The Tamesis
The sun is out and so are our toes. Some people always prepare for the changing seasons by making regular pedicure appointments. But for those of us who still need to pay attention to our feet after a long winter, we’ve compiled a guide to the most flattering summer pedicure colors—from bright and bold to neutral and deep.
The trick, says nail content creator and The Gel Bottle ambassador Nicole Marien, is to never skimp on prep. “Neat cuticles, smooth shapes and clean nail plates make all the difference,” she explained to Brit Fashion. “That’s what gives it that perfect, long-lasting look.”
Harriet Westmoreland/@harrietwestmoreland
But what does getting ready look like if you’re not in the salon? Manicurist Lois Elias (better known as @polishedbylolo to her Instagram followers) says to focus on polishing and smoothing calluses on your feet first to keep your skin supple.
“Then, when buffing, try to keep it as close to your cuticles as possible,” she advises. “This helps maintain a fresh, neat look for up to three weeks.” In her opinion, short, square nails are best.
This is nail shape sorting. Now let’s talk about color. According to Elias, there are two colors in particular that should be avoided on toes: “Gray can appear dull and emphasize uneven skin tone, while yellow can sometimes make skin look sallow or discolored.”
For Marien, the main concern was maintaining the fresh look of the milky white over time. Choosing a color with the right undertone is key to keeping the overall look clean and beautiful, she says. More on how to maintain a refreshing cream or milk manicure later. Now, here are the flattering pedicure colors to keep this summer.
blush
Pink will never go out of style as it suits all skin tones perfectly. In 2026, the color becomes modern, with sheer layers, ultra-glossy finishes, and shades that combine the best of neutrals and pinks. If you want your toes to look “finished” without drawing too much attention, this is the way to go. Bonus: A blush pedicure goes with any outfit.
