34 Trendy Winter Nail Colors to Wear This Season (2024)

• Gina Edwards is a celebrity manicurist and KISS products brand ambassador.
• Betina Goldstein is a celebrity manicurist, Chanel Nail artist, and founder of Doublemoss Jewelry.
• Brittney Boyce is a celebrity nail artist and founder ofNails of LA.
• Deborah Lippmann is a celebrity manicurist and founder of Deborah Lippmann nail products.

Muted Mauve

Not quite pink, but not quite berry, mauve is the perfect in-between shade, according to Edwards.

Silvery Chrome

Forget about classic, shimmery silver—Goldstein says that high-shine chrome is the way to go for winter. The bright hue is bolder than your typical silver, giving it an unexpected allure. If you are looking for more shimmery inspo, check out our snowflakes design roundup.

Moody Blue

When blue is so light and moody that it almost looks gray, Edwards says that’s when you know you have a hue worthy of winter wear. After all, she predicts that blue-meets-gray shades will be a major request this winter.While Dior's Dior Vernis in the shade Junon is her go-to, if you prefer a bit more wow, you can embrace the shade while also achieving the season's velvet nail trend by using Live Love Polish's Metallic Nail Polish in Frozen Mist.

Mocha

Goldstein says that rich, warm mocha hues will be major this winter, as well. While the season is known for its low temperatures, a warm mocha tint will help create a hot look worthy of the season.

Deep English Green

Goldstein says rich, dark green hues are always welcome in winter. Deep English green adds a slightly retro allure to the pine-tinted color.We don't know about you, but we're getting old-green-leather-meets-green-glass-lamp vibes—in other words, a scholarly feel that may very well become a staple in TikTok's land of dark academia.

Classic Cherry Red

You might think of cherry red around Memorial Day and the Fourth of July, but according to Edwards, it’s the unexpected nature of the classic shade that makes it so worthwhile in winter, too, especially during the holidays.One of our favorite takes on the hue? Smith & Cult's Kundalini Hustle. The shade is a cult-favorite, and for good reason: It touts an 8-free formula that's good for your nails and bound to last for days on end.

Mustard Yellow

Another color reappearing from years past? Mustard yellow. Goldstein believes the ‘70s-inspired hue will be a go-to this year. Glam & Grace's version of the hue is a particular favorite thanks to its vegan, 10-free formula.

Hot Pink

Hot pink is another hue that you might believe is best suited for summer, but according to Goldstein, the bright fuchsia shade is a must for winter. And, it makes sense considering the color has been popping up in retailers near and far.

Sandstone Orange

Taking a break from winter's typical ultra-dark, semi-brown shades, Goldstein says that sandstone orange, which is similar to terracotta, will dominate winter nail trends. And, it’s making us realize that maybe, just maybe, this winter more than ever, we’re wishing for warmer, brighter days ahead.

Trusty Turquoise

Around the holidays, jewel tones are always a crowd-pleaser. The ones that may first come to mind are ruby, emerald, or lapis, but trusty (and underrated) turquoise helps your tips pop.

Winter Whites

Even if you are spending the holidays some place steamy, a few swipes of a creamy white polish makes you feel like you're watching the first snow. The number one fashion rule is that fashion rules do not matter, so consider this your pass to wear white after Labor Day. Something about frosted window panes makes frosted tips feel right.

Magic Magenta

No shade to intricate nail art, but sometimes a solid swipe is all you need. When a hue is as pretty as this one, there is no need to add anything extra. This deep raspberry color pops against any skin tone and is bound to garner compliments.

Makeshift Mistletoe

You may not have time to deck the halls, but you can decorate your nails. If you are entering your Bejeweled era (IYKYK), consider rocking a shimmer this holiday season. This subtle statement is reminiscent of glittering ornaments, shimmering garland, and of course, mistletoe. Check out some tips on how to apply shimmers here.

Faded Lavender

Scarlet reds and emerald greens are obvious choices around December, but we recommend going for a more unexpected choice this chilly season. This faded lavender looks just as festive without the cliche. Wear this shade all over your nail or spice things up by doing a modern French tip.

Foiled Gold

Expect to see tons of gold-tinged manicures all over your social feeds this season, as gold foil is the latest nail accent that will dominate in the coming months, says Boyce. “Gold is having a moment this winter,” she tells us, adding that the versatile trend can be pulled off with everything from simple foil accents to raw French tips.

'90s Motif

As Boyce explains it, “People love motifs, whether it’s something personal or something ‘90s-inspired.” She predicts that the ‘90s takeover will continue this winter, with some of the decade’s most notable symbols (think: evil eyes, Nirvana-inspired happy faces, and aliens) popping up on manis everywhere.

“You’ll see them incorporated somehow, either with hand-painted nail art or with nail decals and nail wraps,” says Boyce.

One-Coat Shimmer

New Year’s Eve might have come and gone, but we’re still seeing tons of low-key sparkle looks everywhere this season. “Accenting nails with a glitter or shimmer is a fun yet subtle way to elevate your manicure without saying too much,” says Lippmann.

Our favorite takes on the trend involve just a coat or two of a sheer shimmer polish for an effortless effect.

Impressionism-Inspired Art

According to Boyce, nail artists will be taking a cue from art icons like Monet and Van Gogh this winter. “Impressionism seems likely to trend as nail artists focus on brush strokes, colors, and lighting over lines and contours,” she explains. "I think nail artists will be experimenting with different techniques, textures, and finishes."

French Pearl

Stick-on pearl accents are one of the easiest ways to take the classic French mani to the next level. Plus, the versatile look will go with just about every possible outfit in your wardrobe.

Dynamic Reds

Yes, a timeless red manicure is always in vogue, but Lippmann says the shade is particularly suited for the winter months. “As a warm and dynamic color, red is known to be energetic and exciting while also passionate—all traits that lift your spirits,” she explains.

Instead of the festive reds you might’ve reached for during the holidays, Lippmann recommends opting for a deeper, moodier hue like herGel Lab Pro She’s A Rebel shade to fit the season.

Extreme Minimalism

If you’re looking to start off the year with a low-maintenance style, the extreme minimalism nail trend is the simplest way to look polished without the effort. “I think as creative and bold as nail art is going to be, there’s also a push for extreme minimalism,” Boyce tells us. “Just very clean nails in a natural shape in either a sheer neutral that looks really glossy and shiny, or in a ‘new neutral’ shade.”

Periwinkle Perfection

Pantone's annual color of the year is always prominent in fashion, and sometimes it's so popular it sticks around for years. “I’m really excited about the periwinkle trend inspired by the new Pantone Color of 2022, Very Peri,” Lippmann says. You can opt for subtle accents, or go for a full periwinkle look that will both boost your mood and take you right into spring.

Denim Blue

For fashionable winter blues, try a deep, moody shade that evokes everyone's favorite '90s fabric: denim. In fact, denim nails have been trending since fall and we don't see them going away anytime soon.

Rusted Red

Earthy tones aren't just popular in the autumn. They're cozy, warm vibes carry over into fall too. Case in point, this rusty, coppery red that is giving us all the feels.

Au Naturale

Don't underestimate the power of a clear coat. “A lot of people are going back to natural nails,” says Boyce.

Plum

Moody purple plum and aubergine hues will always be on trend for colder months. Add some pizzazz with a coat of glitter or shimmer.

Creamy Beige

If this shade doesn't remind you of your favorite cozy winter sweater, we don't know what will. If milky whites are too white for you, warm it up with a creamy beige manicure, like Londontown's Murray Me French vanilla-colored nail polish.

Black on Black

Black nails for winter? Groundbreaking. But seriously, black nails will never go out of style in the colder months. Kick it up a notch with dual finishes, like this matte and glossy black French tip combo.

Chocolate Milk

'Tis the season of warm beverages. Whether you call them hot chocolate or chocolate milk, this creamy shade of brown is getting a lot of attention. Try Essie Hike It Up or Chanel Le Vernis Particulière.

Glazed Donut

Hailey Bieber's glazed donut manicure is here to stay all throughout winter. It brings the perfect amount of shine to an otherwise gloomy day.

Blustery Greige

Lean into the gloomy, blustery winter days with a gray manicure to match the skies above. Try Essie Cut It Out, the perfect light greige.

Burgundy

Burgundy, oxblood, wine, the gang's all here for this deep color that is always a favorite come fall and winter. Incorporate a variety of shades within the family by opting for an aura or ombré design, as seen above.

Pine Green

The pine tree is one of the many symbols of winter, so get some inspo from nature on your nails. Break up a monotone mani with a fun design. Try Orly Pine-ing for You to nail this shade.

Glimmering Gold

If an all-gold manicure is too much sparkle for you, use the metallic shade to accent your nails, as Goldstein did above.