10 Nail Ideas We Are Truly Obsessed With Right Now

While it's technically still autumn, in typical UK style, it feels as though we're done with our two-week-long season of crisp air and crunchy leaves. In fact, it feels like we've fast-forwarded straight to winter. Yep, with darkness looming at 4 p.m. and temperatures dropping into single figures, it's safe to say we're gearing up for winter already.

And if we're quite honest, winter isn't the season for us. Sure, when it comes to fashion, colder months can seem enticing (what is there not to like about cashmere knits and chic coats?), but winter has a wicked way of messing with our beauty routines. From turning that summer-skin glow red and irritated to drying and breaking our sun-kissed strands, winter knows how to turn our beauty joys sour.

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(Image credit: @BETINA_GOLDSTEIN)

That's why we like to turn our attention to our nails at this time of year. A small pick-me-up that sparks huge amounts of joy, treating yourself to a great winter manicure is, if you ask us, the ultimate way to start the season off on the right foot.

From season-appropriate tonal browns to glistening glitters, we've been busy tapping save on all of the winter nail ideas we can't wait to take into the salon. Whether you get your kicks out of pretty nail art or simple, chic polish, there's a nail design for everyone to get behind this winter. Keep scrolling for the 10 best (and most popular) nail ideas to copy this winter.

1. Minimalist Glitter

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(Image credit: @THEHANGEDIT)

If you didn't think glitter nails were your bag, we get it. Not only can they be a pain to remove, but glitter polishes also have a bit of a dated rep. However, a minimal design that embraces negative space, much like this one, looks seriously chic and keeps the glitter to a minimum, so it isn't that tricky to remove. The key is to opt for a chunky glitter polish to really make the accents pop. 

2. Happy Pastels

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(Image credit: @CELMATIQUE)

Just because it's winter doesn't mean you have to rule out brights. In fact, these happiness-inducing pastels could be just what we need to brighten up dull winter days. Plus, retro-swirl nail art is having a serious moment right now, and we think it's a design that will definitely carry on through winter. 

3. Fine Lines

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(Image credit: @PARAGONNAILS)

Negative-space manicures aren't going anywhere, and we can't get enough of the swirled cut-outs doing the rounds on Instagram at the moment. Throughout summer and autumn, we saw bright, '60s-style designs, but for winter, we're ready to dial things down a bit. Instead, we're keen to opt for one block hue (like this rich brown) and line the area with a fine accent of gold (or any other colour of your choice) using a super-fine liner brush.

4. Electric Sheen

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(Image credit: @BETINA_GOLDSTEIN)

Forget the muted shimmers of yesterday. This season, it's all about high-gloss, high-octane sheen. It's simple but oh so effective. While sheeny polishes in typically metallic shades risk looking a little dated, opting for an electric bright and layering with a gloss-effect topcoat is the perfect way to jazz up an otherwise simple mani. 

5. Mini Accents

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(Image credit: @HARRIETWESTMORELAND)

If you don't want to commit to an elaborate nail-art look, these minimal accents are likely for you. In fact, even if you're a maximalist, it's hard to resist the understated chicness of this style. Easily achieved with nail stickers, just prep the nail with a milky polish, apply the sticker and finish off with the topcoat. It really couldn't be easier.

6. Preened and Polished

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(Image credit: @HARRIETWESTMORELAND)

We know this isn't a revolutionary nail idea, but simple, natural polish isn't going anywhere for winter. In fact, we think winter is when this trend really comes into its own. It's clean, understated and minimal, but it has a wonderful way of making you feel pulled-together and on top of your game. The trick for a natural-looking finish is to opt for sheer polishes that allow your natural nail shade to show through. 

7. Heart Tips

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(Image credit: @IMARNINAILS)

We challenge you to find a cuter winter nail idea than this. Easy to do yourself at home (just create a curved "ribbon" effect on the tips with the polish brush) or ideal to show your nail technician for some inspo, heart tips spread chic winter joy.

8. Terracotta Hues

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(Image credit: @BROWNGIRLHANDS)

Winter nails might typically make you think of red polish or black sparkles, but we're really on board with the terracotta nail trend that's reigning supreme this season. It's simple but oozes the sort of laid-back levels of cool we aspire to. 

9. Calligraphy

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(Image credit: @BETINA_GOLDSTEIN)

This is one for the nail pros, and we're totally smitten with the idea of nail calligraphy, inspired by this Betina Goldstein design. Executed with a simple white polish and teamed with gold jewellery, it's the perfect way to embrace novelty nails while keeping things chic.

10. Abstract Spots

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(Image credit: @BETINA_GOLDSTEIN)

Olive green seems to be everywhere in beauty routines at the moment, and we're swooning over this abstract spot design with autumnal hues. Top tip: If you want to do this design at home, hole-punch stickers make for great spot staples.

Freelance Beauty Editor

Shannon Lawlor is a renowned beauty journalist and has contributed to Who What Wear’s beauty content since 2020. As a leading beauty editor, expert and brand consultant, she has over eight years of experience working for some of the industry’s most esteemed titles, including Who What Wear (of course), Glamour UK, Stylist, Refinery29 and Fabulous.

Having also worked behind the scenes with some of the industry’s biggest brands and retailers, Shannon has a unique insight into what people really want from their beauty routines. Understanding that beauty lovers seek honest, open and responsible advice, she has it made her mission to demystify the intimidating world of beauty, taking a no-frills approach to the most relatable topics.

While Shannon is the first to admit she doesn’t hold the answer to every beauty question out there, she is dedicated to sharing her expert insights in a bid to help. As a self-proclaimed lazy girl, Shannon has an affinity for easy-to-use, foolproof beauty products and has made it her mission to scope out the best of the best.

When she’s not working, Shannon is likely soaking in the bath or giving no-holds-barred beauty reviews on Instagram from her bathroom floor.