Cold weather might mean you wear gloves more often, but that doesn’t mean you should neglect your nails. Your manicure can still bring the style factor, especially when the rest of your outfit is layered up in knits and coats.
This season’s winter nails are all about quiet luxury meets personality. Think moody tones, frosted finishes, and subtle nail art that still makes an impact. Whether you’re into dark, dramatic shades or understated neutrals, there’s something for every vibe – and every outfit.
Here’s your winter nails inspo sorted.
Winter nail colours you’ll want to wear on repeat
Let’s start with the base: choosing a colour. Winter nail polish shades tend to lean towards richer and deeper shades to look more polished, but this year’s palette gives you some more versatility. Here’s what’s trending:
1. Deep and dark
Meet your new winter obsession: classy dark winter nails.
Look for inky navy, deep berry, and espresso brown shades. These sorts of colours look instantly chic against a chunky knit or your oat latte. They give just the right amount of edge without being too bold, and they’re basically the nail equivalent of a sleek leather jacket.
2. Neutral and chic
For those who love a minimalist moment, neutral, classy winter nails are the trend to try in the colder months. Soft beige, greige, latte, and milky ivory are all shades that look timeless and pair well with almost everything, especially oversized tailoring, gold jewellery, and your favourite wool coat.
3. Frosted and metallic
Winter is the one time of year when shimmer feels effortlessly cool – and almost mandatory.
Opt for icy silver, frosted lilac, or champagne gold – all understated enough for everyday wear but still special enough for your festive plans. If going bold with your outfit feels too ‘out there’, why not start small and bring the metallic trend to your nails? They’ll catch the low winter light like jewellery for your hands.
4. Earthy and warm
Rust, moss, caramel, and terracotta tones are perfect if you prefer warm, grounded colours. They complement your cosy knitwear perfectly, and feel softer than the classic reds and berry tones of Christmas.
Style tip: Dark nails pop against rings and layered bracelets, while soft neutrals look gorgeous next to silver or pearl accents.
Nail art winter designs that are actually chic
Winter nail art doesn’t have to mean glitter overload or snowflake stickers. The latest designs are minimalist, sleek, and totally wearable – the kind you’d happily show off with your morning coffee.
Try these:
1. Winter French tip nails
The classic French gets a cold-weather twist. Swap the white tips for chrome, navy, or gunmetal, or add a touch of sparkle at the edges. It’s clean, subtle, and endlessly stylish.
If you want to go bolder, consider using those darker berry and navy shades we mentioned earlier as your French tip.
2. Micro sparkle
If you want to indulge in the sparkle of the season, but think covering all of your nails in glitter is a little too much, dial it down a bit.
Opt for an ombré effect with your glitter polish – a whisper of sparkle fading from the tips to a neutral base. It says ‘luxury’, without trying too hard.
3. Geometric lines
Crisp lines or tiny graphic accents in neutral tones feel fresh and modern. This take on nail art is perfect for short nails or anyone who wants something cool but low-key.
4. Frosted textures
Bring a touch of winter to your nails with matte topcoats, pearly finishes, or shimmer washes to give that frosted effect. It’s a minimalist way to lean into the season.
5. A touch of tartan
Perfect for the festive season, you can bring a touch of tartan to your nails without going too full on. Whether you only decorate the nails on your ring fingers or try a ‘deconstructed tartan’ vibe on your nails, there are different ways to bring this trend to your nails.
How to keep winter nails looking fresh
Between cold air and constant hand washing, winter can seriously dry out your nails, making them more prone to damage. Here’s how to keep them in shape:
- Hydrate your cuticles: Use a hydrating oil or balm on your cuticles and massage them daily. It makes more of a difference than you think!
- File, don’t bite: Keep nails smooth and snag-free by gently filing them.
- Take a polish pause: Let your nails breathe and recover between gel sets.
- Go gentle: Choose acetone-free removers as they are kinder to both nails and the planet.
Just like curating a pre-loved wardrobe, a little upkeep helps your nails (and polish) last longer.
Your winter nails, your way
Whether you’re team deep and dramatic or prefer neutral and understated, the best winter nail designs are the ones that feel authentically you, while celebrating the season.
So save this post, screenshot your faves, or recreate them with what you’ve already got in your nail drawer. Because style doesn’t have to mean starting from scratch – it’s all about remixing what you love in a fresh, feel-good way.
Discover winter staples like coats, jumpers, and scarves to match your nails at Reliked.
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