22 Simple Winter Nail Ideas for 2024-2025: Trendy, Short, Almond, and Acrylic Designs
When it comes to winter nails, we often imagine intricate designs or bold colors for the festive season. But what if you want to keep things simple, elegant, and classy? In the upcoming winter season of 2024 – 2025, simple winter nails will take center stage, and there’s no shortage of inspiration. Whether you’re looking for January-appropriate nails, plain styles, or trendy options, I’ve curated some of the most gorgeous ideas to help you elevate your winter look.
Festive Green French Tip Nails
This design is perfect for those looking to add a bit of Christmas cheer while maintaining an elegant look. The green glitter French tips with white snowflake accents bring a festive yet classy vibe. The base is a soft, natural pink that helps the green and white accents stand out beautifully. The snowflakes, subtly applied, give this design a trendy edge while still keeping things simple and pretty. The short square shape makes this design practical for everyday wear, making it ideal for January and beyond.
Consumables:
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- Base coat: OPI “Natural Nail Base Coat”
- Pink sheer polish: Essie “Ballet Slippers”
- Green glitter polish: Zoya “Ivanka”
- White nail art pen for snowflakes: Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen
- Top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast
How to Create at Home:
- Apply a base coat and follow with a pink sheer polish as a base.
- Create green glitter French tips with a nail art brush, carefully aligning them along the tips.
- Use a white nail art pen to draw delicate snowflakes on accent nails, and finish with a top coat to seal the design.
Soft Pink and White Snowflake Almond Nails
These soft almond-shaped nails in blush pink feature delicate white snowflakes for a minimalist, classy look. Ideal for January, the design brings a touch of winter without overwhelming the nails with too much detail. The snowflakes on select nails add a charming winter-inspired element while keeping the overall look simple and elegant. It’s an excellent option for someone looking for inspiration in creating plain yet pretty short gel nails for the colder months.
Consumables:
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- Base coat: Essie “First Base”
- Pink polish: OPI “Mod About You”
- White nail art pen: Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen for snowflakes
- Top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast
How to Create at Home:
- Start by applying a base coat followed by two layers of pink polish.
- Use a white nail art pen to create delicate snowflakes on a few nails.
- Apply a top coat to seal the design and ensure it lasts longer.
Green and White Winter Marble Nails
These short gel nails mix green and white with a marble effect, adding texture and dimension. The marbled accent nails feature a blend of deep green and soft white, paired with solid green nails for balance. The design is perfect for the winter season, offering a more natural and muted palette while still staying on-trend. This look is ideal for short acrylic or gel nail lovers who want something trendy but basic enough for daily wear.
Consumables:
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- Base coat: OPI “Bond Aid”
- Green polish: Zoya “Hunter”
- White polish: Essie “Blanc”
- Nail marbling tool: Beetles Nail Art Kit
How to Create at Home:
- Apply a base coat and paint the nails with alternating green and white polish.
- Use a marbling tool to blend the green and white polish on the accent nails, creating the marble effect.
- Seal the design with a top coat to protect the marbled look.
Sparkly Blue Accent Nails
A trendy blue manicure with a hint of sparkle, this short gel nail design is modern and chic. The accent nail, featuring a vertical silver glitter strip, gives this design an edge while maintaining simplicity. The deep blue shade is ideal for January, as it complements winter outfits while adding a pop of color. This design is perfect for someone looking for simple winter nails 2024 – 2025 that offer both classy and pretty elements.
Consumables:
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- Base coat: Essie “First Base”
- Deep blue polish: OPI “Russian Navy”
- Silver glitter striping tape: Beetles Nail Art Tape
- Top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast
How to Create at Home:
- Apply a base coat followed by two layers of deep blue polish.
- Place a silver glitter strip vertically down one accent nail for a sleek look.
- Finish with a top coat to ensure durability and shine.
Nude French Tips with a Twist
These classy nude nails with a twist on the French tip add a modern update to the classic design. The white tips are slightly curved for a more dynamic look, and the gold shimmer accents make this manicure pop. Ideal for January or the holiday season, this simple yet pretty design is perfect for those who love short gel nails with a bit of glamour. The almond shape also helps elongate the fingers, adding elegance to the overall look.
Consumables:
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- Base coat: OPI “Nail Envy”
- Nude polish: Zoya “Taylor”
- White polish for French tips: Essie “Blanc”
- Gold shimmer polish: OPI “All Sparkly and Gold”
- Top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast
How to Create at Home:
- Apply a base coat and paint nails with a nude polish.
- Create curved white French tips using a fine nail art brush, and add a gold shimmer accent to the tips.
- Finish with a top coat for a glossy and long-lasting look.
Frosty Blue and Snowflakes
These nails are a stunning representation of simple winter nails 2024 – 2025, combining cool blue tones with white snowflake accents. The frosty, icy blue color sets a perfect wintry mood, while the intricate snowflakes and glittery touches add a festive flair, making it a standout January design. The short acrylic nails are bold but not over-the-top, offering a classy look for any winter event. The shimmering glitter gives the nails depth, and the snowflakes bring a touch of the holiday season.
Consumables:
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- Base coat: Orly Bonder Base Coat
- Frosty blue polish: Zoya “Blu”
- White snowflake nail art pen: Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen in White
- Silver glitter: OPI “Silver on Ice”
- Top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast
How to Create at Home:
- Apply a base coat and paint the nails with two coats of frosty blue polish.
- Use a fine-tip brush or snowflake decals to add the white snowflakes on one or two accent nails.
- Apply a touch of silver glitter to give the nails a frosty, festive vibe.
- Seal the design with a top coat to ensure it lasts through the winter months.
Burgundy Winter Glam
This design is ideal for those who love bold, dramatic nails during the winter season. The rich burgundy base and gold accents give off a luxurious and trendy vibe, making these simple winter nails perfect for January or holiday parties. The gold detailing adds a sense of elegance, while the gradient ombre effect transitions beautifully from a deep burgundy to a soft nude at the tips. This almond shape is both sophisticated and classy, making it a standout look for the winter months.
Consumables:
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- Base coat: Essie Ridge Filler
- Burgundy polish: OPI “Malaga Wine”
- Nude polish: Essie “Mademoiselle”
- Gold glitter: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri “Go for Gold”
- Fine-tip brush: Beetles Nail Art Brushes
- Top coat: Seche Vite Top Coat
How to Create at Home:
- Shape your nails into an almond form and apply a base coat.
- Create the ombre effect by blending burgundy and nude polishes with a sponge.
- Add gold glitter lines for a festive touch using a fine-tip brush.
- Seal the design with a glossy top coat to add shine and durability.
Pink and White Swirls
This simple winter nails look combines a soft pink base with clean, white swirl accents, making it a trendy yet basic option for the 2024 – 2025 season. The long, rounded nails give off a chic and modern vibe, while the playful swirls bring a dynamic touch to an otherwise plain manicure. The design is minimalist yet artistic, perfect for those who want a natural look with a hint of creativity.
Consumables:
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- Base coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
- Soft pink polish: Essie “Sugar Daddy”
- White nail art pen: Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen in White
- Top coat: OPI “Top Coat”
- Fine-tip brush for precision: Beetles Nail Art Brushes
How to Create at Home:
- Start with a base coat to protect your nails, followed by two layers of soft pink polish.
- Use a fine-tip brush or a white nail art pen to create smooth swirls across the nails.
- Apply a top coat to seal the design and give it a sleek finish.
Navy Blue and Gold Snowflakes
This simple winter nails look incorporates bold navy blue polish and gold accents, creating a festive yet elegant design for the winter season. The almond nails are perfect for showing off the rich, deep colors that pop against the cold winter atmosphere. The gold-framed snowflake design on the accent nail brings in a touch of Christmas magic, while the navy blue base keeps it classy and refined. This design is ideal for January and the holiday season, offering a mix of elegance and winter fun.
Consumables:
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- Base coat: CND Stickey Base Coat
- Navy blue polish: Zoya “Dream”
- Gold glitter polish: Essie “Summit of Style”
- Snowflake nail stickers or nail art pen: Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen in White
- Top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast
How to Create at Home:
- Apply a base coat, then paint the nails with two layers of navy blue polish.
- On the accent nail, use gold glitter polish to frame the edges and create a snowflake design using a nail art pen.
- Seal the nails with a top coat for a long-lasting finish and extra shine.
Minimalist Black Leaf Design
This design is perfect for those who prefer a minimalist approach to simple winter nails. The short and natural almond-shaped nails are adorned with fine black leaf details, keeping the manicure clean and plain yet artistic. The black-on-nude contrast is subtle but gives just enough character to make it stand out in a classy, understated way. This set is ideal for January when you want something sophisticated without being overly festive.
Consumables:
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- Base coat: Essie “Ridge Filler”
- Nude polish: OPI “Bubble Bath”
- Black nail art pen: Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen in Black
- Top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast
- Nail art brush for fine details: Beetles Nail Art Brushes
How to Create at Home:
- Start by shaping your nails into a short, almond shape and apply a base coat.
- Use a nude polish as the base, applying two coats for a smooth finish.
- With a fine-tip brush or a nail art pen, create delicate black leaf patterns on the top edge of the nails.
- Seal the design with a high-gloss top coat to ensure durability and shine.
Gold Glitter and Forest Green Almond Nails
This stunning almond-shaped design mixes two winter-friendly colors: a deep matte forest green and glittering champagne gold. The contrast between the rich green and shimmering glitter creates a balanced look, perfect for January and the holiday season. The gold glitter adds a touch of glamour, while the matte green offers a more understated elegance. It’s an ideal inspiration for simple winter nails 2024 – 2025, offering a festive yet sophisticated style.
Consumables:
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- Base coat: OPI “Nail Envy”
- Matte green polish: Zoya “Hunter”
- Gold glitter polish: Essie “Rock at the Top”
- Top coat: Essie “Matte About You”
- Nail buffer for smooth application: OPI Pro Buffer
How to Create at Home:
- Shape your nails into an almond shape and apply a base coat.
- Paint one half of your nails with a matte forest green polish and the other with gold glitter, using two coats for an even finish.
- Apply a matte top coat on the green nails for a soft look and a glossy top coat on the glitter nails for extra shine.
Mixed Texture and Metallic Winter Nails
This trendy design combines multiple textures and finishes, making it a standout choice for simple winter nails 2024 – 2025. The use of matte, metallic, and textured elements on long coffin-shaped nails creates a striking contrast. The golden chrome polish, knitted texture on the brown nail, and small gold beads on the mustard-colored nail provide a classy and creative mix of winter inspiration. This design is perfect for those who enjoy experimenting with different textures while still keeping a cohesive color palette.
Consumables:
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- Base coat: Essie “Ridge Filling Base Coat”
- Brown matte polish: OPI “Icelanded a Bottle of OPI”
- Mustard polish: Zoya “Bee”
- Gold chrome polish: Born Pretty Metallic Polish
- Gold beads: Beetles Nail Art Decoration
- Textured gel for the knitted effect: Modelones 4D Carving Gel
- Top coat: Seche Vite
How to Create at Home:
- Apply a base coat and paint each nail with a different color or texture (mustard, brown, and gold).
- For the knitted texture, use 4D carving gel and a fine-tip brush to sculpt the knitted pattern on the brown nail.
- On the mustard-colored nail, attach gold beads using nail glue or top coat.
- Seal with a top coat for longevity and shine on the metallic nails.
Pink and Nude Sweater Nails
This cute and trendy winter design blends pink and nude tones with a cozy, textured sweater effect. The almond nails feature alternating designs of matte and glossy finishes, with heart details added to the sweater patterns. The combination of neutral and bold pink adds a playful yet classy feel to the set, making it a great option for January or winter inspiration. The sweater texture is especially suited for colder months, offering a simple yet warm look.
Consumables:
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- Base coat: Orly Bonder Base Coat
- Nude polish: OPI “Dulce de Leche”
- Pink polish: Essie “Mod Square”
- 3D gel for sweater texture: Born Pretty 4D Gel
- Nail art brush for detailing: Beetles Nail Art Brush
- Top coat: Seche Vite
How to Create at Home:
- Apply a base coat and alternate between pink and nude polishes on each nail.
- For the textured sweater nails, use 3D gel to create raised patterns with a fine brush.
- Apply a matte top coat to the sweater-textured nails for a cozy, soft look and a glossy top coat on the rest for shine.
Burgundy Glitter Short Nails
For a simple winter nails look that’s both bold and classy, these short burgundy nails with glitter accents are perfect for 2024 – 2025. The deep, rich burgundy paired with fine glitter offers a touch of elegance without being overpowering. This design is ideal for those who prefer short gel nails but still want a bit of sparkle for the holiday season. The glossy finish enhances the luxurious feel, making it suitable for both everyday wear and special events like Christmas.
Consumables:
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- Base coat: Essie “Ridge Filling Base Coat”
- Burgundy polish: OPI “Malaga Wine”
- Burgundy glitter: Zoya “Blaze”
- Top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast
How to Create at Home:
- Apply a base coat and paint all nails with a burgundy polish.
- Apply a layer of burgundy glitter on top of the base color for an extra shimmer.
- Seal the design with a high-gloss top coat for a polished and durable finish.
Festive Red and Snowflake Nails
This classy red manicure with snowflake detailing is the epitome of Christmas-themed simple winter nails 2024 – 2025. The bold red polish is festive and striking, while the white snowflakes and red foil accents on the middle nail add a trendy holiday vibe. The almond shape keeps the design elegant and versatile, making it a great option for those looking for inspiration during the winter season. This set is perfect for both Christmas celebrations and the lead-up to January.
Consumables:
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- Base coat: OPI Ridge Filler
- Red polish: Essie “Really Red”
- White snowflake decals or nail art pen: Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen in White
- Red foil for accents: Beetles Nail Art Foil
- Top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast
How to Create at Home:
- Apply a base coat, followed by two coats of red polish on most nails.
- Use snowflake decals or draw snowflakes with a white nail art pen on one accent nail.
- Add red foil accents around the snowflake for a sparkling touch.
- Seal with a top coat to keep the design intact and glossy.
Cozy Pink and White Winter Nails
These almond-shaped nails combine soft pink tones with intricate textured designs, making them perfect for the simple winter nails 2024 – 2025 trend. The white textured nails feature a 3D sweater pattern that adds a cozy feel to the overall look, while the argyle-inspired design on the accent nail brings a touch of elegance. This design is ideal for those who want a mix of trendy and classy nail styles that are both playful and winter-appropriate.
Consumables:
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- Base coat: Essie “Ridge Filling Base Coat”
- Pink matte polish: Zoya “Jordan”
- White polish for texture: OPI “Alpine Snow”
- 3D gel for textured designs: Modelones 4D Carving Gel
- Fine-tip brush for detailing: Beetles Nail Art Brush
How to Create at Home:
- Apply a base coat, followed by two layers of pink matte polish on some nails.
- For the white textured nails, use 3D carving gel to create the sweater-like pattern with a fine-tip brush.
- For the accent nails, carefully draw the argyle-inspired design using nail art brushes and top with a matte coat for a soft finish.
Candy Cane Christmas Nails
This classy red and nude manicure with candy cane details is the perfect Christmas nail design for the 2024 – 2025 winter season. The short gel nails feature two nude nails adorned with tiny red candy canes, which adds a playful holiday spirit. The vibrant red polish on the remaining nails makes the set pop and provides a trendy yet festive look. It’s ideal for those who want something both fun and simple for the holidays.
Consumables:
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- Base coat: OPI “Natural Nail Base Coat”
- Nude polish: Essie “Ballet Slippers”
- Red polish: Essie “Really Red”
- Red and white nail art pen: Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen
- Top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast
How to Create at Home:
- Start by applying a base coat, then paint some nails with nude polish and the others with red polish.
- Using a nail art pen, draw small candy canes on the nude nails.
- Seal with a high-shine top coat to protect the design and ensure long-lasting wear.
Frosty Blue Snowflake Nails
This almond-shaped set embodies winter magic with its frosty blue base and delicate white snowflake designs. The design strikes the perfect balance between classy and festive, making it a great option for January or the holiday season. The ombre gradient effect, transitioning from light to dark blue, is highlighted by the soft snowflakes, providing a simple yet elegant inspo for winter nail designs.
Consumables:
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- Base coat: OPI “Ridge Filling Base Coat”
- Light blue polish: Zoya “Blu”
- White nail art pen for snowflakes: Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen in White
- Top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast
How to Create at Home:
- Apply a base coat and use a sponge to create the ombre effect with light blue polish.
- Draw delicate snowflakes using a fine-tip white nail art pen on a few accent nails.
- Seal with a top coat to protect the snowflakes and enhance shine.
Silver Glitter-Tipped French Manicure
For those who want to keep things classy but with a touch of sparkle, this silver glitter French manicure is an excellent choice for simple winter nails 2024 – 2025. The sheer, milky base is paired with bold silver glitter on the tips, creating a trendy and festive look that is perfect for Christmas or New Year’s Eve. The almond-shaped nails elongate the fingers, and the glitter adds just enough glam to stand out.
Consumables:
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- Base coat: Essie “Ridge Filling Base Coat”
- Sheer milky polish: OPI “Funny Bunny”
- Silver glitter polish: Essie “Set in Stones”
- Top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast
How to Create at Home:
- Apply a base coat, followed by two coats of sheer milky polish.
- Use silver glitter polish to create French tips on the nails.
- Seal the entire design with a top coat for long-lasting sparkle.
Royal Blue Short Gel Nails
These short gel nails make a bold statement with their royal blue shade, proving that simple winter nails 2024 – 2025 can still pack a punch. The vibrant blue color adds a pop of excitement to winter outfits, while the short length keeps them practical for everyday wear. This trendy design is perfect for those who love minimalist nail looks with a standout color.
Consumables:
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- Base coat: OPI “Nail Envy”
- Royal blue gel polish: Gelish “Feeling Blue”
- UV lamp for curing: SunUV Gel Nail Lamp
- Top coat: Seche Vite
How to Create at Home:
- Apply a base coat and cure under a UV lamp.
- Apply two coats of royal blue gel polish, curing each layer under the UV lamp.
- Seal with a top coat and cure once more for a glossy, long-lasting finish.
Soft Nude and White Leaf Design
This soft nude manicure with a delicate white leaf design is perfect for those who prefer simple and classy nail looks. The short, rounded nails give off a natural and sophisticated vibe, while the minimalist leaf accent adds a subtle decorative touch. This design is suitable for January and any other winter month when you want to keep things basic but still stylish.
Consumables:
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- Base coat: OPI “Ridge Filler”
- Nude polish: Essie “Mademoiselle”
- White nail art pen for leaf detailing: Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen in White
- Top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast
How to Create at Home:
- Apply a base coat and paint the nails with two coats of nude polish.
- Draw a minimalist white leaf design on one accent nail using a fine-tip nail art pen.
- Seal with a glossy top coat to protect the design and enhance shine.
Shimmering Gray and Pink Snowflake Nails
This almond-shaped nail design blends soft pink, shimmering gray, and white snowflakes for a sophisticated winter nails 2024 – 2025 look. The gradient glitter effect on the pink nails is balanced by the smooth, shiny gray nails and snowflake accent. It’s a perfect mix of classy and trendy, ideal for January or even Christmas events.
Consumables:
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- Base coat: Essie “Ridge Filling Base Coat”
- Pink polish: Zoya “Bela”
- Gray polish: OPI “I Cannoli Wear OPI”
- Silver glitter polish: Essie “Set in Stones”
- White nail art pen for snowflakes: Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen in White
- Top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast
How to Create at Home:
- Apply a base coat and paint alternating nails with pink and gray polishes.
- Add silver glitter to the pink nails and draw white snowflakes on the gray nails.
- Seal the design with a glossy top coat for a polished and long-lasting look.