Trust Us—These 13 Winter Nail Designs Will Earn You So Many Compliments

Is there anything more exciting than the lead-up to Christmas? Honestly, it's probably my favourite time of the year (sorry, summer). I love nothing more than choosing gifts for loved ones, heading to M&S for festive treats and trying on all of the glittering partywear for festive-season fun. However, I really look forward to my winter nail appointments. Let's face it—this time of year is busier than any other, so taking a little bit of time out to do something that makes you feel good is so important. Personally, getting my nails done always puts me in a great mood. For most of the year, I tend to stick to classic block colours such as burgundy and brown, but when December arrives, I like to have a little bit of fun and choose a pretty nail design instead.

I know I can always rely on sparkling French tips or a glittery polish to bring some festive cheer, but this year I decided to hunt down all of the best winter nail designs to get myself (and you) in the mood for the fun to come, no matter what kind of nail art or polish you like. So, without further ado, keep scrolling for all of my favourite winter nail designs, and don't forget to book an appointment at your favourite salon before the Christmas rush!

1. Brown Chrome Nails

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(Image credit: @iramshelton)

First up is this beautiful take on classic brown nails. The chrome finish makes this perfect for party season, yet it still looks chic enough for every day.

Get the Look:

2. Tuxedo Nails

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(Image credit: @iramshelton)

For something a little bit different, why not try this fun tuxedo design? I love the fact that this trendy nail art will still match any outfit thanks to the monochrome shades.

Get the Look:

3. Green Glittery Nails

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(Image credit: @themaniclub)

It doesn't get much better than green glitter. I mean, how festive is this mani? 

Get the Look:

4. Studded Detailing

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(Image credit: @iramshelton)

If you like something a little bit more minimal, try adding a single silver or gold stud to the base of the nail. It's so simple yet so stunning.

Get the Look:

5. Sparkly French Tips

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(Image credit: @harrietwestmoreland)

I love a classic French-tip mani, but this delicate sparkly silver design is now my ultimate favourite.

Get the Look:

6. Mixed Metals

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(Image credit: @themaniclub)

If you like a bit of both silver and gold, don't be afraid to mix and match your metals. The pop of red makes this manicure even more winter-appropriate.

Get the Look:

7. Snow White Nails

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(Image credit: @paintedbyjools)

This snowy white shade is ideal for those of you who like something really simple and chic. 

Get the Look:

8. Silver Chrome Nails

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(Image credit: @pink_oblivion)

Silver is definitely the colour of the season, so why not incorporate the trend into your manicure?

Get the Look:

9. Glitter French Tips

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(Image credit: @themaniclub)

Another winter variation on the classic French-tip design is glitter French tips. Don't be afraid to mix and match your metals when it comes to this mani either, just like the one pictured here. 

Get the Look:

10. Animal Prints

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(Image credit: @pink_oblivion)

I'm seeing animal-print nails everywhere at the moment, and I'll definitely be taking this inspo pic to the salon.

Get the Look:

11. Gold Foil Detailing

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(Image credit: @iramshelton)

A minimalist mani that still incorporates some shine. Add a touch of sparkle with pretty gold foil.

Get the Look:

12. Matte and Glossy Finishes

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(Image credit: @iramshelton)

I love mixing glossy and matte finishes, and this French-tip design looks so elevated.

Get the Look:

13. Shimmery Burgundy Nails

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(Image credit: @themaniclub)

Burgundy is such a good colour for the winter months, but to make your mani a bit more interesting, opt for a shimmery, deep purple shade.

Get the Look:

Next Up: 11 Winter Nail Colours That Always Look So Elevated

Junior Beauty Editor

Grace Lindsay is the junior beauty editor at Who What Wear UK. At the age of 18 she decided to train as a makeup artist before going on to study english and media at Goldsmiths University. It was during that time that she explored her love for journalism by interning at a small beauty start-up based in Shoreditch. Since then, she has worked at a number of publications including Marie Claire and Hello!, where her love for all things beauty continued to grow. 


As Who What Wear UK's junior beauty editor, she covers everything from the latest hair trends to the stand-out makeup products of the season.