Pretty patterns and colors for short nails, long nails and everything in between.
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It's time to rethink your winter manicure. While classic Christmas nail art is always an option, you don't have to stick to red and green to feel festive; there are new, more neutral ways to celebrate the holiday season. That's why we went on a mission to find the winter neutrals, glitter and even animal print designs that are perfect to wear from November to February (and even before and after that!). These creative winter nail designs are versatile, on-trend, and bound to be all over your Instagram in the coming months.
This year, variations of metallics, reds and nudes will reign. From barely-there beiges to chrome accents, you can try any of these options for your next mani. The best part? You can do many of them in gel, dip powder, shellac, acrylic or classic polish. Thanks to bloggers, professional nail artists and nail salons, we know all of the trends for the winter season. Complete with designs that you can easily copy in the comfort of your home, these examples should inspire you to design fun and affordable looks everyone will love. Your holiday outfit game will only get better with a little extra sparkle or a modern twist on the classic French manicure. Take a look at our favorite selections below.
Simple Winter Nails
Sleek and modern, this black take on a traditional French manicure is super chic. Plus, it goes with pretty much any holiday outfit.
Easy Winter Nail Design
Meet the grown-up version of candy cane stripes. This two-toned look is super easy to do: paint the whole nail white first and once dry, add a true red shade over half the nail.
Classy Winter Nails
A thick strip of shimmery silver feels modern and classy. Even better, it looks good on long or short nail beds.
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Short Winter Nails
Black and white is definitely done right here. This minimal nail art look combines moons and French tips and is ideal for those with shorter nail beds.
Winter Dip Nails
Rich jewel tones transition from fall to winter seamlessly. Can't pick just one? Do an ombre look like this using a dip nail kit.
Winter Acrylic Nails
Embrace sparkle season with pink tips. If you do acrylics, this shiny style will be sure to last.
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Winter Gel Nails
We love this mix of cool toned neutrals in gel polish to really last. The crystal border adds a little festive glitz.
White Winter Nails
A linear nail art look in white works all year round. Gold accessories accentuate the subtle gold designs.
Winter Wedding Nails
The perfect neutral nail statement to make on your wedding day, diagonal rose gold lines sparkle subtly in the light.
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Blue Winter Nails
This rich shade of blue is the perfect transitional shade from fall to winter. The little gold dots make this manicure extra special.
Almond Winter Nails
The almond shape has gained popularity for good reason: It elongates nails and fingers. Plus, this wine-colored shade flatters all skin tones.
Matte Winter Nails
Negative space plus matte tones in pretty pinks and purples is a killer combo. The pop of orange is unexpected and fun.
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Black Winter Nails
Crystals, pearls and studs — oh my! Black nails plus cool jewels equals a fashion-forward, luxe mani.
Red Winter Nails
Classic red meets modern curves in this Christmas-inspired manicure. If you can't decide to go full color or stick with negative space, try a combination of the two.
Confetti Tips
Add a little confetti to your nails in neutral black and white and some metallics. We love that the design is focused on the tips and not the full nail — ideal for someone looking to dip a toe (or finger) in the look, no pun intended.
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Chrome Nails
Go chrome or go home. Chrome nails are here to stay — they are super cool and flattering on all nail shapes, sizes and skin tones.
Green Winter Nails
Not your typical holiday green mani, this cool look combines sage and olive shades with gold foil. It's festive and fun in its own way.
Sparkly Edges
If you are interested in trying nail art but not ready to take the plunge, this glittery edge is the perfect first step. Plus, a super skinny semi circle at the base of the nail feels unexpected — it's more often seen as a French tip.
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Girly Swirls
You don't have to save pink and red for Valentine's Day — the chic color combo looks good all winter long. The complementary tones in a swirl design has a retro vibe.
Black Dots
Polka dots come in all shapes, sizes and colors. It can be fun to do all over the nail or try a more minimal look like this one shown here with just a small arch of dots across the base of the nail.
Katie Berohn
ELLE Beauty Editor
Katie Berohn is the Beauty Assistant at Good Housekeeping, Woman's Day and Prevention magazines, all part of the Hearst Lifestyle Group. She graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder, with a major in journalism and minor in technology, arts, and media, and earned her Master’s Degree at NYU’s Graduate Program of Magazine Journalism. In addition, Katie has held editorial internships at Denver Life Magazine, Yoga Journal, and Cosmopolitan, a digital editorial internship at New York Magazine’s The Cut, a social good fellowship at Mashable, and has freelanced for HelloGiggles. When she’s not obsessing over the latest skincare launch or continuing her endless search for the perfect shade of red nail polish, Katie can be found in a hot yoga class, trying everything on the menu at New York’s newest restaurant, or hanging out at a trendy wine bar with her friends.
Dori Price
Contributing Beauty Editor
Dori Price is a New York City-based freelance writer and editor and beauty, style and wellness expert who was the Beauty & Fashion Director at Family Circle for 13 years before she joined Good Housekeeping, Prevention and Woman’s Day as a freelance beauty editor. She has also written for WomensHealthMag.com, Elle.com and HealthCentral.com.
