Pedicures: The 8 nail polish colors nail artists are seeing everywhere on feet this summer 2026
Summer 2026 is just around the corner, and with it comes the urge to break out sandals and light, breezy outfits. To get your toenails ready for the season, you’ll need to choose the right nail polish color. Nail artists shared their recommendations with the American magazine Real Simple, and the results make you want to book a pedicure right away.
Pastel shades for soft, luminous toes
Pastel shades are among this summer’s top trends. Having been worn on fingernails since spring, they are now making their mark on toenails with the same elegance.
Pastel lavender is shaping up to be one of the season’s standout shades. Both soft and vibrant, this shade flatters all skin tones, according to nail artist Valeriia Telemaniuk, as interviewed by Real Simple.
In the same vein, sage green evokes a sense of freshness and modernity. To take it a step further, experts suggest pairing this color with a chrome or pearlescent finish for an even more sophisticated look.
“I love the color lavender because it flatters all skin tones and always makes for an elegant pedicure.” — Valeriia Telemaniuk, nail artist
Creamy white and soft pink: two timeless classics
Coconut milk white nail polish is appealing for its glossy, translucent finish. More natural than classic white, it brightens up your feet and pairs well with both bold colors and neutral tones, according to nail artist Kokwe Amegavie.
For its part, powder pink remains a popular minimalist shade. It highlights the nail’s natural appearance while providing a polished finish, and suits a wide variety of skin tones, both day and night.
Chrome pink, neon yellow, and cherry red for the daring
For those who want to take it a step further, several bolder shades are also on the menu. The chrome effect, already popular for manicures, could make its way onto toes, especially when paired with a pale pink. Nail artist Vicki Ornella notes that this shade “complements and enhances all skin tones.”
Neon yellow, on the other hand, is a particularly bold choice. After a long winter of dark tones, this electric color, according to Valeriia Telemaniuk, feels like a real ray of sunshine on the beach.
Furthermore, cherry red reaffirms its status as a timeless classic. Its glossy finish evokes the skin of the fruit, and, as Kokwe Amegavie points out, this shade is “timeless, yet bold and modern.”
- Pastel lavender: soft, vibrant, flattering for all skin tones
- White coconut milk: glossy, translucent, and very chic, according to the experts
- Pale pink and chrome: a trend on hands, and now on toes too
- Neon yellow: vibrant and bold, perfect for the beach
- Cherry red: a timeless classic that never goes out of style
Sage green and powder pink for a natural yet polished look
Sage green is popular for its ability to blend modernity with a natural look. Though subtle, this pastel shade adds real personality to toenails. Nail artists recommend it both on its own and paired with a pearlescent finish.
Powder pink, on the other hand, is all about understated elegance. This shade goes with any outfit, whether casual or dressier, and works just as well for spring looks as it does for summer ones.
The French pedicure: still on trend this summer 2026
The French pedicure is making a comeback this season with a slightly updated twist. According to Valeriia Telemaniuk, the trendy 2026 version features a pale pink base accented with an ultra-thin white tip. This look is described as “incredibly feminine, refined, and versatile.”
Compared to previous years, this more delicate version moves away from the thick white lines of the 2000s. What’s more, this style looks just as good with minimalist sandals as it does with colorful espadrilles.
In total, nail artists recommend eight nail polish colors to enhance your toenails this summer: pastel lavender, coconut milk white, pale chrome pink, neon yellow, sage green, cherry red, powder pink, and white French tips. Each of these shades was selected by professionals interviewed by Real Simple and caters to distinct style preferences. So whether you prefer soft colors or bold hues, this season offers an option for every foot care preference.
