Pedicure Colors That Are Always In Style & Go With Everything

The color of your pedicure might seem like a small detail when it comes to planning your overall outfit, but truthfully? A good pedicure can be the cherry on top of a perfect warm-weather look, especially in the summer months when your toenails are going to be on display more often. These days, there are endless colors, patterns, and trends to experiment with, but the classics are the classics for a reason. We spoke to celebrity nail artist Lisa Kon, founder of the Lisa Kon brand and owner of the Lisa Kon Nail Salon, to find out which pedicure hues are the mainstays. 

"A classic pedicure should feel effortless, elegant, and something you will love looking at weeks later," she tells Glam exclusively, adding that the best shades tend to feel both traditional and refined. For the minimalists out there, Kon recommends a few subdued tones that go with every color and add a polished feel to any outfit. Plus, you have the benefit of longer stretches between salon visits, since the muted colors Kon loves are so close to the natural nail color that it isn't obvious when they grow out. But don't worry if you prefer louder shades that make a statement; the nail artist has a few suggestions for darker and deeper pedicure colors that work anywhere, anytime, with anything you want to wear. There's lots of variety, but the only caveat is that no pedicure color will land if the toes aren't in good shape to begin with.

"In my opinion, the most timeless pedicures are not only about the color itself but also about the quality of the application and the health of the nails and skin," Kon adds. "A perfectly shaped nail, clean cuticle work, and a beautiful finish can make even the simplest shade look luxurious."

Minimalists rejoice; one of the best avenues for a classic pedicure that looks good with everything and anything is basic nude. Anything in this realm, including the milky pedicures that have been on-trend throughout the 2020s, is guaranteed to satisfy. "Nude and milky tones are one of the most timeless pedicure choices because they create a clean, elegant, and natural look," Lisa Kon explains exclusively to Glam. "These shades complement every skin tone, outfit, and type of footwear — from sneakers and sandals to heels. They give the feet a polished, well-maintained appearance without competing with the rest of the look."

While nude sounds limited, there are actually lots of different color variations under this umbrella. First, consider that true nude is different for everyone, but a good place to start is aiming for a tone close to your natural nail beds. This might lean more white or more pink. True minimalists can also go for something sheer and clear, which is a perfect choice for those looking for a low-maintenance pedicure. The less saturation and the closer to your natural nail color you go, the less obvious it will be when your nail grows out, so you won't have to rush back to the salon. 

If you want to give your classic nude nails a more modern upgrade, you could add a pearl finish or a chrome powder, a popular trend in manicures and pedicures in the 2020s. You might want to show off your toes in the summer with a classic French pedicure, which also falls under the same nude palette. They'll give you the same clean, polished feel that looks good with everything in your wardrobe, but with a more lavish finish than plain nude.

Light pink can definitely be included in the nude category of nails, but there are lots of other variations that have just a little more saturation. According to Lisa Kon, anything that can be described as "soft pink" is another good option for your toenails, because this complementary color will suit everything in your wardrobe. "A soft pink pedicure is a true classic because it feels feminine, fresh, and effortless," Kon shares exclusively with Glam. "It works beautifully for everyday wear, special occasions, and vacation looks."

Like nude, pink looks chic with a plethora of different finishes. You might prefer a milky pink, like the pastel strawberry milk nails that were trending in spring 2023, while creamy pastels are perfect for pedicures in summer 2026. Or you might prefer a flatter matte tone that's reminiscent of the 2010s. If you love the idea of a nude pedicure but prefer something with just a touch more depth, you could go for sheer pink on your toes, which is a popular hue in royal circles. Along with the finish, you can experiment with different depths of coolness, from warm pink that looks best on those with warm undertones, to cooler pinks for those with cool undertones. 

Kon points out that the versatility of muted pinks is one of the main benefits. "Soft pink pairs well with any color wardrobe because it adds a subtle touch of elegance while still looking natural," she confirms. Pink nails suit certain clothing colors particularly well, including neutral and black-and-white palettes, as well as brighter oranges and turquoise. However, as long as you're going for soft pinks over bright Barbie pinks, which make much more of a statement, you won't have any clashes between your toes and your wardrobe. 

When it comes to tried-and-tested pedicure colors, it doesn't get any more classic than red. This bold shade is truly versatile, suiting outfits with an old-money vibe just as much as it screams "party girl," "vacation-ready," and "Christmas" all at once. If you're going for a toenail hue that's a little more vibrant than your pinks and nudes, but you still want to make a statement, it's time to go red. "Red is the ultimate timeless pedicure color," Lisa Kon explains in our exclusive chat. "It has a beautiful balance of sophistication and confidence and has remained a favorite for decades." 

While some people associate classic red nails as being more of an older woman's thing, the kind of red you choose can make all the difference. A bright, fire-truck red tends to evoke the holidays, while something darker with more of a pinky, cherry tone can feel a little fresher. Again, you might want to take your skin tone into account when choosing a red for your pedicure, since warmer shades with orange and brown depths tend to look better on warm tones, and cooler purple-based reds suit cool skin tones. 

"A red pedicure looks especially chic with open-toe shoes and instantly makes the feet look more polished," Kon adds. "It works with neutral outfits as well as bold fashion choices." Red toenails are particularly striking with black-and-white or neutral outfits, but they also suit a variety of other palettes. You could go for a monochrome feel with a red outfit to match your toes, or perhaps you want to amp up the maximalist energy (and mob wife aesthetic) with a bold leopard print. It's no wonder that this old-school pedicure color was popular in summer 2025, too.

Some might like the depth and vibrancy of a red pedicure, but they want something that feels a little less traditional. Enter deep burgundy and wine shades, which Lisa Kon mentions as another choice for timeless pedicures that will never go out of fashion — and also suit a wide range of clothes. While red can feel like an old money shade, these darker tones feel effortlessly expensive. "Deep red and burgundy tones are perfect for clients who want something richer and more luxurious," Kon tells us exclusively. "These shades look elegant year-round and pair especially well with black, beige, gold, and other classic colors. They bring a sophisticated touch while still remaining versatile."

Deep wine hues are varied, including those that sit on the purple end of the spectrum (like true burgundy), those that sit closer to brown, and those that could be a very dark red. Deep cherry is actually one of the pedicure colors that's perfect for older women. Your skin tone can help you decide which exact shade you prefer, but they all carry that lavish vibe. A color in this range is also a good choice for those who like the idea of a black pedicure but want something slightly less harsh, especially if you've got pale skin. Seriously, this is the moody pedicure color that should replace your go-to French tips.

You might associate burgundy with fall and winter, and it is a cold-weather staple. But there's no reason why you can't don a wine-colored pedicure in the summer, too. These shades might be dark and vampy, but you can make them warm-weather appropriate by pairing them with the pieces in your summer wardrobe. 

While burgundy nails tend to summon visions of fall and winter, white seems to be the official pedicure color of summer. Not everyone was happy when Pantone announced that its Color of the Year for 2026 was white, which might come across as a big yawn. But this timeless shade doesn't have to be boring, especially on your toes. "A crisp white pedicure has become a modern classic," Lisa Kon notes. "It gives a fresh, minimal, and high-fashion appearance, especially during warmer months."

Just when you thought that the only purpose of white nail polish was to make other colors brighter! The beauty of a white pedicure is that it goes with literally everything, whether your outfit is full of color or quietly subdued. "White works beautifully with summer outfits, colorful shoes, and vacation styles while keeping the overall look clean and elegant," Kon adds in our exclusive chat. It's truly a warm-weather hue, but it can also work in the cold. Winter whites have always been a surefire way to nail the quiet luxury aesthetic, right? In addition to working in every season and with all outfits, white toenails suit all skin tones. 

One reservation that you might have with a white pedicure is the feeling of being basic, but there are plenty of ways to dress up plain white nails. You can experiment with textures and finishes, going for glitter or chrome, or you might like to add decals. These additions are more commonly used for manicures, but there's no reason why you can't tweak your pedicure too. As we can tell from it-girl celebrities like Rihanna and Hailey Bieber, a crisp block white pedicure really do make a statement on its own.