Royal purple and ruby red continue to be go-to choices for True Winter enthusiasts, while those seeking more neutral tones have no shortage of elegant options. Cool-toned lovers can explore an unexpected array of white shades, akin to freshly fallen snow glistening under the sun. This same variety extends to grays and rich burgundies like cranberry, deep berry, and merlot. Valeriia Telemaniuk, a world-class nail artist and educator, shared with Byrdie that winter brings back classic nail styles, with a special focus on French manicures, cool grays, soft blues, and both bold and subtle deep reds.
11 Winter Nail Polish Shades to Try
Rich Chocolate Ganache Brown
The once-popular brownie pudding nails are making room for a more refined winter favorite: ganache brown. Sofiia Mazur, a nail artist and educator, describes this shade as a rich, indulgent brown, reminiscent of dark chocolate melting at its finest. This color exudes warmth, luxury, and sophistication, pairing wonderfully with gold jewelry, neutral outfits, and minimalist black ensembles.
Soft and Muted Berry Shades
This winter, there’s a growing interest in deeper, grounding nail shades. Juanita Huber-Millet, the founder and creative director of Townhouse Salons, points out the increasing demand for espresso browns, soft mauves, and subtle berry tones. These hues strike a perfect balance of warmth and elegance, making them ideal for everyday wear. Muted berries offer a nuanced alternative to brighter reds, adding depth without overwhelming the overall look.
Light Ocean Blue with a Pearly Glow
A light ocean blue with a delicate pearlescent finish is making waves this season. Amy Ling Lin, a nail professional, calls these shades calming, luminous, and uplifting. Colors like Sundays Studio’s L09 provide a refreshing contrast to darker winter palettes, while the pearly finish subtly reflects light, giving the nails a refined glow.
Modern Cool Gray Neutrals
Cool gray nails are quickly becoming a winter essential. According to OPI Global Ambassador Coca Michelle, this shade exudes effortless chicness and sophistication, making it a perfect match for winter wardrobes. Cool gray also complements mixed-metal jewelry effortlessly. Popular choices include OPI’s Peace of Mined, Case of Glamnesia, and Suzi Talks with Her Hands, all offering a polished, versatile finish.
Timeless Deep Navy Blue
Deep navy nails are the perfect post-holiday reset color. This calming shade seamlessly transitions from winter into the New Year, remaining stylish and easy to wear. Navy is a true classic, suitable for both special events and everyday office looks. Notable choices include OPI’s Less is Norse, Havin’ a Candy Ol’ Time, and Suzi & the Arctic Fox.
The Popularity of Barely-There Nails
As winter arrives, there’s a noticeable shift towards soft, milky tones, cool neutrals, and subtle pastels. Huber-Millet highlights the growing demand for these gentle shades, such as Coconut Milk, Glazed Marshmallow, and Milkshake from Townhouse’s Flawless Collection. These shades feel clean, refreshing, and offer a gentle reset after the deeper hues of autumn.
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Warm and Deep Red Classics
Warm, deep red nails remain a winter staple. Amy Ling Lin describes this shade as chic, warm, and quietly powerful, adding an instant touch of coziness to the colder months while maintaining an elegant, festive vibe. This versatile color works seamlessly for both everyday looks and holiday-ready styles.
Earth-Inspired Metallic Finishes
This winter, earth-toned metallic nails are gaining popularity. Sofiia Mazur points out shades like bronze, clay gold, and olive chrome, which are often styled with matte or stone-like textures. These finishes gently reflect light, creating a soft glow that feels luxurious without being flashy, whether worn alone or as subtle accents.
Elegant Black Cherry Tones
Black cherry nails combine deep, rich darkness with a touch of red warmth, delivering understated drama. Mazur explains that the balance of these tones keeps the shade elegant and wearable, making it a favorite among fashion icons. Black cherry is a perfect match for evening wear as well as casual looks like oversized blazers or vintage denim.
Clean and Crisp Winter White
Crisp white nails are making a big comeback this winter. With Pantone’s introduction of Cloud Dancer, pure white shades such as Mineral Fusion’s Ice Breaker are seeing renewed interest. This clean, modern hue evokes the beauty of snowy landscapes and frosty mornings, establishing white as a defining tone for winter minimalism.
Soft Gray-Lavender Blends
Gray-lavender nails combine cool gray bases with a subtle hint of purple, making them particularly fitting for winter. Telemaniuk notes that the shorter days and cooler temperatures have sparked a renewed interest in muted, calming shades like this. Gray-lavender nails feel modern, refined, and versatile, making them an ideal choice for the colder season.
