Forget red—experts indicate that these 10 stylish nail trends will dominate this winter.

Forget red—experts indicate that these 10 stylish nail trends will dominate this winter.

      When considering winter manicures, the usual choices likely spring to mind: snowy whites, festive reds, and perhaps some champagne shimmers for New Year’s Eve. While those are classic options, beauty editors who are passionate about nails have spotlighted emerging micro-trends on our social media feeds, supported by celebrity nail artists: this season, stylish nails are blending dark romantic elements with softer touches. “Winter 2025 focuses on refined simplicity with an added mood,” shares renowned nail artist Julie Kandalec. “It's a departure from the bright, bold summer colors—we’re exploring deep, moody, and textured looks,” she elaborates. Although this shift may seem conventional, celebrities are showing that past nail art trends continue to shape our sophisticated manicures. From Hailey Bieber’s luxe velvet snowflake tips—which combine glazed donut and icy velvet styles—to Lucy Boynton’s midnight moon manicure, trendsetters demonstrate that contrast is key this winter. Regarding specific shades, Kandalec notes that rich colors “such as midnight blue, black cherry, and berry wine” are making a chilly impact—however, if you're looking for a broader view on this season’s manicure trends, we’ve got you covered. Below are 10 chic nail trends for winter 2025.

      Soft Square

      One undeniable trend is “soft square” nails, featuring square-shaped tips with gently rounded edges. This style is particularly sophisticated when paired with sheer nude or pink shades, which add extra elegance for the holiday season. This shape rivals almond-shaped nails, a favorite in recent years. “Short almond and soft square styles will prevail in 2025,” Kandalec asserts. “They are classic, flattering, and practical for the winter months when nails are more susceptible to breakage.”

      Quiet Minimalism

      In terms of “soft” nails, Kandalec suggests that sheer, milky polishes (the quiet luxury trend for nails) are here to stay this season. She recommends “clean, short nails in sheer neutrals, milky whites, or translucent taupes” for those wanting to participate. “This ‘your nails but better’ aesthetic provides a refreshing palate cleanse following the holiday sparkle,” she explains. The secret to achieving flawless sheer nails is to apply thin layers. “Two thin coats of polish will outlast and dry quicker than one thick coat,” she advises.

      Icy Chrome

      We were surprised to discover our new winter nail fascination on Justin Bieber’s Instagram. Hailey’s velvet snowflake manicure transitions between glazed chrome and a dazzling cat-eye effect. Celebrity manicurist Zola Ganzorigt detailed this look on Instagram, and it's left us captivated by the frosted style. “Chrome remains popular, particularly in silver and icy metallics,” states Brittney Boyce, a celebrity nail artist and cofounder of Lost Angels. To replicate this cat-eye effect at home, Kandalec suggests applying magnetic polish while holding the magnet just above the nail before curing it. “It enhances that reflective ‘flash’,” she explains.

      Waning Moon Mani

      If you want to try nail art while keeping it stylish, take a cue from Boynton’s trendy manicure. Kandalec recently designed this winter-influenced set for the actress, and it exudes a moody-chic vibe. “I’m fond of moon manis,” she shares. “They offer just the right amount of visual intrigue and also help disguise nail growth.” The manicurist used black Chanel polish for this look, but more affordable options can achieve similar results.

      Hot Chocolate

      One shade that will definitely remain in rotation? Brown polish—particularly deep, rich tones. Boyce anticipates this color will be a hit this season, ranging from dark espresso to milk chocolate. Adding a matte topcoat will further enhance its appeal, as Boyce suspects matte finishes will rise in popularity in the coming months. Cardiff-based manicurist Joanne Thomas created this look using The Gel Bottle’s gel polish in shade Chocolate, but a chic brown look can be easily recreated at home with regular polishes too.

      Vampy Plum

      A color that effortlessly transitions from fall to winter is moody plum hues, which will continue to be trendy. Both Boyce and Kandalec recommend exploring variations of this shade for winter 2025, from berry wines to deep plum as a stylish alternative to black (which we still adore for winter). Chanel’s Vamp, now available as Rouge Noir, embodies this trend perfectly—although you don’t have to spend $33 on a seductive blood-red shade. If your chosen hue has a touch of black, you'll hit the mark.

      Midnight Blue

      Blue is a timeless favorite throughout the year, with its popularity shifting with the seasons. In winter, there’s a noticeable increase in deep-sea blues, such as black-tinted navy and midnight hues. A few thin coats will create the deep winter shades we can't stop dreaming about this season. The Mani Club crafted the stunning navy manicure

Forget red—experts indicate that these 10 stylish nail trends will dominate this winter. Forget red—experts indicate that these 10 stylish nail trends will dominate this winter. Forget red—experts indicate that these 10 stylish nail trends will dominate this winter. Forget red—experts indicate that these 10 stylish nail trends will dominate this winter. Forget red—experts indicate that these 10 stylish nail trends will dominate this winter. Forget red—experts indicate that these 10 stylish nail trends will dominate this winter. Forget red—experts indicate that these 10 stylish nail trends will dominate this winter. Forget red—experts indicate that these 10 stylish nail trends will dominate this winter. Forget red—experts indicate that these 10 stylish nail trends will dominate this winter. Forget red—experts indicate that these 10 stylish nail trends will dominate this winter. Forget red—experts indicate that these 10 stylish nail trends will dominate this winter. Forget red—experts indicate that these 10 stylish nail trends will dominate this winter. Forget red—experts indicate that these 10 stylish nail trends will dominate this winter. Forget red—experts indicate that these 10 stylish nail trends will dominate this winter. Forget red—experts indicate that these 10 stylish nail trends will dominate this winter. Forget red—experts indicate that these 10 stylish nail trends will dominate this winter. Forget red—experts indicate that these 10 stylish nail trends will dominate this winter. Forget red—experts indicate that these 10 stylish nail trends will dominate this winter. Forget red—experts indicate that these 10 stylish nail trends will dominate this winter. Forget red—experts indicate that these 10 stylish nail trends will dominate this winter. Forget red—experts indicate that these 10 stylish nail trends will dominate this winter. Forget red—experts indicate that these 10 stylish nail trends will dominate this winter. Forget red—experts indicate that these 10 stylish nail trends will dominate this winter. Forget red—experts indicate that these 10 stylish nail trends will dominate this winter. Forget red—experts indicate that these 10 stylish nail trends will dominate this winter. Forget red—experts indicate that these 10 stylish nail trends will dominate this winter. Forget red—experts indicate that these 10 stylish nail trends will dominate this winter. Forget red—experts indicate that these 10 stylish nail trends will dominate this winter. Forget red—experts indicate that these 10 stylish nail trends will dominate this winter. Forget red—experts indicate that these 10 stylish nail trends will dominate this winter. Forget red—experts indicate that these 10 stylish nail trends will dominate this winter. Forget red—experts indicate that these 10 stylish nail trends will dominate this winter.

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Forget red—experts indicate that these 10 stylish nail trends will dominate this winter.

Celebrity nail artists highlight dark shades and textured patterns.