These Expensive-Looking Nail Designs Are Perfect for New Year's Eve
I've had Christmas on my mind so much over the last few weeks that I totally forgot about New Year's Eve. I know not everyone is a fan of the night, as there's always so much pressure to have the perfect celebration, but in my opinion, it's a great excuse to get all dressed up and have some fun with friends and family, whether you're staying in for drinks and nibbles or heading out on the town. After making some very last-minute bookings, I've been on the hunt for a sequin skirt and a pair of knee-high boots to wear on the night. As well as thinking about my outfit, I've started to consider what New Year's Eve nails to go for.
Whenever I'm feeling a bit uninspired with my manicure, I always head to Instagram and TikTok on the hunt for nail designs that take my fancy. After spending the weekend looking through some of my favourite accounts, I believe I've come up with the perfect edit of expensive-looking New Year's Eve nails that will earn you so many compliments. Whether you're someone who likes to make a serious statement with your manicure or if you prefer a more minimal, pared-back design, you've come to the right place, as I promise that I've found something for everyone.
Interested? I thought so. Keep on scrolling for some of the chicest, classiest New Year's Eve nail designs to help you get 2025 off to a glossy, sparkling start.
13 Expensive-Looking New Year's Eve Nail Designs
1. 3D Ribbon
Ribbons and bows have been a huge interiors trend this winter and their influence looks set to dominate on our nails for 2025 too. Combining a minimalist milky base with 3D detailing, this chic manicure is simple but stunning—and perfect for NYE.
2. Purple Velvet
New Year's Eve is the perfect time to have fun with your outfit and your nails, and this textured velvet look is playful yet elevated. Plus, how beautiful is that sugarplum colour?
3. Midnight Blue
On New Year's Eve we're all waiting for the clock to hit midnight, so a deep, midnight-blue colour only seems fitting. Plus, how chic does this shade look?
4. Silver Chrome
Chrome nails are so popular right now, and I love this silver design for New Year's Eve. If you plan on wearing sequins, this will complement your outfit perfectly.
5. Stud Detailing
How stunning are these delicate stud details? They looks so expensive with the black base coat and are ideal for any minimalists out there.
6. Gold Glitter
I couldn't do a New Year's Eve nails roundup without including a glittery mani, and in my opinion, gold glitter can look so classy.
7. Metallic Reverse French Mani
Another stunning design for minimalists. Instead of your usual French mani, opt for this reverse nail art and go for a metallic accent colour instead.
8. Dark Green Shimmer
I know green is more of a Christmas colour, but I happen to think this dark shade looks beautiful for New Year's Eve too. Finish with a shimmery topcoat for added glitz.
9. Embellishments
Want to make a statement with your manicure? You can't go wrong with nail embellishments.
10. Disco Ball Nail Art
If you're heading to a party, this disco ball nail art will definitely stand out from the crowd. Plus, the monochrome colours will go with any and every outfit.
11. Tinsel Tips
Out of all of the nail inspiration here, this tinsel-tipped mani is one of my favourites. It's the perfect way to add some subtle sparkles to your manicure.
12. Lipgloss Nails
I'm sure you've all heard of the lipgloss nail trend, which essentially involves a super-glossy, high-shine finish. This manicure is great for those who like something a little more subtle but still dressed-up.
13. Pearl Touches
Subtle but undeniably beautiful, these delicate pearl details look so pretty against vibrant azure blue French tips.
Products You Need for New Year's Eve Nails:
A shimmery or glittery nail polish is essential for New Year's Eve, and I've got my eye on this one from Nails. Inc.
Our hands and nails can get so dry at this time of year, so to keep your manicure looking as expensive as possible, I recommend investing in a hydrating hand cream.
Cuticle oil is key to achieving that salon-worthy finish, and I love this one from Chanel. It's also the proud winner of our Next in Beauty Best Cuticle Treatment award.
If there's ever a time for a glittering gold manicure it's New Year's Eve and this one is packed with sparkle.
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.
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