Toes That Shine in July 2025: Trendy Nail Designs for the Perfect Summer Look

The sun is shining, our sandals are on and our toes? They’re having a moment. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, grabbing iced lattes barefoot on the deck, or just feeling that “clean girl” glow in your favorite slides, your nails deserve to shine. The main question is: which pedicure trends will be popular in summer 2025? Do you want your nails to be just polished and shiny or do you want to try bold and eye-catching designs?

We can look at it by using examples that are both useful and beautiful. Here’s what I think are the best looks for your feet that will be on trend in July 2025.

Chrome Ripple Swirl In White

The design is based on contrast, with a white base, thin chrome swirls and a glittery effect that looks like wind on glossy water. The pattern isn’t busy, but it speaks. It suggests “chic resort in Mykonos” without using any words. If you’ve tried white pedicures and want to try something more, this is the next step.

For this kind of mani, I recommend using OPI Alpine Snow as your base—it’s crisp and never streaky. After that, use a fine nail tape or carefully paint with a striping brush and a metallic polish like Sally Hansen’s Hi-Shine Silver for the chrome swirls. Finish it off with a sparkle-infused top coat (Essie’s Gel Couture Top Coat will keep the shine going for days).

If you are comfortable with freehand, use a micro liner brush to draw the swirls. But here’s my cheat: apply a swirl decal and trace it with silver to give dimension. Prepare the surface by buffing it, so the polish goes on smoothly and evenly.

Honestly? This is a good choice for weddings, rooftop dinners and places where your feet will be on display. It’s pretty, clean, and a total conversation starter.

Barely-There Blush

You’ve found that perfect pink that matches your natural nail, but is even more lovely. This is it. A light, creamy blush that gives a touch of radiance without looking overdone. Think balletcore but make it buff and glam.

My favorite way to get this look at home is with Olive & June’s Pink Sands or Essie’s Ballet Slippers which give a soft finish without being too thick. You should make sure your cuticles are ready and the nail bed is very smooth before you start. That’s your canvas.

You don’t need nail art to feel put together. Sometimes simplicity is louder than sparkle. This nail color goes with any outfit, especially when you wear neutral slides, have tan skin and gold anklets.

Zebra Goes Sky Blue

Okay, this one is for my bold girls. The effect of soft blue with black hi-shine steel zebra striping? Obsessed. It’s playful, cool, and a total summer flex. The glossy finish makes it look almost glassy, and it gives serious “I’m the main character” vibes.

Use DND Gel 403 Baby Blue as your base and layer on striping with a jet-black gel (like Beetles Blackout) using a detailing brush. Cure between layers to keep the pattern sharp. Finish your project by applying a high-gloss top coat—shine is very important.

If you’re doing your nails yourself, it might take some practice, but one stripe on the big toe can still make a difference. And yes, you’ll definitely get compliments at the beach.

Orchid Glimmer With A Silver Twist

Purple lovers, this one’s yours. The orchid color is bright but not too strong and the silver cut-in gives it a touch of French style. It’s glamorous, a bit flirty and can still be worn as everyday sandals.

For color, try ILNP’s Funhouse (a holographic violet) paired with Zoya’s Trixie for that icy slice. Use striping tape to get the right slant—paint the silver tip, let it dry and then apply the orchid shade over it.

The best part? It pops against both pale and tan skin. Perfect for long weekends and late summer concerts.

Neon Sprinkle Toes

This is straight-up joy in nail designs. The combination of neon and polka dot on the toe reminds me of cotton candy, beach towels and snow cones. It’s a maximalist vibe, but one that feels totally wearable when your toes are out.

You’ll want a rainbow of mini polishes—think ORLY’s Summer 2025 capsule for that hit of yellow, green, pink, and blue. You can use a dotting tool or the end of a bobby pin to make the dots. I use a white base polish to make the other colors stand out.

This style suits the girls who love to travel, have pool parties and never pass up dessert. It’s my “don’t worry about it” pedicure and it always puts a smile on my face.

Clean Cyan Flash

Lastly, a nail color that’s both traditional and exciting: cyan. It’s bold without being dramatic. Smooth without losing that glossy punch. This is the perfect, simple and colorful pick for summer 2025 and it stands out on its own.

I apply China Glaze Too Yacht to Handle or Essie’s In the Cab-ana—both are creamy and smooth blues that go on easily. Put on two layers of polish and finish with a gel-finish top coat for stronger nails.

Cyan works with both warm-toned and cool-toned outfits. It’s simple in a way that makes it look like a bold color for your toes. Just put it on and notice how it makes you walk with more confidence.

Golden Feathered White

It looks as if soft feathers dipped in gold are resting on a white satin background. It’s a subtle kind of glam, looking great for both beach and wedding occasions. The fine feathering makes the design look hand-painted and the golden streak gives it a touch of luxury that you can wear.

A pure buff and base like Essie Blanc sets the stage, while a fine detail brush and gold gel polish (try Beetles 321 Gold) will help recreate those light fan strokes. Finish the painting by applying a gloss top coat for a shiny effect.

It is a pedicure that makes your feet look better, not just different. Whether you’re barefoot at a garden wedding or rocking linen slides, it catches light without screaming for attention. It’s pretty in the quietest, classiest way.

Lime Drip Energy

You remember the days in summer when your brain feels like it’s been hit by a slushie? This look channels that exact vibe. The combination of lime-green and neon yellow seems very refreshing, as if your toes are enjoying a cold Gatorade on a hot day. It’s bold, cheeky, and totally unapologetic.

You should use China Glaze Celtic Sun as your base and Makartt Green Apple as your nail art gel to make the dripping effect. With a dotting tool, make dots and move them up to make it look like the polish is melting.

It’s a bit daring and a bit nostalgic, similar to the Y2K trend for nails. Great for festivals or for adding a bit more style to your white platform sandals.

Ruby Confetti Burst

Red is a summer classic, but this one is especially perfect for a party. The cherry base is decorated with holographic confetti, making a classic lipstick into a festive one. It’s like Fourth of July and a rooftop bar came together and I love it.

Apply OPI Big Apple Red and then finish with a glitter polish like ILNP Say Love or Sally Hansen Red-ience. Apply the glitter so it is thick at the bottom of the nail and gradually fades as it goes up.

This look screams 2025 without being gimmicky. It’s flashy, but it still looks mature and sophisticated. Definitely not your average glitter bomb.

Ocean Stone With Gold Vein

If sea glass and marble were to have a child, it would be this. The mix of teal, milky white and gold foil veining gives the impression of a trip to Capri. It’s a nail color that seems fit for a jewel box, with its calm, textured and neutral appearance.

Apply a polish like Zoya Wednesday or OPI Teal Me More Teal Me More, swirl it with white builder gel using a marbling brush and add a little bit of foil or metallic gel. Move each toe individually to adjust the effect.

There’s a calming quality to this look. I wore something similar last year on a boat trip and people I didn’t know still complimented it. It’s a fashionable choice that also acts as a reliable base for your nail designs.

Rose Gold Edge On Nude

This one is sleek, soft, and subtly high-end. The combination of a nude base and a rose gold glitter line down the side makes it look like you’re taking care of your nails. It’s minimalist with just the right hint of luxury.

Apply Essie Eternal Optimist or Olive & June HZ as your nude base and then use Butter London Rosie Lee or loose glitter over a clear line of top coat. A liner brush or striping tape makes it easier to get a precise line.

This style goes well with gold jewelry and sandals that are open at the toes. It may be quiet, but it says: I am in control of what I do. A good option for people who like a simple, polished look.

Pastel Leopard Pop

This is where street style meets summer sass. The use of bright pastels, a matte finish and a leopard print toe that turns every step into a confident strut. The combination of neon pink, pale pink and a rainbow animal print is surprisingly right—just like wearing a denim jacket over a sundress.

Use Color Club’s neon collection or OPI’s Mexico City palette for those high pigment pastels. For the leopard part, draw with a black pen or brush and add spots in chartreuse, fuchsia and turquoise. A matte top coat makes the nails look trendy and soft.

This collection is for those who like to stand out, have fun and let their feet express themselves. I wore this to a beach BBQ and everyone seemed to notice it.

Glossy Rainbow Brunch

This set looks like joy in a polish bottle—shiny and colorful, but the colors are soft and gentle, like sherbet. Every toe is painted with a different pastel and the way the colors blend makes the outfit look planned and cheerful. Honestly, it’s giving Saturday brunch with your besties.

If you want to try this, I suggest the Olive & June Sweet & Sunny Set which includes all the colors: buttery yellow, candy pink, lavender and sky blue. Paint with a flat brush to achieve an even layer and wait for the base coat to dry before adding another.

This nail style often gets people to compliment you when you’re out. It goes well with white slides and a summer tan, too. Totally 2025, totally wearable.

Indigo Petal Play

Now this is a toe that tells a story. The dark blue background makes it look like a night sky and the petals are drawn so beautifully that they look like fireworks, but gentler. The look of this makes it seem like you’re wearing a piece of art.

The base OPI Do You Sea What I Sea? gives your nails a richer look and use soft detail brushes with sky blue and lilac gel for the flower art. You might want to place coral pink dots in the centers for a color contrast.

Florals always circle back in summer, but this version? It’s fresh, bold, and anything but cliché. Great for wearing with open-toed heels at a night market or garden party.

Layered Pink Heartbeat

Can a pedicure be romantic? Because this one definitely is. The combination of pink gradients, glitter and the heart design makes the look flirty, playful and just the right amount of sweet. It makes me think of cotton candy and taking walks on the beach at sunset.

ILNP Rosewater is perfect for the shimmer and you can layer it with cream pinks from Zoya’s Summer Pink Collection. The heart? The easiest way is to use a striping brush and be careful, but nail stickers are a quick alternative.

It’s a lovely style for going to the beach or just to make your nails look nice. Would I wear this on a solo spa day? Yes, and I’d smile every time I looked down.

Urban Chic Grid

This modern grid style is like your favorite blazer, but it’s for your feet. Sharp lines on a creamy background, with burgundy coloring the rest of the toes. The design looks self-assured, stylish and can be worn with any outfit.

Apply Essie Topless & Barefoot as a base and use nail art striping brushes to draw the black and red lines. A long-wear gel formula ensures the lines stay crisp and don’t bleed.

This one’s not loud, but it’s definitely smart. If you’re into structured silhouettes and capsule wardrobes, this could be your perfect summer pedi.

Mint Gold Botanica

Sage green is already peaceful and this one adds a French-style leafy gold overlay to make it even more special. It’s delicate but never dull. The gold is placed in a way that makes the shoes look natural and comfortable, like a piece of botanical art on your feet.

I use Cirque Colors Sagebrush and CND Vinylux Cream Puff to make the curved French divide. Then apply foil or paint on gold leafing with Orly Luxe to add depth.

Not every nail design has to shout. This one is gentle—like the sound of linen dresses and iced green tea. If you’re looking for a peaceful listen, this could be your new favorite.

Black Hi-Shine Steel Mirror

Let’s be honest—this look turns heads. It’s bold, reflective, and minimalist all at once. A silver-black hi-shine steel finish on chrome makes every flip-flop look more stylish and attractive. It’s like liquid metal but on your toes.

Apply a black gel base, then use Born Pretty’s Mirror Chrome powder over it and finish with a no-wipe top coat. You can’t do without a gel lamp—it’s what gives the chrome its shine.

I got a compliment from the security guard when I wore this to an outdoor concert. It’s power in polish form. This is the main idea behind toes that shine in July 2025.

Sun-Drenched Daisies with a Crystal Pop

Bright orange with daisy petals? Yes, please. This combination of flavors reminds me of walking barefoot on freshly cut grass. Here, the nail designs mix tangerine polish, hand-painted white flowers and a sprinkling of crystals that looks like summer confetti. All the toes are like little canvases that mix cheer with accuracy, but are not too delicate. This one says, “I was there for July—and I’m shining bright.”

I’d start with OPI’s “Juice Bar Hopping” to get this look. The daisies? A crisp white polish like Essie’s “Blanc” and a thin nail art brush make them look their best. You can use a dotting tool for the yellow centers and you can find the tiny crystals in most summer nail art kits on Amazon or at Ulta. Before applying polish, smooth your nails so the polish goes on evenly and lasts longer.

For the application, first use a sticky base coat and then apply two coats of orange. Let that dry fully before adding the daisy detailing. If you are not confident in freehand painting, nail stickers or stamping kits are great ways to get the look you want. Apply a topcoat to seal the finish and keep it from lifting. According to celebrity nail artist Mazz Hanna, top coat is the SPF for your nails, so you should never skip it.

At my best friend’s garden party, I wore something similar and people thought I’d gone to a salon. There’s something very appealing about florals that shine in the sunlight. Honestly? Summer seemed to be captured and poured right onto my feet.

Neon Geometry with a Retro Vibe

Summer 2025 is looking like it’s going to be a blast from the past and I love it! It has the bright and bold style of a ’90s Lisa Frank folder, but now it’s grown up and even cuter. Lavender, bubblegum pink, minty blue and a bit of glitter and black hi-shine striping make the design edgy. Everything about it is vivid, neat and very much in style.

You’ll need four polishes minimum here: try Olive & June’s “OMG” (pink), “Yes Please” (mint), “Lavender Haze” by Sally Hansen, and a jet-black striping polish. Don’t skip the micro glitter polish for the accent shimmer stripe—it’s what makes the design look complete. Try to shape your nails into squares or squovals before you start; this will help the geometric lines stand out.

If you are doing your nails at home, use striping tape or French tip guides to separate the areas you want to paint. Remove the tape immediately after applying the polish to get sharp lines. Finish the design by applying a topcoat to make the mirror-shine more noticeable. If you’re new to this technique, work one toe at a time to avoid smudging.

I tried this last summer for Pride weekend and it was the mani that got the most attention. It’s bright, clear and just plain fun—just what you want in a nail color when it’s hot outside.

Wild Prints and Sweet Pink Stripes

Okay, let’s get wild. This outfit brings together safari-style prints and girly pastels which sounds unlikely but looks great. Every toe is different: zebra stripes, leopard spots, glossy solids and satin finishes all create this bold pink look. And yet? It’s still cohesive. This set gives off a vibe that says “Toes That Shine in July 2025” and also hints at being different from other girls.

You can use any shade of pink you like, from Barbie-like to a dusty rose. I think Cirque Colors “Cheek to Cheek” would be great for the shimmer and Zoya “Dot” for the soft pastel color. To use animal prints, either have a steady hand or use a stamping kit. A fine detail brush and a creamy white or mauve polish can be used to create zebra and cheetah patterns.

Don’t feel like doing every toe? You don’t have to. Choose to mix a few pattern nails with nails that have a solid glossy finish. The key is balance. Last spring, Miss Pop, a nail artist, said to Allure that animal prints are the new French because they can be used in so many ways.

To be honest, this is what I’d pack for a tropical vacation with lots of flowing dresses and drinks made with fruit. These nail designs are flirty, bold, and 100% Instagram-worthy.

Cherry Red Love Letter

A classic red with a twist? Yes, please. A rhinestone heart on the big toe makes this watermelon red nail color even more special and romantic. The main color is a bold cream and the sparkle makes it look like a love letter written in polish. It may look gentle, but it can be very strong.

A coral-like red such as Essie’s “Watermelon” or OPI’s “My Chihuahua Doesn’t Bite Anymore,” is a good choice. You can make a rhinestone heart by using black polish and sticking nail gems on with a wax pencil. I use a dotting tool with topcoat on it to make sure they stick properly.

Start by lightly drawing the heart in black with a detailing brush and then press the crystals into the tacky surface. Apply a thick coat of gel topcoat to secure all the pieces. Pro tip from celeb manicurist Tom Bachik? Hold the rhinestones in place with tweezers that have been sprayed with alcohol.

Red nail polish is confident in the summer, but this design? It’s flirty, romantic and seems just right for a date by the boardwalk. I’d wear it on repeat.

Clean Gloss with a Subtle Curve

A sheer polish can still be very striking. This is the style for the minimalist girls who still want to add some sparkle. The base is a creamy nude and a thin line of shimmering gems is added along the cuticle. It’s gentle, clean and has a hint of luxury that makes it great for July brunches or yoga on the roof.

Try “Ballet Slippers” by Essie or Deborah Lippmann’s “Naked.” Adding a tiny bit of white to clear can give you a milky neutral color. After the topcoat layer is semi-dry, use a nail brush and tweezers to place your gems on the nails. A good buff and prep will help your nude nail color shine.

I love how low-maintenance this style is. It looks lovely and matches well with any shoes or clothes. It’s a great French alternative for people who want the same elegance without having to tip.

If I want to look nice but don’t have a lot of time, this is my favorite way to do my makeup. It makes me feel sleek, polished, and a little bit like I’ve got my life together (even when I don’t).

Mermaid Sparkle Fade

This one’s for the dreamers. This polish has a gradient effect from a sparkling orchid pink to violet-blue and it sparkles like sea foam when the light hits the holographic glitter. It’s whimsy with depth. Feminine, magical, and super wearable, especially if you’re craving a playful nail color but don’t want to commit to one shade.

You can create this effect with a makeup sponge. You’ll need a sheer glitter polish like Orly’s “Shine On Crazy Diamond,” a fuchsia base like China Glaze “Ahoy!” and a lavender like Zoya “Hudson.” Put both colors on a sponge and press it onto your nail, adding more layers to get a smooth fade.

Allow each layer to dry completely before you apply the next one. Apply a topcoat and notice how the paint shines with every bit of summer light. Julie Kandalec, a celebrity manicurist, once noted that ombré nails create a story and each toe is a part of it.

If I had to choose a pedicure for a beach vacation in 2025, I think this would be it. It’s youthful but not childish, sparkly but not tacky. Honestly, it just feels like joy.

Glitter Fade Meets Soft Pink Elegance

This set is what modern French makeup looks like with a twist: a soft blush base covered with a silver glitter gradient that reflects the light beautifully. It combines the look of a party girl with that of a polished brunch babe. The smaller toes are decorated with full sparkle and the big toe has a fade that looks luxurious but is still easy to wear. This style shows luxury in a quiet and understated way.

I usually apply a sheer pink like Essie’s “Ballet Slippers” or Deborah Lippmann’s “Baby Love” for the base to get this look. I finish by adding a thick glitter polish like China Glaze “Silver of Sorts” and dab it upwards with a makeup sponge to get the soft fade. The secret to a perfect sparkle ombré? Adding a layer of glossy topcoat that makes everything look smooth and elegant.

I like to smooth out any bumps with a light buff and file, especially for looks with lots of glitter, since the texture can really affect the shine. After the base pink is on, I use a sponge to apply the glitter to the tips and pull it down to the cuticle. Apply two layers of topcoat to seal everything and soften the line between the colors.

I wore a dress like this to a summer wedding last year and every woman in heels kept asking me where I got my hair done. I didn’t want to let them know that it was just me, my kitchen table and a lot of patience. This design is so elegant and sparkly that it feels like you’re wearing champagne on your nails.

Galactic Chrome Drama

This next one? It’s unapologetically bold. Imagine Black hi-shine steel mixed with electric blue, changing through purples and greens, all with a mirrored chrome finish that looks like it’s from a sci-fi runway. The way the color changes is smooth and lively, as if you have molten metal on your nails. The colors are deep and rich and the atmosphere changes a lot depending on the lighting. Basically, it’s summer drama in the best way.

You’ll need a black base polish and a multi-chrome powder pigment, for example, Born Pretty’s “Aurora” or Holo Taco’s “Galactic Unicorn Skin.” After applying two coats of black polish, cure it under a lamp (if using gel), and then rub in the chrome pigment using a foam applicator or your fingertip. Finish the process by applying a no-wipe gel topcoat to keep the shiny steel effect.

Since this technique might be messy, put a peel-off barrier or tape around your nails to keep your cuticles safe. Take your time and use small circles to really polish the powder and make the surface reflective. According to Julie Kandalec in her recent IG tutorial, chrome nails are best done with care. It’s like makeup for your nails—blend, don’t press.”

I’d pick this outfit for a late dinner on a rooftop or for a concert that goes on after the sun goes down. It seems strong and a bit mysterious, as if it were a magical armor for your feet. If you’re considering something bold for 2025, this is definitely a good choice.

Modern Marble with Gold Veining

White marble, especially with flecks of gold, always looks impressive and never goes out of fashion. It looks simple but is actually quite detailed and it reminds me of what a Greek goddess might wear—or, at the very least, what you should wear on your summer sandals. The veins look like they were drawn by hand, so every toe looks like a small piece of art. It’s chic, elevated, and totally timeless.

I use a soft white polish like Zoya’s “Snow White” and a fine brush with a bit of gray or taupe polish to paint the veins. Before the paint dries, I use a small sponge to blur the lines a little. For the gold, I like foil flakes (like those from Whats Up Nails) pressed onto the tacky polish with tweezers or a silicone tool. It adds just enough shimmer without going full sparkle.

This one takes patience, I won’t lie. But it’s worth every second. Begin by buffing and shaping the car to get the best starting point. Paint two coats of white, let them dry and then add the veins and foil pieces. Don’t skip the glossy topcoat—it gives the set a shiny finish.

I go for this style when I want a simple outfit that still looks interesting. It’s like a neutral with a PhD in elegance. When someone tells me they like my kitchen, I can say, “Oh, it’s marble,” just like I’m describing a high-end countertop. Pretty great, right?

Conclusion

Whether you’re into bold chrome, soft shimmer, playful prints, or elegant marble—Toes That Shine in July 2025 are all about expressing yourself from the ground up. Make your nails match the season: bright, bold and colorful. Which design are you trying first? Let your toes do the talking this summer. 💅✨