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The easiest way to elevate your winter style without splurging on your seasonal wardrobe is with the perfect winter manicure. A bottle of polish is a much smaller investment than a coat, but a stunning nail look can deliver just as big of an impact. This winter, celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann predicts cozy brown and nude, classic red, rich burgundy, and unexpected pink shades to dominate the nail scene. (The resurgence of brown and red shades makes sense given their popularity on runways this fall.) Lippmann also anticipates a continuation of the beloved metallic, glitter, and shimmer trends that have been dominating Instagram feeds and Pinterest boards. Even if chrome isn’t your thing, this season’s gunmetal grays, shimmering neutrals, and shades of gold just may be. Ready to plan your ideal cold-weather nail looks? Ahead, explore the top 10 winter nail colors in Lippmann’s book.
Meet the expert
Deborah Lippmann is a celebrity manicurist and founder of an eponymous brand.
Cozy Brown
Chocolate nails have been a fan-favorite pick in 2024 and Lippmann sees no sign of the trend slowing down in 2025. “Brown has been a trending color this season for so many reasons; it’s the perfect grounding color for winter,” she says. “This warm, inviting color gives sophistication and is always effortlessly chic in my opinion.”
Demure Nude
Prefer pale, neutral nail looks? Lippmann says you can’t go wrong with a creamy shade of nude. “Nude is a timeless classic that continues to trend year after year,” she reveals. “Nude shades are always trustworthy because of their versatility. Nude shades for all seasons, especially winter, are such a classic yet simple statement. There is always a perfect shade for everyone.”
Classic Red
No matter the season, there’s a placeholder for cherry red nails. “There is nothing better than a classic red manicure—one of my favorites year after year,” Lippmann says. “This bold statement suits any occasion and vibe, making it a chic, timeless nail color.”
Rich Burgundy
For a deeper, darker, cooler red nail look, opt for a rich burgundy shade—to make it even more alluring, consider a velvet or metallic finish. “The mix of cherry red and brown has been dominating the fashion world creating super daring, chic, and bold looks,” Lippmann says. “My Gel Lab Pro in Single Ladies is the perfect shade to rock a burgundy look this season.”
Pretty in Pink
Pink nails may seem more fitting for spring and summer but according to Lippmann, the unexpected nature of pops of pink in winter is what makes them so fun. “The classic and timeless shades of light pink will always be my go-to colors, even in the winter,” she explains. “They bring a touch of warmth and heart to the season.”
Muted Grays
Meanwhile, if you want something darker yet still fairly neutral, Lippmann recommends reaching for a muted gray polish. “Metal or gray nail shades are trending this winter because of the touch of cool elegance they bring,” she says. “My Gel Lab Pro in When Doves Cry is the perfect muted gray tone, complementing the dark, cold days. Or Fade to Black when you are looking for a bold, deep charcoal.”
Pure White
This winter, embracing the weather on your nails is very in. Where muted grays nod toward the cool skies of the season, pure white elicits the feeling of fresh snow. “Pure white nails is the trend that keeps on giving, season after season,” Lippmann says. “You can never go wrong with a white, natural nail color—it gives you that clean, sleek manicure that goes with everything.”
Serious Sparkle
For a bold, glamorous nail look, add a seriously sparkly confetti topper on any of the colors above—or wear one all by itself. “Opting for a sparkly polish is the perfect way to get into the festive glam looks and take your nail look to the next level if you want something a bit bold,” Lippmann says. “With the thoughts of snowflakes and holiday lights in the air, it's only fair that your nails get to look festive to match.”
Soft Shimmer
For a more subtle sparkle, set your sights on shimmer polishes. Iridescent or made of micro glitter particles, they offer a more ethereal, less in-your-face end look. “Shimmer is the perfect winter trend for adding a touch of holiday spirit to your look,” Lippmann says. “It is a great way to dazzle any look and feel luxurious, especially for New Year's. Who doesn’t love a glam moment?”
Glistening Gold
Lippmann says that we’re collectively still gaga for gold (nails) as we head into 2025. “Who needs jewelry when you have the perfect shade of gold on your nails,” she ponders. “Bringing in a touch of luxury and warmth, gold nails are the perfect winter accessory; they’re both sparkly and chic.”