Royal purples and ruby reds are just a glimpse of the rich palette embraced by True Winter nail lovers. Even fans of neutral manicures will find no shortage of options this season. Cool-toned shades dominate, with more variations of crisp white and cool gray than expected—much like snow shimmering before it melts. Deep burgundies, including cranberry, berry, and merlot tones, also stand out. World champion nail artist and beauty educator Valeriia Telemaniuk shared with Byrdie that winter sparks a return to timeless nail styles, including French manicures, elegant grays, blues, and deep reds in both bold and softened finishes.
Top 11 Nail Polish Colors Trending This Winter
Chocolate Ganache
Brown-toned nails are evolving into a richer winter favorite: ganache brown. Nail artist and educator Sofiia Mazur describes this shade as a deep, indulgent brown reminiscent of melted dark chocolate. Similar to tones like Red Iguana’s Ganache gel or Dazzle Dry’s Fringe, this color feels warm, luxurious, and refined. Ganache nails project understated confidence and pair seamlessly with gold jewelry, neutral outfits, or minimalist black looks, making them effortlessly versatile.
Muted Berry
Deep, grounded hues are gaining momentum this season. Juanita Huber-Millet, founder and creative director of Townhouse Salons, notes a growing preference for espresso browns, soft mauves, and muted berry shades. These tones deliver warmth and sophistication while remaining subtle enough for daily wear. Muted berry colors, in particular, offer a polished alternative to brighter reds, adding depth without overwhelming the overall look.
Light Ocean Blue
Soft ocean blues with a pearlescent finish are emerging as a winter favorite. Nail expert Amy Ling Lin describes these shades as calming, luminous, and uplifting. Options like Sundays Studio’s L09 bring a refreshing contrast to winter’s darker palette. The gentle pearl sheen reflects light beautifully, creating a subtle glow that feels airy, serene, and modern.
Cool Gray
Cool gray is becoming a standout neutral for winter. According to OPI Global Ambassador Coca Michelle, this shade is both chic and sophisticated, complementing seasonal wardrobes with ease. Cool gray also highlights jewelry beautifully, especially when mixing metals. Polishes such as OPI’s Peace of Mined, Case of Glamnesia, and Suzi Talks with Her Hands offer refined, versatile finishes ideal for colder months.
Deep Navy
Deep navy is seen as the perfect post-holiday reset shade. Calm and classic, it transitions smoothly from winter into the New Year. Easy to wear, this color suits both formal occasions and everyday office styles. Recommended options include OPI Nail Lacquer shades like Less is Norse, Havin’ a Candy Ol’ Time, and Suzi & the Arctic Fox, all delivering rich, wearable navy tones.
The Barely-There Neutrals
Winter often inspires a desire for simplicity, reflected in the rise of barely-there nail shades. Soft milky hues, cool neutrals, and gentle pastels are trending, according to Huber-Millet. Colors such as Coconut Milk, Glazed Marshmallow, and Milkshake from Townhouse’s Flawless Collection feel clean and restorative. For subtle pink neutrals, adding French tips—either crisp white or softer modern versions—creates a timeless, polished finish.
Warm, Deep Red
A warm, deep red remains a winter staple. Amy Ling Lin describes this shade as chic, cozy, and quietly powerful. It brings instant warmth during colder days while maintaining a polished, festive feel. This color moves effortlessly from everyday wear to special occasions, offering elegance without heaviness.
Earthy Metallics
Earth-inspired metallics are set to shine this winter. Sofiia Mazur highlights tones like bronze, clay gold, and olive chrome, often paired with matte or stone-textured finishes. These shades reflect light softly, creating a refined glow that feels elevated yet understated. Influenced by runway trends such as Balmain’s fall collection, earthy metallics work beautifully as full nail looks or subtle accent details.
Black Cherry
Black cherry nails deliver understated drama by blending deep darkness with a touch of red warmth. Mazur explains that this balance keeps the shade elegant and wearable. Long embraced by fashion icons, black cherry complements both evening attire and casual outfits like oversized blazers or vintage denim, making it a reliable winter favorite.
Crisp White
Crisp white polish is enjoying a strong winter resurgence. Following Pantone’s Cloud Dancer announcement, pure white shades such as Mineral Fusion Ice Breaker are in high demand. This clean, modern color mirrors snowy landscapes and frosty mornings. Once seen mainly as a summer choice, white now plays a key role in winter minimalism.
Gray-Lavender
Gray-lavender blends cool gray with a soft hint of purple, making it especially fitting for winter. Telemaniuk notes that shorter days and cooler atmospheres draw clients toward muted shades like this. Elegant, versatile, and modern, gray-lavender offers a minimalist yet chic option perfectly suited for the colder season.
