Winter arrives with a generous dusting of snow and artistic inspiration—and the best winter nail designs capture it all. “When winter comes, I immediately think of rich, deep colors and metallics,” shares nail artist Stephanie Stone. “And you can never go wrong with a deep red manicure. It’s timeless and classic year after year!”
The possibilities for your winter manicure are endless. This season’s nail art stands out with sparkling, light-catching designs, moody shades, every variation of red, unique finishes and textures, and even a lush array of greens.
“I expect the velvet nail trend to be big this winter, which you can create using magnetic gel or polish,” Stone notes. “This look works in any color and appears sparkly from some angles and solid from others, depending on the light.” Cool tones, seasonal patterns, and golden details complete the winter lineup, with each design made unique through personal touches. With more time spent indoors, it’s the perfect chance to get creative and make a stylish impression at all those seasonal gatherings.
Here are winter nail designs that capture the magic of this glittering time of year.
Gold Accents
Add a golden bow or detail! Whether in your hair or on your nails, this accent brings glamour perfect for special occasions.
Velvet Stripes
Take red to the next level. A mixed-texture stripe paired with a glossy crimson shade pays tribute to the upcoming holidays.
Starry Night
Stars and silver glitter say it all. This tinsel-filled season calls for shimmer, so let your winter manicure lead the way.
Color-Blocked Brown
“I think we’ll see a lot of chocolate nails this winter!” Stone says of the trends. “I love this color because it goes with any outfit.” Pairing brown with white brightens the shade for a playful twist.
Festive Velvet Cateye
A red and green version of the popular velvet nails is sure to earn plenty of compliments.
Metallic Green
Reimagining green as a warm metallic creates the ultimate seasonal shade. Cover all nails or just one or two for a subtle statement.
Vampy Red
It’s a classic for good reason: dark red is always in style. This shade gains popularity as the year ends and stands as a seasonal neutral on its own.
Moody Floral
Florals for winter? Absolutely, especially when they feature deep colors and dramatic motifs.
Sterling Touches
Why not treat your polish like jewelry? Carefully placed silver arcs let you adorn your nails to match your metallic vibe.
Gilded Additions
Gold detailing becomes even more elegant when paired with a rhinestone or two.
Rose Gold
Delicate, gold-toned roses feel perfectly wintry. Place petals on different parts of each nail to extend the look of your favorite gold jewelry.
Constellation Nails
Longer nights mean more time to gaze at the stars. Let constellations inspire your next manicure—choose one or two that hold personal meaning for a custom look.
Metallic Tips
The playful French manicure is a staple this season, offering the perfect way to showcase winter’s signature styles. A metallic tip is subtle, chic, and easy to personalize.
Reverse French
Minimalism is forever, and this nude reverse French design works across seasons. Its application is chic and complements any winter outfit.
Shimmering Brown
Elevate your love for browns and bronzes with a shimmering version. The mix of warmth and radiance embodies cozy glamour.
Seeing Stars
A shade-on-shade approach gives this silver manicure a cool, modern edge.
Graphic Red
Red may be a classic, but your design doesn’t have to be. Experiment with shapes and placement, and let the bold color carry the look.
Glitz andGive your winter manicure a uniquely appealing look with creative, stylized shapes in glitzy glitter. Start by outlining a partial frame in black, then layer on sparkle with glitter, gems, and other embellishments.
Elevate a simple neutral manicure by adding a touch of chocolate nail art for a playful twist on the classic glossy finish.
The rich, high-shine hue of emerald green brings to mind pine trees and the natural world, offering a subtle nod to the festive season.
Multiple coats of holographic polish create a celebratory and lighthearted feel, yet in a neutral shade, it remains timeless and elegant.
Curious about a beauty or wellness trend? We’d love to hear from you! Email Vogue’s senior beauty and wellness editor at beauty@vogue.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of helpful and clear FAQs about stylish winter nail designs
General Beginner Questions
Q What makes a nail design wintery
A Winter designs often use seasonal colors like deep reds dark blues greens and metallics and feature themes like snowflakes cozy sweaters glitter and plaid patterns
Q Im a beginner Whats an easy winter nail design to try
A A simple glitter gradient is perfect Just paint your nails a solid color and gently dab a glitter polish onto the tips of your nails fading it out as you go up
Q What are the most popular winter nail colors
A Classic winter colors include burgundy forest green navy blue charcoal gray and shimmery gold and silver Icy pastels like light blue and lavender are also trendy for a frosty look
Q Do I need special tools for these designs
A For basic designs like solid colors and simple glitters no For more detailed art a thin nail art brush or dotting tool is very helpful and inexpensive
DesignSpecific Questions
Q How can I create a sweater texture on my nails
A You can use a special crackle top coat a matte top coat over a knitlike pattern or gently dab a wet dense sponge over a base color to create a fuzzy woollike effect
Q Whats the best way to paint a snowflake
A Start with a dark or metallic base Then using a thin brush or a toothpick make an X shape and add a horizontal line through the center Add small dots on the ends of the lines for a more detailed look
Q Can I do a plaid design at home
A Yes Paint a solid base Once dry use a thin brush to paint evenly spaced vertical lines then horizontal lines in a contrasting color A top coat will smooth it all out
Q Are matte nails popular in the winter
A Absolutely A matte top coat over a deep glossy color creates a sophisticated