Top 24 Nails Inspiration Winter 2024 – 2025: 24 Simple, Short, and Trendy Ideas

Winter brings a fresh array of stunning nail designs that combine elegance, creativity, and the magic of the season. Whether you prefer simple short nails or more elaborate acrylic long styles, this season has something for everyone. Below are the top designs for nails inspiration winter 2024 – 2025 that will elevate your look and complement any winter outfit.

Frosty Penguins in Blue

This stunning nail design takes inspiration from the cool tones of winter, blending a soft white base into an icy blue ombré. The charming penguin illustrations on the accent nails bring a playful touch to the sophisticated almond shape. The combination of soft hues and cute art make this design perfect for anyone looking to embrace the season’s beauty.

What You’ll Need:

• • Base coat: OPI Nail Envy
  • White polish: Essie “Blanc”
  • Blue polish: Sally Hansen “Frozen Over”
  • Black and white nail art pens for penguin details
  • Top coat: Seche Vite Fast Dry

How to Achieve This Look: Apply a base coat to protect your nails. Then, use a makeup sponge to create the white-to-blue ombré effect. For the penguins, use a nail art pen to draw their outlines and add details. Finish with a top coat to seal and protect your design.

Cozy Winter Sweater and Snowman Nails

This design combines warmth and winter charm, featuring a snowman in a knitted sweater on a matte beige base with contrasting blue and gold accents. The cozy knitted pattern on the ring finger brings texture to the look, while the touch of glitter adds a wintery sparkle. These simple short nails offer a fun yet sophisticated look for the cold season.

What You’ll Need:

• • Base coat: Essie Ridge Filling Base Coat
  • Beige polish: OPI “Samoan Sand”
  • Blue polish: Essie “Butler Please”
  • Gold glitter polish: China Glaze “Gold Medal”
  • Matte top coat: Zoya Matte Velvet

How to Achieve This Look: Start with a beige base coat. Use blue polish for the sweater texture and draw the snowman on the accent nail. Add a layer of gold glitter on one nail for sparkle and finish the entire look with a matte top coat.

Soft Pink Knitted Accent Nails

For a more muted winter look, these simple short nails in pastel pink feature a cozy knitted pattern on the accent nail. The soft matte finish paired with a delicate knit design gives this manicure a subtle yet sophisticated winter vibe, making it a top choice for those seeking nails inspiration winter simple.

What You’ll Need:

• • Base coat: Zoya Naked Base
  • Pink polish: OPI “Bubble Bath”
  • White nail art pen for knitted pattern
  • Matte top coat: OPI Matte Finish

How to Achieve This Look: Apply a soft pink polish to all nails and let it dry. Use a white nail art pen to create the knit design on your accent nail. Seal everything with a matte top coat to achieve that soft, cozy look perfect for the winter.

Festive Red with a Twist of Orange

For those looking to make a statement this winter, this simple red nail design is a bold choice. The addition of a hand-painted orange slice on the accent nail adds a quirky touch to this otherwise classic manicure. The almond shape elongates the fingers, while the red polish brings warmth to your winter style, perfect for those looking for nails inspiration winter red.

What You’ll Need:

• • Base coat: Sally Hansen Double Duty
  • Red polish: Essie “Russian Roulette”
  • Orange polish: OPI “Tangerine Scene”
  • Green and white nail art pens for details
  • Top coat: Seche Vite

How to Achieve This Look: Start by applying the red polish on all nails except for one accent nail. Use an orange polish for the slice design and outline it with a green and white nail art pen for realistic details. Apply a glossy top coat to protect your design and enhance shine.

Shimmering White Square Nails

This classic white design features a subtle shimmer, making it ideal for those who love understated yet elegant nails. The square shape keeps the look modern and sharp, while the fine glitter overlay gives it a wintery sparkle. These nails inspiration winter square are perfect for anyone who wants a minimalist yet chic look for the season.

What You’ll Need:

• • Base coat: CND Vinylux
  • White polish: OPI “Funny Bunny”
  • Fine white glitter: Born Pretty Glitter Powder
  • Top coat: Essie Gel Couture

How to Achieve This Look: Apply a few coats of white polish and while it’s still tacky, lightly dust the glitter powder over the nails for a shimmering effect. Seal it with a glossy top coat to keep the glitter in place and ensure your nails last all season long.

Fiery Red and Pink Glam

This vibrant, red nail design is a bold statement perfect for the winter season. The glossy finish on the almond-shaped nails creates a luxurious and fierce look, while the accent nail adds a touch of femininity with pink, black geometric lines, and rhinestone details. The combination of textures and colors makes this design perfect for anyone wanting a mix of classic elegance and modern flair. The glittering silver nail completes the look, adding a touch of winter sparkle.

What You’ll Need:

• • Base coat: Sally Hansen Hard as Nails
  • Red polish: OPI “Big Apple Red”
  • Pink polish: Essie “Muchi Muchi”
  • Black nail art pen for geometric lines
  • Rhinestones: Swarovski Nail Crystals
  • Silver glitter polish: China Glaze “Glistening Snow”
  • Top coat: Seche Vite Fast Dry Top Coat

How to Achieve This Look: Start by applying a base coat on all nails. Paint most nails with a glossy red, leaving one accent nail for the pink background. Use a fine nail art brush or pen to draw geometric lines on the accent nail and apply rhinestones carefully. Finish the pinky finger with a silver glitter polish and seal the look with a glossy top coat.

Holiday Red with Snowflake Charm

This gorgeous red design is perfect for those who want a festive yet simple nail look. The deep, metallic red base color has a rich shine, while the delicate white snowflake accent adds a wintery touch. These square-shaped nails offer a more traditional and chic look that can easily transition from everyday wear to a special holiday event.

What You’ll Need:

• • Base coat: CND Vinylux
  • Red polish: Zoya “Jem”
  • White nail art pen for snowflakes
  • Top coat: OPI Top Coat

How to Achieve This Look: Apply a base coat to protect your nails, then follow with two coats of metallic red polish. For the snowflake accent, use a white nail art pen to carefully draw the snowflake pattern on one nail. Once the design is dry, finish with a high-gloss top coat to give your nails a mirror-like shine.

Classic French with Winter Twist

This winter-ready take on the classic French manicure features square-shaped nails with a clean white tip and a snowy accent nail. The accent design features snowflakes and cool blue tones, giving a frosty effect that perfectly complements the white tips. This nails inspiration winter almond design offers both simplicity and festive spirit.

What You’ll Need:

• • Base coat: Essie Ridge Filler Base Coat
  • White polish: OPI “Alpine Snow”
  • Blue glitter: China Glaze “Blue Year’s Eve”
  • Top coat: Essie Gel Couture Top Coat

How to Achieve This Look: Start with a base coat to smooth your nails. Create the white tips with a steady hand or use French manicure guides for precision. On the accent nail, apply blue glitter and paint delicate snowflakes using a fine nail art brush. Seal with a top coat for long-lasting wear.

Shimmering Blue and Snowflake Detail

This striking blue nail design brings the chill of winter to life with vibrant blue tones and snowflake details. The almond shape of the nails adds an extra element of elegance, while the glittery silver accent nail provides a festive pop. The snowflake nail art is both delicate and bold, making this design perfect for those who want to embrace the full spirit of winter.

What You’ll Need:

• • Base coat: Sally Hansen Miracle Cure
  • Blue polish: Essie “Aruba Blue”
  • Silver glitter polish: Deborah Lippmann “Today Was a Fairytale”
  • White nail art pen for snowflakes
  • Top coat: Zoya Naked Manicure Glossy Seal

How to Achieve This Look: Apply two coats of blue polish for a vibrant finish. On the accent nail, use silver glitter for a dazzling look. For the snowflake design, use a white nail art pen to draw detailed snowflakes on one nail. Complete the look with a high-shine top coat.

Gold Leaf and White Glam

This sophisticated design features a clean, white base with a gold foil accent on one nail, adding an opulent touch to the overall look. The combination of white and gold creates a minimalist yet luxurious feel, perfect for any winter event. The square-shaped nails provide a modern structure to the otherwise timeless color palette.

What You’ll Need:

• • Base coat: OPI Infinite Shine Primer
  • White polish: Essie “Blanc”
  • Gold foil: Born Pretty Gold Foil Transfer
  • Top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

How to Achieve This Look: Apply your base coat followed by two coats of white polish for a clean finish. On the accent nail, apply gold foil using a foil adhesive and press the foil gently onto the nail. Finish with a top coat to keep the foil secure and to add a glossy finish to the entire manicure.

Black Snowflakes on Matte

This striking matte black design with delicate white snowflakes is perfect for the winter season. The contrast between the soft almond shape and the detailed snowflake art gives this look an elegant yet edgy vibe. The use of white snowflakes over a deep, matte black background evokes the beauty of a quiet winter night, and the fine glitter specks add a touch of festive magic to the look.

What You’ll Need:

• • Base coat: Sally Hansen “Double Duty”
  • Black matte polish: OPI “Matte Black Onyx”
  • White nail art pen for snowflakes
  • Fine glitter polish: China Glaze “Fairy Dust”
  • Top coat: Zoya Matte Velvet Top Coat

How to Achieve This Look: Begin with a base coat to protect your nails. Apply two coats of matte black polish and wait until it’s completely dry. Use a white nail art pen to create intricate snowflakes on two nails. Add a layer of glitter on the remaining nails to mimic a starry night sky. Finish with a matte top coat to seal the design.

White Glam and Glitter Accents

This design features white nails with a glamorous silver glitter accent and intricate rhinestone snowflake art. The moon shape cutouts on the base of the nails add a modern, minimalistic twist to this otherwise festive look. The combination of white and silver makes these nails perfect for a holiday party or a winter wedding.

What You’ll Need:

• • Base coat: Essie “Ridge Filling Base Coat”
  • White polish: OPI “Funny Bunny”
  • Silver glitter: Deborah Lippmann “Silver Screen”
  • Rhinestones for nail art
  • Top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

How to Achieve This Look: Start by applying a base coat. Then, paint most of your nails with a glossy white polish, leaving one accent nail for silver glitter. Add rhinestones to the white nails to form a snowflake pattern and finish the look with a high-shine top coat to keep everything secure and long-lasting.

Black and Silver Marble Effect

This almond-shaped design features a mesmerizing black and silver marble effect that captures the elegance of winter. The swirls of metallic silver create a luxurious feel against the deep black base, perfect for those who prefer a more subtle yet chic winter manicure. The design is both simple and artistic, making it ideal for formal occasions during the season.

What You’ll Need:

• • Base coat: Zoya Naked Manicure Base
  • Black polish: Essie “Licorice”
  • Silver chrome polish: Sally Hansen “Sterling Silver”
  • Nail art brush for marble effect
  • Top coat: Essie Gel Couture Top Coat

How to Achieve This Look: Apply a base coat and two layers of black polish. Use a fine nail art brush to swirl silver chrome polish over the black to create the marble effect. Finish with a glossy top coat to give the nails a smooth, polished look that lasts.

Frosty Matte Pastels with Snowflake Accent

These frosty, matte pastel nails bring a soft winter palette to life. The gradient of blues and greys captures the essence of cold winter days, while the white snowflake accent adds a touch of seasonal charm. The matte finish makes this look stand out for those who prefer a modern, sophisticated take on winter nails.

What You’ll Need:

• • Base coat: Sally Hansen Miracle Cure
  • Blue-grey polish: OPI “I Can Never Hut Up”
  • Light grey polish: Essie “Cocktail Bling”
  • White nail art pen for snowflakes
  • Matte top coat: OPI Matte Finish

How to Achieve This Look: Apply a base coat and alternate between the blue and grey polishes on your nails. Once dry, use a white nail art pen to draw a snowflake on one accent nail. Seal everything with a matte top coat to achieve the frosty look perfect for winter.

Cute Pink Glitter and Snowman Art

This pink glitter nail design is both cute and festive, featuring a hand-painted snowman and snowflake accents. The ballerina-shaped nails offer a modern canvas for the playful holiday-themed art, while the glittering pink adds a fun, sparkly touch. This look is perfect for those who love a whimsical yet chic manicure for the holiday season.

What You’ll Need:

• • Base coat: CND Vinylux Long Wear
  • Pink glitter polish: China Glaze “Diva Bride”
  • White polish: OPI “Alpine Snow” for snowman and snowflakes
  • Black and orange nail art pens for snowman details
  • Top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

How to Achieve This Look: Start with a base coat and apply the pink glitter polish to all nails. On two accent nails, use white polish to draw a snowman and snowflakes. Use black and orange nail art pens for the snowman’s details, such as the hat, buttons, and carrot nose. Finish with a glossy top coat to keep the design vibrant and secure.

Cozy Grey with Knitted and Tree Accents

This delicate grey nail design combines the coziness of a knitted texture with the elegance of a golden Christmas tree accent. The matte grey background serves as a neutral canvas for the white knitted effect and golden embellishments, creating a chic winter-inspired manicure. The combination of textures brings warmth and festivity, making it ideal for the colder months.

What You’ll Need:

• • Base coat: Essie “First Base”
  • Grey polish: OPI “Cement the Deal”
  • White polish: Essie “Blanc” for the knitted effect
  • Gold foil or metallic nail stickers for tree accent
  • Matte top coat: Zoya Matte Velvet

How to Achieve This Look: Apply a base coat followed by two coats of grey polish. Use a fine nail art brush to create the knitted effect with white polish. Add the gold foil in the shape of a tree to one accent nail for a festive touch. Seal the look with a matte top coat for a soft, wintery finish.

Festive String Lights on Nude Base

This fun and minimalistic design features string lights delicately painted over a nude base. The simplicity of the design is perfect for those who want a subtle festive manicure. The short nails with clean, minimal lines make this a playful yet sophisticated look for the holiday season.

What You’ll Need:

• • Base coat: Sally Hansen Hard as Nails
  • Nude polish: OPI “Bubble Bath”
  • Various colored nail art pens for the light bulbs
  • Black nail art pen for the string
  • Top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast

How to Achieve This Look: Start by applying the nude base color to all nails. Use a black nail art pen to draw the delicate string across each nail. Add small, colorful dots along the string to represent the light bulbs. Finish with a glossy top coat to secure the design.

Pink and Purple Snowflakes

These almond-shaped nails feature a beautiful gradient of pink and purple, adorned with delicate white snowflakes. The design feels festive yet elegant, perfect for winter events and daily wear. The pink base is complemented by purple hues and shimmering accents, making this a soft yet captivating winter look.

What You’ll Need:

• • Base coat: OPI Infinite Shine Primer
  • Pink polish: Essie “Fiji”
  • Purple polish: China Glaze “That’s Shore Bright”
  • White nail art pen for snowflakes
  • Glitter top coat: Sally Hansen “Twinkle, Twinkle”

How to Achieve This Look: Apply a base coat followed by the pink polish. Create a gradient effect by blending pink into purple at the tips of the nails. Use a white nail art pen to draw snowflakes on each nail. Seal with a glittery top coat to add a frosty shimmer.

Scenic Winter Wonderland

This stunning long acrylic design brings a winter wonderland to your nails. The nails feature a translucent base with snowy landscapes, pine trees, and golden accents that evoke the beauty of a crisp winter day. This intricate design is perfect for those who love detailed nail art and want a statement look.

What You’ll Need:

• • Base coat: Sally Hansen “Double Duty”
  • White polish: Essie “Blanc” for snow effects
  • Black and gold polish for tree and accent details
  • Fine brushes for detailed painting
  • Top coat: OPI GelColor Top Coat

How to Achieve This Look: Begin by applying the base coat. Use a fine brush to paint snowy landscapes, pine trees, and golden details across the nails. Focus on creating a natural gradient with the snowy white polish. Finish with a high-shine top coat to preserve the art.

Glittering Ornaments on Nude

This elegant almond-shaped manicure features sparkling glitter gradients and hand-painted holiday ornaments. The nude base allows the glitter and ornament accents to shine, creating a balanced yet festive look. The combination of nude, glitter, and minimalistic ornaments makes this design perfect for the holiday season.

What You’ll Need:

• • Base coat: Essie “First Base”
  • Nude polish: OPI “Be There in a Prosecco”
  • Silver glitter polish: Zoya “Cosmo”
  • Nail art pens for ornament details
  • Top coat: Essie Gel Couture

How to Achieve This Look: Apply a base coat, then add two coats of nude polish. Use silver glitter at the tips for a gradient effect. Draw minimalistic ornaments using nail art pens on one accent nail. Seal with a glossy top coat to enhance the shine and protect the design.

Icy Blue Penguins

This playful icy blue nail design features adorable penguins and snowy landscapes. The cool tones of blue are perfect for winter, and the cute penguin illustrations add a fun twist to an otherwise elegant design. The square shape keeps the look modern and structured, while the penguins bring an element of whimsy.

What You’ll Need:

• • Base coat: OPI Nail Envy
  • Blue polish: Essie “Bikini So Teeny”
  • White nail art pen for snow effects
  • Black nail art pen for penguin details
  • Top coat: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel

How to Achieve This Look: Apply two coats of icy blue polish. Use a white nail art pen to create snowy landscapes on the tips of each nail. On the accent nail, draw two penguins using black and white nail art pens. Finish with a glossy top coat to ensure long-lasting wear.

Mustard Yellow Knitted Nails

These mustard yellow nails are both trendy and cozy, featuring a textured knitted pattern on the accent nail. The almond shape and rich yellow hue bring warmth to the colder months, while the knitted texture adds a fun, wintery touch. This design is perfect for those who want something bold yet seasonal.

What You’ll Need:

• • Base coat: Zoya Naked Base
  • Yellow polish: OPI “Sun, Sea, and Sand in My Pants”
  • Nail art pen for knitted pattern
  • Matte top coat: OPI Matte Finish

How to Achieve This Look: Apply two coats of mustard yellow polish. Use a nail art pen to create the knitted texture on the accent nail. Finish with a matte top coat for a soft, warm finish that highlights the texture.

Blue French Tips with Glitter

This modern take on a French manicure features bold blue tips and a shimmering glitter accent. The mix of clean lines and sparkling details makes this design versatile for both everyday wear and festive occasions. The use of blue and white glitter creates a wintery feel, perfect for the holiday season.

What You’ll Need:

• • Base coat: Essie “First Base”
  • Blue polish: OPI “Fearlessly Alice”
  • White glitter: Born Pretty Glitter Mix
  • Top coat: Sally Hansen “Mega Shine”

How to Achieve This Look: Start with a clear base and add blue French tips using a nail guide. Apply white glitter at the tips for added shimmer. Seal with a high-shine top coat to protect the design and keep it sparkling.

Light Blue Snowflakes with Rhinestones

This frosty light blue design features delicate snowflakes and a rhinestone accent that gives the nails a glamorous, icy look. The soft blue background paired with detailed snowflakes makes this design perfect for winter weddings or holiday parties. The rhinestone adds an extra touch of luxury.

What You’ll Need:

• • Base coat: Sally Hansen “Hard as Nails”
  • Light blue polish: Essie “Mint Candy Apple”
  • White nail art pen for snowflakes
  • Rhinestones: Swarovski Nail Crystals
  • Top coat: Zoya Naked Manicure Glossy Seal

How to Achieve This Look: Apply the light blue polish as the base. Use a white nail art pen to draw detailed snowflakes on a few nails. Add rhinestones on one accent nail for extra sparkle. Finish with a glossy top coat to seal the design and enhance the shine.