The sun is out, and so are our toes. While some people stay season-ready with regular pedicures, others might need a little post-winter refresh. For anyone looking to give their feet some attention, we’ve gathered the most flattering summer pedicure colors, from bright and bold to neutral and deep.

According to nail content creator and The Gel Bottle ambassador Nicole Marien, preparation is key. “Neat cuticle work, smooth shaping, and a clean nail plate make all the difference,” she tells British Vogue. “That’s what gives that flawless, long-lasting look.”

But how do you prep at home? Manicurist Lois Elias, known on Instagram as @polishedbylolo, says to start by buffing and smoothing any calluses to keep skin soft. “Then, when applying polish, try to get as close to the cuticle as possible,” she advises. “This helps maintain a fresh, well-groomed look for up to three weeks.” She believes a short, square nail shape is best.

Now, for color. Elias suggests avoiding two shades on toes: “Grey can look dull and emphasize uneven skin tone, while yellow can sometimes make skin look sallow or discolored.”

For Marien, the challenge is keeping milky white colors looking fresh over time. She says choosing a polish with the right undertone is crucial for a clean, flattering look. More on maintaining a crisp cream or milk manicure later. For now, here are the pedicure colors to try this summer.

Blush
Pink is always in style, especially since it suits all skin tones. This season, the color feels modern with sheer layers, a glossy finish, and a shade that blends neutral and pink. If you want polished toes without drawing too much attention, this is the way to go. Plus, a blush pedicure goes with everything.

Tomato
Finding your perfect red comes down to your skin’s undertone. Cool, blue-based reds suit cool-toned skin, while orange-based reds pop on warmer undertones. Those with neutral undertones can wear both. A quick way to guess your undertone is to see whether gold or silver jewelry looks better on you—gold usually means warm, silver means cool. If unsure, Elias recommends a classic pillar-box red, as it’s universally flattering.

Espresso
Dark colors aren’t just for winter. A rich, glossy brown pedicure on short, square nails is just as chic in July. To avoid obvious regrowth, focus on prep—it’s what makes a pedicure last two weeks versus three.

Cream
The best whites are smooth and creamy. Look for milky, creamy, and cloud-like shades, and avoid anything matte or flat, which can look stark and unnatural. One thing to note with cream or milk-toned pedicures is that they can weaLighter nail polish shades tend to chip more quickly than darker, more forgiving colors. Proper preparation and a good top coat will help seal in the crisp color, as will using a nail brush to give your toes a quick scrub in the shower each day. (This is a celebrity manicurist’s trick for removing dead skin between appointments.)

Essie Nail Polish in Marshmallow
$10 $9 (10% off) | AMAZON

Dior Vernis in Jasmin
$34 | DIOR

Merlot
A perennial favorite, a dark red pedicure is always in style. Look for reds that capture the deep, rich quality of an expensive glass of red wine. According to Marien, a rich red is “timeless, low-maintenance, and flattering on all skin tones.” She recommends opting for gel polish if you’re going on vacation: “It’s more durable, keeps its shine, and resists chipping.” In short, it’s ideal for keeping your toes looking fresh as long as possible.

Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in Rouge Noir
$34 | CHANEL

Essie Nail Lacquer in Wicked
$10 $9 (10% off) | AMAZON

Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs The 5 Most Flattering Pedicure Colors for Summer

Q1 What makes a nail polish color flattering for a pedicure
A A flattering color complements your skin tone makes your feet look healthy and wellcaredfor and fits the bright vibrant mood of summer Its a shade that looks good on most people and instantly elevates your look

Q2 What are the 5 most flattering pedicure colors to try this summer
A The top five universally flattering shades are
1 Coral A perfect blend of pink and orange that adds a warm cheerful pop
2 Classic Red A timeless bold and confident choice that never goes out of style
3 Bright WhiteCream Looks crisp clean and modern making your tan appear deeper
4 Sheer PinkNude A my nails but better shade thats elegant elongating and goes with everything
5 TurquoiseAqua A fun energetic bluegreen that evokes tropical waters and summer vacations

Q3 Im fairskinned Which of these colors will work best for me
A All can work but you might find coral sheer pink and bright white are especially stunning They provide a beautiful contrast without being too harsh A bluebased cherry red can also look fantastic

Q4 I have a medium or olive skin tone What should I choose
A Youre in luck These tones can carry off almost any color beautifully Coral tomato red and turquoise will look incredibly vibrant and warm against your skin

Q5 What about for darker skin tones
A Rich saturated shades are your best friend Vivid coral deep tomato red and electric turquoise will look absolutely stunning Bright white offers a gorgeous highcontrast pop and deep nude shades are a great alternative to sheer pink

Q6 Are bright colors like turquoise or white hard to wear
A Not at all Summer is the perfect time to experiment These colors are meant to be fun and eyecatching If youre nervous start