These Winter Nail Designs Will Seriously Upgrade Your Manicure

Even though we're in the heart of fall right now, it's never too soon to start prepping your wardrobe (and your beauty shelf) for winter. Before we know it, the temperatures will drop and we'll be reaching for our down jackets. 

Winter is the perfect time to experiment with your nails to brighten your day. We've rounded up some seriously strong nail design ideas that will instantly upgrade your manicure come the winter equinox. (they'll make for some great Instagram content, too). From fluttering snowflakes to graphic abstract swirls, here are the winter nail designs that will actually get you excited for cold weather.

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(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

Winter is citrus season, so it's the perfect time for a juiced-up manicure. 

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(Image credit: @nails_of_la)

Gilded drip is perfect for adding some sparkle to the dreariest winter days. 

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(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

We're seeing stars with this one.

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(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

Keep it simple with brown and black stripes. 

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(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

Who says silver and gold don't go together?

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Frosty blue + glitter = the perfect winter nail design.

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(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

Tiger stripes are always a bold touch.

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(Image credit: @oliveandjune)

Lean into winter with delicate snowflakes. 

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(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

Diamond-esque accents are a girl's best friend.

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(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

3D nails will be all the rage this winter. 

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(Image credit: @nails_of_la )

A simple white mani looks cool no matter the temperature. 

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(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

Add a western spin to French tips with a cow print design.

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(Image credit: @paintboxnails )

Silver confetti looks like shards of ice.

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(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

The most chic way to wear gold nail appliqués. 

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(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

Add some brightness to your fingertips with tiny lemons. 

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(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

Pearls always add a dash of sophistication.

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(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

Florals, but make them seasonally appropriate. 

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(Image credit: @nails_of_la)

These abstract periwinkle tips are the epitome of a winter 

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(Image credit: @paintboxnails)

It doesn't get much better than a chic champagne glitter design.

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(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

We love minimal nail designs. 

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(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

Blue tips on off-white nails are an unexpected way to try a French manicure.

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(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

Abstract 3D designs are always fun and unexpected. 

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(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

I can't imagine a cooler manicure. 

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(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

The perfect holiday mani.

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(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

Keep it simple with a different color for each nail.

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(Image credit: @oliveandjune)

It doesn't get more fun than a manicure dipped in gold glitter. 

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(Image credit: @oliveandjune)

A neutral twist on gradient nails.

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(Image credit: @nailartbyqueenie)

Jewel tones all winter long.

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(Image credit: @nailartbyqueenie)

If hot chocolate were a manicure. 

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(Image credit: @nailartbyqueenie)

Chrome tips look icy and fresh.

Next up, Here's How You Can Re-Create Taylor Swift's Dreamy Midnight Mani at Home

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Associate Beauty Editor

Katie Berohn is the associate beauty editor at Who What Wear. Previously, she worked as the beauty assistant for Good Housekeeping, Woman's Day, and Prevention magazines, all part of the Hearst Lifestyle Group. She graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder, with a major in journalism and minor in technology, arts, and media, and earned her master's degree at NYU's graduate program for magazine journalism. In addition, Katie has held editorial internships at Denver Life magazine, Yoga Journal, and Cosmopolitan; a digital editorial internship at New York magazine's The Cut; a social good fellowship at Mashable; and a freelance role at HelloGiggles. When she's not obsessing over the latest skincare launch or continuing her journey to smell every perfume on the planet, Katie can be found taking a hot yoga class, trying everything on the menu at New York's newest restaurant, or hanging out at a trendy wine bar with her friends.