This Flattering Color Combo Is the Coolest Way to Do Your Nails This Season

white-and-silver-nails-283351-1571957970401-main

(Image credit: @thehangedit)

I don't know about you, but when I think of nail MO for fall and winter, my mind immediately conjures moody iterations of burgundy, wine, emerald, navy, black, and—heck, if I'm feeling really spirited—holiday-esque color combos like black and orange, green and red, the like. However, as "'tis the season" as these shades and pairings might be, they feel a bit expected

Now, we're fans of doing whatever you damn well please when it comes to your beauty aesthetic. But this season, we've been moved to brainstorm out-of-the-box polish hues and lacquer combinations, which is precisely why we're talking about our current combination du jour, white and silver nails. 

Not only are the two shades universally flattering, but the minimalist pairing is also chic, polished, and very on point for the plummeting temperatures and windchill. White and silver nails feel fresh for the season but don't look so seasonal that they appear jaded or cheesy.

Admittedly obsessed, we've been scouring the deepest depths of Instagram to find the best white and silver nails to screenshot and immediately try out for ourselves. In need of some mani inspiration? Keep scrolling! 

white-and-silver-nails-283351-1607458241567-main

(Image credit: @paintboxnails)

A geometric side-eye of silver foil is the perfect complement against shining white nails. 

white-and-silver-nails-283351-1607458235271-main

(Image credit: @oliveandjune)

A sprinkle of silver stars is whimsical and feels on-trend for the upcoming holidays.

white-and-silver-nails-283351-1607458229170-main

(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

Minimalism at its finest—a dash of white paired with a single sparkling silver crystal. Plus, it's the absolute easiest to DIY at home. 

white-and-silver-nails-283351-1607458211132-main

(Image credit: @paintboxnails)

Glimmering silver diamonds look pretty set against a gossamer-sheer white base.

white-and-silver-nails-283351-1607458203047-main

(Image credit: @themaniclub)

We're infatuated with this shimmering white nail polish from Olive and June called Stellar. Just like a fresh dusting of glistening snow, you'll get glimpses of both white and silver sparkle depending on the way the light hits. 

white-and-silver-nails-283351-1607458193455-main

(Image credit: @oliveandjune)

Want to update your almond-shaped white French with the white and silver nail combo? Just add a rhinestone stud to the mix for a still-understated touch of sparkle.

white-and-silver-nails-283351-1607458182035-main

(Image credit: @imarninails)

If you're looking for some sparkle this season but aren't a "full nail of glitter" type of person, may we suggest this more subtle version? Swipe an opaque white as your base and then add a subtle gradation of glitter. 

white-and-silver-nails-283351-1607458172760-main

(Image credit: @oliveandjune)

To try the silver and white nail trend, you don't have to go with a super-opaque shade. This pearly white topped with haphazard glittering silver is stunning. 

white-and-silver-nails-283351-1607458155334-main

(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

Looking for something flashier? Silver rhinestones and opalescent pearls are also very much on the table. (Miu Miu shoes optional.) 

white-and-silver-nails-283351-1607458144283-main

(Image credit: @aliciatnails)

Thin strips of silver iridescent foil are a great way to quickly elevate a bare white and neutral manicure.

white-and-silver-nails-283351-1607458124148-main

(Image credit: @varnishlane)

We also love the easy-peasy idea of a reversed classic French manicure using, you guessed it, a crisp silver and white color palette.

white-and-silver-nails-283351-1607458115254-main

(Image credit: @callmemazz)

White and silver marbled nails make a statement, too. 

white-and-silver-nails-283351-1607458103534-main

(Image credit: @thehangedit)

It was love at first sight when we spotted this delicate nail look featuring a splash of glittering silver polish at the tip and accentuated by pretty white shells at the base. (If you look closely, you'll see the silver alternations within the seashell design!)

white-and-silver-nails-283351-1607458093420-main

(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

There is something so classic and beautiful about a French manicure, and executing the style on short, polished nails is the 2020/2021 way to try it. Here, we love the flash of silver at the tips instead of your typical white. 

white-and-silver-nails-283351-1607458082398-main

(Image credit: @paintboxnails)

A swish of saturated silver glitter is the perfect accessory to leopard (or anything, really).

white-and-silver-nails-283351-1607458076026-main

(Image credit: @paintboxnails)

Our last five words for you and your silver and white nails inspiration? Silver foil negative-space manicure.

Shop Our Favorite White & Silver Nail Essentials

Beauty Director

Erin has been writing a mix of beauty and wellness content for Who What Wear for over four years. Prior to that, she spent two and half years writing for Byrdie. She now calls Santa Monica home but grew up in Minnetonka, Minnesota, and studied writing, rhetoric, and communication at University of Wisconsin, La Crosse. She studied abroad in Galway, Ireland, and spent a summer in L.A. interning with the Byrdie and Who What Wear family. After graduating from UW, she spent one year in San Francisco, where she worked as a writer for Pottery Barn Kids and PBteen before moving down to L.A. to begin her career as a beauty editor. She considers her day-to-day beauty aesthetic very low-maintenance and relies on staples like clear brow serum (from Kimiko!), Lawless's Lip Plumping Mask in Cherry Vanilla, and an eyelash curler. For special occasions or days when she's taking more meetings or has an event, she'll wear anything and everything from Charlotte Tilbury (the foundations are game-changing), some shimmer on her lids (Stila and Róen do it best), and a few coats of the best mascara-type product on earth, Surratt's Noir Lash Tint.