When summer arrives, it's time to bring out the open-toe shoes. For many of us, that also means we'll treat ourselves to pedicures (at home or in the salon) more often. Because, after all, nothing makes us feel more summer-ready than perfectly polished toes.
During this time of year, there always seems to be a new batch of trendy, warm-weather pedicure colors. And this summer, it's no different. This season, nail experts like Deborah Lippman, Juanita Huber-Millet, and Hannah Mankin predict a rise in bright, poppy colors and even unexpected metallic shades. Ahead, read all of their pedicure color trends for summer 2024.
Meet the Expert
- Deborah Lippman is a celebrity manicurist and the founder of her eponymous nail polish line.
- Juanita Huber-Millet is the founder and creative director at Townhouse.
- Hannah Mankin is a manicurist for Dazzle Dry.
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Butter Yellow
Butter yellow nail polish adds a subtle pop of color to your toes. A welcome departure from the neon yellow shades of summers past, this take on the yellow pedicure is more neutral in tone and far softer.
"We've noticed a rise in popularity of this color," Huber-Millet says. "I loveChanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in 129 Ovni, a beautiful buttery yellow shade that adds a touch of whimsy to any outfit, like a breezy sundress, denim shorts, and even a crisp white ensemble, making it perfect for summer."
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Light Blue
Opt for a pedicure in a lighter shade of blue this summer. Whether a highly-pigmented oceanic blue is more your speed or you prefer a more muted baby sky blue, Lippman loves to transition away from darker blue tones during this time of year. "You can go with anything from a light or pastel shade to more of a neon blue for a pop of color," she says. "I love a great pastel blue to enhance the toes for summer."
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Metallic Purple
A super trendy metallic purple shade is perfect for the summer. While it may seem bold, Mankin says not to be intimidated by wilder metallic polishes on the toes. "Summer is the perfect time to experiment with different colors and finishes since the toes are less visible than the fingers," she shares.
Mankin suggests trying a lavender or plum-colored polish with silver and gold flecks. Alternatively, you can ask your pedicurist to layer silver or white chrome powder over any purple polish.
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Milky White
Nothing screams summer more than white nails and toes. This summer, milky whites will continue to reign supreme. Mankin says any variation of a soft, neutral white polish on the toes complements all skin tones. "It's the nuances in the polish's finish, opacity, and tone that make all the difference," Huber-Milletsays. "I adore milky white tones on the toes for summer," she adds.
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Pale Peach
Expect to see plenty of peach nail polish at the beach and poolside, especially since Pantone declared "Peach Fuzz" as its 2024 Color of the Year. According to Lippman, the best way to wear the color is to lean into a pastel shade with a soft hue, which she says will enhance your skin's glow. Opt for light creamsicle-inspired and pinky-peach shades with a sheer finish like Londontown's Nail Polish in Peach Please.
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Neon Colors
For something bright and bold, try neon-swathed toes. "A neon pedicure gives a nostalgic feel, which is fun to wear in the summer," Mankin says. No shade is off-limits when it comes to neon colors, but the more vibrant the shade, the better. Anything from super bright pinks to bold electric blues is fair game.
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Baby Pink
A coquette baby pink pedicure will be very on-trend this season. "Soft, delicate baby pinks on the toes scream summer romance and elegance," Huber-Millet says. "But you can upgrade them by playing with different shades." She recommends topping your baby pink pedicure with a layer of a frosty, light pink pearlescent polish topper to achieve a glazed finish.
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Bright Red
You can never go wrong with a classic glossy red. As Lippman explains, considering your skin tone is vital to finding the perfect red to sport. "Bright red is an amazing summer shade and the perfect manicure-pedicure combination look for everyone," she says. "If you have a cool skin tone, cherry reds are best, while warmer skin tones should look to shades of poppy and ruby reds."