Looking for the top winter nail trends late 2025 and early 2026? You have to see this list winter nails with designs that will be the most popular choice during the holidays this year!

The most popular winter nails for 2025

Before we know it, winter will be here and with cool days and a festive atmosphere, there will also be a change in the fashion world!

from late 2025 through 2026, and have collected them below to help you discover the most beautiful, trendy nails that will take your aesthetic to the next level this winter.

Whatever plans you have for winter and the holidays, there is a look on this list that will be the perfect accessory for you!

1. Black cherry

(@iramshelton, @jadenailedit, @laurasavi_nailstudio)

fashion catwalks at the end of 2025, and I think it’s perfect for winter and so versatile. You can wear it with everyday outfits, at the office, at holiday parties and even at formal events like weddings.

I love how this color makes a statement without being bright. I recommend using this polish for a classic solid colored mani if ​​you want a bold and elegant look. Alternatively, you can use this shade for French tips, wave details, accent nails, or seasonal and holiday-inspired designs (think plaid, candy cane stripes, fair isle, holly berries, etc.)

You can also opt for an all-black cherry mani and add white accents for a nice contrast that will brighten the look.

2. Smoky net curtains

(@jordanlaurelle, @nails.byjennn, @avrnailswatches)

Just as milky neutrals rule summer, sheer smoke nails will take over for winter!

Neutral paint with a transparent finish is the perfect combination of classic and modern aesthetics, with an understated yet sophisticated look. I especially love the chrome finish on the white smoke nails, which gives the mani a matte look that couldn’t be more appropriate for winter.

I suggest choosing lighter shades for an effortless and sophisticated look, while the sheer smoke nails in darker shades are great for a bold and edgy vibe. You can also add details to this design (dots, stripes, waves, etc.), creating a look with more depth and more suitable for a holiday event.

3. Megametallics

(@impressbeauty, @avrnailswatches, @ts_nails0)

Metallics and winter are a match made in Heaven, if you ask me. Snowy ground and holiday decors bring a glow, so these shimmering metallic manicures are ideal for this time of year.

OPI recently launched a metallic fall line, and we can expect to see more metallics for the winter season – especially cooler shades and festive reds. Cool silver and blue have a stylish and refined look, but warm gold and red tones are also suitable for winter. I love this look for a night out with friends, a party with family, or a winter date night with your partner.

If you don’t want something as bold as a full metallic mani, use these shimmering shades in smaller details. French tips, ombre designs or accent nails can incorporate metallic polish for a subtle look that is still on trend.

4. Square Frenchies

(@moskvichka_nails, @gelsbybry, @nagellujah)

The classic French manicure with square nails will be a top trend this winter. I love the simple yet elegant look of this design, and it can go from day to night effortlessly.

If you want to add a touch of seasonal flair to these timeless nails, I recommend silver star details, snow white speckles, holly berry accents or delicate pine wreath art. Or keep it clean and minimal with micro French tips.

You can also change the base color you use for your Frenchies to create subtle changes in your aesthetic. Warm, light beige and nude tones create a warm atmosphere, while a soft nude pink base has lovely cool undertones and a subtle feminine appearance.

5. Beautiful gemstones

(@_nasanails, @iramshelton, @mydumbnails)

Although gemstones are an excellent adornment all year round (at least in my opinion), they really are a perfect choice to take a winter manicure to the next level!

This is one of my favorite winter nail trends. One thing I love most about gemstone accents is how many ways you can incorporate them into your look. Thoughtfully placed (as in the left photo) creates a sleek and elegant design, while gemstones are used to accent one or two nails (like the photo on the right) has a playful and glamorous feel.

If you want to go a step further, opt for a bold design – like the middle manicure. I love the festive colors and the variety of gemstones and pearls. It is the perfect gemstone mani for a Christmas party.

end of 2025!

6. Almost blackberry

(@dyu_style, @jl_alexhardy, @moskvichka_nails)

Blackberry nails will be a new winter nail trend that we can expect to see everywhere on our socials. Deep and cool with rich purple undertones – this moody shade adds a unique touch to any winter ensemble and luckily blackberry nails go with everything!

I love this as an early winter shade; it is a perfect transition color between autumn and winter. However, you can wear this anytime throughout the winter.

Blackberry nails have a lush, feminine look yet are sophisticated enough for luxurious occasions like dinner parties or even professional events like office holiday parties. Wherever you rock this mani, you’ll be sure to stand out.

7. In the buff

(@raelondonnails, @michelleclassnails, @amberjhnails)

Last but not least on this list of winter nail trends are simple and stylish buff nails.

Polishing is the process of polishing your nails with a fine grit block, which naturally gives them a smooth, clean and shiny appearance.

So if you want to stick with the ever-popular clean girl aesthetic and show off your natural nails this winter, opt for buff nails like the ones above. This aesthetic is ideal for anyone who enjoys a minimalist look and a low-maintenance nail routine. Add a high-gloss top coat for a beautiful finish, or leave them matte for an effortless feel.

Which of these winter nail trends is your favorite? late 2025. And if you can’t pick a favorite, you can definitely rock them all winter long!

Don’t miss this list of 21+ “Old Money” nails to wear this fall and winter!