORLY Bonder rubber base layer
• Black and white polishes for the cow print
• A detail brush to create the spots freehand

After your base coat, apply a pink polish. Then dip your detail brush in black polish to add cow spots in different sizes. Use white to add dimension. Finish with a top coat for a design that is both durable and cute.

Green Verve

Lush greenery takes center stage in this vibrant beach toenail design, mimicking the fresh foliage of summer. The yellow flower on the big toe adds a floral burst, creating a focal point that is fresh and full of life.

• Essie nail polish in “Off Tropic”
• Small yellow rhinestones for the flower center
• Green and yellow polish for the petals

Paint your toenails deep green. For the accent nail, create a yellow bloom with nail polish and add a rhinestone in the center. A thin brush can help with petal details. Finish it off with a high-gloss top coat.

Boho chic

White toenails set the stage for an intricate bohemian design, which exuded a simple, beautiful free spirit. The pattern on the big toe is inspired by world styles, while the white background provides a bright contrast, perfect for summer toenail themes.

• Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear in “White On”
• Acrylic paint for the detailed design
• A fine brush to apply the complicated patterns

Start with two coats of white polish. Create the design on the big toe with acrylic paint; thin brushes help with precision. You may need a steady hand, but the result is a personalized work of art.

Oceanic waves

Dive into the deep blue with this pedicure that reflects the ebb and flow of ocean waves. The wave-like pattern on the big toenail, accentuated against the white, shows a mastery of nail art, ideal for anyone who wants to bring a bit of the sea to their toenail art ideas.

• OPI Nail Polish in “Tile art to warm your heart”
• White nail polish for the base of the wave design
• A detail brush to create the wave effect

Paint everything except the big toenail in striking blue. For the feature nail, apply white nail polish as a base and then paint blue waves with your detail brush. A top coat adds shine and protection to your mini maritime mural.

Pristine whites

A classic white toenail never goes out of style. This sleek and fresh look adds a simple elegance to any summer outfit. The glossy finish reflects the sun’s rays and provides cooling on hot summer days.

• OPI Nail Polish in “Alpine Snow”
• A high-quality base coat for a smooth canvas
• Gloss top coat for a protective, glossy finish

Apply the base coat and then apply two coats of “Alpine Snow” for a rich white result. A top coat gives that glassy summer shine that lasts a long time. This look is an easy choice for a polished finish.

Classic with a twist

This pedicure design takes the traditional French point to the next level with a blue band and a touch of bling, adding a modern twist to a timeless classic. It’s an exquisite blend of sophistication and fun, making it perfect for both a casual day out and an elegant evening affair.

• Essie nail polish in “Ballet Slippers” for the base
• OPI Nail Lacquer in “Blue My Mind” for the tip
• Small rhinestones for accent

Now that the sun is taking its throne in the sky again, are our toenails getting the attention they deserve? Can simple yet striking designs for summer pedicures reflect our summer feeling? This season it’s all about the toes. Whether they’re sinking into golden sand or peeking out of open-toed sandals, let’s see how you can give your feet the vibrant makeover they’re craving in 2025.

Geometric sparkle

This design combines the allure of glitter with the sharpness of geometric lines, topped with rhinestone accents. It’s a chic yet easy pedicure that brings glitz and glamor to your toes without overwhelming them.

• China Glaze in “Fairy Dust” for the glitter
• Nail art tape for precise lines
• Rhinestones to take the look to the next level

After your base, apply “Fairy Dust” to selected nails. Use tape for geometric precision and add stones for that luxurious feel. This mix of sparkle and structure is sure to dazzle.

Sunny delicacies

This sunny yellow design is bursting with energy and is accented with delicate leaf-like patterns, embodying the vibrancy of summer. It is a cheerful, cute and bright color pedicure that will definitely cheer you up.

• Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in “Lightning”
• Black nail art pen for the leaf motif
• A top coat to seal the art

Apply two coats of “Lightning” for a spicy yellow base. Draw the leaf pattern with a nail art pen and then apply a top coat. This pedicure is like a slice of summer on your toes, ready for any toenail-beach nail adventure.

Tropical escape

This bold and bright color design combines vibrant yellow with deep jungle green, transporting you straight to a tropical paradise. It’s the ultimate beach nail look for toenails that’s both chic and easy to remove, with a touch of mystery in the dark palm leaf accents.

• Sinful colors in ‘Let’s Meet’
• Dark green and black paint for the leaves
• A thin brush or nail art pen for detail work

Coat your toenails with “Let’s Meet” to get that radiant yellow. Use the thin brush to paint palm leaves on the accent nails, mixing in some black for depth. Finish with a top coat to ensure your tropical toes remain pristine.

Neo-French flair

Revitalizing the French tip with neon pink, this design is a fresh twist on the classic, ideal for summer toenails. It’s a simple yet striking look that’s playful yet polished, suitable for any summer adventure, whether city exploring or lounging by the sea.

• Essie nail polish in “Blanc” for the base
• China Glaze in “Pool Party” for the neon pink tips
• A protective top layer for long-term use

Start with “Blanc” as a base for a sleek look. Gently apply “Pool Party” to the ends and finish with a top coat for a vibrant and long-lasting toenail art idea.

Sparkling seascape

Dive into the depths of the ocean with this blue pedicure design that sparkles like sunlight hitting the waves. It’s a glittery look that captures the essence of summer by the sea, perfect for anyone looking to add some sparkle to their feet.

• Base coat for nail protection
• Blue glitter polish, preferably with different sizes of glitter for depth
• A final top coat to retain the sparkle

To achieve this mesmerizing look, start with a protective base coat. Then apply the blue glitter polish until you reach the desired shine level. Finish with a top coat to ensure your glittering oceanic nails last as long as your summer adventures.

Wild for Fuchsia

Embrace the wild side with this electric fuchsia pedicure, decorated with a zebra pattern that screams cheerful and flirty. This summer pedicure design isn’t just a pop of color, it’s a roar of style.

• Clear fuchsia polish for the base
• White paint for the zebra pattern
• A fine detail brush or nail art pen

Paint your nails with the fuchsia base. Once dry, use a fine brush to draw on the white zebra stripes. Each nail becomes a mini canvas for your wild artistry, and a top coat seals your safari adventure.

Pastel colored party

This sweet, simple design features a pastel pink base with a glitter party on the big toe. It is a perfect match for people who want to add a touch of sparkle to the simple look of their toenails, and who embody both innocence and playfulness.

• Pastel pink polish for the base
• Multi-colored glitter polish for accent
• A glossy top layer to encapsulate the glitter

Start with a pastel pink nail polish as a base. Add a touch of multicolored glitter polish to the big toe for a festive touch. A top coat gives a smooth finish, making your toes a party in itself.