The sun has emerged, and so have our toes. Some people are always prepared for a change of season, sticking to regular pedi appointments. But for those of us whose feet still need a little attention after a long winter, we’ve compiled a guide to the most flattering summer pedicure colors–from bright and bold to neutral and deep.
The trick, says nail content creator and The Gel Bottle ambassador Nicole Marien, is to never skimp on prep. “Neat cuticle work, smooth shaping, and a clean nail plate make all the difference,” she explains to British Vogue. “That’s what gives that flawless, long-lasting look.”
Harriet Westmoreland / @harrietwestmoreland
But what does that prep look like if you’re not at the salon? Manicurist Lois Elias–better known to her Instagram followers as @polishedbylolo–says to concentrate on buffing and smoothing any calluses on the feet in the first instance, to keep the skin supple and soft.
“Then, when it comes to polish, try and keep it as close to the cuticle as possible,” she recommends. “This helps to maintain a fresh, well-groomed look for up to three weeks.” In her opinion, a short, square-shaped nail is best.
So that’s the nail shape sorted. Now for color. According to Elias, two colors in particular should be avoided on the toes: “Grey can look dull and emphasize uneven skin tone, while yellow can sometimes make skin look sallow or discolored.”
For Marien, the main concern is maintaining the fresh look of milky white colors over time. She says picking a colour with the right undertone is the key to making the overall look stay clean and flattering. More on how to maintain a crisp cream or milk manicure later. For now, here are the flattering pedicure colors to bookmark this summer.
Blush
Pink will never go out of style, given how well-suited it is to all skin tones. In 2026, the colour is made modern with sheer layers, an ultra glossy finish and a shade that blends the best of both a neutral and a pink. If you want your toes to look “done” without drawing too much attention, this is the way to go. Bonus: a blush pedicure complements all outfits.
