As winter rolls in, it’s not just your clothes that get a seasonal swap. Nail designs shift with the seasons because, well, who wants bright orange tips when there’s snow on the ground? Winter nails are all about embracing the magic of the season. From sparkling snowflakes to icy ombrés and even minimalist cool tones, this year’s nail trends are simple but still make a statement.
“Winter embraces deeper shades like rich reds and shimmering accents, often reflecting the festive spirit of the holiday season,” says celebrity nail artist, Jin Soon Choi. “Each season brings its own palette and motifs, making nail art a creative expression of the time of year.”
Capturing the mood of the holidays and the sparkle of the New Year, winter is the perfect season to experiment with chic and festive nail art. Whether you’re a salon regular or a DIY type of gal, there’s something irresistible about keeping your mani fresh with just a touch of seasonal flare. Read on below for 20 stunning manicure designs that keep it simple while still letting your nails do the talking.
Meet the expert
- Brittany Boyce is a celebrity nail artist and co-founder of Lost Angels Beauty.
- Jin Soon Choi is a celebrity nail artist and founder of the JINsoon Spas and JINsoon Nail Lacquer.
Glazed French Tips
Jin Soon recommends swapping the classic white tips of your favorite French manicure for metallics, like gold or silver, on a clear or nude base. But if you prefer to stick to white, a coat of chrome can make things really shine. It’s a minimalist yet festive take on a timeless classic that is simply begging to be wrapped around a warm glass of hot cocoa.
Matte Neutrals
A matte topcoat can transform any color into a trendy, cool look. “Deep reds, browns, grays, and blacks look especially stunning with this finish,” says Jin Soon. And with Mocha Mousse declared the new color of the year, these delicious chocolate nails are perfectly in trend.
Chrome Stars
Celebrity nail artist Brittany Boyce loves “doing something different than your typical red or brown pallets” for her A-list roster of clients. With so many unique designs to choose from that still nod to winter’s cool and simplistic motif, one of her go-to’s has been adding chrome accents, like these adorable mini stars, to a nude base for a subtle yet festive finish.
Wine Red
Wine red is the ultimate winter nail color. It’s rich, warm and elegant, just like your favorite glass of pinot noir. This deep, sultry hue captures the cozy, festive feeling of the season while pairing perfectly with every winter outfit, from chunky knits to sparkling party dresses.
Simple Bows
In case you missed it, bows are the accessory of 2024. From the expected clip-on hair accessories to bag charms to prints on your favorite knit sweaters, bows are pretty much everywhere, so why not add to your mani, too? Start with a semi-clear white base and add simple gold bow accents for a design that basically sings fa la la la la.
90s Combo
Everyone knows that the most iconic beauty trend of the 90’s was the it-girl dark brown lip liner and shiny mocha gloss. Taking inspiration from this iconic pairing, you can recreate the look by giving your nails a fresh aura mani using those iconic brown hues.
Delicate Lines
Who doesn’t love a bit of abstract nail art? Start with a clear or nude base, shaping the nails to your liking, and once dry, simple add different lines and squiggles on each nail for a manicure that is cohesive yet unique.
Animal Print
From tortoise shell to cheetah print, animal-inspired designs are an absolute must for winter nails. This design features a moody, translucent effect with dark, smoky swirls of black and brown against a sheer, glossy base, giving an edgy finish that’s the perfect companion for a little aprés ski moment.
Cool Grey
Gray may not be your go-to shade, but here’s why you should give it a try: this versatile shade mimics the overcast skies and frosty mornings of winter while pairing beautifully with cozy sweaters and glimmering holiday party outfits. Whether you choose a soft dove grey or a bold charcoal, going all-in on this hue adds a modern twist to a simple mani.
Metallic Red
Metallics? For winter? Groundbreaking. But seriously, a stunning metallic red nail is a staple of the season for a reason. A bold and festive choice, they capture the vibrancy of the season while adding a touch of sparkle. Not to mention, the rich, shiny hue pops against winter’s muted tones, adding a touch of style to your festive outings.
Classic French Tips
Classic French tips are like the little black dress of winter nails—they simply never go out of style. The perfect accessory for the season, this mani gives you that polished, put-together feeling without trying too hard. Plus, they’re a blank canvas, so you can either keep them simple and clean or play around to add a touch of sparkle. The choices are truly limitless, says Kandalec.
Louboutin Inspired
These nails are a stylish choice for winter, drawing inspiration from the iconic red-soles of a Louboutin shoe. The deep, glossy brown base combined with the bold red accents creates a fashionable and sophisticated look for your holiday parties, sledding outings or even running errands around town.
Chocolate Swirl
Doesn’t it make you want to drink a big ‘ol mug of hot cocoa? This chocolate swirl design is rich, warm and oh-so-cozy, adding a playful twist to your chic winter browns.
Deep Purple
Whether you go for a deep plum or a frosty lavender, purple is the quintessential winter shade for a luxe and seasonal aesthetic. Pairing beautifully with winter’s cozy layers and festive vibes, this bold yet versatile hue is ideal for everything from holiday parties to quiet nights by the fire.
Elegant & Demure
These frosty, pearl-like nails are the dream winter mani for those wanting a pop of shimmer. The soft, metallic sheen mimics freshly fallen snow or a delicate frost, making them the ultimate choice for the season.
Brown Ombré
“Ombré nails are effortlessly stylish and add a sophisticated touch to any winter outfit,” says Jin Soon. These brown ombré nails are the ideal balance of chic and cozy, perfect for the cold season when you want a manicure that’s both stylish and comforting.
This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.
