15 Chic Winter Nail Art Ideas for Your Next Seasonal Manicure, According to a Beauty Editor
From snowy details to frosty French tips, I’ll be copying these nail looks through March.
The first truly cold day of winter always sneaks up on me, and it usually happens to be right when my nails are due for a manicure. I’m suddenly reaching for gloves, clutching hot chocolate, and realizing my go-to neutral nail polish feels far too underdressed for the season.
That’s when winter nail ideas start to come into the picture. Cooler tones, cozy textures, and soft shimmers feel much more aligned with chunky knits and chilly days than a basic pink manicure. Whether you’re in the mood for a fun finish or an intricate winter nail design (I promise there’s more than just snowflakes, though we have a few of those too), cold weather is the perfect excuse to switch things up.
Ahead, the 15 best winter nail art ideas for all your cold-weather manicures.
Lavender and Silver Winter Nails
With silver nail art atop this light purple shade, this winter nail idea gives major snow goddess vibes. To recreate these thin lines, pick up a set of fine nail art brushes and a metallic nail polish.
Funky Blue and Silver Nails
A mix of blue and silver nail designs gives this winter manicure a clean, cool feel. Each nail features a different design, from chrome blues to metallic silver accents, but the cohesive color palette keeps it feeling polished and intentional.
Blue Tortoise Nails
Tortoise nails paired with a bright blue French tip is a cute take on the a classic animal print design for winter.
Bedazzled Snowflake Nails
I love bedazzled snowflake nails that into winter maximalism. Layered snowflake designs, crystal accents, and high-shine finishes create a look that’s bold, intricate, and embodies the chilly months.
Blue Striped Sweater French
Striped sweater tips bring a cozy feel to the classic French manicure. Knit-inspired stripes that match your fave sweaters are ideal for a winter-ready manicure that's subtle yet compliment-worthy.
Porcelain Snowflake Nails
These textured French tips look like an angelic snowfall just graced your fingers. The raised detailing and delicate designs add dimension while also keeping the look crisp and fresh.
Plaid Nails
If you want your nails to match your plaid scarf this winter, look no further than this manicure for cozy inspo. It's easier than it looks, I promise. Start with a neutral base color, then once it's dry, paint multicolored lines up and down your nail with a thin nail brush.
Snowy Winter Nails
Want your nails to match the freshly fallen snow? This manicure mimics a soft snowstorm with a neutral base, delicate shimmer, and subtle textured details that look like a swirl of crisp snow.
White Marble Nails
Marble nails offer a clean, elevated take on a simple white manicure. Soft silver texture adds subtle dimension, giving the look a minimalist feel that works all season long.
White Chrome Nails
Another chic take on a basic white nail, Sydney Sweeney’s chrome nails with a high-shine finish are elevated, glossy, and perf for winter.
Twinkle Nails
Tiny jewels scattered across a milky base add just the right amount of sparkle for a subtle yet luxe winter look.
Chrome Polka Dot Nails
Polka dot nails are showing no signs of slowing down for 2026 nail trends, and a clear base with silver dots is an unfailing cold-weather combo.
Glittery French Nails
J.Lo’s layered, glittery take on French tips is a great winter option, adding a subtle shine without feeling over the top. The soft sparkle gives the classic style a fresh, seasonal update.
Blue Cat Eye Nails
Blue cat eye nails (aka a magnetic polish technique that creates a light-reflecting shimmer) feels especially right for winter with a frosty finish. You can make the manicure extra cute with a tiny snowflake, bow, or any other fun decal.
Blue French Tips
If intricate nail art isn’t really your thing, opt for a simpler design like these blue tips. All you need is a swipe of blue nail polish to really get a subtle winter feel.
Why trust ‘Cosmopolitan’?
Jasmine Hyman is the assistant beauty editor at Cosmopolitan
Jasmine Hyman is the Assistant Beauty Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she writes about the latest beauty trends and must-have products. Her most prized beauty possessions are a meticulous skincare routine and salon blowouts. You’ll also likely find her in bed reading a good book or endlessly scrolling TikTok (spoiler: it’s usually the latter) while listening to Harry Styles’ entire discography on repeat. Follow her on Insta to be inundated with pictures of her meals.
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