Winter 2024’s hottest nail colors: Your guide to cold-weather chic
With winter’s chill in the air, it’s the ideal moment to trade your vibrant summer shades for more seasonally-inspired tones. Winter nail polish colors bring a touch of warmth, sophistication, and shimmer to your style. Here’s a guide to the top nail colors for this season—hues that will keep your nails looking stunning and trend-forward.
1. Chocolate Brown
This season, brown is the unexpected favorite, with deep, chocolatey tones taking center stage on the runways. Imagine rich cocoa shades that exude warmth and coziness—just right for the colder months.
This color flatters a wide range of skin tones, making it an effortless choice for a refreshing change.
Pro Tip: Style it with gold rings for a lovely, warm contrast that enhances the look.
Top chocolate brown nail polishes for winter: Essie Odd Squad, OPI That’s What Friends Are Thor, ILNP Chocolate, Hermes Brun Bistre
2. Warm Cinnamon
Cinnamon tones are trending this year, bringing a refined twist to earthy shades with a touch of spice. Think of the comforting warmth of a cinnamon latte captured in color—deep, subtly muted, and perfectly cozy. Pro Tip: Opt for shorter nails with this shade to achieve a fresh, minimalist style that's effortlessly modern.
Top cinnamon nail polishes for winter: Essie Playing Koi, OPI My Italian is a Little Rusty, Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Fashion, Butter London Mum’s the Word, Chanel Spirituelle
3. Frosted Lilac
Lilac isn’t just for spring anymore! This winter, delicate lilac shades with a frosty shimmer are perfect for pastel lovers. It’s one of those winter nail colors that’s cool enough to match the season yet still brings a soft, feminine vibe. Plus, it adds a touch of color without overpowering your look.
Pro Tip: Opt for a sheer frosted lilac for a subtle finish or go with an opaque shade for a bolder effect.
Top frosted lilac nail polishes for winter: Essie Lilacism, OPI Do You Lilac It?, Sally Hansen Lacey Lilac, ILNP Lilac Bridges, Butter London Molly Coddled, Chanel Immortelle
4.Icy Blue-Grey
This moody, wintery shade perfectly captures the feel of a snowy day—subtle yet sophisticated. Icy blue-grey nails are versatile for daily wear but still bold enough to stand out. Ideal for pairing with cozy sweaters and scarves, this color adds a bit of edge to your winter style.
Pro Tip: Use a matte topcoat on this shade for an extra frosty look!
Top icy blue-grey nail polishes for winter: Essie Cocktail Bling, OPI I Am What I Amethyst, Zoya Kristen, Deborah Lippmann Grey Day, ILNP Intense Silver, Hermes Blue Agate
5.Velvet Black
While black nails are a timeless choice, Winter 2024 is all about texture. Velvet blacks with a matte or velvet finish are trending, offering a chic, elegant feel with a touch of edge. Pro Tip: Use a matte topcoat to get the velvet effect if you don’t have a matte polish available.
Top velvet black nail polishes for winter: Essie Licorice, OPI Black Onyx, Zoya Willa, Sally Hansen Black Heart, ILNP Ink
6. Sparkling Silver
For those who enjoy a touch of glamour, sparkling silver is the go-to shade for Winter 2024. This isn’t just any glitter polish; it’s a rich, metallic silver that gives your nails a jewelry-like sparkle.
Silver is also a great choice for celebrating the new year, adding some extra shine to your holiday festivities.
Pro Tip: Pair it with a neutral outfit to make your nails the focal point!
Top silver nail polishes for winter: Essie Apres-Chic, OPI The Runway, Sally Hansen Silver Storm, ILNP Avalanche
7. Midnight Navy
If black feels too bold, midnight navy is the perfect alternative for winter nails. It offers the dark, edgy vibe of black without the intensity.
Midnight navy exudes sophistication and boldness—ideal for those winter nights when you're in the mood for something a little more mysterious!
Pro Tip: Go for a glossy finish for a sleek, chic look, or add small stars or dots for a cosmic touch.
Best navy blue nail polishes for winter: Essie Step Out of Line, OPI Yoga-ta Get This Blue!, Sally Hansen On the Download, Hermes Bleu Encre
8. Classic Wine Red
Some things are timeless, and a rich, classic wine red is definitely one of them. For Winter 2024, wine reds are leaning into deeper, luxurious hues that feel as warm and inviting as mulled wine by the fire.
This shade is bold yet refined, making it perfect for any winter event. It also looks great on nails of all shapes and lengths.
Pro Tip: Heading to a holiday party? Add a layer of fine gold glitter on the tips for a festive, eye-catching detail!
Top wine red nail polishes for winter: Essie Bordeaux, OPI Malaga Wine, Sally Hansen Wine Not, Butter London Dark Blackberry, Chanel Rouge Noir, Hermes Rouge H
9. Rich Evergreen
Nothing says winter like a deep green! Evergreen shades are making a big comeback this year, offering an earthy, cozy feel that’s still undeniably chic.
A rich evergreen color brings a touch of holiday spirit without being overly festive, perfect for the entire season. Opt for a glossy finish to really make the color pop.
Pro Tip: Pair it with a glittery gold accent nail for a luxe holiday touch!
Best deep green nail polishes for winter: Essie Off Tropic, OPI Stay Off the Lawn, Sally Hansen C-hill Out, Hermes Vert Ecossais
10. Smoky Mauve
Smoky mauves give a dreamy, sophisticated feel to your winter nails. This shade is softer than traditional darks but still offers that perfect winter depth.
Smoky mauve adds a subtle hint of color without being too bold, making it a great option for a more understated yet stylish look.
Pro Tip: A high-gloss top coat will add beautiful shine and elevate the muted tone of smoky mauve.
Best smoky mauve nail polishes for winter: Essie Get A Mauve On, OPI Taupe-less Beach, Sally Hansen Mauve Over
Whether you're drawn to dark, moody hues or prefer something sparkly and festive, Winter 2024 offers a nail color for every mood and occasion. So go ahead, choose your favorite shade, and treat your nails to a winter refresh they’ll love! Here’s to keeping our nails as fabulous as the season itself.
