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    1. Beauty
    2. Nails

    5 Unexpected Pedicure Shades I Keep Seeing on the Toes of Brooklyn’s It Girls

    Bright pedicures are out for summer.

    Hannah Baxter's avatar
    By Hannah Baxter
    Published 18 July 2026 In Buying Guides

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    two images featuring dior heels with a white pedicure color and black jeans on a black carpet next to a belt-style heels with brown and black leather on a sidewalk with a french pedicure
    (Image credit: Launchmetrics)
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    All it takes is one morning stroll down the streets of New York to understand that I’m definitely not the only person who missed the sandals section of her closet. The winter was brutal (I have the lingering eczema marks on my cheeks to prove it), which meant that I—and everyone else in the northern hemisphere—welcomed summer’s arrival with eager open arms, and plenty of open-toed footwear. Whether you land on the Birkenstock side of the sandal spectrum or wouldn’t be caught dead in less than a four-inch heel, the fact remains that the feet, and the toes, are out to play, and that means summer pedicures are an absolute must.

    Sure, the bare nails trend continues to reign supreme for your fingertips, but frankly, I feel a little exposed when my toenails are totally sans polish. Even if I’m feeling particularly minimalist, I’ll hit them with a quick swipe of clear or jelly polish before walking out the door. Since I also know that treating myself to a pedicure is one of those rare moments of total relaxation—for at least 30 minutes—I’ve been scouting for the shades the most stylish women in the city are wearing this season. Keep scrolling for the five hottest summer pedicure trends.

    Bright Whites, Big City

    It took me a while to embrace the white nail polish look, but now that milky polish is everywhere, I finally feel like I’m ready to join the (very chic) club.

    Manucurist

    Manucurist
    Milky White
    $14
    SHOP NOW

    My go-to brand for clean lacquer that actually nourishes my nails. I adore this slightly pearlescent white for an impossibly chic pedi.

    Essie Salon-Quality Nail Polish, 8-Free Vegan, Cloudy White, Marshmallow, 0.46 Fl Oz

    Essie
    Marshmallow
    $10$10
    SHOP NOW

    The GOAT of all milky white nail polishes, I’m never without this classic formula in my at-home nail kit.

    Flaunt It French

    Whoever said that French tips on the toes are passé hasn’t spent enough time strolling through Brooklyn. Every enviably dressed woman had the classic design peeking through her mesh flats.

    Kiss Everlasting French Toenails Kit, Real Short, White Tip, Pink Bed 1 Ea (pack of 4)

    KISS
    Everlasting French Toenails Kit
    $33
    SHOP NOW

    Yes, press-ons for your toes exist, and they are the greatest hack for a flawless French pedicure in a flash. This kit has everything you need, with easy application tabs, to create the look without a salon appointment.

    chanel, 113 - FAUSSAIRE

    Chanel
    113 - FAUSSAIRE
    $34
    SHOP NOW

    A pinky rich nude that lasts and lasts, I always turn to this classic color for my French tip nails.

    Moody Mauve

    Mauve nails had a major moment this spring, and I’m happy to see that the cool-girl shade has stuck around for the summer.

    Nail Lacquer - Ryder

    Zoya
    Nail Lacquer - Ryder
    $12
    SHOP NOW

    A mauve-meets-brown shade that’s just begging to be worn with a pair of minimalist flip flops.

    Essie Salon-Quality Nail Polish, Vegan, Odd Squad, Neutral, Mismatch to Match, 0.46 Fl Oz

    essie
    Mismatch to Match
    $10$9
    SHOP NOW

    The perfect deep, dusty mauve—I can see myself wearing this all the way through summer and into fall—when, yes, I still make sure to keep my toes pedicured, even when they’re buried beneath cashmere socks.

    Pretty In Pink

    Think that pink isn’t for you? Try a chrome finish for an unexpected twist on the sweet shade.

    Mirror Chrome Nail Polish Feeling Chromatic

    Nails, Inc.
    Mirror Chrome Nail Polish Feeling Chromatic
    $9
    SHOP NOW

    There’s no need to book a gel appointment for chrome nails when you have this gorgeous Barbie pink polish in your collection.

    Ilnp Yes Please - Soft Pink Holographic Shimmer Nail Polish

    ILNP Cosmetics, Inc.
    Yes Please
    $13
    SHOP NOW

    This pink holographic polish is practically its own accessory. I just need the perfect pair of black kitten heels to wear with it and I’m set for the summer.

    Dare to Bare

    Like I said, bare nails are everywhere right now, but I, and many of my beauty editor friends, have taken to swiping on a clear or barely-there polish to elevate the look.

    Active Glow Raspberry

    Manucurist
    Active Glow Raspberry
    $19
    SHOP NOW

    Like a pH lip balm but for your nails, this nourishing formula provides that barely-there pink with one coat, and builds up to a jelly-like pink with a second and third layer. It’s sublime.

    Opi Start to Finish | 3-In-1 Nail Polish Treatment, Base Coat, Top Coat, Nail Strengthener | Vitamin a & E, Vegan Formula

    OPI
    Start to Finish
    $15
    SHOP NOW

    A three-in-one polish that helps to strengthen your nails, prevent chipping, and deliver a deliciously glossy finish.

    Why Trust Marie Claire

    For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

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    Hannah Baxter
    Hannah Baxter
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    Beauty Director

    Hannah Baxter is the Beauty Director at Marie Claire. She has previously held roles at The Zoe Report, Coveteur, and Bust Magazine, covering beauty, wellness, fashion, and lifestyle. She authors the Marie Claire newsletter Face Forward. Her writing has appeared in Harper's Bazaar, Allure, The Cut, Elle, InStyle, Glamour, Air Mail, Vogue, Architectural Digest, Byrdie, Nylon and more.

    She is also the founder of Anxiety Beer, a weekly newsletter about the intersection of culture and mental health. In her spare time you can catch her reading too many overdue library books, thrifting, or hanging with her hairless cat, Norman. You can find her on Instagram and TikTok @hannahbaxward.

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