This Classic Pedicure Trend Just Got a Chic Upgrade—And It's All I Want to Wear on My Toes This Summer
It might be controversial, but the fashion set is embracing this chic French pedicure alternative.


If you ask me, there is no pedicure trend that's quite as divisive as the French pedicure. Some say it's a "dated" pedicure trend, others say they won't choose anything else for their toes. Personally, I sit in the camp of classic pedicure colours—think neutral pinks or maybe a spicy red picante pedicure if I'm feeling adventurous. However, there's an updated version of the French pedicure that's all over the chicest Instagram feeds of the fashion set right now, and it's making me eat my words. Enter: the pink French pedicure. And I'm predicting that it's going to be one of the defining pedicure trends of the summer.
Pink French Pedicure Inspiration
Like the traditional French manicure, the French pedicure—crisp white tips paired with a sheer nude base—has long been the epitome of "clean-girl" beauty. But, there’s something that feels refreshingly modern about replacing that stark white with a soft, tonal pink. It’s a subtle shift, but one that looks a little more subdued than bright white and instantly reads more fashion-forward.
Whether you opt for a sheer pink blush French tip or go bolder with a brighter pink, a pink French pedicure looks subtly chic while giving a nod to the summer season.
You could even opt for a "frombré" (or French ombré) pedicure to give a your-nails-but-better illusion to your toes. A pink French pedi also looks great when peeking out of mesh ballet flats or summer sandals.
If you're not completely sold on a pink French pedicure, then why not switch up your base colour to a more pinky tone? It feels like a little more of a modern twist on the classic.
Get the Look
Most salons can easily accommodate a pink French tip upon request, but, if you’re DIY-ing at home, try using a sheer pink nail polish like OPI’s Bubble Bath as your base. Then, using a fine-tipped nail art brush or nail guides, you can add a slightly deeper pink across the tip before sealing it all with a clear top coat.
Shop the Trend
Then go for a more opaque pink for the tips—this H&M nail polish colour is perfect for summer.
Lastly, seal it all in with a long-wearing clear nail top coat. Essie's Gel Couture Top Coat genuinely makes my nails look like I've just got gels.

Eleanor Vousden is the beauty editor for Who What Wear UK. She was previously deputy editor at Hairdressers Journal, health writer at Woman & Home and junior beauty editor at Powder. She has also contributed to Wallpaper and Elle Collections.With a degree in fashion journalism from the London College of Fashion, she has 10 years of industry experience and has been highly commended at the BSME Talent Awards for her work on Powder and also contributed to the title winning Website of the Year at the PPA Awards.Eleanor’s journalistic focus is providing readers with honest and helpful beauty content. She has interviewed celebrity makeup artists, hairstylists and dermatologists throughout her career, as well as celebrities such as Hailey Bieber, Sarah Jessica Parker and Scarlett Johansson.
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