A Top Nail Expert Told Me These 5 Nail Colours Will Be Trending This Winter

Is it just me or has it suddenly got really, really cold? Yep, it seems that winter is on its way, and although I'm not looking forward to those frosty mornings, I am very ready to get stuck into all of the winter fashion and beauty trends. Here at Who What Wear UK, we always like to keep you updated on the trending hairstyles, hair colours and manicures for the season ahead, and today we're talking all about winter nail colours.

I don't tend to change my nail colour often (I prefer to stick to a milky nude shade most of the time), however winter is usually the time where I feel like switching things up a bit. In fact, I think the festive season is always a good time to have a bit more fun with fashion and beauty, and what's more fun than treating yourself to a fresh manicure?

In order to help me decide on which nail colour to go for, I reached out to none other than leading nail expert, Leighton Denny MBE. Yep, Denny shared his top winter nail colour recommendations with me, and there are so many amazing shades to choose from. So, if you're also thinking about trying something new this season, keep on scrolling for all the inspo you need...

5 Nail Colours to Try This Winter

1. Glossy Ice

@iramshelton shimmery manicure

(Image credit: @iramshelton)

First up are "glossy ice" shades. "Glossy ice nails are set to be hugely popular this winter, creating that frosty, festive finish that’s subtly sparkly and beautifully glam," says Denny. "Think of it like a dusting of shimmering snow on your fingertips."

@raelondonnails chrome nails

(Image credit: @raelondonnails)

This really is the most beautiful trend for winter, and there are lots of different ways to get the look. You can use a shimmery nail polish or even opt for a chrome finish for that really icy effect.

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2. Berry Chrome

@iramshelton red chrome nails

(Image credit: @iramshelton)

Next up is one of my favourite nail looks of all time. "Chrome has been one of the biggest nail trends of 2024, but this season we’re going to see a more vibrant, colourful take on the trend with berry metallics for a stand-out festive look," says Denny.

@themaniclub sparkly burgundy nails

(Image credit: @themaniclub)

As explained by Denny, this trend is a sophisticated way to wear colour with that extra pop of shimmer that’s perfect for winter festivities.

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3. Espresso

@paintedbyjools chocolate brown nails

(Image credit: @paintedbyjools)

Deep brown nails have been hugely popular this autumn, and this trend shows no signs of slowing down for winter. "Warm, refined, and richly indulgent, espresso nails are the winter trend for those craving a sophisticated neutral," Denny tells me.

@paintedbyjools brown manicure

(Image credit: @paintedbyjools)

To get the look at home, opt for a rich, creamy polish. Trust me, this trend will compliment your winter wardrobe perfectly.

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4. Rich Red

@raelondonnails deep red nails

(Image credit: @raelondonnails)

"It’s no surprise that red shades are trending for winter, but this year it’s all about darker, richer, moodier tones," says Denny. "Classic pillar box red is making way for deep, luxurious burgundies."

@paintedbyjools deep red nails

(Image credit: @paintedbyjools)

This is easily one of the chicest, most elegant nail polish shades to wear this season, and I just know it will be in style for years to come.

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5. Sheer Nude

@raelondonnails sheer glossy nails

(Image credit: @raelondonnails)

Last but by no means least, for those of you who prefer a more subtle manicure, a sheer nude is the way to go this winter. "Nude nails will always be a classic, but not all nudes are made equal! The minimalist nail trend this winter is going to be super glossy, sheer, barely-there nudes for that fresh, perfectly polished and effortlessly chic look," Denny tells me.

@paintedbyjools nude nails

(Image credit: @paintedbyjools)

This manicure will earn you so many compliments.

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Grace Lindsay
Junior Beauty Editor

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.