The Pedicure Season has arrived—here are 9 of the most stylish shades to sport throughout the season.
Perhaps you're someone with a continually expanding nail polish collection that's overflowing in your bathroom drawer. Or maybe you have a regular appointment at the salon for monthly manicures and pedicures. Regardless, I believe you share my enthusiasm for summer. It's *the* season for all things nails, and a stylish pedicure can really enhance a fabulous sandal collection. I'm in the process of moving my boots to the back of my closet and bringing my sneakers and flip-flops to the front. Fortunately, I already have my summer pedicure selections lined up, thanks to three top nail artists who shared the trendiest shades for summer 2026. From a sun-ripened tomato red to a luxurious French pedicure, keep reading to discover the 9 most fashionable nail colors to adorn your toes this season.
**Tomato Red**
Maryna Slynko, founder of Slynko Beauty Bloom Studio and a Jude Professional Nail Artist and International Educator, notes that tomato red is a top choice for pedicure colors this summer of 2026. Although it's a popular shade every summer, it’s particularly trendy this year. "It's timeless, confident, and feminine, making it a perennial favorite," she explains. Picture a sun-ripened heirloom tomato bursting off the vine; this orange-red hue is incredibly flattering and stands out beautifully against sun-kissed skin.
- **CHANEL**: Le Vernis - 147 Incendiare
- **LONDONTOWN**: Lakur Nail Polish – Londoner Love
- **Essie**: Nail Polish - Tomato, Tomahto
**Pistachio**
Pistachio fragrances are all the rage right now, with searches increasing by over 850%. Like many beauty trends, pistachio is transcending categories, and pistachio-colored nail polish is also gaining popularity. I've noticed it on chic toes throughout NYC. This creamy green shade is unique and fresh, striking attention without being overly loud. Consider this your official reminder to match your pedicure with your pistachio milk latte this summer.
- **OPI**: The Pass Is Always Greener
- **ILNP**: Studio Color Nail Polish - Pistachio
- **Manucurist**: Quick-Dry Nail Polish - Pistachio
**Hot Pink**
Millennials might associate hot pink pedicures with the early 2000s—think Britney, Christina, and NSYNC! This vibrant color is making a comeback and suits the maximalist style favored by stars like Zara Larsson and Addison Rae, which is why I plan on wearing it while listening to their latest albums. Slynko observes that it's becoming increasingly popular in summer 2026 due to its vibrant energy and personality. "It's playful, bold, and particularly stunning on sun-kissed skin," she states. Svitlana Motyl, an International Nail Artist and Co-Founder of Art Me Nails Studio, agrees that hot pink will be among the standout pedicure colors this summer. "This bright pink instantly adds a fun, cheerful energy and works well with everything from beachwear to evening outfits—it's youthful yet elegant, making it a favorite shade for the season."
- **Essie**: Nail Polish - Pencil Me In
- **ORLY**: Nail Polish - That's Hot
- **CHANEL**: Le Vernis - 143 Diva
**Berry Jelly**
Experts recommend translating your favorite fruit—be it raspberry, blackberry, or strawberry—into your summer pedicure. To nail this trend (pun intended), you need two key elements: the right jam-like, syrupy shade and a translucent nail polish for a jelly effect. Celebrity Nail Artist Elle mentions that when done correctly, it can resemble your favorite trendy jelly sandals.
- **Essie**: Glass Nails Collection - Highballer
- **Cirque Colors**: Jelly Nail Polish - Bitten Jelly
- **Manicurist**: Jelly Nail Polish - Pomme d'Amour
**Seashell**
Elle points out that seashell-inspired nails are another fashionable aesthetic for summer 2026. This pedicure imitates the shiny, opalescent finish of a seashell's interior, giving off a beachy, ethereal vibe reminiscent of mermaids. The secret lies in using a soft, glazed nail polish with an off-white hue, ideally milky and pearly, shifting between blue, green, gold, or champagne in sunlight.
**Cobalt Blue**
Though I hesitate to pick favorites, cobalt blue stands out as a striking summer pedicure shade. It shines against sun-kissed skin and looks spectacular against golden sand or shimmering pool water. I planned to wear it all season, but now that I have expert affirmation, I'm nearly stockpiling blue nail polish. "Cobalt blue is one of the season’s most fashion-forward shades," Motyl states. "It’s vibrant, eye-catching, and infuses energy and confidence into any
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The Pedicure Season has arrived—here are 9 of the most stylish shades to sport throughout the season.
Sandals prepared.