These Winter Nail Designs Will Seriously Upgrade Your Manicure

Even though we’re in the heart of fall right now, it’s never too soon to start prepping your wardrobe (and your beauty shelf) for winter. Before we know it, the temperatures will drop and we’ll be reaching for our down jackets. 

Winter is the perfect time to experiment with your nails to brighten your day. We’ve rounded up some seriously strong nail design ideas that will instantly upgrade your manicure come the winter equinox. (they’ll make for some great Instagram content, too). From fluttering snowflakes to graphic abstract swirls, here are the winter nail designs that will actually get you excited for cold weather.

Winter is citrus season, so it’s the perfect time for a juiced-up manicure. 

Gilded drip is perfect for adding some sparkle to the dreariest winter days. 

We’re seeing stars with this one.

Keep it simple with brown and black stripes. 

Who says silver and gold don’t go together?

Tiger stripes are always a bold touch.

Lean into winter with delicate snowflakes. 

Diamond-esque accents are a girl’s best friend.

3D nails will be all the rage this winter. 

A simple white mani looks cool no matter the temperature. 

Add a western spin to French tips with a cow print design.

Silver confetti looks like shards of ice.

The most chic way to wear gold nail appliqués. 

Add some brightness to your fingertips with tiny lemons. 

Pearls always add a dash of sophistication.

Florals, but make them seasonally appropriate. 

These abstract periwinkle tips are the epitome of a winter 

It doesn’t get much better than a chic champagne glitter design.

We love minimal nail designs. 

Blue tips on off-white nails are an unexpected way to try a French manicure.

Abstract 3D designs are always fun and unexpected. 

I can’t imagine a cooler manicure. 

The perfect holiday mani.

Keep it simple with a different color for each nail.

It doesn’t get more fun than a manicure dipped in gold glitter. 

A neutral twist on gradient nails.

Jewel tones all winter long.

If hot chocolate were a manicure. 

Chrome tips look icy and fresh.

Next up, Here’s How You Can Re-Create Taylor Swift’s Dreamy Midnight Mani at Home