31 Best Winter Nail Design Trends That Draw Inspiration From the Season

Winter comes amply sprinkled in snow and aesthetic references—and the best winter nail designs embody them all. “Whenever winter rolls around I always think of deep colors, and also metallics,” says nail artist Stephanie Stone. “And, of course, you can never go wrong with a deep red mani. Always timeless and classic every year!” 

Along with sparkly, light-throwing manicures, moody hues, and all of the reds, unique finishes and textures (and a garden of greens) set this winter s nail art apart. “I anticipate seeing a lot of the velvet nail trend, which can be achieved with a magnet gel or polish,” says Stone. “This look can be in any color range and looks sparkly from some angles and solid in others depending on the lighting.” Cool tones, seasonal motifs, and gilded touches round out the wintertime menu, each look made more memorable through idiosyncratic adaptations. After all, more time spent inside means an opportunity to get creative, the better to spark a style frenzy during appearances at the welcome barrage of seasonal soirées. 

Here, 31 winter nail designs that embody the spirit of the glitziest time of year. 

1. Starry Night

Stars and silver glitter—need we say more? The tinsel-strewn season calls for all things shimmer, so start with your winter mani. 

2. Color-Blocked Brown

“I think we’re also going to see a lot of chocolate nails!” says Stone of winter s trends. “I love this color because it’s versatile with any outfit.” Brown blocked with white lightens up the shade for something a bit more playful. 

3. Metallic Green

Green reimagined as a warm metallic makes for the ultimate seasonal shade. Paint over all of your beds, or try the polish on one or two nails for a subtle statement. 

4. Gold Leaf

As noted by nail artist Hang Nguyen, gold leaf lends well to artistic expression. Press haphazardly over nails (and even fingers or hair) for some glamorous, occasion-worthy abstraction. 

5. French Blue

Unexpected doesn t mean it s not festive. This baby blue shade feels sharp and fun for the holidays. 

6. Vamp Red

Consider this your go-to hue. Deep reds gain traction as the year comes to a close, the dark and romantic shade becoming a seasonal neutral its own right. 

7. Hot Cocoa

The chocolate trend continues with this literal interpretation. This syrupy shade is sweet, cozy, and destined to become a crave-worthy favorite. 

8. Moody Floral

Florals? For winter? Should they feature deep hues and moody motifs, we are all in. 

9. Sterling Touches

Why not apply your polish as you would jewelry? Thoughtfully placed arcs of silver allow you to adorn nails to match your metallic mood. 

10. Magic Mushrooms

Mushroom foraging season may peak in slightly warmer weather, but this nail art (and the Christmassy colors) feels like an appropriate choice for winter. Plus, it s undeniably cute. 

11. Double French

Take your classic French up a notch with a doubled-up version. Try this in neutral hues, as pictured, glitter, or a two-toned, seasonal shade. (Greens, perhaps?)

12. Gilded Additions

Gold detailing is even more elegant when allowed to trail off the nail. Stone s choice to pair “tattered” gold leaf with gilded gemstones is ingenious and party-ready. 

13. Rose Gold

Roses feel wintery when they re delicate and gold. Place petals on different areas of each nail for a continuation of your favorite gilded jewelry. 

14. Stonewear Green

Another take on 2023 s greens, nail artist Canishiea Sams draws inspiration from stoneware and ceramics. Try in the cool hue of your choosing. 

15. Constellation Nails

Longer nights means more time to stare at the stars. Let the constellations inspire your next manicure: choose one or two that hold meaning to you for a personalized polish job. 

16. Textured Onyx

Unexpected touches of texture make even the simplest of manicures appear a shade more opulent. This black snakeskin-inspired finish will have people stopping you on the street. 

17. Metallic Tips

The playful French is a mainstay this season, providing the perfect platform to showcase winter s signatures. A metallic tip is subtle, chic, and easily individualized. 

18. Starry Beds

Stars applied sparingly, and to the bed of the nail, make for a minimalist take on the ubiquitous theme. Opt for cool silvers or toasty golds, depending on your mood. 

19. Snowy White

Milky white nails are akin to a layer of fresh powder. Start with a single shade for a slightly sheer finish, adding additional coats as you see fit. 

20. Red With Gems

Red, but make it extra. The simple addition of gemstones to the finger, placed beneath a nail painted in candied crimson, offers an ode to the coming holidays.

21. Reverse French

Minimalism is forever, and this reverse French—applied in nude—spans seasons. The application is decidedly chic and destined to further any winter ensemble. 

22. Shimmering Brown

Take your want of browns and bronzes up a notch with a glimmering iteration. The combination of warmth and radiance is the embodiment of cozy glamour. 

23. Moss Green

Earthy greens are among the year s most sought-after nail shades, and the appeal continues as the light wanes. This moss polish feels sumptuous and peeks well from beneath a sweater sleeve. 

24. Sweater Weather

Winter is all about sweater weather, so why not take those cabled classic to your nails? Snowflakes and fair isle patterns translate beautifully when applied in delicate alabaster. 

25. Graphic Red

Red may be a classic color, but that doesn t mean your application has to be tried-and-true. Get creative with shapes and placement and trust the bold hue to carry the look. 

26. Glitz and Glam

Glitzy glimmer applied in creative, stylized shapes makes your winter manicure appealingly unique. Apply a partial frame in black before layering with glitter, gems, and more. 

27. Chrome

Light-catching (and throwing) finishes work well in winter, and chrome is a bold interpretation. Ditch adornments and let the mirrored polish put in work. 

28. Tonal Neutrals

Adding a touch of navy to a tone-on-tone moment honors the season s endless nights. Reach for taupes, tawny browns, and greiges, along with a go-to blue. 

29. Emerald Green

The year s want of greens continues with this glamorous emerald. The high-shine shade calls pines to mind, providing a subtle nod to the holiday season. 

30. Gemstone Stars

More stars, please! Paint stars over a favorite neutral, and finish with gemstone accents for extra refraction. 

31. Holographic Sparkle

Finally, a full-tilt glitter moment never misses, especially in winter. Multiple coats of holographic feel appropriately celebratory and buoyant—the antidote to any seasonal blues.