Summer is pedicure season. Sandals, flip-flops, and bare feet in the sand—when the sun comes out so do the toes. We are avid followers of nail delectable sounding nail trends all year round (blueberry milk, donut glaze, peah fuzz) but the warmer months are really a time for the nails to shine because we get to have fun matching nail polish colours. Sure, you could go the monochrome matchy-matchy route but mixing up the mani-pedi combos is a great way to colour coordinate.

These 10 nail polish colour combinations will have you wanting to take a walk on the wilder side, toes first.

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Same Colour, Different Shade

Blue nail polish colour combo

If you insist on using the same nail polish colour on top and bottom, try mixing up the shade for something a little more fun. Given that toes are only occasionally on display, playing with a bold shade is a great way to spice up the same monochromatic colour palette. Try a coat of Gucci Vernis à Ongles in the shade Lucy Baby Blue for something chic and sophisticated with a coat of Essie Ripple Reflect on the toes. Plus, blue is one of this year’s trending colours, so you can’t go wrong.

Pretty in Pink

Pink nail polish colour combo

Speaking of playing with shades of the same colour, pink is one of the most versatile and beautiful colours you can apply on the nails. Revlon’s Damsel in a Dress is a gorgeous baby doll Barbie pink shade that makes a statement on the fingers without being too garish and then you can really splash out with Shorts Story–a hot pink shade by O.P.I–on the toes.

Florals for Summer? Groundbreaking

Pink and green is a totally underrated colour combination. Why not take your cues from the beautiful blooms of spring and bring them with you into the summer months? Bubble Bath by O.P.I is a sweet pale pink nail polish colour which appears neutral and understated on the hands. Pair it with the honeydew green of Clear Your Cash and you’ll feel like a walking talking flower with petals and stems.

Making Waves

We can all agree that one of the best parts of summer is spending time around water. The seafoam greens of the ocean, the beige of the sand and the sun-dappled turquoise of a pool’s surface are all colours worth taking inspiration from. When it comes to a mani-pedi you can pick and choose which water shades you want to emulate, but we’re partial to blue for the hands and white for the toes, like these beachy shades from Wet n Wild.

Sizzling Hot Neons

neon nail polish colour combos

Pink and orange are an iconic combination that can be found everywhere during the summer (think the hues of a sunset or a frosty tequila sunrise). Summertime is also the best time to play with neon on your nails. Combine the two for a punchy look with a coat of Essie’s candy-coloured Watermelon on your hands and Revlon Hot Stuff on your feet.

Perfect Pastels

Green and yellow don’t sound like two colours that work together but mint and pale canary? That’s a beautiful and surprising mix and a testament to the power of pastels. Pick any two colours, find their ideal pastel shades and you’ve got the perfect mani-pedi combo. We particularly love Mint Refresh by Sally Hansen and All Fun & Games by Essie.

Shimmer and Shine

Another way to mix things up without coordinating colours is to play with sheen and texture. If you’re a fan of the velvet shimmer trend, opt for the sparkle on top and then a glossy finish in the same colour on your toes. This gorgeous summer lilac Nude Purple shade by Essie is a great compliment to O.P.I’s shimmery I Sold My Crypto.

Put 'er in Neutral

Cool girls are wearing neutrals and, of course, that extends to their nails. Beige has been a trend in nails for a while, so In Nude-Tral by Sally Hansen is a great place to start. But if you want to step it up a notch, pair the latte-toned shade with a rich chocolate brown. We know brown nail polish can feel intimidating, but when it’s done right, it can make a sophisticated statement. Opt for Essie’s No To Do for nails with a glossy finish and a burgundy undertone.

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