You’re not alone if you find yourself in a love-hate relationship with winter. Getting dressed becomes a more complicated affair, requiring multiple layers that take time to put on. No amount of moisturizer seems to prevent your skin from becoming flaky, and static hair from sweaters, hats, and scarves is an ongoing battle. However, one area where you can truly shine is your manicures.
Think about it: the holiday season calls for extravagant glamour, while the chilly temperatures inspire warm and cozy hues. As a result, the winter 2025 nail color trends beautifully reflect the essence of the season.
At the start of winter, fully embrace the glitter that comes with the holiday spirit by choosing dazzling polishes. This year, expect to see popular options like ruby red sparkles and silver chrome. But what about after the festivities have wrapped up? The latter half of winter presents the perfect opportunity to explore trending alternatives to the usual cold-weather shades. Consider vibrant bubblegum pinks and rich chocolate browns as exciting options to brighten your nails.
Ahead, we’ve gathered insights from three top nail artists who predict the shades you’ll see on everyone’s fingertips this winter. Get ready to be inspired—you might just find yourself struggling to choose which color to try first!
Chocolate Brown: The Cozy Neutral for Winter 2025
As we approach winter 2025, gray and white won’t be the only contenders for a neutral manicure. “Whether it’s milk or dark, chocolate nails are the perfect answer to a bold neutral,” says Rita Remark, Essie’s global lead educator and nail artist. This rich hue offers a warm and inviting alternative that perfectly complements the season.
Rita suggests choosing a shade with warm sepia tones to enhance the cozy feel of your manicure during the mid-season chill. Chocolate brown not only adds depth to your look but also pairs beautifully with winter outfits, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.
Why Chocolate Brown?
Chocolate brown is more than just a rosiness; it evokes feelings of warmth and comfort, reminiscent of cozy evenings by the fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa. This shade can effortlessly transition from day to night, making it suitable for both casual outings and more formal events. Whether you’re dressing up for a holiday party or simply enjoying a day out, chocolate brown nails can elevate your overall aesthetic.
Styling Tips
To make the most of your chocolate brown manicure, consider these styling tips:
Pair with Earthy Tones: Chocolate brown looks stunning when paired with other earthy colors like olive green, burnt orange, or mustard yellow. These combinations can create a harmonious and stylish winter palette. I personally love wearing a chocolate brown manicure with an olive green sweater; it feels so seasonal and chic!
Add Some Shine: For an extra touch of glamour, consider opting for a glossy top coat or even a metallic finish. A shiny chocolate brown can add a sophisticated edge to your look, perfect for holiday gatherings. I’ve found that a glossy finish really makes the color pop and adds a luxurious feel.
Nail Art Accents: If you’re feeling creative, try incorporating nail art accents. Gold or copper foil designs can beautifully contrast with chocolate brown, adding a festive flair to your manicure. I enjoy adding a simple gold stripe or dot to my chocolate brown nails for a touch of elegance without being over the top.
Mix and Match: Don’t hesitate to mix chocolate brown with other colors. For instance, a chocolate brown base with tips in a contrasting color like soft pink or deep burgundy can create a stylish French manicure twist. I love experimenting with this look, especially when I want to add a playful element to my nails.
Glittery Red: Elevate Your Holiday Manicure
As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to elevate your nail game by swapping out your usual red polish for a dazzling glittery ruby shade. “Winter is the beginning of what nail pros like to call ‘red season,'” says Mimi D, a New York City-based editorial nail artist. This time of year, various finishes of red will be everywhere, and for good reason—there’s something about the festive spirit that calls for a little extra sparkle.
With three of the biggest holidays happening in winter, people love to add a bit of glamour to their nails. A glittery red polish not only captures the essence of the season but also adds a festive flair to any outfit. Whether you’re attending a holiday party, celebrating with family, or simply enjoying the winter festivities, glittery red nails are sure to make a statement.
Choosing the Right Glittery Red
When it comes to selecting the perfect glittery red polish, there are options to suit every style. For a subtle take on the trend, consider CND’s Dragon Slay All Day. This polish offers a beautiful shimmer that catches the light without being overly flashy, making it ideal for those who prefer a more understated look.
On the other hand, if you’re a maximalist who loves to stand out, Zoya’s Oswin is the perfect choice. This vibrant, glitter-packed polish delivers a bold pop of color that’s sure to turn heads. I personally love how Oswin can transform a simple outfit into something special, making it perfect for holiday gatherings.
Tips for a Flawless Glittery Red Manicure
To ensure your glittery red manicure looks its best, consider these tips:
Prep Your Nails: Start with clean, well-shaped nails. A good base coat is essential to prevent staining and to help the polish adhere better.
Apply in Thin Layers: When applying glitter polish, it’s best to use thin layers. This helps avoid clumping and ensures an even finish. I usually apply two to three thin coats for the best results.
Top It Off: Finish with a high-quality top coat to add shine and longevity to your manicure. A glossy top coat can enhance the sparkle and keep your nails looking fresh throughout the holiday season.
Consider Nail Art: If you’re feeling creative, try adding some nail art accents. Gold or silver foil designs can beautifully complement glittery red nails, adding an extra touch of elegance.
Bubblegum Pink: A Bright Pick-Me-Up for Winter
As the early sunsets and frigid weather forecasts set in, we could all use a little pick-me-up by mid-winter. Opting for a bright manicure color is an easy and effective way to lift your spirits. This year, Julie Kandalec, a New York City-based celebrity nail artist and educator, predicts that vibrant pink will be a popular choice for those looking to branch away from moody neutrals.
“Bubblegum pink is making waves for those who want a softer, ‘Glinda’ vibe,” she says, referencing the release of November’s Wicked film. This playful and cheerful shade embodies a sense of fun and whimsy, making it the perfect antidote to the winter blues.
Why Choose Bubblegum Pink?
Bubblegum pink is not just a color; it’s a mood booster. This lively hue can instantly brighten your day and add a touch of joy to your winter wardrobe. Whether you’re heading to a holiday party or simply want to feel more vibrant during the dreary winter months, bubblegum pink nails can make a statement.
Styling Tips for Bubblegum Pink Nails
To make the most of your bubblegum pink manicure, consider these styling tips:
Keep It Simple: Sometimes, a solid bubblegum pink manicure is all you need. The simplicity of the color can be striking on its own, making it a great choice for any occasion.
Add Nail Art: If you’re feeling creative, consider adding some fun nail art accents. White polka dots or gold stripes can add a playful touch to your bubblegum pink nails. I love experimenting with simple designs that enhance the color without overwhelming it.
Mix and Match: Bubblegum pink can also be paired with other colors for a fun twist. Try a bubblegum pink base with tips in a contrasting color like mint green or lavender for a trendy French manicure. This combination can add a fresh and modern feel to your look.
Top It Off: Finish with a glossy top coat to enhance the shine and longevity of your manicure. A high-shine finish can make bubblegum pink pop even more, ensuring your nails look vibrant and fresh.
Patent Leather: Embrace the Chic Black Manicure
As winter settles in, facing the leather weather head-on with a sleek black manicure is a stylish choice. The beauty of this timeless nail color is that it looks incredibly cool in a variety of nail shapes and lengths. “Specifically on shorter, square, or squoval nails, this look feels timelessly chic,” says Rita Remark.
Why Choose Patent Leather?
A black manicure exudes sophistication and versatility, making it a perfect option for the colder months. It pairs effortlessly with any outfit, from casual to formal, and adds an edgy touch to your overall look. The glossy finish of a patent leather-inspired manicure can elevate your style, making it a go-to choice for winter events and gatherings.
Styling Tips for a Patent Leather Manicure
To achieve the perfect patent leather look, consider these styling tips:
Seal with Gloss: To channel the sleekness of patent leather, seal your base color with an extra glossy top coat. This not only enhances the shine but also adds depth to the black polish, giving it that luxurious finish. I always make sure to use a high-quality top coat to achieve that mirror-like effect.
Nail Shape Matters: As Rita Remark suggests, this look is particularly stunning on shorter, square, or squoval nails. These shapes can enhance the chicness of black polish, making it feel modern and fresh. If you’re considering a nail shape change, this is a great time to experiment!
Accessorize Accordingly: Consider matching your black manicure with your winter wardrobe. Channel your patent leather trench or Mary Janes by coordinating your nails with your accessories. This cohesive look can elevate your style and create a polished appearance.
Add Subtle Nail Art: If you want to add a bit of flair, consider incorporating subtle nail art. A simple gold or silver stripe can add a touch of elegance without overpowering the sleekness of the black polish. I love adding a tiny accent nail with a metallic design for a chic twist.
Enchanting Emerald: The Jewel Tone for Winter Elegance
With the highly-anticipated release of the film adaptation of Wicked, emerald green is stepping into the spotlight this season. While the film may have sparked a renewed interest in this rich jewel tone, it’s also an elegant option for a holiday manicure. “Expect to see a lot of emerald green, especially with Wicked coming out; it’s such a classic holiday shade,” predicts Julie Kandalec, a New York City-based celebrity nail artist and educator.
Why Choose Enchanting Emerald?
Emerald green is not just a color; it’s a statement. This luxurious hue embodies the spirit of the season, making it perfect for holiday celebrations. Its deep, vibrant tone adds a touch of sophistication and glamour to any look, making it an ideal choice for festive gatherings and events.
Moreover, emerald green is versatile enough to carry you through the back half of winter. As Kandalec notes, a deeper hue can serve as a sophisticated alternative to black, offering a fresh take on classic winter colors. This makes it a great option for those who want to stand out while still maintaining an air of elegance.
Styling Tips for an Emerald Green Manicure
To make the most of your enchanting emerald manicure, consider these styling tips:
Opt for a Glossy Finish: A glossy top coat can enhance the richness of emerald green, giving your nails a polished and luxurious look. I always recommend using a high-quality top coat to achieve that stunning shine.
Incorporate Nail Art: If you’re feeling creative, consider adding some nail art accents. Gold or silver foil designs can beautifully contrast with emerald green, adding a festive flair to your manicure. I love experimenting with simple geometric patterns or delicate floral designs to complement the rich color.
Mix and Match: Emerald green can be paired with other colors for a fun twist. Try combining it with a soft nude or a metallic shade for a chic French manicure variation. This combination can add a modern touch to your look.
Accessorize with Jewelry: Emerald green nails look stunning when paired with gold or silver jewelry. Consider wearing statement rings or earrings that complement the rich hue of your manicure. This cohesive look can elevate your style and create a polished appearance.
Sleek Silver: Keep the Party Going with Shimmer
It’s a common myth that glitter has an expiry date of January 1. Why not keep the party going into the New Year with a hint of shimmer via your manicure? A cool-toned silver polish is the perfect way to add a touch of sparkle that pairs beautifully with all of your cold-weather outfits. “Whether it’s a silver foil polish, chrome topper, or glitter bits mixed into your favorite color, the metal of the moment is silver,” confirms Rita Remark.
Why Choose Sleek Silver?
Sleek silver is not just a color; it’s a statement of elegance and celebration. This versatile shade can elevate any look, making it ideal for winter festivities and beyond. Silver adds a modern twist to traditional winter colors, allowing you to express your style while embracing the season’s spirit.
Styling Tips for a Sleek Silver Manicure
To make the most of your sleek silver manicure, consider these styling tips:
Layering Options: Experiment with a layering silver polish over your favorite base color. Essie’s Nail Art Studio’s Cosmic Chrome can be layered for a stunning effect or worn alone for a more understated look. This versatility allows you to customize your manicure to suit any occasion.
Go for Chrome: If you’re looking for a bold statement, try a silver chrome polish. JINsoon’s Melange shade offers a silver chrome manicure in a bottle, delivering a high-shine finish that’s sure to turn heads. This look is perfect for those who want to make a lasting impression.
Incorporate Nail Art: Silver polish can also be a great base for nail art. Consider adding geometric designs or delicate patterns in white or gold for a chic contrast. I love using silver as a backdrop for intricate nail art, as it enhances the overall design.
Accessorize with Metallics: Silver nails look stunning when paired with metallic accessories. Consider wearing silver jewelry or a metallic clutch to create a cohesive look. This attention to detail can elevate your style and make your manicure stand out even more.
Conclusion
This winter, don’t shy away from embracing the sleek elegance of silver. With its ability to add a touch of shimmer and sophistication, it’s the perfect choice for keeping the party spirit alive well into the New Year. Whether you opt for a full silver manicure or incorporate it as an accent, sleek silver is sure to make a statement.
So go ahead, indulge in this shimmering trend and let your nails shine brightly this season!