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11 winter nail colours that are anything but boring

Grey weather doesn't need to equal grey nails

By Delaney Loane

Editor / May 11 2023

When you think 'winter nail colours', there's a chance you think 'dull', 'dark', and 'drab', right? That's more than fair; it's easy to assume that it's grey or nothing once the gloomy winter weather hits.

Here's our rebuttal, though: nobody ever specified that a great nail look has to be bright to make a statement. It just has to be chic! There are plenty of moody manicure shades and designs that would work an absolute treat in a sweater sleeve selfie if only given the chance.

So if you've come in search of winter nail colours that are a solid seasonal fit without being boring, we've found enough winning winter nail looks to get you right through 'til spring...

1

The chrome trend's takeover isn't showing any signs of slowing down; in fact, it actually adds a filter over your favourite shades (like this glistening cotton candy colour) that steers them away from looking like summer brights.

Image via: @vivianmariewong

2

Want something that feels cosy but cool? Velvet nails are a no-brainer for your next appointment. This navy 'velour' nail look is a perfect example of exactly how to wear the texture-inspired trend in winter.

Image via: @peachinails

3

'Cutesy' elements like sparkle and heart designs are balanced by using a rich, dark shade base like this burgundy-brown blend. On the other hand, said illustrations keep the look out of 'flat' manicure territory.

Image via: @nailsbyalsn

4

Pastels are stunning in winter, especially if you keep them 'icy'. This minty-fresh manicure uses swirls of shimmer (with slight colour variations) to dial up the visual interest.

Image via: @amberjhnails

5

Mirrored manicures are another aesthetic surpassing matte finishes this winter. This moody grey-blue colour might be a quintessential 'flat' winter look without the reflective finish, but with it? Stunning!

Image via: @pegi_nails

6

Is it obvious we're obsessing over a rich oxblood polish with some kind of snazzy detail? A single gemstone decal per nail is a solid way to ease into bolder nail looks if you're new to the decorating game.

Image via: @nailsbyalsn

7

Pastel blue is a chilly season favourite in our book, but keep it more 'winter chic' than 'spring racing' by selecting a shade with a cool-toned, almost grey base. Hey, we said almost grey! PSA: it looks especially pretty used for subtle swirls and French tips layered over neutral nails.

Image via: @heluviee

8

Emerald may be one of the only winter-friendly shades we deem chic enough to hold its own completely solo. It just manages to look undeniably amazing on a giant range of skin tones.

Image via: @overglowedit

9

No, we're not letting the glazed donut chrome nails era end quite yet. They were fun for summer, sure, but sorry, they basically look snow-inspired! And while Australia might not be getting much of the real stuff, we can still enjoy nail polish homages.

Image via: @md_ongles

10

Colour not your speed? Stick to a black and white monochrome palette in a modern way by painting on a split French manicure. One half of the 'tip' sits where it usually does, and the other on the base, with a swish of your accent colour also down the centre.

Image via: @amyle.nails

11

You don't have to put away your bright pearlescent polishes entirely; just pair them with crisp winter whites in pearlescent gradient form to keep them a frosted fit for the season.

Image via: @overglowedit

Main image credit: @nailsbyalsn

Want more nail inspo? Here are the celeb-inspired manicures to try...

Delaney Loane

Delaney began her career in the Australian beauty media industry in 2015, landing amidst the glossy world of women’s lifestyle magazines (or more literally, in their beauty cupboards). Since then, she has gone on to write across a multitude of beloved Australian media brands, including OK!, NW, InStyle, and Harper’s BAZAAR. She’s covered every side of beauty content, from directing beauty editorial shoots to rounding up the best glossy serums for golden hour skin. Having spent nearly a decade immersed in the beauty realm, Delaney’s knowledge of beauty is as extensive as her collection of tinted lip oils (read: extremely extensive). Delaney is currently the Digital Managing Editor of BEAUTYcrew, and her beauty wisdom also appears across beautyheaven, ELLE and Marie Claire. She enjoys channelling her personal hobby (testing beauty products) into her professional work (talking about testing beauty products), and considers perfecting the art of a cat eye in a moving car her life’s greatest accomplishment.