On the lookout for the top winter nail trends in the end of 2024 and early 2025? You need to see this list of winter nails featuring designs that will be the hottest picks during the holiday season this year!
Hottest Winter Nails for 2025
Winter will be here before we know it, and with cool days and festive vibes comes a change in the fashion world as well!
If you want to stay on top of the trends and plan ahead for cold-weather festivities and events, you’ve come to the right corner of the internet. I’ve curated a list of the top winter nail designs in 2024 through 2025, and gathered them below to help you discover the most gorgeous, on-trend nails that will elevate your aesthetic this winter.
No matter what plans you have for winter and the holidays, there’s a look on this list that will be the perfect accessory for you!
1. Black Cherry
(@iramshelton, @jadenailedit, @laurasavi_nailstudio)
First up is black cherry – a sleek and sultry red polish that I’m obsessed with! This gorgeous dark shade stole the spotlight during the 2024 fashion runways, and I think it’s perfect for winter and so versatile. You can wear it with everyday outfits, to the office, for holiday parties, and even to formal events like weddings.
I love how this color makes a statement without being bright. I recommend using this polish for a classic solid-colored mani if you want a bold and elegant look. Alternatively, you can use this hue for French tips, wave details, accent nails, or seasonal and holiday-inspired designs (think plaid, candy cane stripes, fair isle, holly berries, etc.)
You can also go for a full black cherry mani and add pops of white for a lovely contrast that will brighten the look.
2. Smoky Sheers
(@jordanlaurelle, @nails.byjennn, @avrnailswatches)
Just as milky neutrals ruled summer, sheer smoke nails will take over for winter!
Neutral polish in a transparent finish is the perfect combination of classic and modern aesthetics, with an understated yet sophisticated presence. I especially love the chrome finish on the white smoke nails – giving the mani a frosted look that couldn’t be more fitting for winter.
I suggest choosing lighter tones for an effortless and sophisticated look, while the sheer smoke nails in darker tones are great for a daring and edgy vibe. You can also add details to this design (dots, stripes, waves, etc.), creating a look with more depth and one more suitable for a holiday event.
3. Mega Metallics
(@impressbeauty, @avrnailswatches, @ts_nails0)
Metallics and winter are a match made in heaven, if you ask me. Snowy ground and holiday decor bring a shimmer with them, so these glistening metallic manicures are ideal for this time of the year.
OPI recently launched a fall metallics line, and we can expect to see more metallics for the winter season – specifically cooler tones and festive reds. Cool silver and blue have a classy and refined appeal, though warm gold and red tones work for winter, too. I love this look for a night out with friends, a holiday party with family, or a winter date night with your partner.
If you don’t want something quite as bold as a full metallic mani, use these shimmering hues in smaller details. French tips, ombre designs, or accent nails can incorporate metallic polish for a subtle look that’s still trendy.
4. Square Frenchies
(@moskvichka_nails, @gelsbybry, @nagellujah)
The classic French manicure featuring square nails is going to be a top trend this winter. I love the simple yet elegant look of this design, and it can go from day to night effortlessly.
If you want to add a touch of seasonal flair to these timeless nails, I recommend silver star details, snowy white speckles, holly berry accents, or delicate pine wreath art. Or keep it clean and minimal with micro-French tips.
You can also change up the base color you use for your Frenchies to create subtle changes in your aesthetic. Warm, light beige and nude tones add a warm vibe, while a soft nude pink base has lovely cool undertones and a subtle feminine appeal.
5. Gorgeous Gems
(@_nasanails, @iramshelton, @mydumbnails)
While gems are an excellent embellishment year-round (at least in my opinion), they are truly a perfect choice for elevating a winter manicure!
This is one of my favorite winter nail trends. One thing I love the most about gem accents is how many ways you can incorporate them into your look. Thoughtfully placed (like in the left photo) creates a clean and elegant design, while using gems to accent one or two nails (like the photo to the right) has a playful and glamorous feel.
If you want to take it up a notch, opt for a bold design – like the center manicure. I love the festive colors and variety of gems and pearls. It’s the perfect gem mani for a Christmas party.
Regardless of how you use them, gem accents are a must for an opulent diva aesthetic in 2024!
6. Almost Black Blackberry
(@dyu_style, @jl_alexhardy, @moskvichka_nails)
Blackberry nails will be another winter nail trend we can expect to see all over our socials. Deep and cool with rich purple undertones – this moody hue will add a unique touch to any winter ensemble and, fortunately, blackberry nails go with everything!
I love this as an early winter shade; it’s a perfect transition color between fall and winter. However, you can wear this anytime throughout the winter.
Blackberry nails have a lavish, feminine appeal yet are sophisticated enough for high-end occasions like dinner parties or even professional events like office holiday parties. No matter where you choose to rock this mani, you’re sure to stand out.
7. In The Buff
(@raelondonnails, @michelleclassnails, @amberjhnails)
Last but not least, on this list of winter nail trends are simple and classy buff nails.
Buffing refers to polishing your nails with a fine grit block – naturally giving them a smooth, clean, and glossy look.
So, if you want to stick with the ever-popular clean girl aesthetic and sport your natural nails this winter, opt for buff nails like the ones above. This aesthetic is ideal for anyone who loves a minimalist look and a low-maintenance nail routine. Add a high-gloss topcoat for a lovely finish, or leave them matte for an effortless feel.
Which of these winter nail trends is your favorite? These trends are perfect for elevating your looks in 2024. And if you can’t choose a favorite, you can definitely rock each one all through winter!
Don’t miss this list of 21+ “Old Money” Nails To Wear This Fall & Winter!
