Why is it that we want something a little bit more on our toes during August? Maybe it’s the golden-hour sandals. Or the spontaneous beach days when it seems like we are after the last rays of summer. In any case, it is the time to embrace pedicure color, to go trendy with finishes, and to play with details that you would otherwise pass on.
Whether you’re a “just buff them” girl or someone with a whole saved folder labeled Nail Goals on Pinterest, I’ve pulled together some ultra-stylish toe nail art and color designs for August 2025, each ready to refresh your mood with just a quick polish change. Let’s dive in:
Minimal Luxe with a Sparkle Twist
This design is soft elegance meets red carpet shimmer. The big toes are covered with a glossy, creamy nude, clean, smooth, and universally flattering, with micro rhinestone accents in a slight curve at the cuticle. The remaining toes have a warm fine-textured rose gold glitter that reflects the light with each step. It is such a minimalist-glam balance that is so August-like, effortless and yet Instagram-ready at golden hour Boomerang.
To re-create this nail look, I would choose a pink base of either OPI, or Essie which is in neutral and Astra Rose- gold glitter on top by Zoya. The decoration is what makes it interesting, small gold or iridescent studs are applied with a precision tool and sealed with a thick top coat.
Creating symmetry with rhinestones takes patience (trust me—I’ve messed this up more than once), so I recommend using a dotting tool dipped lightly in top coat to pick and place each gem. In the case of the glitter toes, apply the sparkle polish in layers by patting it on instead of brushing it on as one does with regular lacquer.
I have done this at a garden party of a friend and all the women there were literally asking me about it. It is sophisticated yet playful, and it is not obnoxious with its over-the-topness. August-perfect, honestly.
Neon Heat Meets Galactic Glimmer
Bold and confident, this combo radiates late-summer power vibes. The large toe is painted in a high-gloss drama of a vibrant hot pink almost neon, and the smaller toes are interchanged with a glitter-slicked galaxy black. It is playful and bossy at the same time, as though you have something to do tonight, whether it is to get frozen margaritas after running errands or not.
The pink can be Lights Lacquer Cherry Jelly or ORLY Beach Cruiser. With the black glitter, I adore Cirque Colors Lunar Glow or Holo Taco Galaxy Black- both are deep and dimensional shimmer that really sparkles in the sun.
At home, when one does this, it is always advisable to apply the black glitter over a jet-black base coat to enhance the effect. A silicone nail art sponge may be used to pat glitter on smoothly instead of it moving about. And remember two coats of top coat will ensure that glitter is sealed and will not scratch.
I took a similar version on vacation and I am not lying when I say, this was the only accessory I needed. It is the sparkle on dark toes that is just so luxe, particularly when worn with an anklet or open-toe heels.
Chrome Holograph & Clean Lines
Now, let us discuss that low-key science-fiction glam that is hitting it hard this year, holographic chrome. This design nails it (no pun intended). It has a milky base that reflects rainbow colors in the light to provide a glowing opalescent effect without reaching rainbow-unicorn status. The shape stays soft and square, minimal yet mesmerizing.
You’ll need a chrome powder (try Daily Charme’s “Aurora Unicorn” pigment) and a gel base in a soft neutral like “Funny Bunny” by OPI. The trick is that you buff the chrome powder into a no-wipe top coat when it is still warm under the lamp.
It can be fiddly, but it is really worth it. I have a silicone tool to be more accurate when pressing the pigment in and I end up with a second layer of top coat to maintain the surface as mirror-smooth. A UV lamp is key—no shortcuts here.
This one’s for anyone who’s into subtle but futuristic nail design. Last week I was held up in line at a smoothie bar because of my toes. It’s that good.
Sunset Stripes with Metallic Edge
Color blocking doesn’t just belong in fashion. In this case, a deep navy is paired with a bright tangerine orange in a diagonal split down the nail, with the thinnest line of silver glitter on the edge, and this is pure August magic. It takes me back to late sunsets on the ocean, when the sky turns into unimaginable colors.
Begin with a navy such as Essie Booties on Broadway and a neon orange such as Sally Hansen Sun Kissed. The diagonal can be freehanded when you are steady but I like to use thin nail tape on sharp edges. Lay down your glitter line (Starrily “Disco Ball” works great), then seal it all in.
A bit of patience and a very thin brush will be required there in the middle line, but when it is completed the effect is unbelievable. According to nail artist Mei Kawajiri, such unexpected color combinations prevent pedicures to be basic and I could not agree more.
This one is a conversation starter. I was out in something like a rooftop dinner last week and someone actually knelt down to inquire about the polish I was wearing. Wild, but also kind of fabulous.
Matte Green for the Earthy Goddess
It is all about earthy chic, matte forest green, smooth, modern and quietly commanding. There’s no shimmer, no gloss, no fuss. The richness of the color alone, and the confidence which it inspires. It adds the vibe of a cool girl who knows what she is doing, particularly in August when we begin to shift into fall.
I have been obsessed with the Olive & June polish, Into the Trees or OPI, Things I have seen in Aber-green. To bring it to that velvet finish add a matte top coat such as Essie Matte About You. I think matte shades suit clean-cut square or rounded-square toenails the best, it gives structure.
No special tools required here. Simply put on two coats of your color, allow to dry thoroughly and seal with the matte topper. It is also very forgiving, so it is ideal to anyone who is doing a DIY pedicure right before a trip.
This color is one of those secret weapons. It is new, relaxing, and appears stylish when you are walking on the beach with your bare feet or in the most well-worn sandals. Bonus: it makes a tan pop like nothing else.
Pastel Fade with a Twist of Coral
Lavender has now been established as a summer classic, and this design knows how to use it. A subtle gradient of cool violet to a hint of coral on the big toe is the only bit of intrigue, and the rest of the toes remain largely in the pastel lane, with one bright coral accent toe that makes the entire look look like it was created by a fashion editor. The transition is clean, but playful. It is a mani that can be read as a dialogue between a summer sunset skies and a berry sorbet.
To get this effect, I’d use a blend of Essie’s “Lilacism” and Zoya’s “Emma” (a peachy coral) for the gradient. A sponge that is lightly dabbed with both colors will assist in that smooth ombr effect on the big toe. And do not overlook the value of a glassy topcoat–it gives pastel zing.
I have done something similar when I have not been able to choose between something soft or loud. Turns out, the in-between is where the magic happens. It feels polished but not precious.
Silver Dust Meets Ballet Blush
This sheer blush pink with icy silver glitter is delicate and dazzling and I like to think of this as pedicure poetry. The foundation pink is so soft it almost looks milky white and the silver nails are like fresh snow, yes, in August. And somehow it works. It’s timeless, bridal, but not exclusive to weddings. Imagine open-toe silk sandals and shaved legs in a hot night out.
You will need a clear blush polish, OPI has a cult favorite called Bubble Bath, and you will need something like ILNP Mega or Essie Set in Stones to put the glitter in. Apply two coats of each, and allow to dry thoroughly, and seal with a jelly-gloss topcoat.
This look is always in my mind when I need to feel soft yet strong. I wore it on a day when I had a meeting in the morning and a fancy dinner later on in the evening and it somehow suited both occasions.
The Cleanest French You’ve Ever Seen
French pedicure is back, but it is not what you were used to in 2005. This version is thinner, cleaner, and more sculpted. The base is pale pink and soft yet structured and the ultra-thin white tip is crisp as a perfectly starched shirt. It is not so much mall manicure as I flew in a private plane and did not post it.
In case I had to recreate this, I would apply Chanel Le Vernis in Ballerina as the base and a fine brush with white gel polish on the tips. It is a trick of a nearly-nothing arch–curve it too much, and it is retro, flatten it, and it is no longer elegant.
This design rescued me once when I had no time at all and wanted my toes to be purposeful. It matches with everything, sandals, heels, even bare feet in white sheets. August chic in its purest form.
Liquid Gold for the Bold
There’s something wildly luxe about gold chrome toes. This is all out drama: a hyper-reflective gold polish that looks like molten metal. It is not for the weak of heart, but when you want your pedicure to be a piece of jewelry, this is your thing. There’s no nail art here—just color, texture, and power.
In order to achieve this appearance, choose a mirror chrome powder in gold- Daily Charme and Born Pretty have the best ones. Apply a no-wipe base gel that is warm yellow or bronze and cure in a UV lamp followed by the buffing of the chrome powder. Top coat, cure again, and you’re golden. Literally.
I have done this once on a lark before a beach party and it was a complete conversation piece. People notice. It is a toe polish that makes heads turn and frankly speaking, it should.
Electric Jungle Pop
This is what I think Barbie would wear in case she went to Burning Man. The lime green foundation is covered with abstract fuchsia stripes that act as electric zebra print. It’s edgy, it’s playful, and it’s very now. They are bright yet not too bold to wear them under summer slides and not look too much.
To achieve this I would apply ORLYs Glowstick to the green and Color Club Warhol to the neon pink. The zebra-like accents can be assisted by striping brush or even toothpick. It is the kind of manicure when you need a top coat with a serious shine, it will make the color even more punchy.
This one’s pure energy. I had something like this on a concert in August and I swear, it made me dance more. Sometimes nails can do that.
Forget-Me-Not Micro Blooms
This one’s all about the power of delicate detail. Little hand painted blue and white flowers are left dangling down a sheer nude background like a wildflower meadow. The design doesn’t scream—it whispers. But the precision is striking. It’s dainty, feminine, and full of charm. It is a bit nostalgic, as well, like those pressed flowers in a notebook that you forgot about until now.
The foundation polish ought to be neutral and soft, go with Essie Sheer Luck or OPI Bubble Bath. As far as the flowers are concerned, you will need an ultra-thin detailing brush and a high-quality gel palette with blue, yellow and green pigments. Coat one flower petal at a time and allow it to dry before coating again so as to eliminate any smudges.
I can tell you I have not perfected florals this delicate myself, but I had this design created at a baby shower I did last summer and people were CRAZY about it. It’s delicate without being overly girly, and feels timeless.
Lavender Lilies and Painted Petals
This is more graphic-looking lilac-blue nails and one statement toe with a purple floral painted on a clean white nail. The look is polished and intentional, like you planned this to match your outfit (and you probably should). The floral detail is the most elegant way to interrupt the monochrome and bring artistry to otherwise traditional palette.
To achieve it, you need to reach out to a deep lilac such as Cirque Colors Spree or OPI Show Us Your Tips. Apply white gel polish as the base of the feature toe and apply floral detail with a small brush and pigments in lavender, green and dark plum.
The design is magnificent to wear to a wedding, a brunch, or whenever you just want your toes to be included in your overall look. It’s polished, but personal.
Romantic Roses & French Framing
This one is romantic drama, full stop. Shiny red and pink roses blossom on several toes, and one of them is not colored at all, only a clean white French tip, a break in the garden. The placement of the flowers feels intentional but organic. It is the type of nail art that will appear couture despite the fact that it took 30 minutes with the right artist.
I would use a nude gel base and then high-pigment polish on the roses, say cherry red, blush and minty green on the leaves. A tiny round brush is key here. And then finish it off with some gloss to give the effect of a real petal sheen.
This year I wore this kind of rose design during the week of Valentine and I actually did not remove it until March. It even made my pajama days a little more pulled together.
Sugar Plum Simplicity
Lavender lovers, this one’s for you. There is a juicy, vivid violet that is in the balance between being playful and refined. It’s just one color, one mood—but it’s plenty. There is something about this tone that makes you feel fresh, hydrated and a little powerful. It doesn’t need rhinestones or patterns to catch eyes.
To do the color, grab Lights Lacquer Amethyst or Sally Hansen Violet Voltage. You desire a shade that is slightly cool in order to have that rich payoff. Apply a clear coat of gel on top of it to give it a glassy finish.
When I am stuck in the middle of ideas, I always resort to this color. It can be matched with everything, including linen jumpsuits and silver sandals, and it is like a good best friend. Just purple, but never boring.
Soft Pink Serenity
The final note is on a low key and this is the type of pedicure that is like a Sunday morning. The color is barely-there pink—milky, blush-toned, and whisper-soft. No accents, no shimmer, just clean, healthy-looking nails. The vibe? Malibu yoga retreat is a match to lazy mornings and iced coffee.
This color goes perfectly with such classics as OPI Mimosas for Mr. & Mrs. or Butter London Piece of Cake. It is pardoning in case you do something wrong, and you do not have to be afraid of chips, imperfection only makes it feel easier.
I revert to this one when life is too noisy. It is down to earth, stylish, and not too fancy to make me feel pampered, although I did it in five minutes and flat.
Playful Orchid with Glitter Fade
It is something immediately cheerful about this creamy orchid polish and a sprinkle of chunky glitter at the bottom of the big toe. The general finish is smooth yet light-hearted, as one would expect a summer cocktail dress to be in color. It is on the edge of a statement and wearability, exuding a fashionable yet feminine feel. I believe that what makes it even more eye-catching is the asymmetrical application of texture, i.e. flat glossy polish and multi-dimensional glitter that reflects the sun.
To get this look, I’d recommend using OPI’s “Let’s Be Friends!” as a base—its smooth, lavender-pink hue mimics the color beautifully. Then apply Techno by China Glaze or some other multi-glitter formula on the bottom third of the nail only with a sponge or small brush. This keeps the fade soft but impactful. Finish it off with a glossy top coat- I always use Seche Vite to get that almost wet-like finish.
Chic Matte Black Meets Safari Cool
Matte black on toes? Oh yes. It’s no longer just a cold-season power move. This is a crisp white accent nail with a hint of leopard spots, and it is August-chic with a touch of wild instincts. The combination of the finishes, velvety matte and glossy patterned details, helps the design to be sophisticated yet cool-girl edgy. It is almost a wink to the Y2K nostalgia but in a more mature form and with less sloppy lines.
This combo is best when used with a good matte polish- apply Essie polish in Licorice and then apply a matte top coat on top of it. To do the accent nail, I have applied Sally Hansen White On as a base and painted the spots with a nail art pen or a dotting tool dipped in black gel polish. Let the wild toe roam free, I say!
Sunny Mustard with a Hint of Magic
Bright, mustard-yellow polish is not always an easy sell, but this one makes the game completely different. It is not neon, it is not hot, it suits all skin tones, and the soft sparkling powder applied on the skin gives you this magical golden-hour effect. It is August on your toes, sunny, spicy, and certainly not what you expect in the best manner.
The similar effect could be achieved with Olive & June Bright & Focused or OPI Sun, Sea and Sand in My Pants as the base. To achieve the shimmer, sprinkle a light layer of a fine gold pigment such as MAC Reflects Gold Glitter on top of the big toe between your last topcoat. It is not flashy but it will glitter whenever you enter the light.
Bluebell Calm with Modern Minimalism
August with a cool breeze would appear in this shade. Glassy-looking soft periwinkle toes are providing spa-day glamour with a touch of freshness. It is a serene yet trendy color and this is what makes it a highlight in late summer. It goes great with neutrals, it looks fancy with gold sandals, and has a minimal and clean aesthetic that makes you want to take a deep breath.
When I tried this at home, I used Youre Such a BudaPest by OPI, it is soft but not washed out. I added a gel-like topcoat to it and cured it using an LED lamp to achieve that mirror-like finish. The result? Two whole weeks of pure glossy serenity on my toes.
Classic Red with a Cheeky Twist
Red toes in summer are always a good idea, it is beachy, date-night appropriate and it instantly makes you look polished. But when it is combined with a white accent nail and a bright print of a lipstick kiss? It’s fun, flirty, and so very now. It is a summer affair that became nail art. Effortless, yes—but with attitude.
I have noticed this trend emerge on Insta and even on some of the recent editorial looks on Harper Bazaar. The kiss detail is easy to achieve with a nail decal (Etsy is full of great kiss designs), or you can hand-paint it using a tiny detail brush and a vivid red polish like “Big Apple Red” by OPI. The base? The white gel polish can be any crisp white gel polish just as long as the lines remain sharp and clean.
Matte Mocha Elegance with Golden Leaf Detail
This is the one when you do not want your toes to scream luxury, but to whisper it. The neutral energy that is provided by the matte mocha tone is very strong, calm, grounded, and timeless. But the showstopper here? That great toe with its dainty design of gold foil leaf. It’s giving “I have a favorite wine glass” energy. Simple yet artistic, as a piece of jewelry to put on your feet.
I tend to replicate it with either Essie in color Clothing Optional or Zoya in color Louise with a matte topcoat. The leaf detail is done with a set of gold foil transfer stickers or nail foil sheets on Born Pretty or Amazon. With tweezers, place each piece on a slightly tacky polish and seal it with topcoat on the accent nail only. This helps preserve the matte vs. glossy contrast.
Blush Petal 3D Rose for Romantics
Here’s one that immediately softens the heart. A blush-pink foundation and a super-decorative 3D rose on the big toe, it is a kind of mini-sculpture. Feminine, purposeful, and quite bridal-core, but not too much. Frankly speaking, in case you are that type of person who wears lace even in the heat, this one is tailored to your needs. It feels like garden parties and love letters.
I have experimented with 3D florals: gel modeling paste and thin sculpting brush. However, a press on decal or nail charm allows you to have the look without the anxiety, especially to a beginner. Use a neutral foundation such as Ballet Slippers by Essie or Tutu by OPI and put the rose over it. It’s dreamy and surprisingly durable.
Iridescent Lavender Glass Crackle
Talk about futuristic elegance. This broken glass print on soft lavender is a major editorial look, but it is wearable 100 percent. The broken pattern gives the depth without the heaviness and the finish reflects the light in the most alluring manner. It takes me back to iridescent seashells- which are just right in August when we are all a bit salty and sun-kissed.
In the case of the crackle effect, you may use chrome cellophane pieces or crushed foil under a clear coat. A lavender base like “Lilacism” by Essie works beautifully. I even layered OPI Do You Lilac It? with a topcoat that contains iridescent flakies. The secret is to make the crackle different dimensions by varying the size of the crackle and then seal it with a gel topcoat.
Minimal White Meets Cow Print Pop
The classic white pedicure is always in fashion- but with this one there is a surprise twist with a cow-print accent. It’s cheeky, a little yee-haw, but surprisingly fresh. The monochrome vibe keeps it from feeling juvenile. I wore something like that with black sandals and the compliments did not end.
The white foundation is simple enough, I used Blanc by Essie which is very bright and clean. In the case of the cow spots, you can either do it freehand using a dotting tool or you can use small nail vinyls or stickers. It is popping due to the contrast and can be worn with literally any outfit. Animal print is here to stay, it is merely a more updated version of it to wear in the late summer.
Tropical Sunset Glitter Fade
This appearance is more or less a mini vacation on your feet. The polish colors are orange, red and yellow, which travel across each toe in a golden-hour ombr. But the best part? The big toe is glittery coral-to-white fade, but it is sealed with gold sparkle, which resembles real sunlight dust. It is light-hearted, theatrical, and ideal to be enjoyed during beach weekends or simply drinking mango smoothie in your backyard.
Here is where your arsenal of daring polish hues can come in. I would suggest OPI A Good Man-darin is Hard to Find, Cajun Shrimp and Exotic Birds Don Tweet. In the case of the big toe, use the white first and sponge on a coral shade at the tip and blend upwards. Apply glitter with finger tip to give a subtle scattered effect, or apply a gold glitter topcoat only to the tip to be more precise.
