Winter means boots, loafers, flats… basically all close-toed shoes. But just because your toes aren't on full display during this time of year doesn't mean you have to forgo your routine pedicures if you don't want to. In fact, why not make it a nice little treat for yourself, whether it's an at-home ritual or something you like to get done at the salon? There's just something a little bit mysterious and secretive about knowing that you've got some pretty or unique colors on your toes underneath your footwear. Or is that just me?
Either way, in my opinion, pedicure season is an all-year-long thing, so don't let wintry temps stop you from painting your toes when you really want to. And hey, because they're not fully on display, you can even experiment with some colors you wouldn't normally try on your toes, like, say, neon, metallic, or even white. It's also the perfect time of year to try out darker colors on your toes.
Take a look at some winter pedicure inspiration below.
Dark Reds
1. Essie Nail Polish in Deep Red Wine
Of course, we can't have a winter nail color story without mentioning deep, dark reds. This wine-colored option is a total classic and will look good on your hands too.
2. Essie Nail Polish in Wicked
This Essie polish is so deep it almost looks black when it's on your toes. It's a good option if you want something a little warmer than an onyx or ebony polish.
Dark Blues
3. Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Color in Midnight Drive
I love a deep navy because it's still as dramatic as black nail polish, but it's a little bit unexpected and unique. This one from Sally Hansen is a dark, creamy blue that's a quick-drying, long-lasting formula.
4. J.Hannah Nail Polish in Blue Nudes
J.Hannah makes the cool nail polishes of the moment, and this blue option doesn't disappoint. Not surprisingly, it's understated and chic.
Deep Greens
5. Olive and June Nail Polish in Into the Trees
A dramatic dark green is perfect for winter, especially around the holidays. Olive and June's Into the Trees polish is a pretty evergreen hue that has a shiny, gel-like finish.
6. Londontown Lakur Enhanced Colour in Vibe
This deep shade of jade is perfect for a holiday look or the winter season in general.
Glitter and Metallics
7. OPI Nail Lacquer in Worth a Pretty Penne
Why not add some sparkle to your toes? This metallic option from OPI looks so good on all skin tones.
8. Orly Nail Lacquer in In the Moonlight
Glittery black nail polish is all at once edgy, dramatic, and eye-catching.
9. Sephora Collection Color Hit Mini Nail Polish in 72 Girls Night Out
And if you really want to be festive for the holidays, why not go all in with a shimmery gold polish? Sephora Collection's version leaves a gel-like finish.
Nudes and Neutrals
10. Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in Particulière
A neutral or nude nail polish on the toes is a no-brainer. This one is described as a a mauve-cream nude.
11. China Glaze Nail Polish in The Snuggle Is Real
Described as a "toasty tan crème," this polish is a warmer neutral that you'll probably use year-round.
12. OPI Infinite Shine Nail Lacquer in It Never Ends
You don't have to worry about any chipping or dullness with this polish—it's formulated to deliver up to 11 days of gel-like wear and shine.
Dark Purples
13. Emilie Heathe Nail Artist Nail Polish in Big Night Out
Sometimes, you want to try something other than a classic red or pink polish, and for those times, might I suggest a purple? I love this aubergine one from Emilie Heathe. And it doesn't hurt that the formula is nontoxic and vegan.
14. OPI Infinite Shine Long-Wear Nail Polish in Lincoln Park After Dark
Lincoln Park After Dark is an iconic nail polish that, in my opinion, will never go out of style. It's the perfect balance of almost black and a deep, rich purple.
Grays
15. Olive and June Nail Polish in 100% Chance
Gray polishes go with just about anything, and they look so good on the toes, too. Olive and June's 100% Chance polish is a gunmetal gray-blue.
16. Zoya Nail Polish in Genevieve
For a darker option, try Zoya's Genevieve polish, which is described as a "cool leather gray."
White
17. Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear in White On
I think white looks fresh on the toes, and it pretty much works for all seasons. But in the winter, you can play into the wintry-white theme. If you're looking for an opaque version, Sally Hansen's polish is highly rated.
18. Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Color in A Fine Romance
And if you prefer something softer, this creamy white hue will do. It has a hint of pink.
Neons
19. Cirque Colors Nail Polish in Gossip
Maybe you're wary of doing bold neons during summer, so now is the perfect time to experiment when your toes are wrapped up and you're getting used to having something super bright on them. Start it off with happy neon pink.
20. China Glaze Nail Lacquer in I'm With the Lifeguard
Neon green is a fun pick, and this one from China Glaze is long-lasting and chip-resistant and has vibrant color.
21. Orly Nail Lacquer in Oh Snap
When the cold, dreary weather has got you down, opt for a sunny fluorescent yellow.
Tools for Your Next DIY Pedicure
This kit has 26 tools in one, including nail clippers, a callus remover, and a nail brush.
Treat yourself to a foot massage from the comfort of your own home with this spa bath massager. It uses steam to relieve any stress, pain, or tension.
And don't forget to soften your feet with a moisturizing foot cream. Aveda's has exfoliating fruit acids and plant-derived oils.
This article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
-
Heads Up: Every Stylish New Yorker Is Already Wearing This Rich-Looking Manicure TrendNot burgundy, not black.
-
It's Official: Dua Lipa's Red Halo Nails Are the Coolest Way to Wear a Fall-to-Winter ManicureIt's simple and chic.
-
My Milky-Pink Nail Polish Is So Perfect, People Assume It's a Custom Combo—Here's the RevealHint: It was seen at Sandy Liang and the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.
-
8 French Tip Nail Designs That Are Autumn-Coded, Expensive-Looking, and So Easy to CopyPlus, how to create them.
-
Hailey Bieber's Velvet Snowflake Manicure Is the Trend I'm Taking Straight to the Salon in NovemberSuddenly, I'm excited for winter.
-
It’s Time for a New Mani—“Chiffon” Nails Is Officially the Chicest Take on Classic NeutralsPrepare to see it everywhere.
-
Fall Nail Colors Take Up 87% of My Brain Space—These Chic Pedi Shades Are on My Roster Until Further NoticePeak elegance, backed by experts.
-
Cinnamon, Caramel, and Cocoa: I Have a Fixation on Rich and Sophisticated Brown Manicures RNThe best inspo pics (and the best shades).
