Royal blue teetering on purple is one of our favorite polish shades this winter.Credit: @ gossipandgloss

• Shades like snowy white, icy pink, burgundy, and royal blue make for a gorgeous, solid-colored manicure this winter.
• Subtle chrome accents, like tiny bows and stars, add a touch of shine to a clear or nude manicure.

Winter might seem like a time that’s dedicated solely to excess. From twinkling holiday lights to bold lip colors and rich, sumptuous fabrics like velvet and fur swinging back into style, the whole season screams “more is more.” But what if you’re more into a style that whispers? Minimalists can rejoice at the fact that this winter, there are plenty of simple, subtly festive nail trends to indulge in.

A fresh white French tip is always in style, while a layer of icy, multifaceted chrome can enliven your go-to nude polish. Holiday motifs, like bows and twinkling stars, take on a surprisingly sophisticated look when shrunken down and layered over a clear, glossy base. Meanwhile, dark hues of burgundy and royal blue exude effortless opulence. “Winter embraces deeper shades like rich reds and shimmering accents, often reflecting the festive spirit of the holiday season,” says celebrity nail artist Jin Soon Choi. “Each season brings its own palette and motifs, making nail art a creative expression of the time of year.”

Below, discover 20 simple winter nails to recreate or request at your next salon appointment.

Meet the expert

• Brittany Boyce is a celebrity nail artist and co-founder of Lost Angels Beauty.
• Jin Soon Choi is a celebrity nail artist and founder of the JINsoon Spas and JINsoon Nail Lacquer.

Silver Bows

@ swaknails

Silver chrome bows dance across these understated, clear nails. Look closely, and you’ll notice there’s a soft, glowing white aura in the center of each nail bed.

Glazed French Tips

klawsbysonia

Jin Soon recommends swapping the classic white tips of your favorite French manicure for metallics, like gold or silver, on a clear or nude base. But if you prefer to stick to white, a coat of chrome can make things really shine. It’s a minimalist yet festive take on a timeless classic that is simply begging to be wrapped around a warm glass of hot cocoa.

Rich Red Glitter

@ melanated.mani

Complement the sparkle of holiday lights and the sheen of red velvet with this ruby manicure. The glittery finish is playful, but the deep, sultry color keeps things sophisticated.

Matte Neutrals

https://www.instagram.com/p/DC6zmK8RLnH/. nailsby_bridgett

A matte topcoat can transform any color into a trendy, cool look. “Deep reds, browns, grays, and blacks look especially stunning with this finish,” says Jin Soon.

Champagne Glitter

@ nailchark

Two coats of glittering champagne polish ring in the holiday season in a chic yet joyous way. If you’re recreating this manicure at home, keep each coat of polish sheer to allow the natural tones of your nail to peek through; this gives a more editorial effect.

Chrome Stars

jessnailsit

Celebrity nail artist Brittany Boyce loves “doing something different than your typical red or brown pallets” for her A-list roster of clients. With so many unique designs to choose from that still nod to winter’s cool and simplistic motif, one of her go-tos has been adding chrome accents, like these adorable mini stars, to a nude base for a subtle yet festive finish.

Wine Red

https://www.instagram.com/p/DCsBZlQPchn/. nailsby_bridgett

Wine red is the ultimate winter nail color. It’s rich, warm, and elegant, just like your favorite glass of pinot noir. This deep, sultry hue captures the cozy, festive feeling of the season while pairing perfectly with every winter outfit, from chunky knits to sparkling party dresses.

Simple Bows

https://www.instagram.com/p/DC96gopTLMU/?img_index=1. klawsbysonia

In case you missed it, bows are the accessory of 2024. From the expected clip-on hair accessories to bag charms to prints on your favorite knit sweaters, bows are pretty much everywhere, so why not add to your mani, too? Start with a semi-clear white base and add simple gold bow accents for a design that basically sings fa la la la la.

90s Combo

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy5WygyTfL/?imgindex=1. klawsbysonia

Everyone knows that the most iconic beauty trend of the ’90s was the it-girl dark brown lip liner and shiny mocha gloss. Taking inspiration from this iconic pairing, you can recreate the look by giving your nails a fresh aura mani using those iconic brown hues.

Delicate Lines

https://www.instagram.com/p/DB1LQbLOubY/.

Who doesn’t love a bit of abstract nail art? Start with a clear or nude base, shaping the nails to your liking, and once dry, simply add different lines and squiggles on each nail for a manicure that is cohesive yet unique.

Animal Print

https://www.instagram.com/p/DAbPaX1Oebg/?img_index=1. nailsbymaki.nyc

From tortoise shell to cheetah print, animal-inspired designs are an absolute must for winter nails. This design features a moody, translucent effect with dark, smoky swirls of black and brown against a sheer, glossy base, giving an edgy finish that’s the perfect companion for a little aprés ski moment.

Cool Grey

https://www.instagram.com/p/C1zpLKgpYn0/?imgindex=1. claudiahrnandez

Gray may not be your go-to shade, but here’s why you should give it a try: this versatile shade mimics the overcast skies and frosty mornings of winter while pairing beautifully with cozy sweaters and glimmering holiday party outfits. Whether you choose a soft dove grey or a bold charcoal, going all-in on this hue adds a modern twist to a simple mani.

Metallic Red

https://www.instagram.com/p/C1cWgysrDzh/?imgindex=1. claudiahrnandez

Metallics? For winter? Groundbreaking. But seriously, a stunning metallic red nail is a staple of the season for a reason. A bold and festive choice, they capture the vibrancy of the season while adding a touch of sparkle. Not to mention, the rich, shiny hue pops against winter’s muted tones, adding a touch of style to your festive outings.

Classic French Tips

https://www.instagram.com/p/DB_zs3oPcrL/. pinkbunnynailz

Classic French tips are like the little black dress of winter nails—they simply never go out of style. The perfect accessory for the season, this mani gives you that polished, put-together feeling without trying too hard. Plus, they’re a blank canvas, so you can either keep them simple and clean or play around to add a touch of sparkle. The choices are truly limitless, says Kandalec.

Louboutin Inspired

https://www.instagram.com/p/DAQ9WyDP07F/?img_index=1. natalieminervanails

These nails are a stylish choice for winter, drawing inspiration from the iconic red soles of a Louboutin shoe. The deep, glossy brown base combined with the bold red accents creates a fashionable and sophisticated look for your holiday parties, sledding outings, or even running errands around town.

Chocolate Swirl

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy2toz3sur/?imgindex=1. nailchark

Doesn’t it make you want to drink a big ‘ol mug of hot cocoa? This chocolate swirl design is rich, warm, and oh-so-cozy, adding a playful twist to your chic winter browns.

Deep Purple

https://www.instagram.com/p/C3k1bAzsXdy/?imgindex=1. claudiahrnandez

Whether you go for a deep plum or a frosty lavender, purple is the quintessential winter shade for a luxe and seasonal aesthetic. Pairing beautifully with winter’s cozy layers and festive vibes, this bold yet versatile hue is ideal for everything from holiday parties to quiet nights by the fire.

Elegant & Demure

https://www.instagram.com/p/DCguBovNQse/. poppinpolishldn

These frosty, pearl-like nails are the dream winter mani for those wanting a pop of shimmer. The soft, metallic sheen mimics freshly fallen snow or a delicate frost, making them the ultimate choice for the season.

Brown Ombré

https://www.instagram.com/p/DCt-T5fPN-V/. nailsby_bridgett

“Ombré nails are effortlessly stylish and add a sophisticated touch to any winter outfit,” says Jin Soon. These brown ombré nails are the ideal balance of chic and cozy, perfect for the cold season when you want a manicure that’s both stylish and comforting.

Icy Blue

@ thecolornook

A classic almond-shaped set takes a wintery turn with two coats of shimmery, frosted blue polish. Their shine mirrors the surface of a frozen lake.