My Favorite Unexpected Summer Pedicure Color Picks for Fashion-Forward Feet
These shades are made for sandals.
I know they say no feet for free, but when you live in a city like New York, there is no alternative to wearing sandals when it’s 90-plus degrees outside. Who wants to walk around a concrete oven with your toes trapped behind leather loafers or something equally sweat-inducing? Since it's taking summer (and spring, for that matter) a long time to arrive, I'm maximizing the warmer weather by dipping into my open-toed shoe collection, and if my feet are going to be on full display that means one crucial thing: it’s time to book a fun summer pedicure.
Now, I’m not exactly letting my toenails languish in the off-season, but I don’t prioritize regular appointments at my local salon when I’m wearing the season's hottest sneakers or boots every day. But I’m a beauty editor to my core, and I absolutely cannot stand if my tootsies look busted when I’m wearing my favorite sandals to work or to hang with friends. I also see pedicures as the ideal entry point for testing new seasonal shades to see how they appeal to my nail sensibility. For example, I used to deem red toenails too classic and stuffy—now a tomato red hue is my go-to when I’m feeling overwhelmed by all the polish options, and she never fails me. It’s so chic!
There are quite a few fresh summer nail color trends I’m eager to try this season, so keep reading for my top pedicure color picks to sample at your next salon appointment.
Minty Green
Call it the Taylor Swift effect, but mint green is quickly becoming the nail polish color of the season, and I predict that it will be my new go-to for summer pedicures.
The stylish woman's answer to the pastel green nail trend, this luxe lacquer doesn't budge, even when you're wearing your favorite toe-ring sandals in the city.
This dusty sea foam green is absolute perfection. There's a hint of blue undertone to really help the shade pop, even if your feet haven't seen the sun in months.
Tomato Red
As I said, a red nail is so classic, and the key to making it your own is finding the best shade that feels like you. A slightly orange-y warm red is my favorite for the warmer months, and really helps to accentuate that faux bronze glow.
I adore this shade so much, I’m going to need to find the perfect red lipstick to match. Chili pepper nails also sound like a summer nail trend that’s about to pop off, in my humble opinion.
Since my beloved Clambake remains discontinued (Essie, help a girl out please) this slightly deeper orange-red shade is a must for all my summer pedicures. And yes, I am that girl who brings my own polish to the salon.
Yves Klein Blue
Trust me on this—a deep, dreamy blue polish on your toes is so striking, it’s practically its own accessory.
I want to wear this stunning cobalt blue polish pedicure after pedicure. Luckily, it lasts so long, I won’t have to touch up at all between appointments.
This blue is so vibrant and energetic, it’s like a shot of espresso for your toes. I’m obsessed.
Sultry Nude
I don’t always go for nude nails, but there’s something super sexy about a barely-there color in the summer, especially if your feet are a little sun-kissed. It’s the naked nail trend, but for your toes.
This is the ideal ratio of milk to coffee color that all my favorite nude polishes have, and I’m fully reaching for this shade for my next pedi.
The fashion counterpart to this polish is a slinky little silk slip dress with a strap falling off your shoulder. I want all of that, but for my pedicure.
Chocolate Brown
The food-inspired nail trend is still going strong for summer, and my favorite of the bunch is a tasty chocolate brown. It’s absolutely timeless.
Lush, warm, and absolutely delicious, this deep espresso brown is the stuff of all my pedicure dreams. I can’t wait to wear it with my favorite silver sandals all summer long.
The OG brown polish I’ve worn for years never fails to receive compliments, whether I wear it on my hands or feet throughout the summer.
Moody Navy
Clearly I am a blue pedicure fan, but I can’t leave out my favorite shade! A sexy deep navy polish is the new black for anyone who loves a deep contrast on their toes, which is honestly such a flex when you’re wearing a dainty sandal.
Rich, deep, and a fashion-girl favorite, this exceptional navy shade is like a low husky drawl from a cute stranger at the bar.
This polish is just perfection. I can’t stop staring at it in the bottle, to the point that I want to display it on my vanity at all times. Plus, the non-toxic formula lasts a shockingly long time without chips.
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