Pedicure Season Is Upon Us—9 of the Chicest Shades to Wear All Season Long
Sandals at the ready.
Maybe you're someone who has an ever-growing nail polish collection that's bursting out of your bathroom drawer. Or maybe you schedule a standing salon appointment for monthly manicures and pedicures. Either way, I'm assuming you're just as excited about summer as I am. It's *the* season for all things nails, and there's nothing like a chic pedicure to elevate an already-stylish sandal collection.
I'm currently in the process of rotating my boots to the back of my closet and my sneakers and flip-flops to the front. Luckily, I already have my summer pedi lineup sorted, thanks to three top nail artists who clued me into the chicest shades for summer 2026. From sun-ripened tomato red to a luxe French pedi, keep scrolling to see the 9 most stylish nail colors to wear on your toes this season.
Tomato Red
Maryna Slynko is the founder of Slynko Beauty Bloom Studio and a Jude Professional Nail Artist and International Educator. She says tomato red is one of the most stylish pedicure colors for summer 2026. Even though she admits that it's one of the most requested pedicure shades every summer, it's especially relevant and on-trend this year. "It's timeless, confident, and feminine, making it a favorite choice year after year." Think of a sun-ripened heirloom tomato, bursting from the vine. The orange-red color is ultra-flattering and pops against sun-kissed skin.
Pistachio
Pistachio perfumes are everywhere right now (searches are up over 850%). As with most beauty trends, pistachio isn't sticking to a single category. Pistachio-tinged nail polish is also on the rise, and I've personally spotted it on some stylish toes on the streets of NYC. The creamy green hue is unexpected and original. It's eye-catching, but in a way that whispers rather than shouts. Take this as an official PSA to match your pedicure to your pistachio-milk latte this summer.
Hot Pink
Millennials will probably associate hot pink pedicures with the early 2000s. Britney! Christina! NSYNC! The cool-again color has a Y2K appeal. It suits the maximalist aesthetic of cool-girl celebs like Zara Larsson and Addison Rae, which is why I'm planning on wearing it while streaming both of their latest albums. Slynko says it's gaining traction in summer 2026 because it exudes energy and personality. "It is playful, bold, and looks especially beautiful on sun-kissed skin," she says.
Svitlana Motyl is an International Nail Artist, Educator, Championship Judge, Author of Proprietary Nail Techniques, and the Co-Founder of Art Me Nails Studio. She agrees that hot pink will be one of the most stylish pedicure shades of the summer. "The bright pink hue instantly adds a fun, cheerful touch and complements everything from beachwear to evening outfits. It’s a color that feels both youthful and elegant, making it a go-to shade for the season."
Berry Jelly
The experts say it's time to take your favorite fruit—whether that's raspberry, blackberry, or strawberry—and translate it into your summer pedicure. To nail the trend (pun intended), you need two things. First, you need the right jammy and syrupy shade. Choose whichever color you prefer, whether it leans more pink, red, or purple. Secondly, you need a translucent nail polish to achieve a see-through, jelly effect. Celebrity Nail Artist Elle says if it's done right, it will mimic your favorite pair of trendy jelly sandals.
Seashell
Elle says shell-inspired nails are another stylish aesthetic for summer 2026. This pedicure mimics the shiny, opalescent finish of the inside of a seashell. It's elevated, beachy, ethereal, and gives mermaid vibes in the best way. The key is to use a soft, glazed nail polish with an off-white finish. The most relevant ones are milky and pearly and shift blue, green, gold, or champagne in the sun.
Cobalt Blue
I hate to play favorites, but cobalt blue is one of my favorite summer pedicure shades. It looks so stunning against sun-kissed skin—even better when it's seen set against golden sand or flashing through aquamarine pool water. I was already planning on wearing it all season long, but now that I have expert validation, I'm basically hoarding bottles of blue nail polish.
"Cobalt blue is one of the season’s most fashion-forward shades," Motyl says. "It’s vibrant, eye-catching and brings energy and confidence to any look while reflecting the bold color trends seen across runways and social media. It’s the perfect choice for those who want their pedicure to make a statement."
Crisp White
This is yet another classic pedicure color to make our "most stylish" list for summer 2026. Crisp white toes are fresh and bright, and they earn attention in a subtle, sophisticated way. Plus, they match everything, looking just as good in a pair of flip flops as they do peeking out of a pair of designer heels.
"A crisp white pedicure remains one of the chicest choices for summer 2026," Motyl says. "It complements every skin tone, beautifully highlights the shape of the nails, and creates a clean, polished look. [It's] especially popular during vacation season because it looks stunning against sun-kissed skin and pairs effortlessly with summer sandals."
Sandy Beige
A sandy beige pedicure is chic for multiple reasons. 1) It's a match-anything option that will see you through any dress code, event, or situation. 2) It's flattering on a wide range of skin tones. 3) It's a sophisticated, "quiet luxury" color for people who want to embrace a summery aesthetic without wearing bold hues. Wear it with a glossy top coat or opt for a glazed finish for even more sun-kissed shine.
French Pedicure
This is admittedly more of a design than a color, but French Pedicures are downright dominating the trend cycle this season. The trend has already started to take over IG and TikTok. It's crisp, classy, and slightly nostalgic, an obvious choice for anyone who wants their pedicure to whisper wealth. "The French Pedicure continues to be incredibly popular because of its clean, polished, and versatile appearance," Slynko says. "It pairs effortlessly with any outfit or footwear, making it a go-to choice for vacations, weddings, and everyday wear."
