Toe Designs to Try in Summer 2025: Trendy Pedicure Ideas You’ll Love
Sun’s out, sandals off – what’s up with your toes? For folks like me, pedicure season is not simply maintenance, well overdue on a child’s nails. It’s a chance to have a bit of fun (yes, even down there) and freshen up.
Romantic details and fun tricks are our focus for this summer and bold contrasts this time around. Whether you’re all for clean minimalism or a little fun and flirty, these pedicure designs for summer 2025 are absolutely worth a try. Excited to find your next favorite look?
Galaxy-Glow: The Magnetic Toe Effect
Every now and then, a pedicure design comes along that quietly manages to steal the whole summer vibe. This one, however, is nothing short of cosmic queen energy. With a gel base so deep it borders on black, multi-chrome magnetic swirls of green, purple and blue-gray shimmer capture the light beautifully. It is the type of cute that tempts you to wear sandals daily—if only to show off.
To get this effect, I apply a layer of Born Pretty’s Magnetic Gel Nail in “Aurora Galaxy,” and spin the wand over the uncured gel to create the swirls. The pigments magically shift and are best layered over a black gel base like The Gel Bottle Inc’s Jet Black. Don’t forget to use a glossy top coat — you want it to be light reflecting.
It’s not a quick set, not gonna lie. I place the magnet on each toe for 10-15 seconds before capping under UV, and then curing. The movement in the polish is gonna take a while to settle into the nebula look. For anyone going DIY: soft lighting is a must and a steady hand is a plus. Before locking the pattern in, it’s handy to tilt your feet to see the magnet pattern from every angle.
Wow, does the polish shine under the sunset, especially for a beach music festival. And for what I love best, it reads moody yet modern, but with a summer edge. If you’re tired of florals but still want some flair, this is a design to try in Summer 2025.
Barely-There With A Twist: Chrome-Tipped Minimalist
The vibe here is clean, fresh, and just a tad edgy. A sheer pink gel base is the stage for yet another take on a French tip. Instead of the traditional white stripe, a mirror-like band of chrome sits underneath. The cut and color are understated, but still with intention. If you’re all about toe pedicures that are simple yet stylish, this hits the sweet spot.
For the base, I chose Put It In Neutral by OPI because it is a gel polish that flatters every skin tone. To recreate the chrome striped look, I painted on the white and chrome stripes with a striping brush. The layering was encapsulated beautifully with Arctic White Gel and Silver Mirror Tape from Daily Charme. Lastly, a top coat and the entire design is completed.
This kind of line work polish requires a lot of patience. I divided my feet into different sections: one foot at a time and work on each toe individually. I cure each toe separately so I can work with each one without worrying about ruining everything. Don’t use your hands to cut the chrome with precision tweezers, your hands are too bulky for delicate work.
If I’m being honest, I will be carrying this around for all of my early summer outings. It is that effortlessly clean look that gives one a polished aura even in just a tank and slides. Most importantly, it’s giving Pinterest energy in real life and who wouldn’t want that?
Earthy Tones Remix: Speckled & Spice
This set is a walking moodboard. For a toenail pedicure, the rich ochre paired with a speckled white clay, muted teal and moss green gives off a grounded earthy vibe. It feels as if the tones were taken straight from nature, like warm terracotta tiles or glazed pottery. You know those artisan markets on Saturdays? This pedicure would fit right in.
I went ahead and used ORLY Breathable’s “Clay It Cool” and “Spirit Animal” along with Zoya’s “Charli” for the soft olive base. With a toothbrush dipped in black acrylic paint, I lightly flicked it to achieve a speckled design. Yep, low tech but super effective. To maintain the earthy feel of the design, seal it with a gel matte top coat.
There is no need for salon skills here; I managed this while catching up on my podcasts. Just remember to use a toe separator and apply each color in thin layers. Applying colors too quickly leads to overspray, and that will make the edges bleed which loses the crisp look.
I received so many compliments this gave me at a farmer’s market that it wasn’t even funny. In case you are into indie vibes and colorful creation, this is one of those ideas you’ll want to save to your summer 2025 board right now.
Sweet Glam: Baby Pink Rhinestone Wave
Okay, glam girls — this one’s for you. Soft pink with a shiny gloss and a wave shape line of rhinestone gems capping the edge of the nail plate. The vibe is ultra-feminine but elevated: no sticky glitter, no messy finish. Just shine where it matters most. And don’t be astonished if this summer your toes become the star of the show in your sandals.
I achieve this look by using The Gel Bottle’s “Princess” as the base, along with flatback rhinestones which are affixed using nail glue. Make sure the sizes differ slightly so that the arch can be smooth. Don’t forget to seal the edges – I use a tiny liner brush with clear gel that hugs the sides of each gem.
This one’s all about the timing – seal each layer separately. For this, make sure to step on the glue once everything’s in place. I would also recommend powering an LED lamp on if you need that topcoat to stay glossy during pool days and long walks.
I wore this to a champagne brunch and my toes really felt like they were self accessorizing. The balance of softness and bling is striking for a 2025 date and works even better if you are someone who tends to be a minimalist.
Elegant Bloom: Black and Gold Daisies Fringe
Every so often, we want something floral that does not scream cliché. This look attains it perfection—a sheer nude base, a striking black french tip adorned with gold lines, and a handpainted daisy with bright green accents. It is structured, delicate, and designer-ish all at once. It whispers luxury without being too flower-obvious.
Keep reading to see full step-by-step instructions to achieve this floral nail art design
Begin with a neutral-toned gel polish like Bio Seaweed’s “Gratitude.” Then, fill in a black art liner. Gold striping tape gives luxury by creating a fine lux line. A micro-liner was used for the leaves and stems while the flowers were painted using dotting tools.
There’s a knack to painting this. You could also use daisy decals instead of freehanding if you’re in a rush, but be sure to seal it tightly. You must also ensure that the tape is pressed down firmly before a topcoat is applied since it can lift during the middle of the week if not properly pressed.
This pedicure big slays in casual and dressy settings. At a gallery night I went to, I styled it with open toe mules and it made me feel polished. It’s graphic, summery, and far easier to wear than you’d expect.
Butterfly Brights: Pink & Wings
To design this set, let’s start with something a little more daring. It is a fully pink gel situation with a burst of color above the butterflies straddling the big toes — one wing per foot. It captures the imagination and is exuberantly cheerful. The pink stands out intimately, and the outline of the butterflies is so neat you would do a double glance clean.
I started off by creating the base with “Neon Blossom” Beetles gel and added butterfly decals I purchased off Etsy – they are sold in pairs that are opposite to each other. The butterflies were sealed in with a thick no wipe top coat so they do not discolor over time. Then, with a toothpick and white gel paint, I added some fine dot details to the top of butterfly baseball caps to make them more three dimensional.
Because of the no wait top coat dry time, this is simple to get wrong. Each layer has to be completely dry, so make sure to wait. Put on the air bubbles with a silicon pin cushion and seal the nails with no wait top coat.
This one is simply fun. Makes me think of the early 2000’s, but with a better spin. And if you’re going on holiday or simply appreciate a great-looking pedicure that catches the eye — this is one of those toe designs to try in summer 2025 that definitely delivers.
Soft Skies: Opal Blue With Gold Flecks
This pedicure resembles a soft sky of a morning with the sun glistening all over. A gentle blue gel base is like a dreamy canvas that is lightly fluttered with Opal shard and gold foil accents. It is peaceful, refreshing, and stunningly brilliant, signaling summer which brings to mind all minimalist Pinterest boards across the web.
I opted for powder blue hues using Presto Colour Gel “Sky Whisper” topped by iridescent cellophane chips and gold foil from the wheel. You’ll require tweezers and a silicone tool to accurately position and set everything without smudging the base. For sealing, I prefer thick builder topcoats because they keep the foil from peeling.
For all my self-made complicated gel nail art, waiting for every layer to set fully before the next one is applied is my golden rule. After laying the foil do not forget to flash-cure immediately to stop any movement, and then build your topcoat for a glass-like finish.
Feels right wearing this for a beach day. It is decorative, but not simple. Someone said it to me as “unicorn ocean water” and to be honest, that was the vibe I wanted.
Violet Bloom: Bold Purple With Floral Accents
This color combination adds to the pop as well, with vivid florets set against snow white strips of vivid violet. A pair of snow white flowers compliment the purple toenails, while their dainty blossoms receive sparkle from the tiny rhinestones at their centers. Modern and punchy yet still soft enough to be effortless, these are the toe designs to try in summer 2025. If you love bold graphics then you’d wanna hop on this trend.
To achieve such a loud hue as a base, I like using Gelish’s “You Glare, I Glow.” The outlines are done with a fine nail art brush, “Alpine Snow” and “Black Shadow“ from OPI become stems and the outline flowers. The rhinestones are placed with gel glue and set with builder gel for durability.
Begin with the color and curing it fully, after which you can create the floral design using a dotting tool and a liner brush. As for me, I prefer painting the petals first, and the stems afterward once the shape has dried. That way it provides so much more control. Apply sparkle lightly for the finishing touch – and you are done!
This one lilacs remind me of when they are in full bloom. It’s very strong and feminine at the same time. In July, I wore this for a rooftop brunch and it complemented not only my sundress but also my iced lavender latte. A color crush for summer.
Red Rules: Striking With Minimal Line Art
Nothing beats a red pedicure during the summer season, except for adding soft white linear details that make it sing. It looks clean and a bit architectural red, which I would expect to be on the foot of a Vogue editor walking out of a gallery.
In this design, I worked with DND’s ‘True Blood’ gel color which is a rich, classic red: blood red with high pigment. A clean diagonal accent can be created by dipping a thin striping brush into “White Tips.” Don’t go overboard, remember less is more.
Hands need to be steady on this aspect. I personally prefer to use a long bristle detail brush so the line isn’t shaky, but fluid. After curing the design, I apply non-wipe topcoat to preserve the high-gloss shine for the duration of wear.
This is amazing for late summer as it is bold enough to show off in open-toed heels but also austere enough to feel grown. Right now I love pairing it with white linen wide-legs and gold toe rings. Makes you feel powerful.
Bear-y Fun: Maroon With Playful Faces
This one’s for the girls who enjoy a dash of playful whimsy with their pedicure. We deep burgundy red with adorable bear faces painted on crisp white nails and toss in a cheeky gold glitter toe just for twinkle. A perfect mix of cartoon charm and boldly clean execution, it’s daring, but not juvenile.
To create the bears I used white and dark brown gel paints as well as Kiara Sky’s “Maroon Me” gel polish. The glitter accent comes from DND’s “Gold Dust.” The faces were done freehand using dotting tools and detail brushes which, after pre-drawing the shapes, is quite simple.
I tackle character art in segments. I lay down the base first, flash-cure, then build up the details step by step. Gel curing can be problematic, gel shifting while curing, so it is best to work on one foot at a time.
During a weekend getaway with my niece, I put it on and the bears drove her wild. Quite frankly, it put a smile on everyone and I think every adult woman should embrace whimsical, joyful ideas in their pedicure rotation.
Modern French: Dot Art Meets Angular Design
This is not your ordinary French pedicure — this style combines geometric edges, negative space, and line art into one polished but simple look. The style echoes minimalismo, but feels deeply personalized at the same time. The primary colors consist of sheer pink, crisp white, and black accents in dotted form.
For this style, I first applied a nude base using “Bare My Soul” by OPI. For the adorn corners, I applied a dot of black gel paint using a dotting tool, while the angled and tip stripes were done with a striping brush. Matte topcoat can be added, but I prefer the glossy for a contemporary look.
Firstly, apply the base coat and cure. After, design the angles you wish to draw using liner tape for symmetry. Finally, freehand your dots last to maintain smooth and perfect edges. This style may be more complicated than it appears, but the end result is spectacular.
I’ve been rotating this in as a “I want to look like I put in effort but not too much” design and pedicure at the same time. It feels sharp and goes with everything. The kind of simple that’s secretly simple stunning.
Cat-itude: Green Base With Graphic Faces
Okay, this is the one that’s my personal favorite when you just feel like something completely different. A gel of muted pastel green issues forth as the canvas for sketched-out cats faces with claws and ears. It’s creative, playful, and yet somehow incredibly wearable. Quiet cool with a wink.
“This green I used is ‘Olive Grove’ from Madam Glam and the cat faces were created with a fine black nail art pen and soft detail brush.’” With only half pink being putted onto used cat ears to a little bit more character i put a tiny dot of pink gel and cured it otherwise.
No worries this one is perfect. In fact, sketchy imperfection can be even more charming. Make details quick and abstract, that’s what makes it fun. Just remember to add a gel sealer so the art doesn’t chip off.
I paired this with white t-shirt and high-waisted denim shorts to a local art crawl and three strangers asked me where I got it done. Safe to say—cats win summer too.
3D Florals: Dimensional Daisies With French Accents
Talk about taking a French pedicure to a whole new level; in 2025, it’s all about sculpted flower art and miniature rhinestones that make every toe feel like they’re individual pieces of art. The background features a soft, shimmering nude pink with crisp white edges and a prominent three-dimensional blossom. It’s fresh and sculptural with a soft, luxurious vibe everywhere.
For the base “Soft Touch” by Valentino Beauty Pure worked perfectly as the nude base, then I proceeded to sculpt the petals using white acrylic powder and a small art brush. I fixed the delicate 1mm AB crystal gems in nail glue and sealed them with gel to prevent the harsh summer elements from damaging the crystals.
While 3D nail art might require a bit more effort than the regular nail art, the delicious results are worth every step. Working on one toe at a time is highly advised, and a sculpting tool with a silicone tip is essential. Make sure not to overdo the gel layers because the embellishments are incredibly delicate.
I sported this on a brunch date and didn’t expect the amount of ‘Wait, are those real flowers?’ comments. The clean bridal pedicure look it gives off is summer date friendly as well. Forever favorite of mine in the bookmarks section.
Striped Garden: Rosy Accents And Rhinestone Sparkle
If detail and pattern are your forte, this adorable ‘striped garden’ look is calling for you: one toe shows off black striped horizontals on a nude base topped with tiny pink roses and green leaves while the other displays a lilac base with jewel embellishments. The combination is flirty and imaginative, giving “mini canvas” energy that pairs perfectly with toe designs to try in the summer of 2025.
The base colors I used are DND Lavender Fields and Peach Buff. The bases were striped florally with a micro liner and dotting tool and the cluster of rhinestones is from Daily Charme’s pastel gem wheel. These types of toe art designs are great for when you want a mix, something bold and artistic.
Take your time with florals. As for me, I tend to sketch them out in polish first before adding more details. A long striping brush is key for clean lines and remember to always cure each design layer before adding a top coat.
This design just feels so spring-summer transitional. I wore it to a garden party and thought it went perfectly alongside the tea cups and flower arrangements. Talk about a mood booster.
Zebra Neutral: Monochrome Wild With a Twist
Some might assume that animal prints are supposed to be eye-catching but who said so? This soft white nail along with the taupe blend offers a nice quiet luxury with a hint of wildness. Ta Zebra stripes feel fresh again — and when partnered with earthy neutrals and minimal hues, they somehow become applicable, even for the most conventional dressers.
For this look, I utilized Bio Seaweed Gel’s “Rooted” and “Strong White” and created zebra details using a fine nail art brush. Here, the most important part is imperfection — with stripes being organic rather than precise.
I tend not to use too much imagination when dealing with animal prints. Start with narrow bands and randomly thicken some for the natural flow. Finish with some sort of satin top coat if the intention is to dull the shine and add some gentleness.
This design felt surprisingly elevated. I added a pair of linen wide leg trousers and leather slides for a casual city stroll. It felt chic but relaxed. Gave a little eye but without too much shouting.
Golden Fade : Soft Beige With Glitter Edge
There’s something undeniable luxurious about a pedicure that combines beige nude and metallic glitter, especially with a dainty gold stripe added for a tasteful pop. The design solely focuses on radiance along with clean lines. Picture sandy beaches during golden hour with glowing skin on full display.
When dealing with glitter, always finish with two coats of gel sealer. It can absorb topcoat and dull quickly, so layering is really important. I like to buff in-between layers to ensure evenness.
This is one of those big look pedicure that works for weddings, vacations or simply a ‘just because’ during a stressful week. Under sunlight, the shimmer is unreal. It feels feminine but polished.
Milky Whiteout: Pure Glossy Perfection
If you’re looking for something simple, clean and timeless, a milky white nail will never steer you wrong. This is minimalism at its best — no art or sparkle. Just a block of warm gel lightly colored pink-white and a glassy topcoat for the shine. It’s the “clean girl aesthetic” but for toes: perfection.
I used Apres Gel Couleur “Cloud 9” and applied two medium coats over a rubber base. The shine? All from a no-wipe topcoat cured for 60 seconds under LED.
Tbh, there is not much to teach here – simply prep your cuticles, clean your shape, and with nail polish, this one can be applied slowly. The polish offers elegance in smoothness, not in embellishment.
For the default pedicure, I like to use this during early summer as it compliments my floral outfits. It also accompanies everything and does not feel overly flashy. On top of that, it instantly enhances the chic cleanliness of every foot.
Cappuccino Sparkle: Taupe Tones With Gilded Tips
This gives off the feeling of sipping a smooth iced latte on a summer café patio. Alternating toes with smooth taupe and high-impact glitter strikes a balance between cozy and glam. If bold summer toes weren’t your thing for 2025, consider this your neutral-girl glow-up.
With loose gold glitter mixed into topcoat and Taupe-less Beach by OPI, the big toes can be painted full-glitter for the ombre effect while small toes have the glitter sprinkled at the base. There is elegance in a blend without being overdone.
Ensure that any coats applied are thin and verify that each layer is cured fully. As glitter can add bulk easily, I like to finish with high viscosity top coat, clean up the edges, and apply cuticle oil afterwards.
This is a win for me when I’m looking for something warm, but polished and put together at the same time. It’s friendly for the office and ready to go for vacation – pairs nicely with both tan and ivory sandals. A subtle show stopper.
Subdued Romance with Crystal and Line Art
This intricate pedicure reminds me of a soft wind, white linen, woven slides, and strolling barefoot in a lavender field. The soft pink gel used as the base is also accented by minimalist black heart line art on the big toes, and just the right amount of sparkle from a single rhinestone on the others. The design is sweet without being sickly—a whispering design instead of shouting.
To get this look, sheer gel nail bases would be best- I recommend OPI’s Bubble Bath or Essie’s Ballet Slippers. For the hearts, you will need a fine liner brush and black nail art gel. As for the rhinestones, I use Swarovski Flatbacks because of their understated sparkle.
This design is my favorite when I want something cute, easy, and effortless yet still look polished. It looks intentional but never overdone, like you woke up effortlessly chic.
Chic Contrast with Graphic French Twist
This one? Looks like main-character energy to me. Bold graphic captures of the classic French tip in an artsy, not fussy, way—such as the French tip reinterpretation done in black and white—are strikingly modern. Each combo per toe has a slightly different design which makes the entire look feel contemporary with an added editorial twist. 
The attention to detail is what makes it pop. For me, a Gelish or Beetles gel polish would yield the best results for an opaque base and contrasting meticulous detail to the design. A steady hand with a liner brush are must-haves—unless you want to hire a pro. Honestly, toes done in acrylic will give you the ideally squared shape required for this style.
Wearing it for a city wedding paired with strappy sandals? Turns out, lots of people were curious saying: “Who styled your toes?” Would highly recommend.
Rosé Chrome Elegance
Sign me up for shimmer without the glitter. This smooth metallic rose gold finish has a luxurious, spa-like feel. It’s giving “five-star resort on the Amalfi Coast” energy. This pedicure rounded shape and mirrored shine caught the light beautifully making it feel clean and polished.
If you’re trying this at home, a nude gel base with no-wipe top coat, and gel nail chrome powder will work; gold suited my skin tone. Born Pretty and Daily Charme have fantastic options.
This finish has understated glam which makes me feel put-together, even if the rest of me is rocking messy buns and beachwear. It’s more relaxed than most of my looks, and I’m here for this too.
Deep Red Glam with Rhinestone Curve
A stylistic design of glossy dark red, almost Merlot colored wine, is accented by a curvy rhinestone detail on the large toe. “Boom”: a jeweled effect without going over the top. It is enduring, luxuriously seductive while still remaining timeless.
If reproducing this artwork, one would want pigmented gels say “Madam Glam’s Velvet Wine” and a tiny wax pen to piece rhinestones with the sharpest precision. Every detail matters and trust me oh boy, I can feel the difference!!
The stunning look gives profound self-assurance and boosts confidence to undeniably euphoric levels. I throw this design unapologetically for a summer evening date and poof, the feeling of gliding around and hearing my heels click endlessly over the floor, while in fact of wearing a beautiful dress, struts, picture this, manner of that feeling saying hello to a 1940’s Hollywood movie starring me.
Berry and Glitter Duo
Who said you have to choose between simple and statement? This fusion of berry polish along with glitter accent toes is both fun and sophisticated. The contrast makes your toes pop, especially in open-toe heels or flip-flops.
With Kiara Sky’s ‘Raspberry Red’, a gel polish base color, assume a chunky rose gold glitter top coat on big and pinky toes. Don’t be shy to double up on the glitter; it only makes the sparkles better.
I feel like summer is a party waiting to happen. Add a cold drink and a sundress, and that’s the vibe.
Whimsical Dots and Hearts in Red and White
This is for the most youthful people. A white background acts as the canvas for small dots as well as heart shapes in a vibrant candy-apple red that shouts ‘hello summer.’ It is cute, daring, and slightly retro all at once. Great for holiday or even just to lift up your mood during the week.
Use a crisp white nail base (DND’s ‘White Snow’ works great), a polka mini pattern with a dotting tool, and a detailing brush for the red hearts. Be sure to seal it all with a gel top coat, this will prevent it from chipping.
Any time I wear a design like this a compliment is guaranteed. It is somewhat nostalgic too—like a contemporary pin-up dream for your feet. And most importantly, it is lively—what else are summer pedicures for?
Electric Purple Waves Over Black Gloss
The big toes start with a soft purple waves while the rest of the toes are painted in glossy black polish, creating a classic yet quirky look. The big black dipies boast unapologetic retro-futuristic confidence and psychedelic allure, working fabulously with the bold squiggle designs dipped over lavender background. Such looks go best with audacious statements like “I can have fun with my pedicure,” and believe me, such statements are rather liberating.
To achieve this design, combine pastel lavender polish with a jet black gel polish. Liner brushes make achieving perfect squiggles akin to scribbling with a paint brush. Completing with a high shine coat guarantees the gloss dipies claim their shine.
Black is always a look that makes me feel energized; paired with bold lavender, it unleashes endlessly confident taste. The purple adornment quenches the need for personality without overshadowing the elegance of the ensemble. Best described as donning black jeans with a cartoon-printed scarf—so effortlessly chic.
Matte Cherry Red Classic
Cherry red is known to be quite the eye-catcher, and this pedicure reflects exactly that. Simplicity is always in trend, and the soft touch to the color augments to its beauty. It features a delicate touch that one can diner or go to the beach with.
In my opinion, using ‘Red Carpet’ gel polish by Modelones will do the trick. The matte gel on top will provide a stunning end to the decoration. The relaxed square frame overtakes a lot without being fierce, making it easy-going yet well-fitted polish.
This is something I resort to once summer hits. A look like this makes me feel organized and together and is perfect for when you want to feel fresh and cool like white tee and iced coffee while out.
Delicate Nude Leaf Detail
The botanical white nails are partnered on the big toes with white florals that gently swirl. Here footsies are clad with warm gel polish adding a little more than what looks like skin. I can’t help but admit there is something dreamy about this design. Absolutely spellbounding. With this I can go tap dancing.. or relaxing at the spa after the big day- finally!
I would recommend checking out Gelio who has such a precise line as this. I can imagine in advance how it looks with a base like ‘Bare My Soul’ from OPI or Ohora’s Gel Collection ‘Milk Tea.’ I myself would apply the leaf part with the white stamping polish and a fine brush or some narrow decals. There are so many cute flowers nowadays that I am certain do not fail.
Restrained beauty is found while soaking up the setting sun on the beach wearing soft flowy dresses together with scrapping sandals like I did last summer on a starry night at a beach wedding. It’s all understatement but beautiful.
Conclusion
Unfortunately for some, summer is seasonal, but a good pedicure? That kind of joy sticks with you regardless of the date. From soft nudes to playful patterns and vibrant hues, there is something on this list to suit every mood and occasion.
Feel free to try one or three every weekend. Your toes deserve as much attention as your fingers. And when someone asks about the inspiration, simply smile and say, “Oh, I’ve got a few ideas.”
