There’s just something about wintertime that begs for a fresh set of nails. Maybe it’s the fact that cold weather and dry skin make the pampering that much more special, or that taking off a pair of gloves is twice as satisfying when there’s a gorgeous manicure underneath. Regardless of why you love to get a winter manicure, the months of January through March can be some of the most confusing and unclear in terms of choosing a color. Where it might feel obvious to pick lighter, brighter colors in the summer or a dark red around November and December, the winter is when we truly get free reign over our nail colors.
We’ve rounded up 20 potential nail colors to bring to your next appointment to have a chic manicure to kick off 2025. From glowing peach tones to shimmery blacks and blues, these are the shades that will have you wanting to ditch your gloves this winter.
1. Burgundy
Burgundy is so classic that it’s basically a neutral in my mind. It looks good with every outfit and works for any event on your calendar this winter. Plus, it adds just the right amount of color to spice up your winter fits without feeling overdone.
2. Navy Blue
Navy nails are a black manicure’s cooler older sister. They’re just as dark but so much more fun. They’re the perfect way to incorporate color in a seasonally appropriate way.
3. Sparkly Green
Wicked may have come out at the end of last year, but it’s definitely still a Wicked winter. Channel your inner Elpheba with a sparkly green manicure. No chrome or extra steps needed—just swipe on the sparkle, and you’re done.
4. Brown
According to Pantone’s 2025 Color Of The Year, Mocha Mousse, brown is the new black. Step into 2025, right on trend with a warm brown mani. It’ll look so good next to your morning latte.
5. Taupe
If you live in neutrals but are tired of your usual whites, greys, and blacks, taupe is the color for you. It’s equally versatile but a touch less basic. Once you try it, you’ll be rocking taupe nails all winter long.
6. Grey
Unfortunately, winter means grey skies for a few months, but the silver lining is the chance to wear grey nails all season. They’re effortlessly chic and go with literally everything.
7. Winter White
If you’re dreaming of snow days all winter, this milk-white polish is for you. It pairs beautifully with darker winter outfits, offering a soft contrast without feeling too stark. The perfect winter white manicure.
8. Chrome Red
Ever since Hailey Beiber broke the internet with her pink chrome nails, I’ve been obsessed with adding chrome to nail polishes, and these red nails are no exception. I love a classic red look, but sometimes, you just want to add a little twist.
9. Blue Green
Why choose between blue nails or green nails when this stunning polish is the ideal balance of both? It’s the perfect polish for anyone who spends ages choosing a color at the salon.
10. Orangey Brown
If you’re a fall girlie at heart mourning the loss of warm oranges and yellows, this terracotta color is a great way to continue that energy into winter. It mixes orange and brown, carrying fall hues into winter seamlessly.
11. Shimmery Black
With this shimmery look, you can basically replicate the night sky on your nails, which is why we’re all for black nails with a sparkly touch in 2025. This specific shade ensures that you don’t need to deal with an uneven topcoat, with gold sparkles embedded in the black polish.
12. Icy Sparkle
If you’re looking for a sparkle that’s a tad more subtle, look no further than this neutral, shimmery shade. Icy fingernails are going to be all the rage this winter, so this is the perfect pick for a glossy, yet understated vibe.
13. Light Blues
These dreamy nails will give you the winter blues—but the good kind.
14. Dark Grape
Make things moody this winter with this gorgeous deep grape color. Whether you’re channeling your inner villain energy or just want to get a set that’s a little more striking than dark red, this color will get you through the darkest months of the year.
15. Gold
Frosted shades of all kinds are in for 2025, so we love a gold nail as an option this winter. Neutral enough to pair with a colorful wardrobe yet sparkly enough to wear to an awards season watch party? Say less.
16. Classic Cherry Red
How perfect is this bright cherry red color?! In the transition between the holiday season and Valentine’s day, there’s no reason not to stick with a classic.
17. Glowy Neutral
If you’re obsessed with “old money nails” or anything quiet luxury, you probably already have this lined up as your go-to shade for your winter manicures. Even so, it still deserves a mention, because a shiny neutral nail is just that good.
18. Brown Shimmer
Noticing a theme here? This shimmering brown color will add yet another neutral-yet-fun vibe to your manicure. This is the kind of shade that will have you taking nail-and-latte selfies for as long as the set lasts.
19. Subtle Glitter Details
OK, so this isn’t technically a color, but this combo of a neutral nail plus some gold detailing is super on-trend for 2025 winter nails. Pull out your favorite neutral shades and invest in a sparkly gold topcoat as a way to add an accent.
20. Pantone Peach
In case you missed it, Pantone announced “peach fuzz” as their 2024 color of the year, and we’re here for the throwback.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Emma Ginsberg, Associate Editor
Emma is a writer, editor, and podcast producer who has been creating at The Everygirl since 2021. She writes for all sections on the site, edits the Entertainment and Community sections, and helps produce The Everygirl Podcast. She became a seasoned astrology writer when she taught herself to read birth charts in spring 2024.