Forget Colored Polish: This Classic Revamp is Dominating Summer Toenail Trends

This summer, there’s a fresh direction in nail fashion. After seasons ruled by bold colors and elaborate nail art, a trend spotted on social media is taking a completely opposite approach: it’s all about natural looks, minimalism, and that understated elegance that endures through changing fashions. Content creators are all over it, tutorials are proliferating, and it only takes one celebrity story to accelerate the trend. Leading the pack is Kylie Jenner, and the trend has already taken over hands… but now it’s moving to new territory.

Indeed, it’s our feet that are about to steal the spotlight. When nail pros like Milly Mason and Harriet Westmoreland announce in Glamour US that “French toes are back“, it’s hard not to take notice. The summer’s hot trend is the French pedicure: the well-known French manicure adapted for toes, with its rosy or nude base, crisp white tips, and glossy finish.

“The French pedicure is really having a moment because it strikes the perfect balance between timeless and modern,” explains Milly Mason. “It’s chic, subtle, and works with absolutely any outfit, any shoe, and any occasion.” Another advantage, especially important in times of tight budgets: its clear base provides a clean, natural look that stays perfect even as the nail grows out. As a result, appointments can be spaced further apart, extending the life of the pedicure. This clever benefit partly explains its viral success.

Moreover, this new generation French pedicure allows endless variations. Gone are the days of just the white tip: now we dare to try pastel or metallic edges, shaded gradients, and bases of a milky pink almost translucent. Depending on the chosen nail shape, whether softly square or rounded, there’s something for everyone.

Interested in trying it out at home? Start by trimming your nails straight across, then file the edges into a line before rounding off the corners slightly. Apply a slightly tinted clear base coat and allow it to dry completely. Place a French manicure stencil at the top of the nail, widely available online, then paint the tip with a crisp white before carefully removing the stencil. “Allow it to dry thoroughly before finishing with a glossy top coat for that ultra-bright professional finish,” advises Milly Mason.

Simple, cost-effective, and incredibly stylish, the French pedicure is definitely the trend to embrace. This summer, your feet have never been more ready to step out of the sandals.