If you’re after nail inspiration ahead of your winter manicure appointment, then look no further. Whether you want to go full-on festive or simply nod to the change in season, we’ve rounded up some of the best winter nail design ideas out there right now.

“You can’t go wrong with classic reds,” says British ’s contributing beauty editor, Lauren Murdoch-Smith, whose Pro Tips manicure series showcases covetable step-by-step nail designs. “I generally veer towards deeper, bolder shades and I particularly like a dark navy manicure, which I often choose if I’m stuck in a rut.”

The Best Press-On Nails For Party Season, From Modern French Tips To Festive Nail Art

Along with sparkly, light-throwing manicures and moody hues, unique finishes and textures set this winter’s nail art apart. Cool tones, seasonal motifs and gilded touches round out the menu. “I think the key to making it stand out as a festive manicure, though, is the nail length and shape,” adds Murdoch-Smith. “Long, almond shapes are the perfect canvas, showing off this once-a-year mani moment.”

Here, 29 winter nail designs that feel just right for the glitziest time of year.

Stars and silver glitter, need we say more? The tinsel-strewn season calls for all things shimmering, so why not start with your winter mani? “I like to suggest simple northern star details in a gold or silver metallic to clients who like something a bit more understated,” says nail technician Becky Wood, adding, “It can be really effective on a neutral base for those who like it super low-key.”

“I love all the chocolate shades that have been having a moment, which I think was a natural move away from the coffee hues that were trending for a while,” says Murdoch-Smith. “You can play around with the shade, wearing it as a micro French, chrome or the magnetic cat-eye finish, as it gives a velvety look to the nails. It just looks so good with a super glossy effect.”

Green reimagined as an electric metallic makes for the ultimate seasonal shade, and what better way to ring in the festive period than with a martini-inspired manicure? The little red dots – olives, of course – are a cute addition.

“I really love the super deep and dark shades that almost look black,” says Wood. “I think they are always popular at this time of year and look chic on both long and short nails.”

Gold leaf lends itself well to artistic expression. Press haphazardly over nails for a hit of OTT glamour, or ask your manicurist for dainty shapes, like Minami Sawada here.

Consider this your go-to winter hue. Deep reds gain traction as the year draws to a close, the dark and romantic shade effectively becoming its own kind of neutral.

“Horizontal stripes were big this summer,” says Wood, “and I think those could really easily be given a festive twist with certain shades like reds, greens or chrome.”

“I’m loving cat-eye designs,” says Wood. “You can do so many types of looks and combinations with different-shaped magnets. I think they always catch the light perfectly and look good on all lengths of nails.”

Florals? For winter? When they feature deep hues and darkly romantic motifs, then we are all in.

Why not apply your polish as you would jewellery? Thoughtfully placed arcs of silver allow you to subtly lean into the metallic mood.

“I think ombré glitter nails on the sheer shades that have dominated manicure trends this year are a great go-to for Christmas,” says Murdoch-Smith. “It means you can dial into the season without losing your clean girl mani.”

Take your classic French up a notch with a doubled-up version. Try this in complementary hues, as pictured above with baby blue and brown tips, with glitter, or a two-toned, seasonal shade like red or green.

Roses feel wintry when they’re delicate and gold. Place petals on different areas of each nail to complement gold jewellery.

Longer nights mean more time to stare at the stars. For added interest, choose just one or two accent nails to adorn.

A dusting of chrome powder makes even the simplest of manicures appear a touch more opulent.

“There’s always room for a bit of fun during the holiday period and I adore festive accents on manicures,” says Murdoch-Smith. “I love a fine painted candy cane on a sophisticated sheer base. I always think a festive take on your normal manicure style ensures that you’ll still enjoy wearing it rather than tiring of it quickly.”

The playful French is a mainstay this season, providing the perfect platform to showcase wintry signatures. A metallic tip is subtle, chic and easily individualised.

Red, but make it extra. The simple addition of gemstones placed at the base of each nail, painted neutral with a slick of crimson, offers an ode to the sparkle and joy without feeling OTT.

Minimalism forever. The application is decidedly chic, and destined to further elevate any winter ensemble. “The sheer, soap and milky manicures that dominated summer will continue but with a different feel,” says Murdoch-Smith.

Take your pick of wintry browns and bronzes in a festive, glimmering iteration. The combination of warmth and radiance is a shortcut to cosy glamour.

Earthy greens are among the year’s most sought-after nail shades. This moss-hued polish feels sumptuous and looks fab peeking from the sleeve of your chunky knit.

Talking of knits, winter is all about sweater weather, so why not take the same classic cable to your nails? Snowflakes and Fair Isle patterns translate beautifully when applied in delicate alabaster.

Red is a classic festive colour, but you could play around with chunky French tips and cat-eye layers to switch things up. In this pillbox-inspired manicure, bold red carries the look, while the silver cat-eye lends a frosty effect.

Glitter applied in creative, stylised shapes makes your winter manicure appealingly unique.

Light-catching (and throwing) finishes work well in winter, and chrome is a bold interpretation. Ditch adornments and let the mirrored polish put in the work.

If you prefer neutral shades throughout the year, adding a touch of navy to a tone-on-tone moment brings things into winter without much effort. Reach for taupes, tawny browns and greiges, along with a go-to blue.

The high-shine shade calls pine trees to mind, providing a subtle nod to the holiday season. “I think a deep green shade gives a festive feel to nails with little effort, like a cosy night in by the fire with a pine-scented candle burning,” says Murdoch-Smith.

More stars, please! Paint stars over a favourite neutral, and finish with gemstone accents for extra refraction. If you are feeling adventurous, create your stars with acrylic powder, which Wood predicts will be big this winter.

Finally, a full-tilt glitter moment never misses – especially in winter. Multiple coats of something holographic feel appropriately celebratory and buoyant, the antidote to any seasonal blues.